A building agency, also known as a construction firm or a construction agency, specializes in the planning, design, construction, and management of building projects. According to the IBIS World 2023 report, there were 441,277 building agencies in the United States, an increase of 3.7% from 2022. These agencies bring knowledge and experience to save time and cost, as well as minimize risks.
If you are in the construction industry, you need to up your game by investing in quality services to beat the competition and tap into the growing market. According to The Business Research Company’s Buildings Construction Global Market Report 2024, the building construction market is expected to grow at 4.5% CAGR to hit $7592.74 billion. On the flip side, if you are a service provider, you can make a buck by positioning yourself to offer much-needed services to building agencies. That said, here are ten services a construction firm may need.
HVAC Services
A cozy atmosphere is crucial for productivity in the workplace. For this reason, a building agency will install the HVAC system to maintain optimal temperatures for enhanced comfort and productivity. These air control systems regulate humidity and purify the air in building agencies’ offices to create a workplace environment conducive and healthy to work in. Taking care of the employee’s health is a win because projects take less time due to higher productivity.
Building codes and regulations also require construction agencies to install HVAC systems for workers’ well-being. Heating and cooling services ensure the buildings meet safety, efficiency, and air quality standards required by the authorities. Specifically, the efficiency standards for reducing energy consumption and HVAC systems optimization are set in the ASHRAE/ANSI Standard 90.1.
Here is the best part. You can integrate HVAC systems with other building systems. For instance, the systems work in tandem with automation, controls, fire protection, and security systems. Proper integration ensures better performance, safety, and efficiency. What’s more, according to the Department of Energy, when installed properly, heating and cooling equipment can save you 10-30% in annual energy savings. Additionally, well-functioning HVAC systems contribute to clients’ satisfaction and retention, guaranteeing long-term income.
A career as an HVAC technician can earn you long-term contracts with building agencies. The secret is specializing in modern HVAC installations such as a VRF system installer. Real estate investors commonly use them for efficiency. Building agencies also get contracts from multiple clients, and partnering with them can guarantee you job security.
Insulation Services
A building agency will hire insulation services for several reasons. First, proper insulation helps the building retain heat during cold seasons and keeps cool air inside during hot seasons. Installing the insulation materials acts as a barrier to prevent indoor or outdoor air from getting in or out of the room. As a result, the HVAC systems work less, lowering the energy bills.
A well-insulated building provides consistent indoor temperatures, increasing comfort. According to the Department of Energy, insulation offers comfort and improves social relations. For instance, it can improve relationships among family members or encourage customers to visit. Proper insulation also controls moisture in the building, improving the health of the occupants.
Insulation also reduces the noise in a building if it’s built in a noisy neighborhood or along a busy highway. Soundproofing helps absorb and dampen noise transmission between rooms and from outside sources, improving productivity and comfort. On the other hand, building codes normally require certain insulation levels in new construction. These standards entail energy efficiency, comfort, and safety.
Usually, construction firms may prefer hiring a local industrial insulation contractor. A local contractor can offer better advice on the insulation material to use in a building for effective results because they are conversant with the local climate and weather patterns.
Waste Services
Waste management is critical during construction. Construction waste management usually involves minimizing, recycling, and precisely disposing of the waste produced during construction. This encourages sustainability, cost-cutting, and reducing environmental effects.
Building codes and regulations require proper waste management for environmental protection. For instance, builders must dispose of the waste after a certain period to avoid accumulated debris from flying into the neighborhood. Failure to comply with these regulations can attract fines. As a result, every building agency requires reputable waste services to dispose of waste from their offices and construction sites.
Proper waste management also contributes to cleanliness and safety at the construction site. Most waste materials, such as metallic objects or wood, can cause injuries. According to the CDC, there were over 14, 000 non-fatal construction sector injuries. Moreover, hazardous liquid waste disposal is also important to avoid contamination risks. Liquids like paints and wood varnish can wreak havoc on respiratory systems if mishandled or improperly disposed of.
Effective waste management practices also reduce project costs. Waste services offer cost-effective solutions like disposal and recycling. Moreover, it improves project efficiency with good workflow and reduced downtime. Construction firms also need waste services for post-construction cleanup. Final cleanup services clear debris and sharp objects from the site, which is a requisite for a smooth handing-over process.
Management Services
While a building agency is competent in all matters of construction, they might need to hire a management service to help coordinate various aspects of construction projects and run commercial properties. Due to the dynamic business environments, outsourcing management services brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the building agency, helping them seize new opportunities and solve perennial problems. For instance, a project manager can help with scheduling, budgeting, and resource allocation activities.
Effective management also helps in cost control by monitoring project expenses, identifying cost-saving opportunities, and managing budgets. Proper management prevents budget overruns and increases profitability for the building agency. You can also bring in seasoned management services to help identify and mitigate risks associated with construction projects. Examples of risks include delays and safety hazards. A good management company must implement strategies to minimize risks and ensure the project is completed as planned.
Managers works scope also encompasses activities like sourcing materials, such as control valves and wiring, as instructed by subcontractors. Ideally, they should have a good relationship with various suppliers for better offers. This will benefit the agency by minimizing costs and providing the property owner with warranties to save them from additional maintenance or repair costs. Commercial construction management also facilitates communication between the building agency and its clients. They provide regular updates on project progress, address client concerns, and ensure all clients’ goals are met.
