COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION

We focus on small to mid-sized commercial projects—small new builds (2,000-5,000 sqft), tenant buildouts, remodels, storefronts, specialty installations. Our sweet spot is the $1 to $5 million range where relationship and customization matter. We're not competing for eight-figure jobs that require heavier bonding and critical path management we're not familiar with. We take on projects where trust and craftsmanship make the difference.

Commercial projects often move faster than residential work because business owners are more decisive and there's less emotional attachment to finishes. A small tenant buildout might take 2-3 months from permit to completion. Larger remodels with significant ADA or fire suppression work can stretch to 4-6 months. Timeline depends heavily on scope, permitting, and whether you need to stay open during construction.

ADA compliance is a major factor—accessible restrooms, ramps, proper door widths. Fire suppression systems add significant cost, especially in kitchens. Egress requirements can force door widening or additional exits. Commercial HVAC for restaurants—vent hoods, fire suppression, walk-in coolers—adds up quickly. Any project going in for permit will need to meet current ADA standards, so factor that into your budget from day one.

Depends on the scope. We can work after hours, section off parts of your space, or help you make temporary arrangements for customers. If you're serving food, we're mindful of fumes, dust, and containment. It's about protection of open spaces and whatever level of separation your business needs. We'll work with you to minimize disruption and keep revenue flowing.

Realistic budgets vary widely based on use and finishes. A raw space buildout for a storefront might start at $100-150 per square foot. Restaurant buildouts with commercial kitchens can run $200-300+ per square foot due to HVAC, fire suppression, and specialized equipment. Tenant improvements where infrastructure exists are less expensive than building from scratch. We'll work through your budget during estimating and find ways to deliver what you need.

Yes. Commercial clients appreciate transparency, and T&M allows the budget to be locked in for most line items while still accommodating unknowns—especially in older buildings where electrical and plumbing can surprise you. We figure out almost all costs during pre-construction, so even on T&M, your budget is solid. You get flexibility without the guesswork.

Standard building permits, same as residential. But commercial work gets extra scrutiny based on usage. ADA compliance, fire safety, egress—these all get reviewed closely. Restaurant projects need health department approval. Some uses require zoning variances. The fire department is its own entity within permitting and can be tough to work with. We handle the applications and inspections so you don't have to navigate that maze.

We're dual-licensed—CRC for residential, BC for commercial. We bring residential-level craftsmanship and communication to commercial projects. Most commercial builders focus on volume and low bids; we focus on relationships and custom work. You'll get the same in-house carpenters, open-book budgeting, and project management we bring to high-end residential clients. If your project is in that $1-5M range and you value trust over the lowest bid, we're your contractor.