5 Challenges Commercial Construction Companies Must Overcome

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.

New Pavilion Takes Shape at OK Park

**Originally posted on the Brainerd Dispatch website.

 

Work is progressing on the new pavilion at Oscar Kristofferson Park in Baxter.

Baratto Brothers Construction broke ground on the project in April. Once completed, the pavilion will have a kitchen area, stone columns, and a new patio area.

The city is proposing to match the new picnic shelter, kitchen floor plan, and materials to create a structure matching the one constructed at Whipple Beach Park. Baxter staff researched rental numbers to see how many people were using the pavilion in order to determine the size and seating requirements for a new one.

The project is slated for completion before the Fourth of July.

 


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.

Building Codes 101

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.

5 of the Best Green Building Shifts for 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.

New Commercial Projects Breaking Ground

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.

Superior Construction Projects Happen in 3 Critical Steps

Whether commercial or residential, there are three key steps which absolutely must happen if you’re to expect a superior construction process and a successful project completion. Reaching the end of a large project like a custom built residence or a commercial building on-time and on-budget isn’t a mystery, and it doesn’t happen without proper planning. If you’re looking to start a construction project in the coming year, make sure your contractors are utilizing these three steps to success:

  1. Superior Client-Contractor Relationships – From the very first moments of project conception to the final walk-through, having all parties involved and invested is crucial to having a project run smoothly. This means contractors, subcontractors, clients, design team, etc. – everyone must be on the same page at the same time. In fact, we’d even go so far as to say this is the most important step out of all three. It can mean the difference between a construction process plagued by miscommunications, misinformed ideas, and poor planning – to one that operates smoothly from start to finish.
  2. Make Informed Decisions – When you work with a qualified, quality-driven contractor, your decisions are innately better informed through the years of experience they provide. Not all contractors are made equally, though, so the first informed decision comes from the client as they research their prospective new builders. The key behind this is not getting stuck on the initial price tag, but instead on the ways a qualified contractor will save you money in the long run.
  3. Transparency in Costs – When you have cost transparency with a project as large as commercial or residential construction, not only do you share in the risk/rewards of moving forward, but trust is built between client and contractor. It’s just one of the ways superior client-contractor relationships get built.

You don’t have to take just our word for it on these crucial steps, either. A recent study by the Charles Pankow Foundation and the Construction Industry Institute found similar results as they looked closely at over 200 capital projects to determine how best to achieve project success. While the study was geared toward integrated project delivery, its results are very applicable here.

At Baratto Brothers Construction, we’ve 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 new home or commercial project with a contractor relationship you can rely on for years to come, contact us at 218-692-1070 for a free consultation. Getting the right team on board is key to the success of your project, as we’ve discussed. 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 Builder for Life.

How Superior Commercial Construction Projects Start With Superior Relationships

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.

5 Commercial Construction Trends Happening Now

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.

Baratto Brothers Construction, Inc. Launches Commercial Construction Services

Owner - Jim Baratto

Owner – Jim Baratto

Owner - Ben Baratto

Owner – Ben Baratto

Baratto Brothers Construction owners, Jim Baratto and Ben Baratto, along with Partner and Director of Project Development, Eric Carder, wish to announce the opening of a commercial construction division as well as recent changes to Baratto Brothers Construction, Inc.  With an office and show room in Crosslake, BBC will continue to build custom residential and commercial projects statewide.

 

 

Owner, Jim Baratto started Baratto Brothers Construction in 2002.  Jim’s philosophy of craftsmanship and service has been and remains to be one of surrounding himself with craftsmen and employees that embrace honesty and hard work.  He feels it is BBC’s responsibility to create perfection for clients along with a life time commitment to projects no matter how big or small they are.  Jim possesses B.S. in Industrial Technology from Bemidji State University, a Masters from the University of St. Thomas in Curriculum and Instruction, and is Vocationally Certified through the State of MN in Sheet Metal and The Building Trades. 

Owner, Ben Baratto holds 15 years of industry experience.  Ben is a Bemidji State Graduate with a major in Construction Management.  Ben’s expertise resides in field management and custom carpentry. 

Partner - Eric Carder

Partner – Eric Carder

 

Eric Carder has been recently made Partner in 2014 at Baratto Brothers Construction and is the Director of Project Development.  Carder has been a team member of BBC since 2010 and has 15 years of industry experience.  Carder is a St Cloud State alumnus and is currently working on his MBA.

CFO - Matt Radniecki

CFO – Matt Radniecki

 

Matt Radniecki was recently promoted to CFO of Baratto Brothers Construction.  Radniecki has been with BBC since 2013.  Radniecki’s expertise is in management having earned his B.A. in Business Management from the College of Saint Scholastica as well as eight years of experience. Additionally, Radniecki will be receiving his CMA this spring and serves on the Executive Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Mid-Minnesota Builders Association.

Director of Commercial Construction - Eric Halbert

Director of Commercial Construction – Eric Halbert

 

Returning to the Brainerd Lakes area and joining the BBC team is Eric Halbert as the Director of Commercial Construction. Halbert has 19 years of experience and graduated earning a B.S. in Industrial Technology with a concentration in Construction Management from Bemidji State University. Halbert’s portfolio of completed projects ranges from 50 thousand dollar office build-outs to 12 million dollar retail structures.  Currently, Halbert is providing Project Management Services for the construction of the new Hampton Inn Hotel in Hibbing, MN and breaking ground this week on an addition for American National Bank of Pequot lakes, MN.

Project Development - Leah Nolan Heggerston

Project Development – Leah Nolan Heggerston

 

 

Another addition to the BBC Project Development team is Leah Nolan Heggerston.  Leah has 20 years of experience in Marketing & Sales in the construction and real estate industry.  Leah is a College of Saint Benedicts alumnus.  Heggerston holds a MN real estate license, owns Pallet MN Lumber Mill, and has her own consulting company for land use projects.

 

 

 

Baratto Brothers Construction professionals will to bring the same honesty, integrity, Project Management techniques, craftsmanship and attention to detail to the commercial division that the residential division is known for since established in 2002.Commercial Construction In Brainerd