Building an efficient and sustainable commercial building can be perceived to be costly and complicated, but it does not have to be. Working with an experienced Design-Build Contractor can save you money and provide guidance for savings from sustainable and long-lasting material investments. Efficiency in commercial building design and construction is not just about completing a project quickly or in investing in expensive materials, it is about delivering value, sustainability, quality, and future adaptability.
With that said, a building owner achieves the most efficiency through the following:
- Lower construction costs
- Lower operating costs/renewable energy cost savings
- Lower maintenance costs
- Planning for future growth
Here is how Wolgast achieves building efficiency for Commercial Building Owners.
Lower construction costs
Efficiency starts with the building design and construction activities. Through Design-Build service, an owner will save time on their construction duration as they are able to start construction sooner and benefit from working with a single-source who is responsible for delivering their building. There will be no slowdowns if there is a real-time issue between the design and the construction application. We will fix it and keep progress moving because we are the single, responsible party to take care of any potential problems. A building owner will be able to generate funds sooner with the speed of this method.
Additionally, our Architect will provide a modern design that incorporates long lasting and/or sustainable materials if that is important to the project. He or she will make recommendations for materials that can offset their cost due to lower energy consumption or reduced frequency of replacement. When working with Wolgast, a 75-year contractor, an owner will receive a high-quality building that will last them decades with proper maintenance and a one-year warranty to ensure all systems continue working properly once we are done with construction.
Our team will share with an owner how to achieve economies of scale during construction, our way of maximizing work for optimal efficiency. When an owner must utilize dumpsters, storage trailers, building permits, temporary electricity, barricades, and insurance to name a few, the cost is fixed for these items and will not change regardless of the size of the building. The square foot price for these types of items decreases as the size of the building increases. For more info visit blog How Economies of Scale Works in Construction.
Additionally, prefabricated panel systems for your building envelope can be more economical and quicker to install, however, there have been delays in getting panels manufactured recently as they grow in popularity. Choosing to use these panels depends on how soon an owner needs to be in their building. This approach can minimize on-site construction duration, enhance efficiency, and supply high quality and consistent results.
Lower Operating Costs/Renewable Energy Cost Savings
Implementing eco-friendly design principles not only aligns with specific environmental goals, but also can contribute to long-term cost savings. Longer term savings come from lowering operating costs through systems that are low energy or renewable. This may add to upfront costs of the building but can offset or lower operating costs. From energy efficient HVAC systems to the use of recycled materials, sustainable design practices are integral to modern construction. Smart material choices can significantly affect the efficiency of a commercial construction project opting for durable, cost-effective materials that meet the project requirements can lead to long-term savings, moreover, careful material selection contributes to the overall sustainability and functionality of the space. Wolgast has LEED Certified professionals on staff to assist building owners with achieving that status if their interested.
Lower Maintenance Costs
While we cannot provide a completely maintenance free building for our customers, an owner should make annual building envelope inspections and keep up with any issues they see that could lead to leaks of air or water, specifically at windows and caulked items. Experts recommend that caulk be inspected annually and planned to be reapplied every 5 years. Additionally, changing air filters and regular cleaning can help lengthen a building’s life without needing major costly repairs.
Planning for Future Growth
The commercial landscape is ever evolving. Designing and constructing spaces with adaptability in mind ensures that businesses can seamlessly evolve with changing needs. Future-proofing commercial buildings involves incorporating flexible layouts, scalable infrastructure, and technology-ready spaces. Utility pipes, wiring, and fibers can be designed within a building to anticipate future expansion as well as placement of the building on a site to accommodate for setbacks, zoning, storm detention and utilities. Additionally, if there is storage space available, certain materials can be ordered so they will match the building when the expansion happens. It all takes planning and communication between the owner and the Architect. This partnership can set up an owner for greater savings and efficiency for the future.
In conclusion, by embracing Wolgast’s Design-Build approach to construction, building owners can ensure that their commercial spaces are not only efficiently constructed but also positioned for long-term success.
