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Watch Out for These Surprise Costs in Commercial Construction

Watch Out for These Surprise Costs in Commercial Construction

by Proforma Construction Inc, June 19, 2018

Don’t get caught off-guard by these surprise commercial construction costs.

More often than not, commercial construction projects come with a variety of hidden costs.  These costs can come as a result of many factors from incomplete designs to biased specifications.  If you do not want to be caught off-guard by these expenses, then here are some of the surprise costs you need to be aware of and how you can avoid them.

  • Incomplete Designs

Sometimes, construction designs aren’t completed due to inexperience or omissions based on partial knowledge of building codes.  For instance, a code might require two bathrooms, but the design might only have one listed.  This of course will lead to wasted time and money lost.  The best way to avoid this cost is by meeting with your contractor to go over design.  By carefully discussing what needs to be incorporated in the design, you can curtail this expense.

  • Existing Conditions

Sometimes, existing issues, such as a malfunctioning HVAC system or a problem with the electrical wiring of a building, aren’t revealed until construction actually begins.  Oftentimes, these issues result in additional repair, removal, or redesign costs.  Unfortunately, as these problems cannot be foreseen, there isn’t much you can do to avoid this surprise expense.  However, by setting aside a contingency fund in your construction budget, you can prevent this extra expense from throwing off the entire project.

  • Biased Specifications

The blueprints created by an architect may specify a particular manufacturer for certain materials even when there are more affordable alternatives.  Obviously, adhering to these biased specifications will result in higher costs for your project.  The best way to avoid this expense of by including an “approve/equal” clause in your contract.  This clause will ensure that you are not overspending unnecessarily.  It’s also important that you discuss this with your contractor during the design phase before you accept any final plans.

These are some of the hidden commercial construction costs you need to look out for during your next building project.  Interested in working with an experienced general contractor who knows how to avoid unnecessary costs?  Then contact the experts at Proforma Construction.  Serving Pleasanton and the surrounding California area, our highly trained and experienced team is ready to make your commercial construction vision a reality.