5 Things Utah Businesses Should Know Before Starting a Commercial Build 

Starting a commercial build? Buckle up. It's exciting, but also kind of a big deal. You’ve got budgets to think about, people to manage, and way too many decisions to make. Probably more than you expected. And while you’re pumped about the end result (your shiny new building), it’s easy to miss the stuff that actually makes the process smooth.

If you're a business owner in Utah and you're thinking about taking the leap into construction, here are five things you’ll be glad to know before it all begins.

1. Don’t Skip the Planning Phase

Okay, we get it. Planning sounds boring. But hear this out. A commercial build without proper planning is like trying to bake a cake without checking if you have eggs. It slows everything down. From zoning laws to site inspections, everything needs to be checked early on. Plus, if you’re working with new home builders in Utah who also take on commercial projects, they can guide you through all those county permits and paperwork that seem written in another language.

2. You’ll Need to Be Patient with Permits

This one trips up a lot of people. You find the perfect spot, you’re ready to build, and then the waiting game begins. Permits can take time. Depending on where you’re building, getting approval can stretch out for weeks or longer. And it's not just one permit. There are building permits, plumbing approvals, electrical checks, and sometimes, environmental clearance. This is where working with a team that knows commercial construction in Utah really makes a difference. They’ve dealt with the paperwork a hundred times before so they’ll keep things moving while you’re busy running your business.

3. Budgeting Isn’t Just About the Big Stuff

Here’s something no one tells you until you’re in the middle of it. Small costs add up real fast. You budget for the materials, labour, and maybe even a backup fund. But then there’s site prep, inspections, weather delays, and equipment rentals. One delay can push your timeline and burn a hole in your wallet. This is why many businesses who’ve built before will tell you: whatever your budget is, keep some wiggle room. Building smart doesn’t mean cutting corners. It just means staying ready for surprises (because they’re coming).

If you’re also interested in future expansion, maybe new offices or satellite branches, it helps to know how new construction homes in Salt Lake City Utah, are priced. Commercial and residential markets often influence each other, especially in fast-growing areas.

4. Your Builder Should Get Your Business

This one’s easy to miss. A builder might be great at construction, but do they understand your business needs? If you’re running a gym, restaurant, or retail store, your space needs to work for people. Your team and your customers. Good builders ask questions about how your space will be used, how people move through it, and what kind of upgrades you might want later. If your contractor is only focused on blueprints and materials, that’s a red flag. Find someone who wants to build for your business, not just any business.

5. Communication Can Make or Break It

Here’s something real. If you feel like you’re chasing your contractor for updates, that’s already a problem. Your builder should be upfront about delays, open to your ideas, and ready to talk through changes. Things happen. Timelines shift. But you shouldn’t be left in the dark. Weekly check-ins or progress reports should be the standard, not a bonus. The smoother the communication, the less stressful your build will be.

Final Thoughts

Building a commercial space is a big milestone for any business. It’s a mix of excitement, stress, paperwork, and hopefully a big payoff at the end. The secret? Work with people who actually care about the result as much as you do.

That’s where Michaelis Build & Development comes in. They’re not just builders. They’re locals who understand what Utah businesses need. From restaurants and retail spaces to custom builds and remodels, they’ve done it all. And they’re great at making the whole process easier to handle. If you’re planning to build and want a team that’s got your back from day one, check out what they do at the website.