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5 ways to make your commercial building project eco-friendly

In the construction industry, the global environmental crisis is a pressing concern. Climate changes, depletion of resources, oil prices and increasing pollution all have strong ties to the construction industry. While global demand soars, oil and other resources steadily deplete. Many construction companies and building teams have realized the construction industries roles in these crises and endeavor to make each of their building projects more eco-friendly.

At MDS Builders, we are tasked with both small and large scale construction project management on a regular basis. We often advise our contractors on various ways in which to make their projects run in a more eco-friendly manner. Sustainable construction is not just a trend. It’s a reality and your commercial construction company should be playing its part. Here are our top 5 tips for going green in the construction industry:

  • Pre-construction planning – one of the greatest anti-environmental practices of a construction concern is that of wastage through poor planning. Wasting of materials can result in pollution and of course this caters to excess waste of energy consumption used during the manufacturing of those resources. Part of eliminating wastage is also sticking to a strict schedule where equipment is only available and used for a certain amount of time thus reducing energy consumption and emissions from machinery.
  • Using equipment that is kind to the environment – opting to hire or buy equipment and machinery that is environmentally friendly is a great way to make your next building project more eco-friendly. Choose equipment that produces fewer emissions and do your bit towards protecting the environment.
  • Buy local and keep it sustainable – using building materials that are sustainable and locally produced / sourced is essential to the eco-friendly way.
  • Be proactive about your waste disposal – according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, commercial construction companies contribute to over 130 million tons of debris sent to landfill sites. That’s a shocking statistic. To avoid contributing to it, set in place strict methods of waste disposal. Firstly, only order precisely what you need and instead of sending all your construction waste to a landfill site, see how much you can send to the various recycling centers.
  • Encourage alternative energy systems – when working on a construction project, encourage clients to consider solar power systems over regular grid supplied power. Using the sun’s energy to create power in a building cuts back on the draw on the grid and does wonders for the environment.

If you want to ensure that your construction project is handled the green way, turn to us for effective commercial construction services and project management at MDS Builders. 

Hire MDS Builders as your professional construction project management team

With the help of MDS Builders your construction projects can become greener and more sustainable. For more information and advice on our construction services and project management, contact us via email or telephone at MDS Builders today.

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5 ways technology is making commercial construction projects simpler

construction technologyThe construction industry is one that is jam packed with potential problems and risks and as such, most businesses opt for hiring a commercial construction company to manage their project for them. Some of the best commercial construction companies are those that make use of state of the art computerized programs to help them stay on-top and ahead. Of course each construction company will make use of their own preferred project management systems and software, but below are 5 general ways that this type of technology is simplifying things in commercial construction projects:

  • Daily reports / progress tracking / translation of data – gone are the days where clipboards and voice recorders were used by project management teams. Modern construction programs allow information to be quickly uploaded and stored which means that everyone working on the project, including the investors can keep track of project progress.
  • Better management of bidders lists – part of your construction project manager’s tasks will be to find and select the right bidders for the various tasks that need to be carried out. This might have been a tedious endeavor in the past, but now with specialized bid management software, it’s easier for decision makers to find what they need quickly and in many cases, these systems allow bidders to update their own information which saves even more time for the construction manager.
  • Availability of plans and specs to all role players – in the past, it was quite tricky getting everyone in the same room to view a hard copy of the plans and specs for a project. These days, technology and advanced construction software allows digital versions of the plans and specs to be available to all involved. They can be accessed as required and notes and addendums added as needed with all parties being alerted of changes / updates via email or text message.
  • Improved safety – latest technology can be used to quickly record any incidents, violations and track training requirements. Safety is a topic of hot debate in the construction industry and those projects deemed unsafe can be shut down or receive hefty fines. What’s more is that this new computerized software doesn’t just make it simpler to record and track incidents, it makes is possible to actually predict potential risks and set safety mechanisms in place to avoid them.
  • Tracking time and attendance of employees – gone are the days of old fashioned clock cards being the only way to determine an employee’s attendance. Now latest project management technology makes it possible for workers and team leaders to record their attendance and detail their daily activities. The mobile apps used for this are typically available in more than one language and with new GPS features being introduced, project managers can even track where their workforce are at all times.

MDS makes use of state of the art computerized management systems

At MDS Builders we make use of state of the art computerized construction project management systems to ensure that each project we head up is properly attended to. Our systems are designed to spur on productivity and present real results. Our commercial construction company offers a fully comprehensive and valuable service. To learn more, contact us via email or telephone at MDS Builders today.

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Regular maintenance reduces costly commercial building repairs

maintenance-building repairsIn the commercial industry, facility ownership can come with costly repair and maintenance spends attached, especially if there is no proactive facilities maintenance program or strategy in place. It goes without saying that a facility owner can truly minimize facilities maintenance and repair costs by setting in place a structured management technique and making use of available diagnostic tools. It’s normal to expect to spend some money on general repairs and maintenance, but when it really becomes costly is when effective maintenance and repair programs are not set in place and crisis management is the result instead of well planned, affordable maintenance.

