Let’s say you’re ready to move forward with a commercial build-out or to lease a storefront in need of renovation. In either scenario, you’re likely to ask, “How long does a construction project take?”
While we wish we had a clear answer for you, the truth is it depends. Some commercial construction projects we’ve worked on have taken two weeks while others were completed in two years. Many factors influence how long a project lasts, and it’s important to understand the most important ones before asking for project estimates from contractors.
The five most important factors to consider include:
- Project scope
- Business deadlines
- If construction will take place while your business operates
- Your contractor’s skills
- Clear communication
Project scope and your construction timeline
Let’s say you’re racing a 5K this weekend. That distance requires a different training plan and intensity than completing a marathon. Construction works the same – the scope of your project determines if it will be a short or long race to the finish. A paint touch-up, for example, is a very different project than a full build out.
It’s important to define the scope before meeting with contractors. A good first step is to set down and brainstorm all the different aspects of the construction project. Make sure to annotate which ones are must-haves and which ones would be nice-to-have, if budget and schedule permits.
From there, you can share the estimated project scope with a contractor who can provide expert insight on how feasible different project parts are – and provide an idea of how long they may take to complete.
When business and construction deadlines converge
Many businesses we’ve worked with in the Virginia Beach, Norfolk, and Hampton Roads area had business deadlines that influenced how long a construction project could take. Kawaii Corner in Lynnhaven Mall, for example, went into their storefront renovation with a grand opening date in mind. By sharing that date with their contractor, they could complete the project in a timely order.
Ruff House Stay and Play in Virginia Beach knew they needed to update their facilities, but wanted to do so in their off season. By communicating when the off season was with their contractor, the work could be scheduled within those months.
Along with listing the projects that need to be done, reflect on if any business deadlines that may impact your ideal construction timeline, such as a store opening, a slow season, or an important sale.
Construction while operating
If the project scope is significant or you can’t afford to take time off for a construction project, you may want to consider completing construction while operating business as usual. Bay Lakes, for example, knew they needed to update the resident rooms in their senior living community. Since they couldn’t close all rooms at once, they worked with a contractor who would renovate a series of ten rooms at a time, all between tenant leases.
This sort of model often works for retirement communities, multifamily properties, and office complexes with one caveat: a fragmented project like this takes time. When a contractor is coordinating around your business operations or tenant move-in and move-out dates, they may have to complete smaller portions of the project at once.
Choosing the right contractor
Along with project parameters and business goals, who you choose as a contractor also impacts how long a project takes.
We’ve all heard horror stories of a contractor who starts projects but never seems to finish them, even years later. To avoid this situation, and get the project done on a realistic timeline, choose a high-quality contractor to partner with.
Indicators of a great contractor include:
- A clear track record, highlighted by their previous work
- A realistic budget and timeline – if either sounds too good to be true, they probably are.
- Mastery of the art of minimal disruption
- Good communication skills throughout the estimate and proposal process
- Knowledge with your local area – that’s why our team only works with clients in the Hampton Roads, Tidewater area.
This list scratches the surface of what to look for in a contractor. For a more complete list, explore these six signs you’ve found a great contractor.
Clear communication
A contractor should communicate clearly before working with you and once a project has commenced. After starting a project, a contractor’s team should ideally send weekly progress updates and keep you in the loop on how construction is progressing.
However, a contractor isn’t the only party responsible for clear communication; you are too. If you have a specific deadline or any questions about what a contractor is doing, you should bring them up. If brought up in a clear, cohesive way – and early – most contractors can work around your needs.
AAMCO, for example, knew they needed to update their storefront in Chesapeake, Virginia. Because they were candid with our team upfront about their budget and timeline, we were able to scope a quality project that met their deadline, budget, and project expectations.
If you’re looking for an on-budget and on-time project, contact Carlton Building Services. Our team works on commercial renovation, build-outs, and repairs in Virginia Beach, Hampton Roads, Norfolk, Chesapeake, and the surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average time for a construction project?
Calculating the average time for all construction projects is tricky, if not impossible. Replacing a roof, for example, will have a much different timeline than adding a fresh coat of paint or completing a build-out for a new storefront. To determine how long your project will take, ask for estimates from quality contractors in your area.
What is the timeline of a construction project?
While project length varies wildly, there is a general timeline most projects follow. Typically, they start with different contractors providing bids for the project. Once you’ve chosen a contractor, they get started on the work. A good contractor will provide weekly updates on the progress and outline how long each phase of the construction project will take.
How do you estimate time for a construction project?
Estimating time for a construction project depends on a variety of factors. The five most important include your project scope, any business deadlines you’re trying to meet (such as a store opening), if you will operate your business during the construction, who you choose as a contractor, and what communication is like throughout the project.
