fbpx Skip to main content
Tag

commercial buildings

Dec 10
Love0
Header Image for How to Choose a Commercial Construction Contractor - Summit DB

How to Choose a Commercial Construction Contractor

By Construction Management

7 Things to Consider When Choosing a Commercial Construction Contractor

1. Experience With Your Type of Project

Not all commercial contractors are the same. A contractor who understands your industry and building type is better equipped to meet your needs. Look for experience with similar project types such as industrial, medical, multifamily, retail, or hospitality. Familiarity with local codes, permitting processes, and typical use cases will help prevent costly delays and errors. 

Summit DB Crane - Chicago commercial contractor

2. Proven Reputation and References

If you’re wondering how to choose a commercial contractor you can trust, start by looking at their reputation. Review case studies, ask for references, and talk to former clients about their experience. At Summit Design + Build, we value the long-term relationships we build with our clients: 

“We are big believers in the team at Summit and the services they gave us. We felt we were the most important project they were working on.” 
– March Schulman, President, Eli’s Cheesecake 

A strong contractor makes your priorities their own. 

3. Transparent Estimating and Budget Management 

Cost clarity is critical when selecting a general contractor. Look for someone who provides a detailed, transparent estimate that outlines the full scope, potential risks, and value engineering options. Your contractor should help you manage your budget proactively, not just deliver a quote. 

WeWork Tampa Boardroom

4. Project Management and Communication

When you are thinking about how to choose a commercial contractor, consider how they manage workflow and communication. At Summit Design + Build, we use Procore, a cloud-based project management platform that streamlines communication, documentation, scheduling, and tracking. 

Procore allows stakeholders to access real-time updates, drawings, RFIs, and documents in one place, keeping everyone aligned and the project on schedule. 

5. Subcontractor Risk Management: TradeTapp and SDI

Subcontractor performance directly impacts your project. We use TradeTapp to evaluate and monitor subcontractors based on financial health, safety records, and past performance. Only qualified partners make it into our network. 

We also carry Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI), which helps cover the cost of replacing non-performing subcontractors, finishing incomplete work, and minimizing delays or overruns. These tools provide added security and peace of mind throughout construction. 

6. Financial Stability and Licensing

A financially stable contractor is better positioned to manage materials, labor, and cash flow throughout the job. Always confirm that your contractor is licensed, insured, bonded, and financially sound.

7. Safety Record and Jobsite Culture

A contractor’s safety performance says a lot about their professionalism. Ask about their safety record, training programs, and jobsite policies. Safe jobsites are efficient, organized, and reduce your risk. 

Summit DB Construction Safety Group at commercial build site
Nov 15
Love0
Chicago Commercial Development Contractor - Summit DB blog about Stages of Development - Header Image

Stages of Commercial Development from Land Acquisition to Occupancy

By Construction Management

What are the Stages of Commercial Development?

Commercial development is a complex, multi-phase process that transforms raw land into a fully operational commercial space. Whether you’re developing an office building, retail center, or industrial facility, understanding the key stages of commercial development is essential for investors, developers, and business owners alike. This knowledge helps ensure smooth project execution, avoids costly delays, and maximizes return on investment. 

Explore the typical stages involved in commercial development, from initial land acquisition all the way to occupancy and closeout. 

1. Land Acquisition and Due Diligence

The commercial development journey begins with acquiring the right parcel of land. This critical stage includes:

  • Site evaluation, assessing location benefits such as accessibility, proximity to transportation, and market demand 
  • Zoning and land use review, confirming the site is zoned appropriately for the intended commercial purpose 
  • Environmental assessments, testing for soil quality, contamination, flood risk, and other environmental factors 
  • Utility access, ensuring the availability of water, electricity, sewer, and telecommunications infrastructure 
  • Regulatory compliance, verifying that the land meets all local and state requirements 

Thorough due diligence mitigates risk and confirms the site is suitable for your development goals. 

