What is a Build Out?

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What is a Build Out? Everything You Need to Know about Commercial Retail Build Outs

What is a Build Out? Everything You Need to Know

What is a build out? If you don’t know anything about retail construction, the build-out process can be difficult. Read on to learn everything you need to know.

Your online business has grown and you think now is the time to consider a physical retail space. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) having a brick and mortar location can actually increase your online traffic.

The best way to venture in the physical retail space is to look for a space that is perfect for a build out. What is a build out? Can’t you simply buy a space and move in? Not quite.

We’ve put together a guide to help you get started with your first commercial retail build-out project. We will explain the process timing and some important topics you need to consider.

What is a Build Out?

A lot of commercial real estate buildings begin as a large empty space with not much more than four walls and windows and doors. The space then gets finished to meet a particular business’s needs.

This process of finishing the building is referred to as a “build out” in the commercial real estate development industry.

Tenant and Landlord Negotiations

Before you can begin any build out, you need to have the approval of the landlord or owner of the building. You will need to agree on what improvements will get done to the building.

You need to decide who will pay for the changes. Then which party will take charge of the work getting done. Finally, you will need to know what you are allowed or required to remove on the day you decide to vacate the space.

Before you begin anything, you need to have these details worked out and included in your lease. These agreements need to be in writing so there is no confusion later on.

Landlord Takes Control

If you agree to have the landlord take control of the build out, it makes the process turn-key for you. They will manage the architectural plans and contractors. You will save time and money not having to manage the project yourself.

The downside is that you also may not have any say in the materials or timing. This puts you at the mercy of the landlord.

Tenant Takes Control

Taking over the build out yourself gives you complete control. When you handle the build out you get a say in design, scheduling, and materials used.

Zoning and Permitting

You and landlord now agree on what is going to get done, who is in charge, and who’s paying. Construction can’t start just yet though.

Before any work starts, zoning and permitting approvals need to be obtained. Zoning is how we make sure that certain types of businesses are located in the right areas.

This is why you see property zoned for industrial, commercial, or residential. No one wants to buy a home and end up with a factory next to them.

Permitting approval ensures that future building plans conform to building codes. The codes make sure that structural and safety standards get achieved.

Hire a Professional

You cannot move forward with your project without these approvals. The best thing you can do is hire a professional contractor who has familiarity with the county and city offices.

The permitting process can take months, and that’s knowing the people and the system. Having an experienced contractor will help your project go through the process smoothly. They can inform you of the local regulations because they work with them on a daily basis.

Under Built

Commercial construction can get costly quick and it can get tempting to cut corners on materials. Remember that lower quality materials won’t last and send a message about the quality of your brand.

If you are doing a retail build out, this could undermine the shopping experience for your customers. Your customers may not specifically notice and think about the cheap materials, but they will get an overall impression of the quality.

If you find that the cost of the entire build out is too much consider dividing the project into phases. This lets you ease up on the bottom line without sacrificing quality.

Over Built

It can get tempting to try and achieve all of your dreams in your build out. You need to create an honest list of items you need vsindustry want.

Remember that major changes like structural, plumbing, and flooring will bump up the budget fast. These changes may not be worth it if your lease is only a few years.

The longer your lease is in a space, the more likely you will want to make expensive major changes. Compare the financial investment of the change to the influence that change has on your business.

Hiring a professional contractor can help you create a design suitable for your use and time in the space. This can help you save money by providing suggestions from their experience.

Architect

The architect will create plans for you to approve and discuss with the landlord. Once you and the landlord approve, the architect will create the construction documents for permitting.

This process can take two to three months. This is assuming there aren’t many changes to the plans and everyone readily agrees.

Permitting

The permitting phase can vary greatly depending on your plans and the municipality. A good starting point is four to six weeks.

Construction

This phase begins as soon as the contractor obtains permitting approval from the local government entity. The time construction takes depends entirely on the size of your project.

If you have a basic small office build out it can take as little as two to three months. If you have a detailed 15,000 square foot retail build out it can take six months or more to complete.

Finishing and Fixtures

Once the major construction completes, the finishes and fixtures are next. This phase involves installing fans, lighting, or faucets. It can also include installing your retail furniture like shelving or cashier’s area.

