Working in Commercial Construction: What to Expect On-Site

November 29, 2023

Commercial construction includes all sorts of structures that are not single-family or multi-family homes. You might work on small-scale projects, such as retail stores or service businesses. Or you could work on massive buildings, such as hospitals or skyscrapers. Regardless of exactly what type of commercial construction you do, though, on-site expectations are largely the same.

Early Work Hours

Although there are some exceptions, construction crews tend to start early in the morning. This is important in order to maximize daylight since it’s a lot harder to do your best work safely under work lights or other temporary lighting configurations. Of course, the advantage is that you will likely have most evenings free.

Safety Precautions

Safety is key on any job site. When you’re working on a commercial project, especially a larger one that may involve significant heights, it’s even more important. Your foreman or team lead should provide ongoing safety training, as well as any needed personal protective equipment (PPE). Take your training to heart and never work in an unsafe manner, even if you feel pressured to wrap up your tasks.

Teamwork

Commercial construction projects tend to be complex, with many moving parts. Your success depends on your teammates and vice versa. You don’t necessarily have to become close friends, but it’s important to do your part to create an atmosphere of trust and reliability.

Physical Demands

Construction is hard work. You’ll need to be in top physical condition to be successful. You may have to climb ladders or scaffolding, utilize complex safety rigging, or bend and reach into awkward spaces. Before starting a job in commercial construction, consider joining a gym or embarking on a fitness program that will prepare your body for the stress.

Ever-Changing Tasks

No two days on a commercial construction site are ever the same. These jobs go through phases, from planning and permitting to preparing the foundation to creating the interior. And then everything will need to be inspected. Delays are also inevitable. Make sure you’re comfortable with things changing from day to day, and sometimes even hour to hour.

Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is a core skill for any construction worker. Whether a power tool malfunctions or a wall turns out to be out of square, you’ll need the ability to react in real-time. Assessing the situation and then choosing and implementing a solution are all in a day’s work.

Job Security

Talented commercial construction personnel are always in high demand. If you’re good at what you do, you can enjoy strong job security. After all, there will always be buildings to build, even in times of recession.

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At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting professionals in the skilled trades with contractors who need their services throughout the Great Lakes region. If you’re a skilled trade worker looking for your next position, check out our available jobs today!

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Overcoming Common Challenges in Urban Commercial Construction

March 27, 2024

Urban commercial construction brings a whole set of challenges that contractors in the suburbs and rural areas never have to consider. But revitalization is extremely important for urban cores to survive and thrive, so these projects can be quite lucrative. Here are some common difficulties, along with tips to overcome them and remain on good terms with the neighbors. Tight Spaces In urban areas, there simply isn’t as much space to move around. You might have difficulty getting some of your heavy machinery to fit, or your subcontractors could be trying to paint an apartment the size of an average broom closet. Rise to the challenge by thinking outside the box. Carefully survey the entire space before you get started, and develop a detailed project plan in advance. Be sure to include entry and egress routes, alternative ways of getting things done, and even subcontractor schedules that minimize the number of people working in the same space at the same time. Local Regulations Many urban areas have byzantine construction regulations that are confusing and hard to follow. Take the time to research these regulations and understand what you need to do. Then, boil it all down into a simple, easy-to-read document that you distribute to everyone involved. Get to know the local authorities and find someone whom you can call whenever you have questions or concerns. Make sure your team members are ready to pivot if you find out that you missed or misinterpreted something significant. Always have a backup plan. Community Engagement Transparency can go a long way toward getting the local community on your side. Let people know what you’re working on and how it will benefit them. Explain why the project is happening, how long it will take, and whether it will impact their costs (such as taxes). If you’re redeveloping a historic building, be especially sensitive to the concerns of preservationists and meet with them separately to explain your plans. Noise Control You won’t endear yourself to the local community if you’re making a lot of noise when residents are trying to sleep. And remember, even if you’re working on an office building, there could be luxury apartments right next door. Use sound baffling measures to reduce noise. Whenever possible, work during daylight hours. Minimizing Disruptions No matter how careful you are, urban commercial construction projects are inherently disruptive to the neighborhood. But you can mitigate this with careful planning. Try not to block streets during morning or evening rush hours. Be considerate of any upcoming local events. Do your best not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns. When you do need to create a blockage, be sure to put up signage and work as quickly as you can without compromising safety. Need a Skilled Trade Professional? At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and then contact us today!