If you want to reduce deterioration of your commercial building and also want to stop wasting valuable money on reactionary repairs and maintenance, it’s time to set a facilities maintenance plan in place. By partnering with a facility maintenance company such as MDS Builders, you can benefit from reduced maintenance and repair costs and have the peace of mind that your building isn’t devaluing at a rapid rate.

A facilities maintenance team won’t just set a preventative maintenance program in place. They will be tasked with handling absolutely everything that pertains to the upkeep and smooth running of your business from contingency planning and disaster recovery to general upkeep of the landscapes, ceilings and more. Such teams truly provide a comprehensive facilities care service that will ensure your commercial building only increases in value and curb appeal over the years.

Hire MDS Builders as your commercial building maintenance team

At MDS Builders we have the skills and expertise to handle all of your facilities maintenance needs with professionalism and care. We make use of a state-of-the-art computerized management system which makes it easier to put the large amounts of data and information collected and required for good ongoing maintenance, to good use.

If you would like to learn more about our facilities maintenance company and services, contact us via email or telephone at MDS Builders today.

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The role of commercial build project managers

Construction project managementIn the commercial construction industry, construction project management is a great responsibility. The person or team tasked with project management is responsible for the overall success of the completed project. A project manager will undertake to manage the construction project, based on a fee that is level on the project’s total final cost. The ultimate role of a commercial build project manager is to provide investors with the security and peace of mind that the project is being overseen by someone with the required qualifications, skills and experience in the field.

Below are just a few of the tasks that will be handled by the construction project management team:

  • Screening of all contractors to ensure the required skills are applicable and that workmanship can be guaranteed.
  • Ensuring that best quality materials are used during construction and that contractors don’t cut corners in this regard. It is also the project manager’s duty to ensure that materials are used economically and that wastage is kept to an absolute minimum.
  • Ensuring that the construction project adheres to the building guidelines and regulations of the particular state that the project is being carried out in.
  • Provide hands-on management of all operations to ensure that an expert presence is always available and that all contractors are providing services that are within your best interests.
  • Ensuring that the construction project is completed precisely according to your specifications and by your specified deadline.

These are just a few of the roles of a commercial build project manager or team. The position is quite versatile and requires the attention of an individual who is highly skilled and trained in the field of commercial construction.

Hire MDS Builders as your commercial project managers

At MDS Builders we have a great reputation and track record to offer our clients. In terms of commercial project management, we will ensure that your project is completed timely and with your budget in mind. We have over 25 years of experience in the industry and work closely with over 13 000 contractors. We have been involved in the completion of projects in over 46 States and have completed over 5000 projects to date.

If you’re looking for a commercial construction company to manage your latest project, contact us via email or telephone at MDS Builders today.

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Building Green with top commercial construction companies

building greenGreen buildings are considered environmentally responsible and the ideal place to do business. If you have a green commercial construction project on your hands, it is recommended that you seek out the assistance of top commercial construction companies that know the way forward in green construction techniques.

Why is green construction becoming so popular in the commercial world? While it’s largely to do with saving the planet and gaining an environmentally responsible reputation, there’s more to it than that. Companies investing in green construction with top commercial construction companies can save money in the long run as well as earn decent tax breaks, rebates as well as a variety of additional incentives.

To truly understand how green construction has changed and improved the commercial construction industry, take a look at the top green advances in the industry:

  • Rooftop gardens and “living walls” – these are designed to make a building more environmentally friendly on the outside but they have additional benefits. Rooftop gardens and living walls can reduce heating and cooling expenses as a result of the insulating characteristics. They also improve air quality and can be maintained easily with grey water.
  • Recycled and natural insulation products – any energy efficient building owes its efficiency to insulation. While there are some expensive and potentially toxic products on the market, opting for recycled materials or plant materials for insulation is popular.
  • Using environmentally friendly building materials – this doesn’t strictly mean that you have to choose building materials that are natural such as bamboo and similar. It means that you should use products that can be created with minimal impact on the environment. This means materials that take less energy to manufacture and transport as well as materials that produce minimal pollution during manufacturing and use.

Commercial construction services offered by MDS Builders

At MDS Builders we offer professional commercial construction services. We endeavor to assist our clients with their quest for building greener buildings and do so with meticulous care and professionalism. To learn more about our commercial construction services, contact us via email or telephone at MDS Builders today.

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How to stay on budget for a commercial construction project

commercial construction projectEnsuring that your commercial construction project stays on schedule and within budget can be a challenge, especially if you don’t have a dedicated commercial construction company managing and monitoring the project for you.