This phase typically takes two to three weeks. However, it can take longer if you decide to do a walk through and request additional changes.

Your Commercial Build Out Plan Elements

The build out plan involves more than just where you want to place desks or display shelving. It also includes the technical parts of your space like electrical, plumbing, and HVAC.

Design

If you have no experience in building design work, it is well worth it to hire an architect. This will take up about 20% of your budget.

However, it will save you more than that in mistakes and time later on. An architect will give you a design that works and complies with code.

An architect firm will know how to combine both your desired customer experience with building requirements such as ADA requirements.

They will help you utilize existing electrical and plumbing to help save money on the construction phase. Why move the bathroom if you can design the space to work with where it is currently located?

Electrical

The best way to keep the budget down is to use the existing electrical wiring. This isn’t always possible though.

Maybe the wiring is old and needs replacing. Maybe your business has additional power supply needs such as a hair salon or dog groomer.

Let’s assume you can use the existing wiring, you may need to add on to it. This happens if you want custom “on brand” lighting to highlight your products.

Keep in mind that making major changes to the electrical requires additional permitting. This will add time and cost to your project.

Plumbing

Is there a bathroom in the space? Do you need a bathroom? Can the bathroom stay where it is located?

Before you decide to move the bathroom, see if you can give it a fresh coat of paint and work the rest of your design around it. This will save you a ton on your budget.

If there is no bathroom, how will this affect your business? If it is a retail location, you may not have the option of choosing to not have a bathroom.

With no bathroom, your customers will leave if they require one. Your employees will also have to close the store so they can leave to use one elsewhere.

Another thing to consider is if your buildout is happening in a larger building. When this happens, you may not have a choice of where the bathroom is located.

This happens because the plumbing is already in place for the surrounding retail spaces. Your build out will need to tie into the existing system.

Ceilings and Floors

What you do with the ceiling and floors should be all cosmetic. Hopefully, you negotiated for the landlord to be the one responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the main building elements, including the ceiling and flooring.

Your budget should include the finishing you plan to do on the floor. This could involve varnishing the existing concrete, carpeting, or tiling.

HVAC

The best way to avoid HVAC costs is to have the landlord take responsibility for this system. You could also agree to pay for it, and then request free or discounted rent in exchange.

The thought process here is that the HVAC system is a major part of the existing building. The landlord would need to maintain it anyway. It is not a specific change to suit your business.

This expense can be relatively small requiring just the upgrade of an AC unit. Or it could be quite expensive requiring replacement of the entire duct work.

Millwork

A typical retail space will use about 20% of your budget for the display fixtures. The cost of your display is factored by the quality, materials, and space you are going to outfit.

Using a common wood will be a cheaper option than a rarer wood like Brazilian teak. A simple square or rectangle space will be cheaper than a space with lots of corners and bends.

It will take more time and materials to custom build your display fixtures to fit around the unique shapes of the space. This is where a professional can help save you money.

They can make sure your space has a creative design to work with the shape. This will reduce the amount of effort needed to create the fixtures.

Painting

When you get to the painting stage it means you are almost done with the project! When it comes to painting, flat will be cheaper than going with a semi-gloss. The darker the color you choose, the more coats it will take to make it look even and good.

Start Your Build Out Process

By now you should have a good idea about what is a build out. The best thing you can do is enlist the help of a professional to set a budget. Once you have a number, you can start to look for spaces that suit your needs.

Look for retail spaces that are already zoned for your particular use. This will narrow down your search.

Once you find a potential space, discuss with the landlord any potential changes you wish to make. You’ll want to negotiate with the landlord to help save you money by having the landlord take responsibility for at least a portion of the changes.

If you intend to make major construction and structural changes then your best option is to hire an architect. They will guide you through the design process so your build out complies with the local codes.

After you have a design everyone agrees on, it’s time for permitting. The permits are your contractor’s ticket to start work.

After the construction, the final touches will get done. Then the only thing left is for you to move your business in and open your doors for business.

We’ve made the process sound rather quick but remember that it can take several months for completion. You will also want to pad your budget and schedule for any unforeseen problems.

