How to Control Costs During a Commercial Remodel

5/28/2021

Remodeling a commercial building can be a massive undertaking if you have never been involved with a project of such a scope. If you have never done this type of work before, you can quickly see yourself surrounded by nothing but financial problems.

During a commercial remodel, you can control costs and help save some money by taking proper planning steps, using as-built drawings, avoiding unexpected costs, and working with experienced professionals.

Call D’Lauro and Rodgers today and see how our team of professionals can help you with your commercial remodel. To learn more about our services, call our offices today at (215) 542-0100.

How Can I Control the Costs During a Commercial Remodel?

One of the realities of a commercial remodel is that outside factors determine most of its costs. However, as a business owner, you can keep control of your commercial remodel or renovation by exercising good planning, management, and execution. Some of the things that can help you keep control over the costs associated with your commercial remodel include the following:

Planning

Planning is one of the most essential elements to consider when dealing with a commercial remodel or renovation. Many people tend to think that planning should be done once you are ready to make your remodel. In other words, some business owners may believe that remodeling or renovation should happen once their existing property is old enough. However, this can be a costly mistake.

Planning proactively at every moment can help you understand what your needs may be and how to allocate the best resources to make your remodel happen without breaking the bank. For instance, actively planning can make a difference between re-doing existing building finishes and replacing them. The last thing you want is to risk your finances because of a lack of planning.

Using As-Built Drawings

As-built drawings can be a powerful and effective tool to steer your remodel or renovation the right way. Unlike shop drawings or the original construction drawings, as-built drawings can let you look closely at how your building was actually built. This can allow your team of engineers and architects to have an idea of every nook and cranny they may stumble across, even before executing the renovation or remodel. Having this tool at your disposal can help you avoid pitfalls that may delay your remodel and cost a lot of money upfront.

Preventing Surprises

The word “surprise” during a remodel or renovation usually comes accompanied by the words “uh-oh.” Generally, this is because surprises discovered during a remodel can mean a lot of money in repairs or corrections. As a building owner, the last thing you want is to stumble across typical, dreaded “surprises” during your building’s commercial remodel. You must know that some minor surprises will occur in any project, and this is normal for most remodels. However, exercising due diligence can help prevent major surprises that may drill a hole in your bank account.

Some of the ways you can ensure you are preventing hiccups or surprises during your commercial remodel include performing continuous assessments, repairs, and corrections. Additionally, you should also try your best to survey all of the materials used in your construction and those that need to be properly disposed of (lead paint, mercury, asbestos, etc.). It would also help to have a contingency plan in place to prevent going over your estimated commercial remodel budget.

What Exactly Is a Commercial Remodel?

A commercial remodel is an extensive renovation project involving substantial changes to an existing building or facility. This is a vast undertaking many commercial businesses decide to tackle instead of facing the costs associated with starting another construction project from scratch or when new construction is not an option. A commercial remodel can entail repurposing an existing space, replacing existing equipment, or expanding commercial space.

This type of project is favored by companies who want to maximize their existing space and increase revenue but do not have the financial means to invest in a completely new commercial structure. This does not mean that remodeling an existing commercial building will be less successful than building a new one. Instead, it represents an opportunity to improv e existing assets without the risks and hassle of building a commercial space from scratch.

What Factors Should I Consider to Save Money During a Commercial Remodel?

Controlling your commercial remodel’s costs and the overall investment is smart business. The last thing you want is to overspend and see yourself sunk under a burdening debt. You should consider several factors to take control over your costs the moment you decide to remodel your commercial building. Some of these critical factors involve the following:

Recycling and Reusing

The fact you are remodeling your commercial building does not mean you have to discard everything in it. Starting with what you already have and what is readily available to you is a good – and smart – practice. Exercise caution and survey what existing materials can be used, recycled or repurposed to make you remodel a reality. Reusing your existing materials means you will spend less on new items.

For instance, you can save significantly by reusing some of the materials that may cost the most, such as A/C ducts, water lines, and electrical wiring. If you are thinking about discarding any steel structures, consider recycling, repurposing, or reusing them. This material is one of the most expensive parts of any construction project. Therefore, finding new uses for it can help you save money up front.

Strategizing Your Finances

Financial strategies are a must when considering taking over a remodel or renovation. It is essential to take some time and decide on the financial strategy you wish to pursue during your remodel project. You can choose from a fixed price or fixed scope of work strategy, a not-to-exceed (NTE) strategy, or an aggregate not-to-exceed strategy. No matter which financial strategy you choose, it is essential to determine who will assume the overall costs and who will receive the ultimate benefits. This will give you more control over your commercial remodel while avoiding flying in blind throughout the project.

Factoring in Time and Materials

Time and materials, as well as the personnel involved in your commercial remodel, can be translated to dollars and cents. Every effort made during the planning phase of your commercial renovation must be aimed at saving money. Therefore, factoring in the time of your remodel and the costs of material and workforce is essential. This can help you have oversight over your expenditures so you can control your overall costs.

D’Lauro and Rodgers Can Help You with Your Commercial Remodel

If you are looking for assistance with your commercial remodel, our Philadelphia commercial contractors can help. For more than three decades, D’Lauro and Rodgers, Inc. have provided high-quality services to all of our clients. Call our offices today and let us help you with your commercial remodel. Our number is (215) 542-0100.

Happy Clients
“The attention to detail by D&R and their team of subcontractors resulted in a beautiful product all around.”
Raymond Ferreti, McCormick Taylor
“Your communication with our team and the Township allowed the project to progress smoothly and keep things moving without any supply chain issues or manpower shortages”
Kevin Murphy, Trumark Financials
“One of the most refreshing aspects of working with Brant and Dale is that throughout the project, any issue that came up during the construction was immediately followed by a solution. We knew we could trust Brant, Dale and their trade partners to make Mondrian’s vision a reality.”
Matt Taylor, Becker & Frondorf
“When there's a problem on the table, they come with a solution, not just the problem.”
Lou Lombardi, GM 1818 Market
“Between strong project management, an overall attention to detail on how to best execute the work in the field, and clear and effective lines of communication with the design team and client, D’Lauro & Rodgers has provided the value sought in a construction partner”
Joe Traynor, Brandywine Realty Trust
“This was a fast-paced project that was completed on time, within budget and to a high level of quality.”
Theodore R. Aronson, Aronson Partners
“D'Lauro & Rodgers was also able to manage and shepherd this difficult project while also being successful in bringing the project in significantly under budget.”
Michael Shamlian, CBRE, Inc.
“Post-construction, your team has continued to show their support and guidance. I would like to commend the team for seeing this project through to completion and beyond.”
Raymond Ferretti, McCormick Taylor
“D&R worked through many of the in-field issues with the vendors, and always put Mondrian’s needs first.”
Matt Taylor, Becker & Frondorf