5 Challenges Commercial Construction Companies Must Overcome

by | Jul 29, 2016 | Commercial Construction, General Construction

Commercial construction is a complex, and ever-evolving industry. New commercial buildings go up every day, but very few people understand what goes on behind the scenes. Only those in the construction industry fully understand the hurdles construction managers must clear in order to build a structurally-sound commercial building on-time and on-budget. Here’s a breakdown of the top five challenges today’s commercial construction manager must overcome.

Going Green

Green building has been expanding over recent years, including the commercial construction realm. There are a myriad new products and technologies which can be implemented into a new commercial building to make it more efficient. In addition, a number of strict laws have been put in place to protect both the natural environment and public health. It’s important for project managers to have a clear understanding of permit requirements and environmental requirements they must adhere to and oversee. Failure to do so can delay a project, harm a company’s reputation, and lead to potential fines, civil action, or even criminal prosecution.

Government Regulation & Outside Pressure

Commercial contractors today face increasing government regulation from federal, state, county, and local governments. From restrictive local building codes and licensing requirements to permit requirements, environmental and safety laws and more. Adhering to these regulations can prove to be costly and limiting at times.

Social and political pressures can impact a job’s timeline more today than in the past. Projects can be stalled as a result of community or political pressure. Everyone from adjacent property owners, businesses, or institutions—as well as civic organizations and community groups may want their say in the process. It’s wise to have an understanding of the moving parts concerned so any rising issues can easily be dealt with.

Safety & Health Concerns

There are more fatal injuries in construction than any other industry. On any given day there are roughly 252,000 active construction sites and 6.5 million workers exposed to workplace safety hazards like falls, trench or scaffold collapses, electrical shock, and injuries tied to equipment use or repetitive or strenuous motion.

In addition to human suffering, the financial hit construction companies take from workplace accidents is astronomical. It’s estimated that accidents annually account for $10 billion in construction costs.

While accidents can and will happen, commercial construction managers must prioritize workplace safety protocol and take precautions for the sake of their workers and business. Most workplace accidents or deaths are found to be avoidable if training or safety measures were implemented properly.

Skilled Worker Shortage

Here at Baratto Brothers, we’re fully aware a commercial contractor’s greatest asset is their team. While we’ve been lucky when it comes to finding (and keeping) highly-skilled and experienced employees, construction itself is often seen as a less-than-desirable industry to get into. The work is physically demanding, dirty, and can be downright dangerous. Projects are inconsistent and there is always that threat of a lull with incoming work when seasons change or if there’s an economic downturn.

Time is Money  

When a commercial construction company is hired by a property owner or tenant, a return on that party’s investment is expected. Lost revenue due to delays contributing to the loss of customers, clients, or tenants is unacceptable. This often means a high volume of work must be completed within a tight time frame on a strict budget. Construction project managers have the responsibility of setting forth a comprehensive plan. Then, they must closely monitor progress to ensure they stay on track and can swiftly react when something goes sideways.

Construction involves a bunch of interdependent activities cohesively coming together as one in the end. Naturally, this presents challenges other industries typically don’t encounter. Seasonal weather, remote sites with access issues, occupied work spaces, neighboring properties, and equipment breakdown or malfunction are just a few potential challenges. Any one of them can wreak havoc on a day’s productivity and the project’s overall timeline. It’s up to the commercial project manager be prepared to identify changing conditions and upcoming challenges, then mitigate their impact.

Let us help

As you can see, commercial construction is a complicated, challenging, and ultimately rewarding industry. If you’re interested in starting a new commercial construction project, renovation, or just curious about what we offer at Baratto Brothers, contact us today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’re here to help you sift through your options, and come up with an affordable plan that delivers the results you’re looking for. We’ll do everything we can to become your Commercial Builder for Life.

Back to Blog Home »

Are LED Lights Worth the Investment?

by | Jul 22, 2016 | Commercial Construction, General Construction, Homeowner

If you weren’t aware, incandescent lighting is gradually being phased out. As of 2012, the US government passed regulation ceasing the production of 100-watt incandescent bulbs. It was followed shortly by the 75-watt in 2013, the 40-watt in 2014. While you still may be able to find these bulbs in stores for the moment, the regulation means once they’re gone—they’re gone. This in turn leaves us with the question—which replacement bulb is best? Are LED lights worth the hype?