Feeling a bit overwhelmed about? That’s ok, let us guide you through the process.

How to Find the Best Contractors In Pembroke Pines, Florida

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How to Find the Best Contractors In Pembroke Pines, Florida

Finding the right people to work on your home is tough, but we’re here to help. Here’s how to find the best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Are you currently looking for a contractor to remodel your kitchen, put a new roof on your home, or help you rebuild after a fire or flood?

You could simply open up the phone book, pick the first contractor you find, and hire them to come and do the job. But there’s a good chance you’re not going to find the best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida by taking that approach.

In 2018, there are so many other effective ways to track down a great contractor who will do a great job on your home. You just need to know where to start your search.

Take a look at some tips that will help you find the best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida in no time so that you can get started on your next project.

Ask Family, Friends, and Neighbors for Recommendations

The easiest way to generate a list of the best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida is by asking your family, friends, and neighbors who they would recommend for the job you want done.

If you know someone who worked with a contractor recently, ask them to tell you about their experience. If they speak highly of the contractor and think they would do great work in your home, it’s probably worth investigating the contractor further.

See Which Contractors Your Home Insurance Company Would Suggest

Your home insurance company might not be covering the cost of the job that you’re interested in doing. But that doesn’t mean you can’t use them as a valuable resource when looking for the best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Reach out to your home insurance company and see which contractors they would suggest for your project. Since they’re somewhat invested in your home, they might be more than happy to tell you about different contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida that they’ve worked with in the past.

Read Online Reviews for Contractors

While it’s a good idea to actively seek out recommendations for contractors, that shouldn’t stop you from doing your own homework, too. The internet is a great place to get all the information you need on contractors.

Before you hire one of the best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida to remodel or renovate a portion of your home, see what others have said about them in the form of online reviews.

Read both positive and negative reviews for individual contractors to get a good overview of what you can expect from them. Online reviews will allow you to narrow your contractor search down significantly.

Speak with Contractors by Phone

Once you’ve asked others for contractor recommendations and researched contractors online yourself, it’ll be time to reach out to a few of your favorites.

Contact contractors and ask them to speak with you on the phone about the services they can offer to you. Set up 15-minute phone calls with them and ask them each a series of questions that’ll shine some light on what they’re all about.

Some good sample questions might include:

  • “How long have you been a contractor?”
  • “How many homes in Pembroke Pines, Florida have you worked on over the years?”
  • “How experienced are you when it comes to the specific services I’m looking to obtain?”
  • “What sets you apart from other contractors in the area?”
  • “Do you have a business license and insurance?”

That last question is especially important. You never want to hire a contractor who doesn’t have a business license and insurance, no matter how good of a job they promise to do. You’ll be asking for trouble if you hire them.

Invite Contractors to Assess Your Home

After you’ve conducted phone calls with contractors, narrow your search down further to the two or three best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Then, invite each contractor to come out to your home and show them what you want them to do. Ask them how they’ll approach your project and what they’ll do to make sure the job gets done the right way.

Great contractors should deliver great ideas to you and tell you all about how they plan to make your dreams a reality.

Obtain Quotes from Contractors

One of the last things you’ll want to do before hiring a contractor is ask the last few contractors that are in the running to give you a quote.

Based on everything that you’ve told the contractors, they should be able to crunch the numbers and figure out how much they’ll charge you to tackle your project. Try to get your hands on several quotes to see what you can expect to pay when working with different contractors.

Avoid Basing Your Entire Decision on Cost

At this point, it’ll be time for you to make a decision and choose the contractor you’re going to hire for the job.

Whatever you do, do not base your entire decision around cost. While you do want to use the quotes you received to guide your decision, you don’t just want to pick the contractor that offered you the lowest price.

The best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida can offer fair and affordable prices while also delivering high-quality craftsmanship and an excellent final product. They might not always be the cheapest contractors. But they will make the extra cost associated with working with them well worth it in the end.

Bring the Best Contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida on Board for Your Project

At the beginning, trying to find the best contractors in Pembroke Pines, Florida can seem like a daunting task. There are so many contractors to choose from, which can make it a difficult decision.

