Three Things to Consider Before Hiring a Commercial Contractor

Posted on September 17, 2018 by Kinghorn Construction Hiring a Commercial Contractor

Hiring a commercial contractor is an important decision for the future and growth of your company. This decision will set the tone for your entire project. No matter your business, taking time to consider your options and learn all you can about a commercial contractor will be nothing but beneficial. Read through these three things to consider before hiring a commercial contractor and then contact us to learn about our commercial construction services, industries we serve, and available financial resources.

Experience

The first thing to consider before hiring a commercial contractor is how much experience the company has. A contractor’s body of work and length of time in business will help you determine if they’ll be the right fit for your project.

Look into past projects and clients. Did they do a good job? Are the clients happy? Does the commercial contractor provide referrals or testimonials? What does a typical job look like for them?

Are niche projects their specialty, or do they serve a variety of industries? The answers to these questions will help guide you to a commercial contractor that fits your company’s needs. Finding answers to these questions will help you know exactly what you’re looking for in a commercial construction project management team.

Communication

Good communication is key to excelling at any type of project, especially before hiring a commercial contractor. Steady, efficient, and informative communication from the contractor will ensure the project gets done right – on time, on budget. Figure out your main point of contact before signing with a company. Make sure they are flexible enough to meet your communication needs. Do they respond in a timely manner? Will they be easily accessible throughout the project?

Under the umbrella of communication, it’s also important to check that the commercial contractor’s bid includes all expenses. A bid should account for all costs. If there’s something important missing from the estimate, inform your commercial contractor so they can give you a revised bid.

Safety and Insurance Coverage

The third thing to consider before hiring a commercial contractor is safety and insurance coverage. Safety is the most important thing for any construction project. Review the contractor’s work practices and what they do on a day-to-day basis to ensure not only their employees’ safety, but the safety of your employees as well.

In addition to everyday safety policies, your commercial contractor should have general liability and workers’ compensation insurance coverage. That way, you won’t be liable for any injury or damage that occurs while the commercial contractor is working on your project/property.

For more information about what to consider before hiring a commercial contractor or for questions about our process or financial resources, contact Kinghorn Construction today.

The Differences Between Residential and Commercial Construction

Posted on August 20, 2018 by Kinghorn Construction

The construction industry is divided into two main categories – residential and commercial. While similar, these two industries have many differences, from types of materials used to cost variations. Here are the main differences between residential and commercial construction.

Size Distinctions

The most obvious difference between commercial and residential construction projects is that one has a larger scope and difficulty. Residential buildings have smaller floor plans to accommodate simple living needs. More complex commercial buildings, the uses of which vary, require a sturdier frame and many times, more complicate design.

Different Materials for Different Projects

Materials differ from project to project, but there is a distinct difference in materials used for residential and commercial construction.

Residential construction relies on cost-effective materials suitable for smaller buildings. Housebuilders often use inexpensive yet sturdy timber frames for the structure of residential buildings.

Larger and taller commercial buildings, however, require steel frames for a more resilient, sturdy structure.

Clientele

Residential and commercial construction projects involve two distinct types of clientele. Residential builders work for one client with specific demands regarding their personal choices for themselves and their family. Commercial building projects involve a team of stakeholders within an organization who most likely have laid out their goals and specific budget for the project.

Money, Money, Money

Costs for residential construction projects compared to commercial construction projects are very different – even if they’re comparatively sized. Many factors go into the cost of construction projects including material selection, compliance maintenance, employee skill, and labor expenses.

Commercial construction buildings are bigger projects and run on a tight schedule; this is not always the case for residential projects. The difference in cost comes from those two factors. Experienced laborers working more hours and more expensive materials impact the budge of commercial projects.

Kinghorn Construction strives to provide high quality design-build services and construction management for commercial buildings. Contact us today to learn how we can bring your commercial construction project to life.

Choosing a Construction Site

Posted on July 18, 2018 by Kinghorn Construction

Choosing where to construct your building is the first and most important step in the commercial construction process. Your building location will directly impact many things during construction, as well as after the building is finished. Therefore, it’s imperative to take the following into consideration when choosing a construction site.

Double Check the Building Code

Since area building codes can vary, it’s important to look into the local building code and make sure your project will fit within guidelines. On top of that, inspection and permit wait times vary depending on what the city or county. Work with an experienced design build firm that knows the area to assist with both verifying building codes and making sure you get an inspection and permit on time.

Budget Construction Costs

Another factor you need to consider when choosing a construction site is how much it will cost to build there. The location can impact your budget if the land needs grading or excavation before construction can start. Whether water and sewer lines are already in place or not is also be a factor to consider. Consider costs of building materials and labor when creating a budget. Getting estimates on everything before you sign on the dotted line will help you complete your project within your budget.

Inspect the Topography and Soil

Inspecting the quality of the soil and the topography of a piece of land is an essential step when choosing a construction site. Moist or loose soil is a poor foundation for any type of building. Rocky and clay soils require specialized equipment to make them safe for construction. It’s important to know what type of soil you’re working with can influence the decision of where to break ground.

Inspecting the surface features of the land is vital to determine not only if the location is fit for a construction site, but also if it will maintain its current condition depending on erosion risks. Make the future of your project bright by knowing exactly what type of natural landscape you’re working with.

Is it Accessible?

Lastly, it’s important to look into accessibility options for the construction site. Different sized vehicles carrying various materials and utilities need to get in and out of the construction site without any obstructions. Access to the site also needs to be safe and convenient so the job can get done in a timely manner. Cross site options that require creating accessibility off your list.

For further information on choosing a construction site, or to learn more about our construction management process, contact us today.

 

Why Kinghorn?

Posted on March 30, 2018 by Kinghorn Construction

When the time comes to select a commercial contractor for your project, how do you know which company to choose? Options in the Twin Cities and Upper Midwest – and even on a national level – seem endless. When determining the right company for the job, you’ll need to consider the size and scope of your project as well as the nature of the design/build and whether the company offers the proper capabilities to execute the work. But beyond the basics of services, cost, and logistics, you’ll want to work with an experienced partner who is committed to understanding your needs, your goals, and your business. Family-owned Kinghorn Construction can be that partner.

 

Why Kinghorn?

WE KNOW CONSTRUCTION.

Grady Kinghorn started the company in 1979. We have nearly 40 years of experience in the commercial construction industry. We are a total resource for our clients in both public and private sectors, throughout the pre-construction, construction, and post-construction processes. Our construction services include:

  • Design/build
  • Site selection
  • Land development
  • Concept planning
  • Budgeting
  • Construction management

Throughout the decades, we’ve served a wide variety of industries, including industrial, retail, manufacturing, distribution, places of worship, multifamily housing, offices, educational facilities, and remodeling or specialty projects.

WE KNOW OUR CLIENTS.

At Kinghorn Construction, getting to know our clients is a top priority. We build trust and we build relationships. Clients return to us when it’s time to expand, remodel, or move to a new location, partly because of our longevity in the industry and our commitment to the highest quality service.

WE KNOW COMMUNITY.

Engagement in the community is important to our clients, and it’s important to us. We’re involved in industry and local community organizations, including the I-94 West Chamber of Commerce, where Grady Kinghorn serves on the Board of Directors. We show our support (and have a little fun!) by sponsoring non-profit events like the Rogers Lions’ Rockin’ Rogers Days. Grady was recognized at the Lions’ Citizen of the Year in 2015.

Get to know Kinghorn Construction to see if we’re the right partner for your project. Contact us to learn more.