Choosing Subcontractors

Most design/build firms are at the top of the building "food chain." That puts us in a position to choose and work with a variety of subcontractors to get a job done. 

Some of those subcontractors could include:

• Electricians
• Plumbers
• Inspectors
• Dry wall specialists
• Concrete providers
• Interior designers
• Glass specialists
• Door and door frame professionals
• Painters

Many of these trades are unionized and most are licensed or regulated in some way by the state or municipalities.  Knowing what to look for and then matching the partner to the job is a critical process.  Things to look for and consider as you choose a partner:

• Are they licensed or trained?
• How financially stable are they?
• Have you seen any of their work?
• Do you have any references for them for whom they have done work?
• How long have they been in business?

These basic questions will get you started.  If you need further help in choosing a subcontractor or need help with a recommendation, please contact us at www.sykesconstruction.com.

The Sykes Team

Build Out Timeline

When you choose the design/build team for your enxt project, consider the processes they use.  Here is a simple guide of what to look for in the way of steps in a process:

1. Do they have a preliminary agreement that spells out the details of who does what by when and for how much? How much of a deposit do they require?
2. Is there a step for approval of the design and preliminary construction  budget?
3. When will the architectural and engineering documents be complete? What are they comprised of and who signs off on them?
4. Have they established a construction budget and schedule? Have you approved any contracts?
5. When will the project be 100% complete?

These are five basic steps--obvious, there are more.  However, these are the basics and a framework on which you can build your agreement, plan and finished project.

The Sykes Team



www.sykesconstruction.com

Renovation

A great bottom-line solution to your need for retail space is renovation rahter than new build.

In today's economy, renovating your existing property is one of the most cost-effective ways of drawing the attention of both tenants and customers.

Renovating your property can bring new financial strength to your bottom line.  With ground-up development opportunities limited in today's economy, and small shop tenants struggling with limited access to credit and weak sales, a great renovation can help:

• Fill empty space.
• Bring in tenants with stronger financials, limiting your financial exposure

Increased cash flow is vital.  By enhancing your existing property, with its proven market and established neiughborhood, you are achieving that goal in a direct way.

In a market where competition for tenants is intense, putting a new face on your property may be the difference maker in getting retailers to sign on the bottom line and turn them into tenants.

Consider renovation over new build.  Visit www.sykesconstruction.com.

The Sykes Team

The Finished Product: Northern Tool & Equipment's Plano, Texas, Store

After months of planning and hard work the Plano, Texas, Northern Tool and Equipment store opened.  Here are some photos of the finished store.

The front entrance is typical of their stores. wide, welcoming front power doors and large, prominent logo signage.

Lot planning assures adequate and comfortable parking.

Once you come in the front door, gondolas and cash wraps are place strategically to take advantage of the space.

The aisles are wide and accessible, meeting all local and national code requirements.  Floor coverings are uniform and to the specifications of Northern Tool.

Lighting is uniform and meets both company and code requirements.Power and communications cable routing is convenient and compliant.

On the exterior, dock areas are open and accessible for deliveries and carefully placed so as to not inconvenience customers.

Exterior power requirements take advantage of the shape and location of the building and are compliant.

Come visit this store on North Central Expressway (US 75) in Plano, Texas.  We're proud of our partnership with Northern Tool and Equipment.

The Sykes Team