2. Design and Planning

Once land acquisition is finalized, the focus shifts to design and planning. This phase involves: 

  • Collaborating with architects, civil engineers, landscape designers, and planners to develop comprehensive site and building designs 
  • Creating detailed construction drawings and infrastructure layouts 
  • Integrating sustainability, accessibility, and building code requirements into the design 
  • Navigating the permit approval process with local planning and building departments 

Effective design and planning ensure your commercial development meets both vision and regulatory standards. 

blueprint of a commercial real estate project

3. Financing and Budgeting

Securing solid financing is essential before groundbreaking can begin. During this phase:

  • Developers present project proposals to lenders and investors to secure construction loans or equity funding 
  • Detailed budgets are developed, accounting for land costs, construction, soft costs, contingencies, and financing fees 
  • Value engineering reviews identify opportunities to optimize costs without sacrificing quality or functionality 
  • Timelines and cash flow projections are established to align funding with project milestones 

Strong financial planning helps keep your project viable and attractive to stakeholders. 

4. Preconstruction

Preconstruction lays the groundwork for a successful build and includes: 

  • Conducting site surveys and geotechnical testing to confirm soil conditions and topography 
  • Finalizing construction documents and specifications for contractors and subcontractors 
  • Developing comprehensive construction schedules with milestone targets 
  • Selecting and prequalifying subcontractors, suppliers, and vendors 
  • Coordinating logistics such as site access, material deliveries, and safety plans 

Meticulous preconstruction planning reduces risks and ensures efficient construction execution. 

hands on a drafting table with pen and paper

5. Construction

The construction phase brings your commercial development vision to life: 

  • Clearing and preparing the site, followed by laying foundations and erecting structural components 
  • Installing key building systems including HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection 
  • Implementing strict quality control and safety protocols on-site 
  • Ongoing project management and coordination among subcontractors, suppliers, and inspectors 
  • Monitoring progress to maintain schedule adherence and budget compliance 

Effective construction management is critical for on-time, on-budget delivery without compromising quality. 

Construction stage of commercial development - crane and building going up

6. Inspection and Commissioning

Before occupancy, the building must pass comprehensive inspections and system testing: 

  • Building inspectors verify compliance with structural, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety codes 
  • Specialized commissioning tests ensure HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems operate as designed 
  • Addressing any deficiencies or punch list items identified during inspection 
  • Obtaining final occupancy permits from local authorities 

This stage confirms the building is safe, functional, and ready for use. 

7. Occupancy and Closeout

The final stage involves transitioning the commercial space to owners or tenants: 

  • Completing any remaining punch list items and final clean-up 
  • Delivering all required documentation, including warranties, manuals, and as-built drawings 
  • Providing training or orientation for building systems operation 
  • Coordinating post-occupancy warranty support and maintenance services 

Successful closeout ensures occupants can begin operations smoothly and with confidence. 

Oct 08
Love0
Header image for Commercial General Contractors Roles Explained blog post

Commercial General Contractors: Key Roles and Responsibilities Explained

By Construction Management

Key Roles and Responsibilities of a Commercial General Contractor

When planning a commercial building project—whether it’s new construction, renovation, or expansion—understanding the role of a commercial general contractor is essential to ensure success. As the central figure managing every stage of the build, the commercial general contractor serves as the backbone of the project, guaranteeing quality craftsmanship, safety compliance, and timely delivery. 

For business owners, developers, and investors, knowing the core responsibilities of a commercial general contractor can make all the difference in selecting the right partner for your next commercial construction project. 

1. Comprehensive Project Planning and Management

A commercial general contractor is responsible for coordinating the entire construction lifecycle from preconstruction planning through final project closeout. This includes: 

    • Developing detailed and realistic project schedules 
    • Managing budgets and cost controls 
    • Securing all necessary permits and ensuring adherence to local building codes and regulations 
    • Coordinating inspections and approvals throughout the project 

    Effective project management by your contractor minimizes costly delays, streamlines construction processes, and ensures the project stays on schedule. 