Without construction management services in place, your commercial construction project can go over budget for a variety of reasons. While there is reason to assign extra expenses to delays and even material loss due to unforeseen circumstances, there are many other problems that can cause budget issues and these are usually as a result of poor planning and lack of budgeting skills and experience.

Tips for staying on budget for your construction project

If you take the time to review your past commercial construction projects, you might find a noticeable pattern in your cost overruns. It’s easy to overlook these concerns and if you want to avoid cost overruns in the future, manage the following 3 areas of weakness:

  • Lack of complete design information – this is often a result of project owners providing the contractor with the architect’s plans that aren’t entirely complete. In some instances, these plans are only general design intents that don’t include the full and detailed plans and specifications. This can result in additional money being required for the additional work. Ensure that you have a clearly defined building plan and specification in place and that all contractors and service providers are well informed thereof.
  • Accepting the lowest bid – bids should only be accepted on their merit and what is being offered, but often they are accepted merely on the costs presented. In many instances, the lowest bid can result in extra expenses in the long run. To avoid cost overruns and nasty surprises, choose contractors that have a sound reputation, a good track record and proven ability to complete projects according to spec and within budget.
  • Incomplete document reviewing before accepting bids – ensure that all documents and specifications are meticulously checked over before coming to any agreements with contractors. Contractors may require additional compensation for tasks that weren’t specifically included in the plans or documents. It is imperative to ensure that all bidders confirm that they have read the documents thoroughly and fully understand the scope of the project.

Here is a summary of why your commercial construction project may exceed its assigned budget, as a result of the above weaknesses:

  • Project scope isn’t well defined.
  • Unrealistic scheduling of project tasks.
  • Estimating errors / lack of costing knowledge and experience in the industry.
  • Tasks aren’t completed in the correct sequence causing additional delays and costs.
  • Inferior quality project management and control processes.
  • Increased material prices and inability to negotiate effectively with suppliers and contractors.

Construction management services that will help you to reduce project costs

If you would like to ensure that your project is completed on time, according to spec and within your set budget take the time to consider our construction management services at MDS Builders.

We will ensure that your best interests are a top priority while we manage your building or construction project. Contact us via email or telephone and find out more about outsourcing your construction project management today.

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What facilities maintenance services do your retail parks need?

banner2Facilities maintenance services are designed to enhance the customer experience which in turn enhances your profits. When it comes to retail parks, facilities maintenance services are essential. It’s often best to outsource these services, so that you can have complete peace of mind. With facilities maintenance in place, you can rest assured that teams on site are being correctly supervised and managed.

It is recommended that you choose your facilities management service provider with care. Hiring a facilities maintenance company that has actually been involved in the construction of your retail park would be the most beneficial. This is a strategy that will ensure renewed and ongoing benefits as the firm will already be familiar with your physical business location. Not all construction companies offer this type of comprehensive service, but leaders in the field such as MDS Builders most certainly do.

While the cleaning and general maintenance process is very rarely seen by shoppers, they still expect the stores to be clean and hygienic. They want spotless rest rooms and fitting rooms, a comfortable temperature within the building, shiny floors, a clean parking lot and a great deal more. In fact, everything that’s done to make your retail park aesthetically pleasing, clean and comfortable is considered part of facilities maintenance.

It’s not enough to just have the premises cleaned and maintained sporadically. It is important to ensure that you set preventative maintenance set in place by a professional facility maintenance company. In the event of an accident or disaster, you must have a plan, not only for dealing with the legalities of the situation, but also tending to any needed clear up and repairs.

The type of facilities maintenance services that retail parks generally require include:

  • Janitorial services.
  • Cleaning.
  • Energy reduction mechanisms.
  • General maintenance / handyman services.
  • Parking management and maintenance.
  • Engineering and integrated facility management.

A retail park with effective facilities maintenance management in place will experience cost reduction and great efficiency. The site will be completed maintained by reliable managers and each solution is 100% customizable.

Facilities maintenance services offered by MDS Builders, nationwide!

At MDS Builders we offer facilities maintenance services ideal for retail parks and commercial parks on a nationwide basis. We have offices stationed in Florida, Ohio and Texas and also provide services nationwide. You can view some of our completed projects in multiple states online. Alternatively, learn more about our facilities maintenance services; contact us via email or telephone and chat to one of our consultants today.

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What the Better Business Bureau means for commercial construction companies

MDS TX Resturants Projects_Salata_Arbor Walk_Completion (3)Choosing from the myriad of commercial construction companies can be overwhelming. Each company will claim to offer the best commercial construction services and have a list of happy customers to show for it. Unfortunately, the building and construction trade is one that can present a whole host of expensive problems. First and foremost, contractors that aren’t licensed and bonded can result in safety issues arising. You could also fall into the trap of hiring a construction contractor who makes use of inferior quality materials and building techniques. This is where the Better Business Bureau (BBB) becomes useful.

