Commercial construction projects are massive undertakings that require significant pre-planning to ensure that the final product not only fits all design specifications, but also adheres to all relevant laws, codes, and regulations. Navigating the legal landscape prior to, during, and after a commercial build can be a significant venture, but partnering with a trusted construction manager can help to streamline the legal process and ensure all your bases are covered as you execute your commercial construction blueprints.
First Steps
Prior to breaking ground at your construction site, it’s important to have a thorough knowledge of the necessary zoning and land use regulations. These regulations ensure that the location chosen is legally permitted for business activities or commercial housing complexes. Without following all these ordinances and restrictions thoroughly, your company risks costly fines, project delays, and potentially entire project shutdowns. Working closely with a construction consultant or contractor helps provide peace of mind that all relevant zoning regulations are taken into account prior to breaking ground at your site.
Building Permits
After meeting appropriate zoning regulations, the next step is securing proper building permits. These are official legal documents by local agencies that grant permission to begin construction, and often involve the submission of numerous documents detailing the project specifications and designs. Once reviewed and approved, construction can begin. However, the submitted documents must be extremely detailed and thorough to align with applicable building codes in order to avoid non-compliance fees or delays. A qualified construction contractor can help you to ensure that all the necessary documents are filed in a timely manner and contain all the information necessary to meet building permit requirements.
Sustainability and Environmental Regulations
Industries across the world have seen a recent surge of interest in environmentally friendly options and solutions, and the commercial construction field is no different. Depending on your construction site and the surrounding area, there may be environmental regulations in place to maximize energy efficiency, protect ecosystems, or manage waste and hazards properly. It’s important to have a comprehensive understanding of your area’s relevant environmental or sustainability regulations to ensure that all of your construction activities align with local and regional requirements.
The legalities surrounding commercial construction projects can often feel overwhelming, particularly when considering the numerous other contracts that must be negotiated with clients, stakeholders, and subcontractors to mitigate risks and minimize potential liabilities. However, one of the most crucial ways to navigate these complex legal requirements is to collaborate closely with a commercial construction company that has decades of experience handling construction legalities and filing paperwork correctly and thoroughly. Choosing to utilize the knowledge and experience of commercial construction experts ensures a more streamlined project timeline, thorough and detailed documentation of all regulatory requirements, and overall cost savings.
GCI has served clients across the Northern Great Lakes Region for 125 years throughout every phase of a construction project. To discuss your next project, contact us at gcfirst.com.