Energy savvy consumers were switching from incandescents long before these regulations went into effect. Originally, most people began switching to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. This is because Light Emitting Diodes (LED) bulbs were much more expensive and harder to come by. However, LED’s have been gaining popularity with their energy savings, and versatility.

How Do LEDs Compare to CFLs?

One of the more interesting comparisons LEDs have to CFLs has to do with perception. Unlike CFLs, LED lighting doesn’t have the negative association with poor mood lighting and quality (think flickering and non-starting). Many interior designers and homeowners remember how poor the early fluorescent lighting was, and aren’t able to get over the stigma. LEDs put off wonderful light, can be dimmed, and even colored. Their light is strong and consistent.

Ever try to start up a CFL in high humidity or really cold weather? They don’t work well, right? Not so with LEDs. According to most manufacturers, LEDs do extremely well in cold weather (for sure down to 20 degrees). LED lights have already replaced incandescents in refrigerator and freezers all over the US.

Another thing to note: CFLs contains mercury (which is toxic), where LEDs don’t. Also, CFLs generate twice as much carbon dioxide emissions (via the coal utilities burn to create the electricity). So if helping the environment is a purpose for choosing between the two, LEDs have CFLs beat.

In order to accurately compare efficiency between LEDs and CFLs, we need to consider the new Federal Trade Commission light bulb packaging standards, which now stress lumens over wattage, and hours of lifespan.

Here’s an example comparing a generic LED to a generic CFL of similar lumens:

9 Watt LED – 470 Lumens – 25,000 hour lifespan ($7.50 – $9.99)

10 Watt CFL – 520 Lumens – 8,000 hour lifespan ($7.99 – $8.99)

As you can see, while the two are comparable in price, wattage (output), and lumens. However, their lifespan is vastly different. Not long ago, the overall savings between CFL and LED was pretty nominal. However, that gap is closing every year. You decide if the lifespan or the environment is worth a few extra dollars.

LEDs Light the Way

It’s no mystery why so many people view LEDs as the future of lighting. For starters, they’re highly efficient. One LED bulb can use the equivalent wattage of up to eight incandescents and last for an absurdly longer period of time—upward of 50,000 hours of use coming from each. They’re also considered far safer, as they burn much cooler than incandescent bulbs.

With the price coming down as the technology gets better and reaches market saturation, LEDs will beat CFLs, hands down. They’ll replace both indoor and outdoor lighting for homes and commercial properties. Have you made the switch yet?

 

We’re Here to Help

Baratto Brothers Construction knows lighting deeply impacts a home’s ambiance and energy output. We want our clients to make informed decisions when enhancing their home to fit their needs. If you’d like to learn more, contact us today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’ll do all we can to become your Builder for Life.

Back to Blog Home »

5 Reasons Building Maintenance Gets Ignored – And Why It Shouldn’t

by | Jul 1, 2016 | Commercial Construction, General Construction, Homeowner

Last week we talked about storm damage and the repairs that can come afterward. This week, let’s talk about a closely related subject—building maintenance. This subject is relevant to both commercial and residential buildings alike. You may be surprised to know the reasons building maintenance goes ignored is largely the same for both groups.

Let’s face it, the main reason maintenance doesn’t happen is because it’s not glamorous. In fact, it’s pretty boring for most people. With nearly 15 years of experience in construction, we’ve heard every reason under the sun as to why homes and buildings weren’t kept up. Ultimately, they can be boiled down to these 5 top reasons. Which are you guilty of?

