If you've wanted to expand your retail space for some time, but haven't been satisfied with the offerings currently on the market, you may be wondering whether building from scratch is your best bet. While the process of constructing a brand new building can seem like a far more expensive option than simply purchasing an existing building, the amount of retrofitting that may be necessary for many custom buildings can be cost-prohibitive in some cases.
Tilt up construction, a method that has been around for more than a century, may be able to provide you with an aesthetically appealing building that fulfills all your space and storage needs. Read on to learn more about the process of tilt up construction and some of the factors you'll want to consider when deciding if this is the most cost-effective way to expand your existing retail space.
How Tilt Up Construction Works
Tilt up construction is aptly named. In contrast to site-built buildings, in which crews place bricks, blocks, or 2x4s atop each other and mortar them together to create each wall, tilt up buildings involve the molding of each wall in a single piece. These walls, which are placed flat on the ground after being molded, are then hoisted up with a crane and affixed together to quickly assemble an entire building.
The hardware used to hoist these walls is then removed, while finishing touches like painting, drywall, and plumbing work are performed inside the building. This process can significantly cut down the construction time for large commercial buildings, saving money and minimizing the risk that a natural disaster or heavy storm will cause damage before your new building can be walled or roofed. Tilt up commercial buildings are comparable to modular homes and have many of the same advantages: efficiency, cost savings, and durability.
Factors To Consider
If you're mulling over the idea of a tilt up building as an alternative to retrofitting an existing building, there are a few factors you'll want to take into account.
First, you'll want to consider your budget and retail needs. Many retail businesses, especially franchises, are subject to fairly draconian rules and regulations about their building's "footprint" and the size and setup of display areas. If you're subject to rules like these, finding an existing building that fits the bill (without requiring extensive renovations in the process) can be challenging, and often, building through the tilt up method is your best alternative. On the other hand, those who have very few set-in-stone requirements and a decent supply of used commercial buildings on the market may find it harder to justify a tilt up building using this argument.
You'll also want to take your timeline into account. One of the biggest advantages to tilt up construction is the speed with which it can be performed, perfect for situations where you'll need to relocate quickly (for example, if you're selling your current space or ending your lease). Those who own their current building or are required to provide a certain amount of notice before ending a lease may be freer to explore other building options instead.
Finally, you'll want to consider customization. Unlike the tilt up buildings of previous decades, which could often look like larger versions of their cinderblock components, today's tilt up buildings can incorporate a wide variety of colors, patterns, and decorative elements, from brick veneer to molded gargoyles. Customizing a tilt up building can often be cheaper than customizing a site-built one, so if you'd like your new building to stand out (without breaking the bank), tilt up construction may be the answer.
For those who are interested in expanding their business and very interested in saving money while doing so, constructing a tilt up building can fulfill a number of goals without breaking the bank. You'll want to enlist the help and advice of a concrete contractor to determine your next steps.
Share17 August 2017
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