When you’re a small business owner who is responsible for your building, you likely don’t have a budget for a facility manager. Building maintenance probably isn’t something that hits your to-do list very often, but is still very important to the longevity and cost of building operation.  Having a building maintenance strategy can help you proactively catch repairs, leaks, and heating deficiencies with way less expense out of pocket.

Architects and engineers are smart people who are dedicated to taking the information their clients provide them and designing an aesthetically pleasing and functional building to meet their client’s goals.  In their design specifications, they include specific products for building finishes, which they’ve researched or have experienced, to match the desired outcome expressed by their client.  Typically, these materials or products have also been discussed with and accepted by the client.

Business owners can have a difficult time finding a contractor to complete small projects within their buildings.  Switching out doors, replacing trim, or hanging coat racks are projects that most general contractors put on the back burner as they are busy handling larger projects.  We believe, a business owner would want to use the contractor who built their building, or the subcontractor who was originally involved on the project when a change or repair is needed because these workers already know the building inside and out.  Hence, we created our Customer Service Request System (CSR) for our clients more than a decade ago.

The 2015 Michigan Energy Code, as directed by Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), went into effect Sept 20, 2017.  The changes to the code involve lighting controls of new commercial buildings and remodels with more than 50% lighting alterations in an effort to increase energy savings.  In a nutshell, different areas of a commercial building will need both sensors and a wall switch or dimmer to control lighting.

Three Options to Keep Your Clients Happy During Your Remodel Project

During a commercial remodel, there is more you can do than just posting a good looking “Pardon Our Dust” sign when it comes to your customers and your staff.  We know all too well how it is when you’re trying to run a business, but need to update or reconfigure your working space.  The thought of disrupting business as usual is just too much, and losing out on customer traffic is out of the question.  But never fear, Wolgast has 3 options or solutions to help you get through a remodel with only a little interruption to staff or customers.

In order to maintain a stellar reputation as a professional contractor, speed, quick problem solving and meeting deadlines are critical.  The biggest complaint and almost a disappointing anticipation in our industry is that a job will take longer than estimated.  We strive to disprove that assumption on each and every project.  Here’s one way that we do that.

Companies that offer an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) for their staff members provide an opportunity for their workforce to have a vested interest in their success.  By virtue this creates a long-term incentive for employees to stay with the company and an eagerness to make the company even more successful.

As construction broker companies continue to pop up, they’re coming up short compared to a Design-Build – General Construction (DB-GC) Firm in many important areas for project success.  DB-GCs provide much more control over the schedule and the budget on your project versus a construction services broker.

For over 70 years, Wolgast has developed specialty design and construction services for Medical Practitioners and efficient use of their space.  We keep in mind the patient flow, staff flow, regulatory requirements, and design elements for comfort for all.  Please view the short video linked above that displays our experience and abilities to make your space great for everyone who uses it. 

Short answer is roughly 20% or more.  Through a number of cost saving opportunities, the Design/Build Phased Approach to construction can be the most economical cost- and time-wise, not only saving on Architectural services, but also on the overall construction budget.