5 Keys to Early Cost Estimating in Commercial Pre-Construction
Staying within budget is one of the most important factors in any commercial construction project. There are many decisions to be made throughout the construction process, and an accurate estimate is essential to ensure that the overarching plan for your project is sound. The pre-construction phase helps build a solid foundation for commercial construction, especially […]
How to Navigate Seasonal Challenges in Commercial Construction
Navigating seasonal challenges in commercial construction is an essential aspect of hitting key milestones and maximizing the success of a project. While living in the southeast offers the incredible benefit of enjoying all four seasons, it also means that general contractors need to understand how various weather conditions can impact a job site. From managing […]
Our Effective Framework for Commercial Construction Communication
Every commercial construction project consists of many different elements. These include different roles, tasks, meetings, details, and decisions throughout the course of the project. Clear and effective communication is key to ensuring all of these factors work together smoothly. On the flip side, poor communication is one of the prevailing issues that can derail a […]
7 Issues that Can Derail a Commercial Construction Project
A commercial construction project functions like an ecosystem. There are hundreds of individual components, individuals, and decisions that can affect each part of the process. If something goes awry, such as long lead times or unexpected delays, the overall timeline can be impacted. While project delays can stem from a wide variety of root causes, […]
5 Timeless Construction Principles We’ve Used Over the Past 90 Years
2023 is an exciting year for our team at Crain as we celebrate our 90th year as a commercial construction firm in Nashville. Over the decades, the Crain name has been known for a commitment to quality, integrity, and doing business in a way that puts relationships first. While our focus has shifted from building […]
Crain’s Commitment to the Next Generation of Construction Talent
Labor shortages and the need for training the next generation of construction talent are well-known issues across our industry. According to the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER), the United States had 430,000 open construction jobs in 2021. At the same time, a survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) […]
Nashville Commercial Construction – Trends & Insights for 2023
As a construction company entering our tenth decade in Nashville, we’ve seen our city change significantly over the years. While we take pride in knowing Nashville and staying ahead of trends within the construction industry, we don’t have a crystal ball that can anticipate all the factors that will impact our city. Given the unpredictable […]
5 Pre-Construction Planning Questions to Maximize the Success of Your Next Project
Every owner and developer wants their construction project to go as smoothly as possible. But to have a successful construction process, steps must be taken before construction begins. At Crain, part of our role is to help set a project up for success before the first shovel ever hits the ground. Pre-construction plays a valuable […]
5 Ways to Create More Value in Commercial Development Projects
Every developer or owner wants to maximize the value of their commercial development projects. As a general contractor that prioritizes honest and intentional business practices, we approach our work by putting ourselves in the other person’s shoes. We’ve been in the game long enough to recognize the pitfalls that can decrease the value of a […]
3 Keys to a Successful Relationship Between Owners and Contractors
Relationships have always been an important part of the commercial construction business. At Crain, we often describe the relational foundation for a project as a three-legged stool that is supported by an equal commitment between the project owner, architect, and general contractor. The best way to guarantee a successful project is to be sure all […]
