Any company that is looking to set up a new location needs to find a reliable commercial construction company that can help them turn their plans into a reality. Depending on the type of business you run, you should find a general contractor company that is experienced building similar facilities. One of the most specialized types of construction is medical facilities, because there are lots of rules and regulations that go with creating a new location for medical care.
It’s usually better to go with big construction companies that build medical facilities, because they will have the resources, connections and experience to get the job done right. They will also have the knowledge to make sure the building follows all the laws pertaining to medical and doctors offices. It’s expensive to construct a new building from scratch — the U.S. construction industry has generated almost $1.75 trillion in profits over the years — so make sure your company can afford the cost. The first step is meeting with one of the many big construction companies in your area that specialize in medical buildings, but before you consult with commercial construction services, here are a few tips to get you started.
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1. Consult with a medical office architect
A doctor’s office needs to have a patient waiting area, procedure rooms, and places for any specialized equipment. Medical tools like x-ray machines and MRI scanners often require a unique source of electricity that only experienced architects would know how to set up, so you need to talk with someone who has knowledge of the industry.
2. Plan for the right number of patients
With the average lifespan increasing, there are more older people who need to see doctors more often. This means that your practice may have to accommodate more people in the future, so you should have enough room to see these additional patients.
3. Set a budget
You don’t only have to think about the cost of constructing a new office, you also have to plan for the cost of setting it up when construction is complete. You will have to purchase medical equipment, and depending on your specialty, the cost can be very high. If you devote your entire budget to construction costs, you’ll find yourself in a difficult position when it’s over.
4. Trust your contractor
You may have gone to years of medical school, but this doesn’t mean you have any expertise when it comes to building new offices. You should hire a reputable commercial general contractor, check their references, look at some reviews, and ultimately trust them to guide you through the process. Big construction companies have experience with executing building plans for medical offices, so you should trust their knowledge of the business.
5. Be an active participant
Don’t just put this in the hands of your contractor and architect, you should be there for every step along the way to make sure you’re not surprised. Everyone should approve changes before deviating from the agreed upon plan.
6. Create a team of professionals
You should have someone to advise you on the layout, costs of medical equipment, any necessary electronics, and how to most effectively design an office to cater to your patients. All of these people should not only work with you, they should work together to build the best medical office for your needs. Get more here.
