Remodeling a commercial space can be exciting but also very stressful. Commercial remodels are usually more labor-intensive than residential ones and you have to account for more things. When you start a commercial remodel, be sure to consider these important elements.
Reviewing the Certificate of Occupancy
Before you do anything with your commercial building, review the certificate of occupancy. This document tells you what you can legally use the building for. That means that if you have a building that the certificate of occupancy states can only be used as an office building, you’ll have to either ensure that your remodel is consistent with an office building or pay to have the certificate updated.
Looking for Any Existing Violations on the Property
If you’re remodeling a new building, it may have some building violations that you aren’t aware of. Some possible violations include:
- Previous owners did work on the building without a permit
- Incorrectly installed a rooftop AC unit
- Malfunctioning fire sprinkler system
If you apply for a permit and it’s discovered that your building has an unresolved violation, it can mean a costly stop-work order on your project in the future. Be sure to start every remodeling project with a search for any open violations for the building.
Reviewing the Building’s Structure, Electrical Wiring, and Mechanical Systems
These three systems are arguably the most important aspects of any building. Can the current building support your new operations? For example, if you want to convert a restaurant into a car showroom, you’d need to make sure that the floors can bear the weight of multiple cars. Review the structure of the building before drawing up any remodel plans.
Gathering the Right Team
It takes a team to remodel a commercial space. Choosing an effective team can ensure that your project goes smoothly and you get the results you wanted. If you choose the wrong team, it could cost you additional money to correct things you don’t like. Remember, you need to be able to trust your team, or teams, throughout the entire process.
Ready to Get Started on Your Commercial Remodeling Project?
If you’re now feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry; Northstar Commercial Construction can handle everything for you. We are a design and build company that specializes in commercial remodeling in MD. If you want to take the hassle out of your commercial remodel, let us handle things for you. From start to finish, we’ll be with you every step of the way. Call or contact us today to learn more.
