Call: 219.764.9932 Email: info@therossgrp.com HOME ABOUT SERVICES PORTFOLIO RESOURCES CONTACT Blog 8 Cost Saving Tips for Expanding Industrial Buildings Published On - July 24, 2017 The Ross Group Are you contemplating an expansion of your industrial buildings? First of all, congratulations! Expansion is the goal of any thriving business – it means that your company is growing and ready for an exciting change. But how can you expand your current facility without shelling out a fortune? If you opt for expansion over relocation, then there are some ways to keep your current and future costs low – and therefore maximize the ROI of your expansion project. Consider the following tips that will save you money, both in the short and long term. How to Save Money When Expanding Your Industrial Buildings 1. Develop a Sustainable Master Plan A master plan is meant to be a roadmap that guides decisions throughout the construction process and beyond. The goal of a master plan should be to maximize the efficiency of your facility. A plan keeps your whole team on track for both design and construction, and helps you to avoid major, expensive changes down the line. Start out your plan by identifying key objectives. Consult with managers and supervisors within your company to get an accurate picture of your current and future needs. As you craft this master plan, ask yourself: Where do I see my company 10 years from now? Is the focus of this expansion on aesthetics or efficiency? What future equipment or technology will the expansion need to support? How do I want my facility to appear to employees and customers? What is my budget for this project? Once you have a plan in place, it’s time to start the design and construction process. 2. Design and Construct Shrewdly A solid master plan will come in handy as the design stage of the project begins. Bring this plan with you when you meet with your architect. It can also be helpful to hire a design/build firm to ensure consistency from the design phase right on into construction. Another way to limit unnecessary expenses is to create a safe work environment. Make sure that everyone on your team knows that safety is a top priority on your job site. Accidents create delays, and could lead to extra fines – all of which can be avoided with some extra safety precautions. 3. Think Long Term As you choose materials and styles for your expansion, consider what challenges these will pose over the long term. Weather, labor, and energy efficiency should all be part of your long-term thought process. Invest in materials that will be easy to maintain through the roughest of seasons – and inexpensive to replace when the need arises. Reflect on what materials will require the least amount of labor for your efforts (hint: you may want to consider number 6). And even further down the road, choose materials that will give you the biggest savings in energy efficiency. 4. Bring Your Commercial Contractor in Early There are many benefits to including your contractor early on in the design process. It helps you to avoid costly mistakes, as well as disruptions to your timeline. Because contractors are familiar with the ins and outs of the construction industry, they can tell you which materials are best (and most cost efficient) for your expansion project. They are also up to date on current building codes, which can minimize redesign and other issues later. 5. Maximize Vertical Space If you’re in an area that is already pushing the limits of development, then start looking inward for expansion potential. Many facilities, especially commercial warehouse-style buildings, have a great deal of unused vertical space that can be tapped into. Review your building’s extra space and ask yourself such questions as: What does my floor plan look like? What are my current storage arrangements? What are the dimensions of my unused space? You can also organize your warehouse layout and free up more space to use for expansion. Once you have an idea of the space you have available, you can begin to invest in storage equipment, such as shelves and racks. If you’re interested in a more extensive overhaul of your facilities – such as structural changes – check with your local government’s building codes to see what they will allow. 6. Construct with Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings Pre-engineered metal buildings, or PEMBs, are often an inexpensive solution to expansion. All components of PEMBs are created for projects of all shapes and sizes, and might be the answer to your construction woes. The bottom line is that PEMBs: Go up quickly and easily Require less labor costs Facilitate future expansion Are well-insulated for maximum energy efficiency Stand up under harsh weather conditions Last longer than traditional commercial building materials This sturdy, first-rate material is one of the best investments you can make in your expansion project. 7. Utilize Green Components Building green is more than just environmentally friendly; it is also full of cost benefits. For example, triple-glazed windows will keep more warm or cold air inside your buildings, and cut down on energy costs. Also, LED lights will last longer than normal bulbs, and don’t require as much power to light your industrial space. In addition, many areas offer advantageous tax incentives to businesses who use green building materials. 8. Plan Your Construction During the Off-Season As part of your planning, you will have to decide when to break ground on your expansion project. While it may be easier to do it in the full swing of the construction season, there are definite cost-savings to be had when you choose to begin in the off-season. Materials and labor can be less expensive during the off-season. It will also limit delays, since there will be less competition for materials and deliveries. You can expand your current industrial buildings to accommodate your thriving business without worrying about a hefty price tag. Keep these shrewd and cost-effective tips in mind throughout your design and construction process. Interested in expanding your buildings with pre-engineered steel buildings? Check out this brochure to learn more. NEXT POST How to Outline the Scope of Work for Your Next Construction Project Related Articles SEPTEMBER 18, 2017 10 Reasons You Need Regular Safety Audits on Your Construction Site Safety audits and safe work practices play a key role in keeping your job site safe and ensuring the entire project stays on-track and within budget. 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A solid plan that details work and expectations for each member of your team (commonly known as a scope […] By The Ross Group RECENT POSTS 8 Cost Saving Tips for Expanding Industrial Buildings 24 July, 2017 How to Outline the Scope of Work for Your Next Construction Project 21 August, 2017 10 Reasons You Need Regular Safety Audits on Your Construction Site 18 September, 2017 CATEGORIES Uncategorized (3) The Ross Group 5901 Carlson Ave. Portage, IN 46368 Phone: 219.764.9932 Email: info@therossgrp.com Site Links About Us Safety Our Services Success Stories Resources Contact Us Privacy Policy Subscribe © 2019 The Ross Group | JWM Marketing & Web Design