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Embarking on a commercial development project can be daunting, however, by applying best practices to your initial approach, success can be yours. Site selection, zoning regulations, designing functional spaces, and managing construction timelines are all crucial aspects that can make or break your commercial development project in Florida. Our comprehensive guide will give you actionable insights and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of commercial development with ease and confidence, whether you’re building an office building, retail space, or a mixed-use facility. Keep reading to discover Ladson Construction’s essential tips for mastering commercial development in Florida.
- Site Selection
First thing’s first, where will your commercial development live in Florida? It’s imperative you conduct accurate and thorough market research to determine the best location for your development site. Consider your target audience and factor them into your location choice. A retail space might be located in a more urban area populated by other retail spaces and restaurants perhaps. An office building used for healthcare or dental care might be near a more suburban area and more accessible for patients.
Understand the demand for your chosen commercial space in the area of your choosing. Evaluate factors such as accessibility, visibility, and the proximity to key amenities that make sense for your industry.
- Zoning Regulations
Your site is selected! Now it’s important to ensure your project complies with local zoning laws and regulations. Familiarize yourself as in-depth as possible to make sure you’re following legal requirements for the area you’ve selected for your Jacksonville commercial development. Before you begin construction, be sure to obtain necessary permits and approvals from local authorities.
- Manage Construction Timelines
Mapping out a detailed roadmap of your commercial development’s timeline, including deadlines and milestones is crucial to a successful commercial construction project in Florida. Check in with your contractors and suppliers to ensure materials and services are on the right track to being delivered in a timely manner.
- Budget & Finances
The more detailed the better when it comes to breaking down your budget and putting realistic numbers into play. Include your project’s costs from the land acquisition in early stages, to construction, and of course the post-build marketing strategy to entice customers. Don’t be afraid to explore all of your financing options beyond a project loan. Further options include private investors or real estate investment trusts (REITs).
- Design Functional Spaces
Working with top architects and contractors in your area, like Ladson Construction, can allow your project to truly flourish and come to fruition. Design spaces that are functional as they are beautiful, focusing on aesthetics and keeping your consumer at top of mind. Reduce your ecological impact by incorporating sustainable design practices into your space layout.
- Marketing Strategy
Applying your learnings from your initial research during the site selection process, you can further build on your target audience and tailor your marketing strategy to attract them or potential buyers. Having a solid marketing strategy in play post-build will greatly impact how quickly you can find long-term tenants for your new commercial building in Florida.
While mastering commercial development in Florida is no easy feat, with the help and support of the dedicated professionals at Ladson Construction, you’re bound to see success. We specialize in general contracting, consulting, design-build, preconstruction, construction management, and value engineering, making us the leaders in commercial construction in Jacksonville, Florida. Ladson Construction has been serving Northeast Florida since 2017, with hundreds of successful commercial construction projects under our belt. Are you ready to begin your commercial development project in Florida? Give us a call at 904-610-1749 or visit our website to drop us a line!