But as long as you follow the tips listed here, you should be able to chisel away at your list of contractors and get it down to the one that’s right for the job. It’ll allow you to get the best contracting services in the area for your home.

Check out our blog for more information on choosing the right contractor in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

Hopefully, these office renovation ideas will help you transform your office into the most beautiful and inspiring working space. Don’t hesitate to call us today for the best office space renovation services in town.

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Call Rapid Construction for a free consultation, 954-324-2390

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53 Street, Suite 502
Cooper City, Fl 33330

 

House Renovations | Add Value to Your House

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House Renovations Can Add Value to Your House When Planning to Sell

Certain home renovations and additions will also increase your home value significantly if you are planning to sell it in future. If you have lived in South Florida for as long as we have, you know how competitive the real estate market is.  A newly renovated home sells much quicker than one that is stuck in the past.  For instance, any renovations made to your kitchen will bring a higher returns. Upgrading your driveway and making your home energy-efficient will also help you sell your Florida home faster when the right time comes.

Today, most of the South Florida homebuyers are interested in the minor renovations and additions that you make to keep your home in top shape. Working with an expert like Rapid Construction, will help you understand the kind of South Florida home renovations and additions that matter most to potential homebuyers. A complete home renovation may be less expensive than you think, especially when compared to building a new home.

Home Additions Add Longevity to Your House

All homeowners require more space in their rooms, especially in bathrooms. Whenever you think about renovating your home, think about remodeling your bathrooms. Such renovations and home additions always add longevity and value to your home. Carefully thought-out home renovations and additions can also offer you additional space for storage, closets and maybe even that additional bathroom that you have always dreamt of. 

Energy and Money Saving by choosing to renovate your home

Are you tired of paying high electric bills and wish to save more money? Then consider upgrading your home to become energy-efficient. You can start by replacing your bulbs and we can help by upgrading your kitchen and bathroom. You can also renovate your walls by insulting them to keep your home warmer in winter and cool during summer. You should also consider changing your home doors and windows to let more sunlight in your house or add impact doors and windows for maximum insulation and protection during hurricane season. All of this additions and changes can save you a lot of money when it comes to paying your energy bill. Contact Rapid Construction, we are located in Cooper City and provide service throughout Broward County and the entire South Florida area. Additional information regarding home construction can be viewed on our Residential Construction page.

 

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53rd St #502,
Cooper City FL 33330

Benefits of investing in a home addition | Rapid Construction

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Here are some more benefits of investing in a home addition.

  • You Can Rent to Get More Income. If you decide to add an extra bedroom to your house, you can decide to rent out the extra space created. Some homeowners decide to lease their additional space to raise their building expenses that they incurred in the process.
  • Creating extra space to your is always a nice idea since it also offers you an extra source of income. Adding an extra bedroom to your home is quite affordable compared to building a new house. Typically, the cost of adding an extra bedroom to your current house will range between $100 and $ 150 per square foot.
  • Home Additions Provide More Space. Most of the homeowners update their homes to get the much needed extra space. Personal belongings such as photo albums and working tools always require additional space in your home. A home renovation provides you with more usable footage whether it’s in bathroom, kitchen, family room or bedroom. Even a minor small upgrade can lead to big results.

Did you know… The addition of just three square feet to a bathroom can open up a world of possibilities in your home that you never imagine of.

When adding a bathroom or a kitchen you will require plumbing and fixtures for your renovation to be successful. Statistics show that most homeowners spend between $200 and $250 per square feet. This is still inexpensive compared to the cost of constructing a new home from the start to the end. Upgrading your kitchen and bathroom also increases your home value significantly. Every home renovation is unique and the cost estimated in this blog is only an estimate. Please contact us for a custom estimate cost.

Contact Rapid Construction for all your South Florida Home Addition and Renovation needs. We are located in Cooper City, Florida and service the entire South Florida area. You may also be interested in our article on residential construction services we provide in South Florida.