Maintenance Lapses

  1. We forget. In this instance, the home or business owner is aware regular maintenance should be done, but for one reason or another, it gets forgotten. Perhaps you’re too busy, or you just haven’t gotten around to hiring someone to do it. Maybe you don’t have a system in place, even though you always meant to. Any way you look at it, the maintenance gets overlooked until it becomes a problem—regardless of the well-meaning attitude at the start.
  2. We ignore it. You know the old saying, “Ignorance is bliss”? A lot of people use the excuse of ignorance for why they don’t keep up on the necessary maintenance of their residential or commercial buildings. Maybe they truly don’t know how or they don’t know anyone who can help them.
  3. We don’t think it’s needed. This is typically a group of people who have taken an “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” mentality. While there can be some truth to the matter, it’s not always the truth. In fact, it can lend itself straight back to ignorance not being your friend. Unless you take the time to get out and have a close look, how will you know what needs fixing?
  4. We thought someone else was doing it. This is a variation of the ignorance is bliss version, but with a purpose. Perhaps you’ve hired someone to be doing the maintenance, while you’re doing what you do best. While it’s still ignorance, you were expecting your paid employee or contractor to be doing their job.
  5. Funds are low. Sometimes repairs and upkeep can be costly. Other times, you’d rather put your hard earned money to use in different ways. Often, we have to balance the demands of many competing needs and maintenance doesn’t even make the list. While it’s understandable, maintenance costs will sooner or later catch up. Likely, with a higher price tag due to disrepair. It’s best to prioritize at least some cash, however little, towards monthly maintenance. This way, you can ward off those heftier fees down the road.

Obviously, letting repairs and regular upkeep lapse can cause potential problems with much higher price tags down the road. Getting over these typical mindsets so you’re able to get on track is a good start. Figure out which “reasons” you identify with most and write down a few ways you can overcome them. Then get started today.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re in need of making home repairs due to disrepair, Baratto Brothers can help get your home or commercial building back on track. Contact us today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’re here to help come up with an affordable plan to repair, remodel, or rebuild to your specifications. We’ll do all we can to become your Builder for Life.

 

Back to Blog Home »

Building Codes 101

by | Jun 3, 2016 | Commercial Construction, General Construction, Homeowner

Anyone who’s ever built a new home or renovated an existing one is more than likely familiar with the concept of building codes and the term of getting things, “brought up to code.”

The way codes are developed have changed a lot over the years. We’re learning what works and what doesn’t every single day, which is why you’ll find new codes hitting the books all the time. This ever-changing landscape can cause a bit of a headache for those engrossed in a building or renovation project. The good news, however, is once a homeowner or contractor submits project plans, the codes in place at the time of approval are the ones enforced at project completion. In essence, this means even if a standard changes in the middle of construction, you only need to know what was required before. If at any point you need to submit new plans, however, all bets are off, and you are required to bring your project up to the current code.

Before building codes were put in place, contractors and homeowners were left to their own devices when constructing buildings. In some cases, this meant buildings ended up less safe than they should have been. In the early 1900’s, after a period of many disastrous fires resulted in significant loss of life, fire codes were set into motion. For the protection of the people, further building codes for other safety purposes were developed off the backs of those early fire codes. Certain regions are prone to tornadoes (like we are here in Minnesota), earthquakes, or other natural disasters. Many building codes developed to not only protect the occupants from localized problems such as faulty wiring, structural issues, etc., but larger scale natural disasters as well.

2015 International Building Code BookIn 1994, the three American safety standard groups that handled the minimum safety standards for their regions (BOCA, ICBO, and SBCCI, respectively) merged to form the International Code Council (ICC) so they could develop one national code. The first edition of the International Building Code was published in 1997, and new editions (which includes both new and existing buildings, as well as dwellings no taller than three stories) are published every three years.

Despite this emergence of the ICC, that doesn’t mean every city follows the exact same rules, though. Instead, they are there as a template for various locales to develop their own rules as they make sense in their own region. However, if any city or town adopts the ICC’s rules, it also means they must adhere to the various extended codes as well. The International Building Code is hundreds of pages long and references the National Electric Code, the International Plumbing Code, and the National Fire Protection Association standards as well as their own recommendations.

Here are just a few of the sections the International Building Code touches on:

  • Fire Prevention
  • Plumbing
  • Accessibility
  • Energy Efficiency
  • Mechanical
  • Building Heights and Areas
  • Interior Finishes
  • Materials Used in Construction
  • Foundation, Wall, and Roof Construction

Whether you’re planning to renovate or build, all plans must be submitted to the local municipality so they can be reviewed to make sure the plan adheres to the local code requirements.

