If you’re new to commercial construction, congratulations! It’s a thrilling and rewarding experience, but it’s not always easy and it’s certainly not for the faint of heart. Whether you’re paving the way for a new kind of store or expanding on a unique living concept in a new area, the “firsts” can carry with them unique challenges.

As you embark on a “first,” keep these insider tips in mind to help your project go smoothly from start to finish:

• Go local– Hiring an experienced and local general contractor is one of the single best things you can do for your project. They will be able to offer you the best advice and perspective on navigating local rules and regulations, including the permitting process, understanding local politics, weather, and more. A local team understands nuances specific to the area and knows the best way to work through any challenges the project might encounter.
• Define budget expectations – New projects can pose budget challenges either because the building design itself is new or the concept is new to an area, which means there aren’t as many comparable projects from which to base your budget. The best approach in these instances is to partner with an experienced contractor who has access to data that can best inform construction prices.
• Finalize the design– On new projects, it can be tempting to get going even if all of the details haven’t been worked out. Don’t. Finalizing your design and concepts before a project gets off the ground will ensure a much more seamless process. Partner with experts who are able to ask the right questions in order to ensure your design goals are met before beginning construction.

Construction “firsts” can be exciting, but whenever undertaking a project for the first time, proper planning is all the more important. Develop relationships with a local team who will value and follow-through on your best interests.