Driving Excellence in Auto Dealership Construction

Crain Construction Site Crain Work on a Sunny Day

Every commercial construction project requires its own set of best practices depending on the industry and location of the job site. For example, auto dealerships are often built with high-end finishes, unique details, and a mix of retail, service, and office spaces. The end goal is not simply to build a structure to showcase inventory […]

The Power of Preconstruction Technology: 5 Tools and Software for Enhanced Planning

Computer displaying preconstruction software in an office setting

Precision, collaboration, communication, and proactive planning are a few of the key factors for commercial preconstruction. At Crain, we’ve found that technology and preconstruction software can help with tasks such as scheduling, estimating, and document management. These digital tools allow our team to identify concerns or issues ahead of time and prevent problems in the […]

5 Successful Commercial Construction Partnerships

Crain construction workers in vests and hard hats standing on the roof of the BNA Hilton project

For the past 90 years, Crain Construction has aligned our efforts around a simple concept: to build relationships and structures that last a lifetime. As an employee-owned, Nashville-based construction firm, we believe our work goes beyond constructing buildings. Instead, it’s about creating relationships built on the value of doing the right thing with passion, communication, […]

Procurement Principles in Preconstruction: Maximizing Value and Minimizing Costs

American flag hanging from a Crain Construction crain.

Developing a well-informed and thorough procurement strategy has become one of our most important priorities, especially in recent years, as supply chain shortages, shipping delays, and material costs have risen. The preconstruction phase is a critically important time to develop a procurement strategy.  While developers and architects might focus on other priorities like design functionality […]

5 Keys to Mixed-Use Construction Projects in Nashville

Street view of Brentwood City Park shopping complex.

Mixed-use development has exploded in Nashville and our surrounding communities in recent years. It seems like every week there is a new article about the next development to break ground. The growing demand has also created new challenges when it comes to designing, building, or renovating a mixed-used development in Nashville. Recognizing and addressing these […]

Beyond the Hard Hat: The Diverse Career Opportunities in Commercial Construction

Inside of the Crain Construction Office, featuring all-glass doors and exposed ceilings.

Most people have an outdated idea of what it’s like to work in commercial construction, one that includes manual labor and hard hats. In reality, individuals in varying roles can impact a project without ever setting foot on a job site. At Crain, every project we complete relies on a team of diverse professionals who […]

Why a Healthy Work Environment Matters in Commercial Construction

construction worker with hardhat showing project under construction to man in suit

The commercial construction industry is known for its high-stress and high-risk nature. Tight deadlines, complex projects, and evolving industry challenges can put immense pressure on everyone involved with a project. In our industry, creating a healthy work environment is not just an option; it is a necessity for safety and success. As a family-owned business, […]

4 Keys to Community Engagement in Urban Construction Projects

Exterior shot of a Seven Eleven gas station, built by Crain Construction.

Commercial projects are often long-term investments. A project that is well-received and integrated into the community is more likely to thrive and attract customers, tenants, and sustainable business opportunities over time. That’s why it’s important for commercial developers and contractors to recognize the importance of “being a good neighbor” and to proactively engage residents, businesses, […]