In both commercial and residential projects, a building inspector will review a completed project to make sure it complies once the project is completed. Often times, particularly for a commercial project, a building inspector may even stop in to check on the site while it’s still a work in progress, to ensure codes are being adhered to.

This process of learning the codes and applying them can be overwhelming for some first-time renovators, but it’s not to be taken lightly. Some may want to forge ahead and start work without going through the proper channels for a variety of reasons. While it may seem appealing at first blush, getting caught without a permit and not following code can mean redoing portions of completed work or, in some cases, tearing everything down and having to start again. It’s always better be safe than sorry, even if you’re initially confused with the process. Luckily for homeowners unfamiliar with the local codes, the process of obtaining a building permit will tell you specifically what needs to be done to follow the building code in your area.

Ultimately, remember, building codes were put in place to make building and renovating safer for those who reside and utilize the building. Most of the time, the cost of learning what works and what doesn’t work meant at some point, someone got hurt.

If you’re looking for a construction team who knows the ins and outs of building codes and the differences from city to city, contact Baratto Brothers today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’re here to help you sift through your options, and come up with an affordable plan that delivers the results you’re looking for. We’ll do everything we can to become your Builder for Life.

Back to Blog Home »

5 of the Best Green Building Shifts for Commercial Construction

by | May 27, 2016 | Commercial Construction

The interest in building sustainably has grown exponentially over the past decade and it’s not likely it will go away. Gone are the days when building green meant paying out big bucks with little or no return on the investment. Now, not only is sustainable building more affordable, it will actually save companies money over time. Add on top the tax breaks, rebates, grants, and other incentives that exist out there—your company would be crazy not to jump on the bandwagon. This doesn’t mean all of the options out there will mean monetary gains, and not all green advancements are made equal. Here in the United States, we have a rating system in place by the US Green Building Council and it’s known as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). Many other countries around the world have similar systems as well–like the UK and France.

So with all the new products, advancements, and technologies happening on the green commercial building front, what are some of the best ones out there? Let’s take a look.

  1. Passive Solar – Unlike solar panels, passive solar designs do not require any type of a device to utilize the energy of the sun. The passive part comes in by taking the time to watch the sun’s path as it’s rays would strike the newly constructed building. The design of a passive solar building will take all variations of the sun’s path throughout the day, and throughout differing seasons, to make the most use of its power so it can be an integral part of lighting the building, and even heating and cooling it as well. There are a lot of variables at play in this type of design, and many that need to be considered. However, the payoff can be substantial—not only in money saved, but even in the way it affects the moods of those who work inside the building.
  2. Green Building Software – With all of the hundreds of pages to read in the LEED Green Interior and Construction guide, is it any wonder companies have developed collaborative software designed to make it easier to understand? One of the most well-known is a cloud-based program known as Sefaira Concept. It allows designers to set up scenarios that show the costs and benefits of using different energy sources, types of water usage, and overall helping commercial buildings live up to their full potential.
  3. HVAC Redesigns – Traditional HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) systems can be energy efficient, but there are alternatives on the market called chiller boiler systems which have a better green record. This type of system is hydronic, which is similar to the older hydronic radiators, but instead of hot water, they use radiant heat. The downside of a chiller boiler is they’re best for small commercial buildings, as they haven’t produced cost-effective ones for larger ones.
  4. Sustainable Insulation – Here in Minnesota, having good insulation is critical, and it’s not just to be kind to the environment. Luckily, there are lots of sustainable options now on the market. Some reuse materials to convert into fire retardant insulation (such as recycled plastic bottles, newspapers, or even your old denim blue jeans!). There’s also insulation made directly from plant-based fibers. Some manufacturers are producing insulation from straw, hemp, and even flax.
  5. Mycoform – What would you think about walls themselves being made out of plant materials? Mycoform technology involves actually growing building materials using mycelium, a fungal spore. The fungal spore feeds off a waste material of choice, inside a mold, then it fills up the space. It’s then heat-treated to kill the spore, leaving behind a strong brick, plate, or other shape. They’re inexpensive and require nothing toxic to make. One downside could be the fact they are biodegradable, so caution needs to be used when deciding what material(s) the molds are made from, or where the mycoform walls are placed in relation to the elements. This technology is in an experimental phase, but it will be interesting to see what other options come out of it in the future.

