Top Tips for a Commercial Development
Building a new commercial property is a big investment — and how you plan it can make or break your timeline and budget.
Here are the top six tips for your success.
1. Choose the Right Site
Choosing the right site for your business is more than just proximity and visibility to residence and businesses.
Before you design your building, make sure your lot is truly build-ready:
- Understand local zoning and setbacks to ensure your site is zoned for your intended use
- Consider what restrictions, if any, are a factor in the lot such as easements, building height restrictions, or protected environmental areas such as wetlands
- Check soil conditions for hazards or other potential environmental risks that may need remediation
- Confirm access for large trucks and equipment
- Ensure utilities are accessible or can be tied in to your site
- Consider potential future developments in the area that could impact your business.
A good site can save you time and thousands of dollars in unexpected site work costs.
Having these answers in the preplanning stage will prepare you for success as your project moves forward
2. Invest in Quality Site Work
Site work is the foundation of your entire project — literally!
High-quality site work will prioritize a multifaceted approach of soil conditions, grading and drainage, environmental impacts and regulatory compliance.
Don’t cut corners when it comes to:
- Clearing and grubbing the lot
- Grading and Excavation
- Utility installation
- Erosion control and drainage
Proper grading and stormwater management help protect your new building for decades to come.
Recommended Reading: Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Site Work Before You Build
3. Get Permits and Approvals Early
Each state and town in has its own requirements for commercial projects, from site plan review to stormwater permits.
Work with local engineers and an experienced contractor who understands your region’s codes so you avoid delays and fines.
If your site abuts wetlands or waterways you need additional planning and possibly meeting with local conservation commissions.
4. Plan for New England Weather
Our unpredictable weather — heavy rain, snow, freeze-thaw cycles — means you need a realistic timeline and solid plan for excavation, drainage and erosion control.
Experienced contractors know how to keep your site safe and your project moving forward, during all of New England’s seasons.
You can’t control the weather, but an experienced contractor should help you create a solid reasonable plan.
5. Hire an Experienced Commercial Contractor
Choosing the right contractor for your job goes deeper than picking someone who is licensed and ensured. Experience matters.
A reputable contractor will:
- Have the right equipment and crew, especially for larger jobs
- Follow strict safety standards, especially on busy sites, including a properly trained and supervised crew
- Have a comprehensive detailed project plan
- Communicate clearly with you, your architect and engineers
- Stay on top of changing local codes and environmental rules
6. Budget for the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, surprises happen — unstable soil, buried debris, or utility conflicts can pop up.
Build a contingency into your budget so you’re ready to handle surprises without blowing your timeline.
Why Work With Construction Solutions, Inc.?
We’re more than just an excavation company — we offer full-service commercial site work and design build construction. We also offer post-construction maintenance and management services.
Our team understands local codes, site conditions, and what it takes to keep big commercial projects moving safely and efficiently.
At Construction Solutions, Inc., we help business owners and developers across Massachusetts, Southern NH, and Southern ME navigate every stage, from site work to final construction.
