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The ground-up commercial construction process, step by step
A ground-up commercial project in Florida generally moves through six stages: due diligence, design and preconstruction, site plan approval and permitting, site work and foundations, vertical construction and building systems, then final inspections, certificate of occupancy, and closeout. Permitting and long-lead materials often set the overall timeline more than construction itself.
What happens during due diligence?
Before you commit to a site, confirm zoning and allowed uses, the boundary and topographic survey, a geotechnical report on soils, the FEMA flood zone, utility availability and capacity, access and traffic requirements, and any environmental issues. Each one can change the building, the budget, or whether the site works at all.
What happens in design and preconstruction?
The architect and engineers develop drawings while the contractor prices them, reviews constructability, and suggests value engineering that protects the design intent. This is also when long-lead items such as structural steel, storefronts, switchgear, and rooftop units get identified and ordered.
How do site plan approval and permitting work?
New buildings usually need site plan approval from the city or county, covering layout, parking, stormwater, landscaping, and utilities, before building permits are issued. The water management district may also need to permit stormwater systems. Building permits then require sealed drawings reviewed against the Florida Building Code. Review comments go back and forth between reviewers and the design team until approval.
What are the construction phases?
- Site work: clearing, earthwork, underground utilities, and stormwater.
- Foundations and slab.
- Structure: structural steel, masonry, or framing, plus roof structure.
- Envelope: roofing, walls, storefronts, and windows to dry in the building.
- Systems and interiors: mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, then finishes.
- Exterior: paving, striping, landscaping, and signage.
Inspections follow each stage. FINREIT self-performs structural steel, light gauge framing, concrete and decking, storefronts, and glazing.
How long does a ground-up project take?
It depends on size, building type, how quickly permits are approved, and lead times on key materials. Permitting and long-lead equipment are often the biggest variables, which is why we price and schedule them during preconstruction instead of after the contract is signed. We give a project-specific schedule with every bid.
What happens at closeout?
Final inspections lead to a certificate of occupancy. Closeout then covers the punch list, as-built drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, warranties, and lien releases. After turnover, we stand behind the work with a warranty you can call on.
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Frequently asked.
What are the stages of ground-up commercial construction?
Due diligence, design and preconstruction, site plan approval and permitting, site work and foundations, vertical construction and building systems, and final inspections with certificate of occupancy and closeout.
What usually delays a ground-up project?
Permit review cycles, site and utility surprises, and long-lead materials such as switchgear, rooftop units, steel, and storefront systems. Ordering early and investigating the site up front reduce those risks.
Does FINREIT handle ground-up construction?
Yes. FINREIT builds new commercial buildings from site work and foundations through shell and finish, including retail pads, commercial shells, and industrial facilities.