As you can see, green building designs for commercial construction is not only doable, but can be worth the investment. If you’re interested in starting a new commercial construction project, renovation, or just curious about what we offer at Baratto Brothers, contact us today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’re here to help you sift through your options, and come up with an affordable plan that delivers the results you’re looking for. We’ll do everything we can to become your Commercial Builder for Life.

Back to Blog Home »

New Commercial Projects Breaking Ground

by | Apr 15, 2016 | Commercial Construction, Press Releases

Here are Baratto Brother’s Construction, we’re always up to something new. This spring, in addition to many new custom homes going up, we also have a number of new commercial construction projects breaking ground that we’re excited to tell you about.

We’re very pleased to announce the recent approval by the Isanti County Board of Commissioners hiring us to handle the complete renovation of the former Hayford Ford dealership building on South Main Street in Cambridge. Phase one of the renovation project began last week as we create a new Sheriff Administration Office from the old dealership location. This new space will provide much needed space for offices for the department, as well as interview rooms, an evidence locker, armory, indoor vehicle storage for Sheriff vehicles and evidence gathering, locker rooms, and SWAT storage. This phase of the renovation is expected to wrap up in September, at which time we can move on to the next phase of this large project.

Once the new Sheriff office renovation has been completed and moving has finalized, we’ll also be remodeling and upgrading the current 911 Dispatch Center, which is housed in the current Sheriff’s office. This upgrade will allow the Dispatch Center to expand into the space, and utilize it as their needs demand. This second phase of the project is estimated to begin in October of this year wrap up by February of 2017.

New Commercial ConstructionIn addition to the Isanti Sheriff Office, we’re also excited to say we’ve recently broke ground at the Oscar Kristofferson Park in Baxter, where we’re building a new pavilion to enhance the park. Once completed, the pavilion will have a kitchen area, stone columns, and a new patio area as well.

Progress also continues at Madden’s Resort, as we work on Wilson Bay Lodge, Pemmican Room, Wilson Bay North (40 units), and multiple cabins throughout the resort site.

If you’d like to see photos of our current projects as they’re underway, head over to our Facebook Page and take a look or visit our Current Projects page.

 

If you’re looking to start a new commercial construction project, renovation, or just curious about what we offer at Baratto Brothers, contact us today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’re here to help you sift through your options, and come up with an affordable plan that delivers the results you’re looking for. We’ll do everything we can to become your Commercial Builder for Life.

Back to Blog Home »

How Superior Commercial Construction Projects Start With Superior Relationships

by | Dec 11, 2015 | Commercial Construction

At Baratto Brothers Construction, we’ve been around the construction industry long enough to know that superior construction doesn’t happen by accident. It happens as a result of a superior client/contractor relationship. We’ve been fortunate to cultivate some lifelong construction partnerships with our clients over the years and we’ve got some thoughts on why relationships like these matter.

  • Advice you can trust. When you have trust built between you and your commercial contractor, everything runs more smoothly. Communication is key. Not only do open lines of communication benefit you throughout the entire project, but you can also trust the advice you receive from the start. Your commercial contractor has years of experience not only in construction, but with many other aspects of the project you may not have considered. They have a big picture view of what your project may entail, which is why having a great relationship with your contractor is extremely important. It can save you more than just money; your relationship can save a lifetime of headaches from ever developing.
  • Location help. If you’re starting your commercial project from the ground up, finding the right location can be crucial. You wouldn’t want to buy land, only to find out it can’t be used for its intended purpose. Your contractor should be able to offer you some very specific tips, as well as being willing to view land with you before you buy. They may see potential problems with the land, or give you the go-ahead to set your mind at ease.
  • Finding the right subcontractors. A commercial contractor who’s been in business for a while will have a good knowledge base of the subcontractors in and around the area who will get the job done right the first time. Often times, when an initial low bid comes in, it can look very enticing; especially when you’re trying to keep things lean. Unfortunately, a low-ball initial bid can come with sub-par work, which ends up costing more in the end. By having a contractor on your side who’s got your back, relying on their advice for subcontractor hires can save you a ton of time and money. Not only will they know which subcontractors to use (and those to possibly avoid), they’ll also know which ones are best suited for your project, too, based on the expectations you set together.
  • Better expectations. Having great communication with a commercial contractor you trust sets the entire project up with better expectations. In this way, clients and contractors work together to determine the most important parts of the process. By doing so, everyone will be on the same page for identifying where (and how much) money should be allocated. This could be determined in a number of ways, but as an example, you wouldn’t treat a restaurant the same way you’d treat a retail store. A store may require more money allocated into lighting, where a restaurant may be finishing ambiance and HVAC equipment. In the end, with better expectations all around, your contractor can deliver the superior results you’re looking for.
  • Identifying potential savings. Saving money, especially in the building process, is always a welcome relief. When you’re working with a commercial contractor who has a good pulse on the project, they’ll be able to see ways you can save on your project, and still get the results you want. Some of this has to do with having clearer expectations of the project’s most important aspects, but it’s much more than that. As we stated earlier, your contractor will have contacts within the industry, whether they’re subcontractors, mortgage lenders, or even real estate advisers. All of these contacts mean you have a broader talent base from which to pull from who are already a trusted group because your contractor approves of their work.

