How to Build Commercial Property

Buy or secure the land. Make sure the land is zoned commercial. If it is not zoned commercial, then you can only build a residential property there. Each city has a zoning and planning division which designates land use as commercial or residential.

Get a survey of the land. The survey will reveal any encumbrances that would require special easements or prohibit development. For instance, if there is a huge rock underground and you want to build in that exact spot, it may be cost prohibitive to do so.

Hire an architect to design and show you different plans for the commercial property that you want to build. For example, if you are building an apartment complex, the architect will not only design the entrance, but also the buildings, lights, play areas, pool, and laundry room. The architect will work closely with you to ensure that your expectations are met.

Enlist the services of a reputable commercial contractor. The contractor should be licensed, bonded, and insured. Draw up a legal contract to make it clear that if work is not completed as promised, the contractor will be penalized. Ask the contractor for a project plan that outlines when activities are to be completed and inspected.

Require updates and reports weekly or monthly from your architect and contractor. If it's a longer project, they should be given more time to report. For example, if your project is 6 months, you might want to require written updates and reports every two weeks.

Require all copies of land and building inspections performed by outside agencies. Each city has a building inspector that monitors work performed for compliance. For example, if a contractor does not install a heating and air conditioning unit properly, it will not be approved by the inspector. You should pay close attention to these reports and ask questions about inspection dates and times.

Visit your site regularly to assess work habits and behavior from your contractors. If you see poor behavior, such as drinking alcoholic beverages at the job site, you will want to address your concerns because the quality of the project is based on details and attention during the building process.