The management also handles conflicts and disputes that may arise during the construction projects. They mediate stakeholder disputes and resolve issues with subcontractors to ensure the project runs smoothly. Moreover, the management performs post-construction services, such as final inspections, warranty management, and client handover.
Roofing Services
A roof is vital to the building because it protects people from weather elements and defines the property’s curb appeal. A building agency hires experienced roofers for specialized expertise in installing, repairing, and maintaining various roofing materials. An ideal roofing service should have well-trained and certified roofers.
Experienced roofers observe safety precautions. Roofing work can be dangerous, especially on steep or high roofs. Roofers are trained in safety protocols and have the safety equipment like footwear to work safely and deliver the best outcomes.
Quality assurance is another benefit a construction firm will consider when hiring a roofing company. Professional roofers ensure that roofing installations meet industry standards and manufacturer specifications. Meeting all the standards helps prevent leaks, water damage, and premature roof failure, which can result in costly repairs.
Professional roofers also offer workmanship warranties to save the agency from additional repair costs. Moreover, many roofing materials come with warranties that may require professional installation to remain valid. In most cases, insurance firms also require builders to work with certified roofers to qualify for insurance claims.
Rental Services
Building requires a wide range of machinery and tools. For example, the site should be prepared using an excavator before taking the building measurements. Also, the project requires bulldozers, cranes, concrete mixers, dump trucks, and scaffolding. A building agency can hire all these machines hourly or daily.
While some agencies may have their equipment, most companies prefer equipment rentals for various reasons. First, they want to forgo the upfront investment. Equipment such as excavators are expensive. Purchasing this piece of capital equipment ties up your money.
Secondly, construction companies avoid long-run expenses like repair and maintenance. Storage space is also a big concern because many companies take contracts from different areas. As such, renting equipment gives them access to a wide range of specialized machinery for specific tasks. Renting allows the agency to tailor equipment selection to each project’s needs and avoid unnecessary transport costs and taxes.
Electrical Services
Forget about the wiring installations and the electrical panel upgrades; toward the beginning of the project, the site needs some source of electricity. Welding equipment, HVAC systems, lighting bulbs, and other machinery need power. Construction agencies hire electricians because building electrical system installations must comply with safety standards. According to the National Institute of Health, approximately 1000 people in the United States die yearly due to electrical injuries. Proper installation ensures wiring, outlets, switches, and other components meet safety regulations to avoid electrocution risks.
A building agency hires electricians to distribute power to different areas and appliances like the HVAC systems. Moreover, these professionals understand effective electrical installation methods that can save energy. For instance, they can advise on the best lighting bulbs to save on energy bills.
Plumbing Services
Plumbers are important professionals who help connect water to different points. At the start of the building project, the plumber must connect water to the site for construction purposes. Plumbers also offer advice on plumbing materials and installation methods depending on the area’s weather and climate.
According to Statista, there were almost 428,000 workers employed as plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in the United States. The information shows a growing number of plumbers due to the rise of the real estate sector. As such, plumbing can be an ideal career due to job security.
Apart from installing clean water pipes, plumbers help design and install drainage systems to remove wastewater and sewage from buildings. These professionals install sewer lines, drains, and septic tanks, which require a high level of knowledge due to rules and regulations in the drainage systems and waste disposal.
Plumbers also install gas lines for heating systems and other appliances. These professionals can advise on the best methods and affordable fuel for these appliances. According to the Department of Energy, propane gas is an ideal fuel because it has clean-burning qualities and is relatively cheap compared to LPG.
A building agency must assess the skills and knowledge before hiring a plumber for their project. The idea is to form a long-term relationship with professionals for cooperation and mutual benefits in plumbing maintenance and workmanship warranties. Partnering with reputable agencies can offer you long-term contracts.
Flooring Services
A building agency will hire flooring experts for their diverse knowledge of installing various flooring materials such as hardwood, laminate, tile, vinyl, carpet, and concrete. Floor experts have skills in preparing subfloors, laying the flooring material, and ensuring a high-quality finish.
Professionals provide customized flooring solutions to meet clients’ unique needs and preferences. Clients may require intricate designs, patterns, or special features like inlays or borders in their building, which only experienced people can install. Working with experts offers good advice on the flooring materials depending on the client’s goals and the building location. The most important aspects of the flooring material are durability and maintenance requirements. Building agencies can rely on these experts in sourcing materials from reliable suppliers.
Floor experts ensure that flooring installations meet safety standards and building codes. These professionals work in different areas and projects and are familiar with different codes. The most common standards include adherence to slip resistance requirements and flooring materials required for commercial or residential buildings.
Interior Design Services
Interior designers are skilled at creating visually appealing spaces that enhance the overall look and feel of a building. Moreover, they make the interior spaces functional and safe. These professionals apply their expertise in color theory, spatial planning, and design principles to create interiors that reflect the desired style and branding of the building. So, interior designers must collaborate well with the building agency to learn the building owner’s goals.
Interior designers may also provide project management services. During the project, they can oversee the implementation of design plans, coordinate with contractors and vendors, and ensure that the project is completed within the budget and on time. Applying to a building agency may be the easiest way to get well-paying jobs in the construction sector. These agencies work for various clients and real estate companies throughout the United States or specific states. That said, partnering with them is a source of job opportunities for builders.
Planning to start a building agency? Now, you know the services you might need. Remember to prioritize quality. Keep it here for more tips.