Baratto Brothers Construction has been building superior homes in the Brainerd Lakes Area since 2002 and we’ve extended that excellence to commercial construction in recent years. If you’re looking to build a commercial construction relationship you can rely on for years to come, contact us at 218-692-1070 for a free consultation. Getting the right team for your next commercial construction project doesn’t have to be daunting, or tedious. We’re here to help make it as easy and stress-free as possible. It’s just one of the many ways we work hard to become your Commercial Builder for Life.

Back to Blog Home »

Baratto Brothers Commercial Financing Tips

by | Dec 4, 2015 | Commercial Construction, Financing & Lending

Getting commercial financing for your business venture may seem a bit daunting to those who’ve never tread those waters before. In fact, just knowing when to start can be a bit of a question. Do you start early when you’re company is still in startup phase? Wait until your business is established? Do you apply before you need the funds? Or wait until there’s a pressing need?

In truth, finding a lender for your business really comes down to what you need the financing for. For some, this may mean startup costs and getting a location. For others, it could mean adding additional supplies, staff, and equipment; or even expanding into a new building.

Regardless of your reasons, we’ve got a few tips we’d like to offer based on our years of experience working with lenders for our clients.

  • Start local. Getting good financing can ultimately come down to relationships. When you’re on the hunt for commercial financing, check out all of the specials and deals with your local banks and credit unions. Often times, they’ll understand your need better than a larger bank. Be sure to find a lender who has an understanding of your industry, too. They’re knowledge will ultimately be beneficial in structuring your financial solution and maximizing the credit available to you.
  • Build a report early. Once you’ve found the perfect lender, start talking to them as early as possible. Ideally, months (or even years) before you need their assistance. As we said, having a relationship with your lender will not only help you get better deals, but you’ll also have a much better overall picture of the process.
  • Get clarity. This is also known as Business Planning time. In order to get financing for your commercial project, you’re going to need to get clear about your business plan and goals. You’ll need to get very detailed and have a clear vision of how your business is going to succeed and how the loan will help impact that success.
  • Know your objectives. You’ll want to write out an objective for your lender to gain financing from them. This helps them gain a better understanding of how you plan to execute your overall business purpose and impact your target market. This usually includes a details about how you plan to run your business, how many people you need to make your plans happen (and whether you need to hire more or not), and how you intend to generate cash flow to pay back the loan
  • Economic Cash Flow Assessment. Completing an economic cash flow assessment is crucial to gaining commercial financing. This basically shows your lender why you believe your future business will positively impact the community it’s going to affect. It also shows how you intend to manage money and how you’ll handle things if something was to go wrong.
  • Submit a resume. This one may sound a little strange at first, but it makes sense. Giving your lender a history of your employment will help them to better understand how your experiences have brought you to this point and why you’re a good fit for financing the specific business your proposing. By telling your personal work story, you’ll be able to give more perspective to your lending agent.
  • Personal finances. When applying for commercial financing, you’ll still need to be prepared to have your personal financial records looked over. You’ll be submitting last year’s taxes, as well as a number of bank statements determined by your commercial lender. Be prepared to have your personal credit score reviewed when applying. If your credit score is less than appealing, consider taking steps to improve your score before applying for your business loan. There are a number of ways to acquire your credit score for free. Your best bet is with AnnualCreditReport.com, which is federally authorized.
  • Have a co-signer. If your credit score could use a bump, but you don’t want to wait – consider taking on a business partner to co-sign your commercial loan. Choose wisely, as their credit score needs to be in tip-top shape, too.
  • Collateral. When applying, you’ll need to think like a lender. Do you have anything in your name that could be used as collateral for your new loan? This is basically anything that gives your lender assurance you’ll pay back the money. It could be something as simple as jewelry, to a car title, home equity, or even property. But remember, don’t gamble with your collateral unless you’re willing to let it go.
  • Apply. Once you have all of the other steps in order, it’s time to officially apply with your bank or credit union. Get in touch with your lender and have them start the process. Because of the all the advanced leg-work you’ve done, applying should be a breeze and the relationship you’ve cultivated could mean a fantastic financing arrangement for you and your business.