The BBB rates and reviews all of its members publicly. This means that any member of BBB will be regularly scrutinized to ensure that all the correct steps have been taken with regards to complaints, advertising issues, licensing, failure to honor commitments and transparent business practices. Before you hire any commercial construction company, check to see if they are registered members of the Better Business Bureau and take the time to investigate their BBB review and rating.

What the Better Business Bureau means for commercial construction companies is the desire to always strive to provide a professional and valuable service to clients. It also means that viable construction companies with a sound work ethic and valuable service to offer can receive the recognition that they deserve.

MDS Builders offers professional construction services in Florida

MDS Builders is a proud registered member of the Better Business Bureau. We welcome all interested parties to view our ratings and reviews and to get in touch with us for further testimonials and proof of our completed work. We offer a variety of commercial construction services and have licensing in 47 states. We also have offices in Florida, Ohio and Texas, for your convenience.

When looking for professional construction companies, MDS Builders should be on the top of your list of options. Contact us via email or telephone and find out more about outsourcing your project management today.

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What is construction management?

programsIf you are involved in commercial property construction, you will know just how important it is to have a professional and experienced commercial construction management company on your side and at your service. This is particularly useful if you are working on more than one commercial project at a time. Spreading yourself thin can often lead poor quality of workmanship, over charging by contractors and general design and construction floors that could otherwise have been avoided. Construction management is the solution. By outsourcing your construction management services you can save on time and money

What exactly is construction management? The main task of a construction management company is to ensure that your best interests are taken into account throughout the construction process. They can also guide you through the construction process right from conceptualization to the final close-out phase.

Your chosen construction management company should be able to divide your project into the stages of development. First, it must be decided if the project is feasible. Then participation and competition must be maximized through bidding. The construction and close-out stages can then follow thereafter.

Below are a few of the benefits of hiring a construction management company:

  • Reduced total project costs. Construction managers will negotiate best rates with contractors, reduce overall project time and eliminate unnecessary costs.
  • Centralized communication. Construction managers liaise with all parties involved in the project, to ensure all teams and contractors are informed and working together.
  • Improved quality control. Construction managers will be on site ensuring that quality products are used and the quality of workmanship is ensured.
  • Protection of you and your business. Construction managers will ensure that you, the property owner, are protected from unnecessary liability.

Construction Management Services Offered by MDS Builders Nationwide

At MDS Builders we offer professional construction management services and have worked in 47 states. For your convenience, we have offices stationed in Florida, Ohio and Texas. We also have a number of completed projects available for you to look over.

If you are looking for professional construction project management services, take the time to consult with us at MDS Builders. Contact us via email or telephone and find out more about outsourcing your project management today.

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Why choose professional construction project management?

portfolio_lounge-388x292Do you want to ensure that your construction project goes ahead without a hitch? Are you worried that your construction contractors aren’t acting in your best interests? At MDS Builders we often encounter organizations concerned with the progress and management of their construction projects. In such instances we recommend outsourcing your construction project management to professionals in the industry. Your first thoughts might be that this could be an expensive endeavor, however it doesn’t have to be. In fact, with the right construction management company on your side, you can reduce overhead on each project and enjoy greater efficiency, client satisfaction and increased profits.

Below are a few benefits of hiring a construction project management company is ideal for you and your project:

  • Construction managers plan meticulously. Outsourcing your construction project management will mean that your project is broken down into phases and the management team will ensure that each phase is completed on time and according to your pre-proposed schedule. This means that you can impress clients by finishing on time and won’t waste extra valuable income on paying staff for extra days worked to complete the project.
  • Construction managers are typically well connected and can do all the negotiating with the contractors for you. Want to get the very best rate and service? Let your hired construction manager handle it for you.
  • Construction managers ensure that safety regulations are strictly adhered to. It’s sometimes easy to forget about safety concerns when the contractors you work with are bonded and licensed. If you want to reduce your liability as the property owner, your construction manager can ensure that all precautions are taken at all times.
  • Construction managers offer quality assurance. As you are outsourcing your construction project management, the service provider you choose will be liable for any faults or poor quality of workmanship in the building. As a result, your construction manager will ensure that the building is completed to the utmost best quality.
  • Construction managers offer a wealth of services that can benefit your project. These include the likes of pre-construction and process planning, permitting, team management, constructability reviews, provision of reports, directing subcontractors, cost management, development and management of schedules, quality control, procurement strategies, safety programs, maintenance and warranty programs and more.

Our national construction company has offices in Florida, Ohio and Texas

At MDS Builders we are a professional commercial construction company that offers specialized construction management project services nationwide. This means that we have offices in Florida, Ohio and Texas. If you are looking for professional construction project management services, take the time to contact us at MDS Builders today. You can also view some of our completed projects in multiple states, online.

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