Top 5 Commercial Construction Mistakes You Should Avoid

Mistakes can happen in any kind of business, and the commercial construction industry is no exception. In fact, there can be many more mistakes within this construction industry than any others, simply because there are more intricate details included with each individual construction project. This is most likely because no construction project is like any other, and there are quite a few variables to keep in mind for each one.

1. Not Using the Most Up to Date Blueprints

The drawings and designs for commercial construction projects are continuously changing, which is why it is necessary for everyone involved to make sure that they are always looking at the most updated ones. Anyone who uses outdated construction blueprints or other outdated information will be creating issues that will cause delays in the construction project. Work may actually need to be torn out and completely redone if this happens, and that can cost any company time and money.

2. Water Issue

Water issues should never really be an issue with a commercial construction project unless a contractor has not taken the time to do their job properly. This construction mistake normally occurs when a contractor forgets to check the rough in caps or doesn’t make sure that the pipes that they connected are properly sealed.

3. Incorrectly Sizing the HVAC of a Building

Everyone knows how important heat and air conditioning is and while some people may think that they can save money by installing a system that is smaller, that is simply not the case. Those smaller HVAC systems may be cheaper initially, but in the long-term, they are going to cost the owner of the building more. This additional cost will be in the form of higher energy bills and the comfort of those who live or work in the space.

4. Poor Management

Sometimes a commercial construction project falls apart due to poor management. That’s why it’s in both the owner’s and general contractor’s best interests that a skilled and experienced commercial construction manager or representative should be appointed from the get-go. They will review changes, solve issues, pay applications and inspect all undergoing tasks.

5. Not Installing Building Wrap According to Directions

Many commercial contractors think that they can just put building wraps into place without reading the directions or following them. However, this can lead to a drafty building filled with mold and mildew. Any contractor that attempts this will find that their name is going to be associated with constructing subpar buildings and they will begin to get fewer jobs than ever before.

Conclusion

These are the top 5 most common commercial construction mistakes, but there are other mistakes that are seen on occasion as well. While contractors try to avoid mistakes as often as possible, this is one industry where it can be almost impossible to do so.