Here at Baratto Brothers, we’ve worked with lenders of all shapes and sizes; local and not-so-local. If you’re looking to finance a commercial construction project, feel free to give us a call at 218-692-1070 and we’d be happy to give you suggestions and recommendations. We know how daunting financing a commercial project can be, especially if it’s new to you – but we’re here to help you every step of the way. It’s just one of the ways Baratto Brothers Construction works hard at becoming your Commercial Builder for Life.

Back to Blog Home »

5 Commercial Construction Trends Happening Now

by | Nov 13, 2015 | Commercial Construction

Commercial construction trends have been fluctuating over the past decade. Ever since the market crash and the building bubble burst a few years back, the commercial construction industries have been trying to recover. Now that we’re in 2015, here at Baratto Brothers, we’ve been noticing some uplifting trends happening. But you don’t have to take our word for it. According to Dodge Data and Analytics, the commercial construction industry is poised to increase by 11% going into 2016 – which is great news for everyone.

But where will we see this new growth happening? We’ve been asked what trends we’ve seen in the commercial construction industry this year, so without further ado, here’s our Baratto Brothers Construction list of trends as we head into 2016.

  1. Green is in. Regardless of the type of commercial construction, all across the country we’re seeing a trend toward green and smart building design. The Brainerd Lakes Area is no exception. It seems everyone wants to incorporate some aspect of green construction and this can be anything from sustainable building materials, utilizing renewable energy options, or energy efficient designs, appliances, and materials, or incorporating recycled products and building materials. We’re not just seeing this trend in new construction, either – renovations and remodels are also finding unique ways to ride the green wave.
  2. Renovations. Retail renovations have been making a comeback in 2015, and we predict that we’ll see this happening as we go forward into 2016. Many of the commercial construction projects we’ve seen are in retail renovations, and especially restaurants and hospitality. This has been a good year to modernize, freshen up, and streamline their look and feel to be more effective, and efficient – not to mention beautiful.
  3. Multi-family housing. Just take a drive around the Brainerd Lakes Area, or meander through any city in Minnesota and you’ll see the growth happening in the multi-family housing sector. Large apartment complexes and townhomes are popping up all over. Do you have one in your neighborhood?
  4. Restaurants. New restaurant construction is up, as well as renovations. We’ve had the privilege of working on a number of them this past year, too. Watch our commercial construction gallery page for updates to the projects we’ve been working on this year.
  5. Tech time. Technology is making its way into the construction industry and has been for a number of years. From enhancing project management, to increasing productivity, and even keeping our workers safe with various mobile apps and SaaS (Software as a Service). In addition, more and more smart homes and smart commercial buildings are going up, requiring a higher level of technology sophistication. Don’t be surprised to see more iPads and laptops at job sites as the commercial construction industry gets more advanced with tying technology in with projects.

If you’re looking to start a new commercial construction project, renovation, or just curious about what we offer at Baratto Brothers, contact us today by filling out our contact form, stopping in to say hello, or by giving us a call at (218) 692-1070. We’re here to help you sift through your options, and come up with an affordable plan that delivers the results you’re looking for. We’ll do everything we can to become your Commercial Builder for Life.

Back to Blog Home »