Ground-Up Commercial Construction
Ground-up commercial construction builds a new commercial structure from an empty site through sitework, foundation, structure, envelope, systems, and finishes. It is a full-scale project coordinating design, engineering, and every trade, priced per project.
How ground-up commercial construction is done
- Complete design, engineering, and entitlements
- Perform sitework, grading, and utilities
- Pour foundation and erect the structure
- Install envelope, roof, and systems
- Complete interior finishes and sitework
- Inspections and certificate of occupancy
What homeowners should know
- Engage the general contractor early for budgeting
- Understand entitlements and site approvals take time
- Confirm the delivery method, such as design-build or design-bid-build
- Budget for sitework, which is often underestimated
- Line up financing and understand draw schedules
Permits, timelines & things to consider
- Extensive permitting, entitlements, and inspections apply
- Sitework, structure, and systems drive cost; priced per project
- Design and approvals can take many months before construction
- Delivery method affects risk and coordination
- Weather and supply chain affect the schedule
Frequently asked questions
How long does ground-up commercial construction take?
Including design and entitlements, projects commonly span a year or more, with construction itself running many months depending on size.
What are entitlements?
Entitlements are the zoning, land-use, and site approvals required before you can build, and securing them can take significant time upfront.
What delivery method should I use?
Design-build, design-bid-build, and construction management each balance cost, speed, and risk differently; the right choice depends on your priorities. Pricing is per project.