You can avoid the most common commercial construction mistakes in Toronto by working with a trusted team of professionals. Your friends at Turnbull Masonry have you covered! Here are some of the most common commercial construction mistakes we have seen in the industry. 

7 Commercial Construction Mistakes to Avoid

1. Performing Work in the Wrong Weather Conditions

Unideal weather conditions can lead to issues down the road, and not too far down the road. For instance, pouring concrete on a day when it is too hot or too cold can increase the risk of concrete cracks.

2. Not Planning Ahead

There are many things to consider when it comes to a commercial construction project – there are customized selections and finishes, and even the right time of day to get work done so that it interferes as little as possible with your business. Plus, there are likely important deadlines in place. All of these things and more need to be discussed and planned for ahead of time.

It’s equally important to plan for the unexpected. There’s always the risk of coming across unplanned site conditions, delays, or other hurdles. Having a backup plan in place can make all the difference.

3. Not Designating a Construction Manager

It is beneficial to everyone involved to have a construction manager tasked with reviewing proposed changes and dealing with scheduling. In addition, they work to ensure compliance with contract documents throughout the process.

4. Failure to Comply with Local Regulations, Such as Accessibility Standards

There are many regulations in place, especially when commercial construction is involved. Not following these rules and guidelines will result in having to redo aspects of the project – thus delaying time and increasing costs. Knowing about these standards and regulations up front and addressing them head on will keep your project in line and on task.

On-site inspections are important and failure to comply could result in administrative penalties totaling as much as $1,000 for each violation, per day.

5. Taking Shortcuts

Shortcuts are never a good idea when it comes to construction, especially commercial construction. Proper testing and quality assurance are important and should be specified in the contract documents. In addition, a structural engineer should be tasked with performing a structural cover-up inspection. Skimping out on important details of the construction process will not benefit anyone.

6. Believing Estimates Without a Site Visit

If a contractor provides an estimate without a site visit, take it with a grain of salt. This is one of the most common reasons that estimates are off and project budgets get blown. It is almost impossible to provide a quality and reliable estimate without visiting the property and checking it out firsthand.

7. Picking the Wrong Materials

There are a variety of materials you can use to build a wall, construct a walkway, and so-forth. The best material for a project is highly dependent on the purpose of the space, who will frequent it, and what sort of pressures it will be exposed to.

Talking through your options for different materials makes a big difference. Trust the professionals to help guide you in the right direction, while still staying true to the overall look and feel you are envisioning for your business. From brick to stone to concrete, we can help you decide on the best material based on usage, exposures, and your budget.

Skip the Mistakes with Turnbull Masonry

We are experienced commercial construction professionals! Don’t let mistakes stand in the way of your success or bottom line. We are here to help your project go smoothly. Contact us today to learn more or to get an on-site estimate.