SiliconX Construction

Commercial and Industrial Construction Services

Transforming Shopping Centers – New Style, New Business

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There are many things that can be done to stay competitive in your industry. Transforming the look and appeal of a shopping center is definitely one consideration. This is a way to present a whole new appearance to your shoppers. The style that you adopt by investing in making your location new can benefit your bottom line. Cities around America have found these investments to be worthwhile.

Some have the objective of revitalizing downtown and historic portions of the city. Others are focusing on locations that have been under-utilized. The city of Boston, for example, has embarked on a decade long venture to transform their downtown area. This investment is currently at over $2 billion. It has paid off greatly and is the reason why many other states have started similar projects. New shopping centers, in any area, can lead to a whole new business benefit.

Make the Area Diverse

Commercial contractors are experienced when it comes to making changes to shopping centers. They can help you to transform the overall appearance of a location. The more diverse and area is the more traffic it is likely to attract. Centers with only retail shops will attract one type of shopper. Transforming a center to include dining, electronics and other locations will make it diverse.

Adopt a New Look

A primary reason to remodel a shopping center is to make it appear new. Simply replacing existing construction could be a waste of investment. Many shoppers are interested in newer locations. This may mean consulting with contractors about unique outside designs. Transforming store interiors is important to this process, as well. Here are some ideas to consider:

  • LED lighting displays
  • Unique glass doors
  • Modern register designs
  • Artwork

Make Shopping Fun

Shopping can be fun depending on the location. Family-friendly shopping centers are visually appealing. There is a need to embrace nature and to offer outdoor seating and details. These are additions to the shopping experience. Contemporary retail areas offer versatile locations that attract the entire family.

 

Retail Leader reports that there are tremendous benefits to transforming shopping locations. In fact, a simple remodel can bring a 5-10% increase in sales. Business owners and investors should consider these types of changes. Shopping centers can be trendy and popular places to shop with the right attraction details.

Contact us today to learn more!

Buildings Get Smarter and So Do Workplaces

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wallsIn an era of rapid technological progress, is there a reason that an office complex or classroom building—both housing lots of smart people—can’t elevate its own IQ?

In a smart building, software allows communications among traditionally separate systems running everything from lighting, heating and ventilation to security and telecommunications. The systems’ convergence creates a single intelligent network that allows a building to react dynamically to real-time conditions using input from every source attainable. Moreover, smart buildings are the backbone of smart work environments, something that tenants increasingly want.

“They are engineering smart buildings with automation, which facilitates the creation of smart work environments.” Bob Brown, chief executive and co-founder, Fremont-based Teladata LLC
Energy is typically the largest expense for any U.S. building owner or user, accounting for 30 percent of operating costs in an average commercial building, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Overall, commercial and industrial buildings use $200 billion a year nationwide on power, producing nearly half of the nation’s greenhouse-gas emissions. Smart buildings are being credited with reducing energy use from 20 percent to 30 percent as compared to conventionally built and operated structures.

Read the rest of the story at The Registry – here.

 

Understanding Why Remodels Can Be Expensive

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Just like any other purchase you make there are going to be places that you could make the purchase that is cheaper or more expensive than the others.

But sometimes while collecting bids for remodel projects you might think, “All of these seem too expensive.”

That’s why it is important to understand why simple remodels can seem expensive because to you they seem simple but in reality they aren’t the quick and easy fix you think they are.

For example the tear down and rebuild of walls.

To you may seem like a simple “wall move” but it’s not like moving a desk from point A to point B. There is much more to this process such as:

  • The destruction of the wall
  • Relocating HVAC systems
  • Moving lighting fixtures
  • Removing electrical wiring and outlets from the wall and rewiring it to a new location for the build of the new wall.
  • Removal of telephone and data cabling
  • When a wall is removed there is chunks of the ceiling and floor missing that must be rebuilt. Sometimes this requires an entire re-carpet project for the floor.
  • The construction of a new wall which includes dry wall, insulation and rewiring

So what sounded like it would be an easy move just became more of a project than you thought.

Wall moves also requires a building permit and that requires a draw up for the project to be submitted for approval.

So if you are shopping around for bids for office remodel work just keep in mind that there is a reason why prices seem high when they really aren’t

Contact us today to learn more!

Questions to Ask a Potential Commercial Contractor

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Hiring a commercial contractor is similar to hiring an employee.

You are paying them to get a job done so you have every right to be picky and choosy in order to make sure the job gets done right, on time and on budget.

You wouldn’t hire an employee without interviewing them and asking questions first would you? You would probably even call a few of their references to make sure they are liked and admired by others.

Well, this is what you should do while shopping for a commercial contractor.

So here are some questions to ask your potential hires to make sure they are exactly what you need for your building project.

  1. What is your work history? Just like you expect an employee to have some kind of experience that will help them do their job in the office you want to make sure the contractor has done similar projects and has relevant experience.
  2. Can I talk to a few former clients? This is like references on a job application, don’t be ashamed to ask. Talk with their previous or current clients to see if they like the work being done and if they would recommend this contractor.
  3. Who will be on the work site? Contractors normally use subcontractors, so find out exactly who will be working at the site and how they’ll be supervised. You need to trust everyone that will be on your job site.
  4. How much will this cost? Just like you ask a job applicant what their expected salary is you need to know exactly what this contractor charges and make sure there are no hidden fees.
  5. How long will this take? Similar to asking a potential employee what their availability is the same goes for a contractor. Ask them how often they can work on your project and when they expect it will be completed.

Come up with any other questions that are relevant to your project and make sure to ask the questions and get all of the information you can get.

This is your time, money and project on the line. Be picky!

Contact us today to find out more!

Office Fun Begins with an Office Remodel

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Let’s face it, sometimes work is just boring. Everyone has encountered a time where they’ve only been at work for an hour and already feel like its time to go home.

A way that employers can help their employees enjoy their time at the office a little more is buy remodeling the office to foster fun, creativity and relaxation.

Many offices are filled with plain walls with boring office cubicles and an environment with absolutely no character.

Don’t worry though because if this how your office is there a solution.

Here are a few tips on how to give your office more personality.

  1. Allow employees to bring decorate their desks with family photos and items that represent their personalities. This will not only brighten up your office but also allow your employees to feel comfortable and free to be themselves.
  2. Have couches and a cozy area for your employees to take breaks or even do their work. With mobile technology employees don’t need to be strapped to a desk. Let them feel free to roam the office and change scenery every so often. No one wants to stare at the same wall all day everyday.
  3. Rearranging furniture can give the office a completely different feel. You can rearrange furniture, add walls, and take down walls to create different zones. Have a zone where people can be around others to absorb each other’s energy and a zone where people can have quiet time and really concentrate on a project.
  4. Brighten up the walls with color and a creative mural.
  5. Decorate the office with plants, natural light and creative artwork.

There are many ways remodel an office to give it a better feel.

It is important to give your employees an environment that they want to spend time in and can enjoy. This will boost productivity and office moral.

Contact us today to learn more!

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