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53rd St #502,
Cooper City FL 33330

 

Benefits of Home Additions/Renovations

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Benefits of Home Additions/Renovations

Residential home renovations and additions are the best way of transforming your South Florida home and providing your family with the necessary space and amenities they always dream of. Rapid Construction can help build your dream home “one brick at a time”. While many homeowners in Florida look into possibly moving into a larger home as a solution, others are enjoying the benefits of adding various additions to their homes. Home additions provide benefits such as more space, rental revenue and the ability to provide modern and popular home renovations such as natural light in your home.

If you have purchased a new home or trying to renovate a home that you have lived in for many years you need to adapt a
professional approach to achieve the best results out of the process. You should have plans on what you want to upgrade or change and come up with a budget for the entire process. This will save you a lot of stress in the future.

You should also know the specific areas that need to be renovated and the specific space that is required. Consult with designers from established companies such as Rapid Construction to estimate your renovation process. Rapid Construction is located in Cooper City, Florida and proudly services Miramar, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, Davie, Southwest Ranches, Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Sunrise and the entire South Florida region. Make sure to read our last blog post on the benefits of home additions in South Florida.

Contact us anytime to discuss your home renovation needs.

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53rd St #502,
Cooper City FL 33330

Rapid Construction | General Contractors in South Florida

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Licensed South Florida Licensed Contractors

Are you looking to get more space out of your home?  There are many remodeling contractors in Pembroke Pines and throughout South Florida. However, Rapid Construction provides you with a licensed General Contractor.  We are not a Handyman service and while it is indeed helpful to hire a “handyman” to do small repairs or maintenance services. We only employ the most trained and experienced workers so you can be assured that whatever be the job, it will be done the first time correctly round itself.

Rapid Construction is that can not only add an addition to your home but can construct quality custom homes.  Hiring the right professional home remodeling company in Pembroke Pines and or the surrounding South Florida area will provide customers everything they need when considering home redesigning. Our services include preparing for the required materials, plan(s) of the project(s), designers or architectures and proper consultant services.  These are just several services that are provided by licensed remodeling company like Rapid Construction of South Florida.

We can uniquely manage any inescapable issues that emerge while home renovation projects are being done.  We have access to the right people for the right job and can find the proper certified and insured specialized contractor throughout the state of Florida.

Rapid Construction, a South Florida company is highly experienced in the home remodeling industry & offers the best home remodeling services in Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Miramar, Southwest Ranches, Fort Lauderdale and throughout the South Florida region. Make sure to follow our related posts on home renovations in Pembroke Pines, fl.

You should consult us for house redesigning and other construction services.

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53rd St, Suite #502,
Cooper City FL 33330

Remodeling Contractors | Pembroke Pines, fl

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Remodeling Of A Home Is Best Done By Professionals

Remodeling your home can be quite an experience both emotionally and financially. There are a lot of things to worry about like whether the job will be completed within the stipulated time, if the expenses will remain within the budget and if the outcome will be as expected. Some professionals offer residential remodeling services in South Florida, who are good at what they do and will keep their promises. It is essential that remodeling is done by a team of experienced professionals because most times they are required to work within an already existing design and that could be challenging. Only those with great skill and expertise will be able to give creative solutions in such a situation. We are specialized remodeling contractor serving Pembroke Pines and the surrounding South Florida community.

Remodeling Helps To Personalize Homes

When you invest in a condominium, sometimes it may be necessary to make some changes so that you could make it more personal. Many of us have a vision as to what we may want our home or living space to look and feel like. Some of the teams of experts who specialize in condo remodeling in South Florida, USA will undoubtedly be able to bring to reality all your dreams. Be it remodeling your bathrooms, your kitchen, bedrooms or even changing your flooring or the wall paint or wallpaper; you can be sure that you will be able to avail of expert services. There are so many new things in the market and these South Florida, experts will be able to find you just what you like and within the budget you have in mind.

Rapid Construction, a South Florida Licensed Contractor is highly experienced in the home remodeling industry & offers the best home remodeling services in Cooper City, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Southwest Ranches, Miramar and the surrounding South Florida area.

You should consult us for house redesigning and other construction services.  We are always ready to help build your dream home one brick at a time. Check out building a custom home in South Florida.

 

Rapid Construction
12240 SW 53rd St, Suite 502
Cooper City, Fl 33330
954-324-2390