Start before construction
Design, permits, procurement and approvals often take as long as the build. The lease, landlord review and long-lead items all sit on the path. Begin planning when you begin looking at spaces.
Our involvement before the lease helps set realistic dates.
Landlord review of drawings and contractor insurance can take weeks, so submit them early.
The critical path
Some tasks cannot start until others finish, for example inspections before closing walls. Long-lead equipment such as switchgear, rooftop units, custom lighting and millwork can control the end date.
We order critical items early and track them weekly.
Shop drawings and sample approvals also take time. Missing a deadline here can delay the entire sequence.
Sequence the trades
Typical order is demolition, rough-in of mechanical and electrical, framing and inspections, drywall, ceilings, finishes, fixtures, testing and cleaning. Delays in one trade pass to the next.
With our own electrical, mechanical, drywall, painting and carpentry crews, we control the handoffs and avoid the gaps that appear when many subcontractors share a site.
Plan for weather and approvals
Winter slows concrete, roof work and deliveries. Inspections and utility connections take time. Build float into the schedule where outside parties are involved.
Do not promise opening dates until permits are in hand.
Winter and spring can bring extra inspection demand, so book inspection dates as early as the authority allows.
Keep it alive
A schedule is a working document. Review it weekly, share it with owners and update it when facts change. Quick decisions on your side keep the schedule intact.
Plan the final two weeks carefully, because testing, cleaning, deficiencies and staff training all happen then.
Questions we hear
How long does a fit-out take?
It depends on scope, permits and lead times. Our featured 40,000+ sq ft office renovation took 8 months.