Industrial Complex Construction

Industrial complex construction requires preparation to save time and expense

By Amy Hunter

Industrial complexes make a good investment for many companies. The right location, combined with convenient access, lowers costs and make job functions easier to perform.

A successful industrial complex requires planning, organization and attention to detail. The company owner must be an active part of the process, while at the same time allowing the contractor to perform his job without interference. This can be a difficult proposition for many hands-on business owners.

Before the business owner begins construction of the industrial complex, he or she must plan the project carefully. It is important to make as many decisions as possible before construction begins, as changes and delays in building cost money.

1. An architect will save your company money when planning an industrial complex. Expect to recoup money spent in the planning stages later in the project.

2. Before purchasing property, know any limitations or restrictions on that property.

3. Determine how you will finance the industrial complex before committing to a plan or signing a contract.

Develop a contract that spells out your expectations from the commercial building contractor

It is typical for the commercial warehouse contractor to provide a construction contract for your signature. You should consider this contract a guideline, and make changes to the contract so that it suits your project before signing. Another option is to develop your own contract for the contractor to sign. Regardless of which method you choose, the contract should clearly outline your expectations on timing and materials used in the project. The procedure and cost for changes to the plans once construction begins should also be in writing.
Try: Find sample contracts online at BuilderSpace or generate your own with software provided by ABCA Forms.

Protect your industrial complex construction with proper insurance

Industrial buildings are expensive to develop and build, and it is imperative that the owner of the company protect the property. Even the most well regarded industrial complex builders fall victim to material theft or acts of nature that damage or delay construction.
Try: Builder's risk insurance, from companies such as Zurich, provide protection against theft or damage to the industrial buildings, while surety bonds, like those provided by Cool Insuring Agency, protect you as the owner, from problems with the contractor. You will purchase the builder's risk insurance, and the contractor is responsible for surety bonding. Before committing to one insurance company, visit Insure.com to see how that company ranks.

Choose an experienced commercial building contractor

Warehouse builders come in all experience levels. Someone could have an established business in your town and not be suited for the type of work that industrial complexes require. Someone with fewer years of experience that has worked on industrial warehouses before will know the potential pitfalls of a large project.
Try: You should check the qualifications of any contractor with Contractors License before hiring. Once you are positive that the builder is properly licensed, check references, and actually visit sites where the contractor has worked. Before making your final selection, interview warehouse builders that you feel may be qualified to determine how they handle the industrial complex building process. AsktheBuilder.com has some excellent questions to get you started.

You can re-sell or lease properly designed industrial warehouses if your company should move. Think in these terms when planning everything from the building structure to the roads leading into and out of the complex.

Industrial Complex Construction