What to Expect During a Commercial Construction Project
Starting a commercial construction project can feel overwhelming if you do not know what to expect. Whether the project is a tenant improvement, remodel, facility upgrade, or ground-up build, the process usually follows a series of important phases.
The phases below connect to Brady’s pre-construction planning, commercial general contracting, and construction management services. The exact sequence depends on design readiness, approvals, procurement, and the building’s operating needs.
Understanding these phases can help owners and tenants plan more effectively.
Phase 1: Initial Planning
The first step is understanding the project goals. This includes the desired use of the space, business needs, budget, timeline, existing site conditions, and any operational requirements.
At this stage, the contractor may walk the site, review existing plans, identify potential challenges, and provide preliminary budget feedback.
Phase 2: Design and Pre-Construction
During design and pre-construction, the project team develops the plans, reviews code requirements, coordinates engineering, and refines the construction budget.
This phase may include:
- Site verification
- Conceptual budgeting
- Constructability review
- Value engineering
- Schedule planning
- Permit strategy
- Coordination with ownership, tenants, and property management
Early planning helps reduce surprises during construction.
Phase 3: Permitting and Approvals
Many commercial projects require city review, building permits, fire department approval, health department review, landlord approval, or utility coordination.
Commercial tenant improvements typically require permits when the work includes changes to walls, electrical, plumbing, mechanical systems, structural components, or occupancy-related items. Permit requirements vary by jurisdiction, so the process should be confirmed early.
Phase 4: Construction
Once permits are issued and materials are ready, construction begins.
Typical construction activities may include:
- Demolition
- Framing
- Rough electrical, plumbing, and HVAC
- Fire sprinkler or fire alarm coordination
- Inspections
- Drywall and finishes
- Flooring
- Painting
- Doors and hardware
- Final fixtures and equipment
Communication is critical during this phase. Owners should expect updates, schedule coordination, and documentation of changes or field conditions.
Phase 5: Inspections and Closeout
Before the space can be turned over, final inspections must be completed. The contractor may also provide closeout documents, warranty information, as-built information, manuals, and punch list completion.
A clean closeout helps ensure the owner has the information needed to operate and maintain the space.
Know what needs your decision at each phase
| Milestone | Owner decision or handoff |
|---|---|
| Planning | Confirm intended use, priorities, budget basis, and decision-makers. |
| Design and pricing | Approve selections and scope; resolve allowances, exclusions, and open questions. |
| Before construction | Confirm contract scope, access, working hours, approvals, and reporting contacts. |
| During the work | Review open decisions and authorize changes with their cost and schedule effects. |
| Turnover | Review applicable inspection closeout, punch-list status, warranties, and operation/maintenance information. |
Discuss post-construction support before turnover. Brady also provides commercial facility maintenance, allowing owners to plan repair requests, inspections, and recurring work for the operating building.
Ready to plan the work? Discuss your construction project. Share the property address, intended use, available drawings, target timing, and the work you want included.