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Starting Your First Commercial Development: A Step by Step Guide



Taking the leap into commercial real estate development is an exciting and rewarding journey, but it comes with its challenges. Whether you're looking to develop a retail center, office space, or light industrial buildings, the success of your project depends on proper planning, thorough due diligence, and having the right team by your side. At Box-T Construction, we guide clients through every step of the development process—from land acquisition to project completion—ensuring a smooth and successful experience.


1. Understanding Your Development Goals


Before breaking ground, it’s essential to define the purpose of your commercial development. Key questions to consider:


What type of property are you developing (office, retail, industrial, mixed-use)?


Who is your target tenant or buyer?


What is your budget and expected return on investment?



Box-T Construction can help you analyze feasibility, project scope, and market demand to ensure your development aligns with your financial and operational goals.


2. Conducting Due Diligence


Before purchasing land, thorough due diligence is crucial to avoid costly surprises. This includes:


Zoning & Land Use – Ensure the property is zoned for your intended use. Rezoning can be time-consuming and uncertain.


Environmental & Soil Reports – Phase I and Phase II environmental studies can identify potential contamination issues.


Utility & Infrastructure Availability – Determine access to water, sewer, electricity, and roads. Off-site improvements can add unexpected costs.


Title & Legal Considerations – Work with an attorney to review property deeds, easements, and any restrictions.



Box-T Construction has experience identifying red flags early and working with professionals to ensure a smooth land acquisition process.


3. Site Planning & Design


Once land is secured, it’s time to create a development plan. This stage includes:


Conceptual Site Layout – Determining building placement, parking, drainage, and green space.


Architectural & Engineering Plans – Detailed drawings that meet code and functional needs.


Permitting Process – Submitting plans to local municipalities for approval.



Box-T Construction works with architects, engineers, and municipalities to streamline the design and permitting process, helping you avoid costly delays.


4. Securing Financing & Investors


Most commercial developments require a combination of financing and investor capital. Common funding options include:


Traditional bank loans or SBA 504 loans


Private investors or equity partners


Development grants or incentives



If you’re new to commercial development, partnering with experienced investors or lenders can help you navigate financial structuring.


5. Pre-Construction & Bidding


Before breaking ground, you need a solid budget and contractor selection. This stage involves:


Construction Budgeting – Estimating material, labor, and contingency costs.


General Contractor Selection – Choosing a builder who understands your project vision and budget.


Subcontractor Bidding – Ensuring competitive pricing while maintaining quality.



At Box-T Construction, we handle everything from cost estimating to contractor management, ensuring transparency and efficiency throughout the pre-construction phase.


6. Construction & Project Management


Once construction begins, staying on schedule and within budget is key. This involves:


Scheduling & Coordination – Ensuring subcontractors stay on track.


Quality Control & Inspections – Verifying workmanship and compliance.


Change Order Management – Addressing unexpected costs or design changes.



Our team at Box-T Construction provides hands-on project management to keep your development moving forward with minimal disruptions.


7. Leasing, Sales & Property Management


Once construction is complete, the final step is filling the space with tenants or selling the property.


Work with brokers to market the property.


Finalize lease agreements or sales contracts.


Establish a property management plan if holding the asset long-term.



How Box-T Construction Can Help


Starting your first commercial development can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Box-T Construction simplifies the process by offering:

✅ Expertise in land acquisition & feasibility studies

✅ Guidance through zoning, permitting, and due diligence

✅ Cost-efficient construction planning & execution

✅ End-to-end project management to keep your development on track


If you're considering your first commercial development, let’s talk! We’ll walk you through the process and help bring your vision to life.


📞 Contact us today to get started!

 
 
 

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