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Retrofitting vs. New Commercial Construction: Which Is Right for You?

As a business owner, choosing the right space for your business is one of the most important decisions you can make. Your location can have a direct impact on traffic, sales, and accessibility.

At Premier Construction, we bring over 20 years of commercial construction experience, helping business owners make confident, informed choices that align with their goals. Let’s break down the differences between retrofitting and custom commercial construction, including the pros, cons, and key considerations, to help guide your decision.

Retrofitting

Retrofitting is the process of refurbishing or renovating an existing structure to fit your business needs. It’s a popular option in historic cities or neighborhoods where preserving character is important, or when a building’s bones are still solid, but the space needs updates. Retrofitting any structure gives you the opportunity to create a very unique space, but it’s not without some drawbacks.

Pros of Retrofitting

• Cost-Effective: Renovating an existing structure often comes with lower upfront costs than building from scratch.
• Sustainable: Repurposing materials and minimizing demolition helps reduce waste. You also have the capability to incorporate energy-efficient features.
• Reduced Downtime: With the right team, retrofits can often be completed faster than new builds.

Cons of Retrofitting

• Structural Limits: You’re working within an existing floor plan, which may limit layout flexibility.
• Hidden Issues: Older buildings may come with surprises like outdated wiring features or damage from water.
• Code Compliance: Bringing an older structure up to modern building codes can be complex and costly. 

New Builds

If you have a specific vision in mind and your needs are highly specific, a custom build may be the best route. This approach offers great benefits, like allowing you to design a space from the ground up that fits your business perfectly.

Pros of New Construction

• Complete Customization: Design the perfect layout for your workflow, brand, and customer experience.
• Durability & Longevity: New builds tend to require less maintenance and offer a longer useful life.
• Technology Integration: Easily incorporate the latest in smart systems, security, and energy efficiency that is usually not compatible with retrofitting.

Cons of New Construction

• Higher Costs: From site prep to materials, building a brand-new space can require a bigger budget.
• Longer Timeline: Design, permitting, and construction can take months and in some cases over a year, based on the scale of the project.
• More Resources: New builds demand more time from you, with a lot of upfront planning and project management.

Making a Decision

Every project is unique. To help determine the best fit for your business, consider the following questions:

• What is your budget?
• How quickly do you need the space?
• What are your specific needs?
• How important is sustainability to you?

While this is not an exhaustive list of questions to ask yourself, it gives you a good starting point and can be the first steps to helping you determine what route works for you and your business goals.

Partner with Premier Construction

Whether you choose to retrofit an existing space or invest in a custom commercial build, Premier Construction is here to guide you through every step. With a commitment to quality craftsmanship, we’ll help you create a space that supports your business today—and grows with you into the future.

Let’s build something great together. Contact Premier Construction today to get started with a quote!