{"id":1637,"date":"2024-03-11T07:01:44","date_gmt":"2024-03-11T11:01:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/?p=1637"},"modified":"2024-02-22T11:04:47","modified_gmt":"2024-02-22T16:04:47","slug":"hampton-roads-construction-project","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.carltonbuildingservices.com\/hampton-roads-construction-project\/","title":{"rendered":"Everything you need to know about starting a Hampton Roads construction project"},"content":{"rendered":"

Hampton Roads, Virginia is easily the best place for a commercial construction project (not that we\u2019re biased). Comprised of nine cities including Virginia Beach, Suffolk, and Chesapeake, Hampton Roads is a booming area with gorgeous scenery, a growing economy, and a thriving small business scene.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before you start a Hampton Roads construction project there are a few things to consider. Continue reading for the six more important questions to ask before selecting a contractor for your project.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

General Guidelines for Starting a Construction Project<\/span><\/h2>\n

Before we dive into Hampton Roads-specific guidelines, there are a few general ones to think through. Before speaking with any contractors, you should outline your project needs and what services an ideal contractor would offer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

You can also write down any deal breakers, such as poor communication, unclear timelines, or a lack of past projects highlighted on their website.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Commercial vs Residential\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n

The first, and often most important distinction, is if your project is commercial or residential. A residential construction project is working on a single-family home that the owner intends to live in. Almost everything else falls under commercial. This includes hospitals and healthcare facilities, storefronts, and offices.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The most confusing type of project is multi-family units, like condo complexes and <\/span>assisted living communities<\/span><\/a>. While it might seem like these are residential, they require the project management skills and expertise of commercial contractors, since there are many units to renovate or build.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Renovation vs New Build<\/span><\/h3>\n

Ok, we lied. This distinction is as important as the first, though often easier to discern. Before looking at potential contractors, you need to decide if your project is a new build or a renovation.<\/span><\/p>\n

If a structure is being built from scratch, it is a new build. Otherwise, most other projects fall under <\/span>renovations<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>remodels<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>build-outs<\/span><\/a>, or <\/span>repairs<\/span><\/a>. Once you\u2019ve decided which one your project falls into, look for contractors who specialize in that category.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Construction During Business Hours<\/span><\/h3>\n

If your project is a commercial build-out or renovation, you should get clear about whether it\u2019s business as usual during the construction or if you\u2019ll shut down for the project. While some projects require a full shutdown, others can be completed while your business operates as usual, with the right contractor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The last part is important. Some contractors have mastered the art of minimal disruption, as represented by their <\/span>past project highlights<\/span><\/a>. Others cannot coordinate construction during working hours, as demonstrated by their negative reviews.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Building the Future<\/span><\/h3>\n

When you start a construction project, you are building the future. This means your space should be built or renovated to reflect where your business is heading, not where you are right now. For example, a plastic surgery practice with the goal of adding a MedSpa in the next year should be renovated with that MedSpa in mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Before looking for contractors, get clear on what that future looks like:<\/span><\/p>\n