Technology and the medical demands of a population will never stop changing, and that means that a hospital can quickly become dated if renovations or remodeling projects aren't completed as the need arises. If you're considering renovating or expanding your hospital, you may be wondering if you really need to hire a professional commercial remodeling contractor for the job. It's a big investment, so you want to make sure it's necessary. According to research by the accounting experts at FreshBooks, the cost of hospital medical department construction costs $45 million to $70 million, on average. Here's why bringing in a commercial remodeling contractor is crucial for hospital renovations and additions.

They Understand Building Codes and Regulation

As you know, hospitals have very strict construction and renovation requirements to meet and ensure safety standards. There are complex building codes, permits, and health regulations involved in fulfilling these requirements. Fortunately, local commercial contractors in your area should be experts in these codes and know how to navigate the bureaucracy with ease. The specific requirements can vary from city, county, or state, so you also want to look for a local contractor who has experience in the region. Doing it yourself risks costly mistakes, project delays, and potential fines if you miss something important.

They May Have Specialized Experience Building Hospitals

Healthcare facility construction requires expertise beyond that needed for typical commercial buildings. There are special layout considerations, finishes, fixtures, airflow, and equipment needs in healthcare settings. Professional hospital contractors bring specialized experience and understand these unique requirements. At KBJ Contracting, LLC, we have experience working on all kinds of facilities throughout Pittsburgh including hospitals, medical offices, urgent care clinics, nursing homes, radiology centers, and much more.

They Can Meet Aggressive Timelines

In healthcare, downtime costs lives and money. Additions and renovations need to be completed efficiently and effectively to get back to helping patients at maximum capacity. Commercial contractors have the resources to fast-track projects. They can increase manpower, procure rapid materials delivery, and quickly respond to issues to avoid delays. Trying to renovate yourself runs the risk of the project taking much longer than you originally estimated or expected.

They Handle Everything

From design and architecture to procurement, construction, and final approvals, commercial contractors are a one-stop shop. They have preferred vendor relationships to get discounted pricing on supplies. Their teams handle all the contracting, scheduling, and coordination to keep your project moving efficiently. As you might imagine, trying to do everything yourself quickly becomes overwhelming.

They Have Access to Specialized Equipment

Hospital construction requires heavy machinery, lifts, cranes, and other large equipment you likely don't have onsite. Commercial remodeling contractors supply these efficiently for each phase of the project, so you don't have to purchase or rent the equipment yourself. They have access to scissor lifts, boom lifts, forklifts, skid steers, trenchers, generators, jackhammers, concrete saws, and more. Contractors expertly operate all this specialized equipment to complete projects safely with minimal disruption. Attempting dangerous work without proper equipment puts your staff and patients at risk.

They Keep Disruptions Contained

Keeping hospitals functioning during expansions is key. Commercial contractors isolate construction zones with dust screens and temporary walls to limit noise and access. They'll partition off loud, messy zones like demolition areas to avoid debris, fumes, and noise migrating. Contractors coordinate schedules and logistics carefully to avoid unplanned disruptions of hospital operations. For example, they can schedule noisy work during low-traffic times as needed.

They Employ Qualified Tradespeople

Every trade, from electricians to plumbers, requires skilled experts licensed for commercial work. Contractors have reliable connections to employ these qualified specialists for hospital projects. If you leave it to proven professionals, you can rest assured that the project will be completed safely and responsibly. The right contractors vet all workers thoroughly and ensure the highest level of qualifications.

Hiring an expert commercial remodeling contractor in your area is a prudent investment for hospital renovations and additions. Their expertise in healthcare construction, resources, efficiencies, risk reduction, and customer service ensures your project is completed properly. Most importantly, bringing in contractors safeguards patient health through enhanced safety and compliance. Don't cut corners on your hospital expansion—rely on commercial pros you can trust. If you're considering renovating or remodeling a hospital in the Pittsburgh area, we can help. Reach out to our team at KBJ Contracting today.