Summit DB Lamar Team. Group Photo in front of a commercial building project.

2. Hiring and Supervising Skilled Subcontractors

Commercial general contractors identify, hire, and manage qualified subcontractors essential for specialized trades such as: 

  • Electrical work 
  • Plumbing 
  • HVAC installation 
  • Concrete and structural elements 

To maintain high standards, contractors prequalify subcontractors by reviewing their financial health, safety records, insurance coverage, and past performance. Tools like TradeTapp help automate this evaluation, providing insight to minimize risk and ensure a capable, compliant subcontractor team. Ongoing supervision ensures subcontractors meet project milestones and quality expectations. 

Commercial Real Estate Construction Site in Chicago - Crane and Forklift

3. Ensuring Quality Control and Job Site Safety

Maintaining superior workmanship and a safe job site is a non-negotiable responsibility for every commercial general contractor. Their role includes: 

  • Enforcing strict safety protocols on-site 
  • Conducting frequent quality inspections 
  • Addressing safety hazards or workmanship issues promptly 
  • Complying with OSHA standards and local safety regulations 

This commitment protects workers, reduces liability, and guarantees the finished space meets or exceeds industry standards and client expectations. 

Commercial Real Estate Construction - Audit on an iPad

4. Facilitating Communication and Collaboration

Successful commercial construction requires seamless communication among all stakeholders. The commercial general contractor serves as the primary point of contact, ensuring clarity and alignment between: 

  • Architects 
  • Engineers 
  • Owners and developers 
  • Subcontractors 
  • Suppliers 

Using advanced cloud-based project management platforms like Procore, contractors centralize documentation, schedules, change orders, and communication to improve collaboration and avoid costly misunderstandings or rework. 

5. Proactive Risk Management

Risk management is integral to the commercial general contractor role. Beyond subcontractor prequalification, contractors may implement tools like Subcontractor Default Insurance (SDI) to mitigate financial exposure from subcontractor failure or project delays. Additional risk management tactics include: 

  • Comprehensive contract reviews 
  • Contingency planning 
  • Regular risk assessments throughout construction 

These strategies help protect your investment and keep the project on track. 

6. Budget Oversight and Cost Control

Controlling costs without sacrificing quality is a critical function. The commercial general contractor: 

  • Tracks all project-related expenses 
  • Provides transparent and regular budget updates to clients 
  • Implements value engineering to optimize material and labor costs 
  • Negotiates with suppliers and subcontractors for competitive pricing 

This financial oversight helps avoid surprises and ensures your commercial project delivers maximum value within your budget. 

7. Efficient Project Closeout and Warranty Management

The contractor’s role doesn’t end with construction completion. Key closeout activities include: 

  • Final inspections and punch list resolution 
  • Completion and organization of project documentation 
  • Owner training and turnover of the new space 
  • Managing warranty services to address any post-occupancy issues 

This ensures a smooth transition from construction to occupancy and provides long-term peace of mind. 

Sep 04
Love0

Guide to Commercial Building Types and Construction

By Design-Build

What are the Commercial Building Types and How Are they Constructed?

Commercial buildings come in all shapes and sizes. Whether it’s a sleek high-rise office or a neighborhood retail center, every structure begins with a clear vision and the right construction strategy. As a commercial general contractor, we partner with developers and businesses to bring these spaces to life. This guide outlines common types of commercial buildings and how they’re typically constructed, giving you insight into what sets each one apart. 

1. Office Buildings 

Types: Low-rise, mid-rise, and high-rise buildings used for business operations. 

Construction Approach:
Office buildings often prioritize flexibility, natural light, and energy efficiency. Steel or reinforced concrete is commonly used for the structural frame, while curtain walls or glass facades give these buildings their modern aesthetic. Interior build-outs vary depending on tenant needs and can include raised flooring, modular walls, or open-plan layouts. 

