drywall framing

Considering An Office Loft Conversion?

What Is A Loft Conversion?

A loft conversion is the process of turning a non-office building into a workable office space. These offices in loft spaces can include warehouses, docks, factories, or other industrial buildings that are transformed into a unique and trendy workspace. The idea became popular in the SoHo neighborhood of New York City in the 1960s. Today, it has continued to be a popular way of gaining more space and creating interesting and architecturally unique office spaces. Converting empty loft space is a great way to maximize your office and gain some extra space.

The Office Remodeling Process

We can guide you through the process and can assist with design, and feasibility. There are some minimum requirements in regards to the pitch of the roof and the head space that determine whether the loft area can be converted into an area that can be used for office space or residential living.

By opening up a larger space in your building you can maximize the space and even sublet or share the area. Shared offices with some communal facilities is gaining popularity as it offers a great deal of versatility for start up or micro businesses. Shared offices with complementary businesses offer the opportunity for collaboration, networking and reduced overheads.

If you have a loft space that you think would be great for converting to an office, contact Stages Construction. Our experienced construction team will come and inspect your property and talk through the different options that are available. We can work within your budget to ensure that you get maximum value out of your office remodeling project.

inside of gym after remodel

The Benefits of a Clean Worksite

When you think of a construction site, most people picture a huge amount of mess, dust and dirt. However, it doesn’t have to be this way. At STAGES Construction, we are proud of our commitment to cleaning our worksite every day.  We understand that the success of any commercial construction project lies in the small details. 

For us, that starts with a clean worksite.

A Clean Construction Site Is Key

We are passionate about the many benefits that come with a clean worksite. Here are three reasons why we feel it’s so important.

Safety

The first priority of all worksites should be safety. Work sites are inherently dangerous and even a minor mistake can cause a serious injury. Ensuring that there is a system and routine to the cleaning and clearing of the worksite can prevent injuries and protect workers and other visitors to the site. A clean environment can provide a greater fire prevention and improved health for workers.

Professional Image

At STAGES we pride ourselves on our image and professionalism. We hold ourselves to a high standard when it comes to a clean work site.

Productivity

Workers can be much more productive if they are working in a clear environment without rubbish and debris in their way. Removing these obstacles is imperative to an efficient work environment.

A good clean environment can reduce operating costs, increase productivity and prevent injuries. Every STAGES Construction worksite is a clean worksite.

STAGES Construction has a systematic approach and commitment to creating and maintaining a clean worksite. We take the safety of all those working on our site seriously and strive to create an efficient work environment.

Become a Stages Construction Subcontractor

We are always seeking subcontractors that provide a high quality finished product and cooperates with the field of other subcontractors.  If you are interested in joining our list of subcontractors, submit a request form.

coffee shop counter in chicago

How to Choose a Commercial Contractor

Choosing A General Contractor for Commercial Construction Projects

When choosing a commercial contractor, most people get several quotes. There is often an inclination to choose the one that provided the lowest cost quote. However, there is more involved when choosing the right contractor for your commercial construction project.

Get an Estimate

Sometimes a cheap quote seems appealing, however, choosing your contractor based on price alone can be risky. It may be that in order to keep the price low, the estimate has excluded some things that lead to problems once the construction process commences. This can then push prices above what the competitors quoted anyway. You may find that the project quality and schedule fall below expectations as a result. Carefully review the estimate and make sure everything is included.

Check References

Most contractors will tell you that they have great practices, high quality and can meet the schedule. However, the best way to determine this in a transparent way is to ask for references. Talk to other business owners or architects and engineers that have worked with the contractor. References are a great way to ensure that you are choosing the right contractor to meet your needs.

Ask About Safety

Safe work practices is critical. There may be times when the contractors staff are working amongst your own staff, and safety for all of these people is paramount. Safety incidents can cause bad publicity for both the contractor and yourself. Ask your contractor about their safe work practices and what they do on a day to day basis to ensure that the employees are safe.

Set a Schedule

Always ensure that your contractor provides you with a detailed schedule so that you both know the important milestones that need to be achieved. It is important to ensure that your contractor understands your business’ critical dates.

Look for Experience

Not all general contractors have equal experience in the industry. Ensure that your construction company has experience doing the type of work that you require. Understand what types of experience they have, as well as their staff. Make sure you bring your contractor on early in the planning process so that they can assist in the development stage, this will help ensure that the engineers and architects consider any construction issues in the design plans, which will save you time and money down the road.

Check Online Presence

Check out companies’ websites, which can help you establish the specialties of each contractor. They also often list their completed projects, so you can see first hand some of the jobs they have completed.

Build a Relationship

It is critical that you have a contractor whom you can develop a strong relationship with. The project will be more successful if there is open communication and trust between you and your contractor. At the initial meeting, ask questions to determine if it will be a good fit for both you and the commercial contractor.

 

Partner with STAGES Construction for Your Next Project

Whether in the conceptual or permitting process, STAGES Construction can help manage the construction process. It is never too early to get us involved. We can provide rough estimates for budgets or procure subcontractors to begin.