Example: Summit Design + Build recently completed 1040 W Fulton, a new five-story, 42,000 square-foot office building with ground-floor retail, a green roof, and basement parking located in Chicago’s Fulton Market District. Floors four and five serve as Summit Design + Build’s new headquarters. This project is a showplace of modern wood construction, as it is the first multi-story mass timber building in Chicago in 50 years. 

The building features a hybrid construction system that accommodates two floors of parking in the basement and first floor using Type I-A construction with fire separation, while the office floors utilize Type III-A heavy timber construction. The framing system includes glulam columns, girders, and beams, with steel columns and beams supporting the brick exterior walls. The floor assembly incorporates a two-inch topping slab, and the building is fully sprinklered. 

Summit chose heavy timber construction to honor the neighborhood’s meatpacking district history, where many buildings were originally built with raw milled heavy timber. The design and framing plan aligned perfectly with the use of timber, blending historic materials with modern construction methods. 

1040 W Fulton Groundbreaking - Summit DB Team

2. Retail Buildings

Types: Strip malls, shopping centers, big-box stores, and standalone storefronts. 

Construction Approach:
Retail buildings are designed with visibility, foot traffic, and accessibility in mind. These structures are typically single-story and use steel or CMU (concrete masonry units) construction for cost efficiency. Large open floor plans, storefront glazing, and ample parking are key features. 

Example: Summit Design + Build completed an adaptive reuse project on a prominent two-story building along Oak Street, transforming it into a high-end retail store. The project included a full interior renovation featuring a glass floor system and 10 to 12 distinct retail environments with unique finishes requiring precise coordination. The exterior façade was fully replaced with a modern mix of curtainwall, stone panels, and metal panels. 

Despite an aggressive 6-7 month schedule, the team expertly managed long lead times for custom materials including the curtain wall, stone panels, and a two-story LED screen wall. Energy-efficient LED lighting was installed, and the design team preserved existing equipment where possible to reduce waste. This project exemplifies Summit’s ability to deliver sophisticated, quality retail spaces within tight timelines in some of Chicago’s busiest commercial corridors. 

3. Industrial Buildings

Types: Warehouses, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and flex spaces. 

Construction Approach:
Functionality is the top priority. These buildings often require high clear heights, wide column spacing, dock access, and heavy-duty flooring. Pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), tilt-up concrete panels, and steel framing are commonly used for speed, scale, and durability. 

Example: Summit Design + Build delivered a 91,000 square-foot, $24 million foodservice distribution facility for Testa Produce in the Chicago area. This project is on track to become the nation’s first foodservice distribution center to achieve LEED Platinum certification, incorporating numerous sustainable features such as a 45,000-square-foot barreled vegetated roof, solar-heated hot water, 180 photovoltaic solar panels, and a 238 foot, 750 kW freestanding wind turbine, the first of its kind in Chicago. 

The project revitalized a long-vacant brownfield site using innovative foundation solutions and overcame significant political and design challenges related to the wind turbine and rainwater harvesting systems. Safety was prioritized throughout, especially around a complex ammonia refrigeration system and contaminated soil. The facility reduces utility consumption by over 60 percent, uses energy-efficient LED lighting, and incorporates recycled materials throughout. Delivered on schedule despite union strikes and weather delays, this facility sets a new standard for environmentally sensitive industrial construction. 

4. Hospitality

Types: Hotels, motels, and resorts. 

Construction Approach:
Hospitality projects combine aesthetics with performance. The structure might be steel or concrete, especially in high-rise hotels, while wood framing may be used in smaller or suburban locations. Interiors often require high levels of finish, coordinated MEP systems, and amenities such as pools, kitchens, and conference rooms. 

Example: Summit Design + Build served as Construction Manager Agent for the Springhill Suites by Marriott at 2353 S Wentworth in Chicago’s Chinatown. This 146-room, six-story hotel features a four-story steel structure built atop an existing two-story concrete parking garage. 

The project overcame significant site logistics challenges due to limited access and crane placement restrictions. A 500-ton crane with a luffing jib extension was deployed to reach the full 400-foot building length, requiring steel erection to be sequenced in two phases. The building was engineered to support the crane when laid down overnight. Crane erection and dismantling involved closing portions of 24th Street and coordinating with city officials and neighbors. 

The project successfully topped out the steel structure and completed façade and interior work on schedule. The Springhill Suites opened as planned in early 2021, delivering a high-quality hospitality space in a dense urban environment. 

 

5. Healthcare Facilities

Types: Medical office buildings, urgent care centers, clinics, and surgical centers. 

Construction Approach:
These spaces must meet strict building codes and regulatory standards. Construction involves complex MEP coordination, infection control planning, and specialized build-outs for medical equipment. Speed to market and patient comfort are often top priorities. 

Example: Summit Design + Build completed the build-out for Prenuvo, a cutting-edge medical imaging clinic in Chicago. The project required precise coordination of advanced medical equipment installation, strict adherence to healthcare regulations, and meticulous MEP integration to ensure a clean, patient-friendly environment. The design emphasized patient comfort and operational efficiency, delivering a high-tech facility on an accelerated timeline. Summit’s expertise in healthcare construction ensured that Prenuvo’s specialized needs were met, creating a space that supports advanced diagnostics in a welcoming atmosphere. 

6. Multifamily Residential

Types: Apartment complexes, condominiums, and mixed-use buildings. 

Construction Approach:
Multifamily construction varies by scale. Low- to mid-rise projects often use wood-frame construction over a concrete podium. High-rises require reinforced concrete or steel framing. Soundproofing, fire ratings, and egress paths are major considerations. 

Example: Located in Chicago’s West Loop, 1400 Monroe offers 42 luxury new-construction residences featuring two- and three-bedroom units with designer finishes. The building’s gray brick cladding and matte metal accents reflect the neighborhood’s industrial character. Interiors include nine-foot ceilings, oversized loft-style windows, bathrooms with high-end fixtures, custom kitchens equipped with Thermador, Bosch, and Franke appliances, and smart home technology. 

The project team overcame design and construction challenges through strong collaboration, ensuring high-quality finishes while integrating modern conveniences such as elevator access, garage parking, storage lockers, a bike room, and dog-washing services. Private balconies and terraces enhance urban living. The project was completed efficiently, meeting owner expectations for budget and schedule while delivering a distinctive residential community that blends thoughtfully with its vibrant surroundings. 

7. Mixed-Use Developments

Types: Buildings that combine retail, office, and residential uses. 

Construction Approach:
These projects require careful zoning coordination and structural planning to support different uses on different levels. Podium-style construction is common, with commercial on the ground floor and residential or office space above. Shared utilities, parking, and amenities introduce added complexity. 

Example: Summit Design + Build completed a mixed-use project featuring a 120-unit apartment building in Evanston. The building includes a variety of unit types — studios, one and two bedroom apartments — with amenities such as a fitness room, co-working spaces, and a roof deck equipped with grills, a dog run, pergola, and seating areas. Ground floor retail space opens onto an exterior patio, enhancing street level engagement. 

Built on a tight site occupying the entire lot, the project required precise crane maneuvering to erect the full 22,000 square foot floor plates. Sustainability was prioritized through multiple green roofs and on site rainwater detention and infiltration tanks, aiming for Green Globes certification with two globes. Located along Main Street and adjacent to a Metra line, this development provides much needed housing with excellent transit access, positively impacting the community. 

Final Thoughts 

Understanding the different types of commercial buildings helps owners, developers, and tenants make smarter decisions from the start. Each project has unique design, engineering, and construction requirements, so choosing the right approach—and the right contractor—is key to success. 

If you’re planning a new commercial project, we’d love to talk about how we can bring it to life.