Image credit: Craig English Photography
If you have a commercial office or building needing renovations or a fitout, you need a commercial builder. Commercial builders are responsible for planning, constructing, renovating and outfitting buildings on behalf of a property owner. It’s important to find the right commercial builder to ensure you get the best solution for your business and a high-quality work standard.
Ensuring you hire a licenced commercial builder also means you are guaranteed the appropriate warranty on work completed and post-construction support.
At RAW Commercial Projects, we have been professional office design and fitout specialists since 2017, providing high-quality commercial fitouts on time and on budget.
What to look for when choosing a commercial builder in Brisbane
When it comes to looking for a commercial builder in Brisbane, the first step is to check they are a licensed contractor. This means they have the certified skills and experience to perform the work they are licenced for and will be compliant with building codes and regulations.
A licenced contractor will have a Queensland Building and Construction Commission licence. It’s also important to review a contractor’s experience and expertise to ensure you are choosing someone who can undertake the specific tasks you require.
Client testimonials and reviews can be another important source of information when it comes to assessing a commercial builder.
Your relationship with your commercial builder is going to be important during the project, so making sure they communicate effectively and transparently from the get-go is a must.
When you are looking through a proposal from a commercial builder, it can also pay to review budgeting and cost control mechanisms and assess the project timeline and efficiency.
Good commercial builders will also operate with sustainable business practices and ensure they have the right safety protocols in place.
Value of the commercial building market in Queensland
Queensland’s commercial real estate sector has been defying trends in other states as migration and infrastructure investment ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games boosts development.
The state’s construction sector contributes more than $27 billion to the Queensland economy and is the second-largest employer. Despite inflationary pressures and a slowing economy, commercial construction and demand in the state are continuing.
JJL/Dexus Research revealed Brisbane has the lowest CBD office vacancy rate in Australia despite the slowing economy impacting office demand across the board. It noted demand was holding up in Brisbane thanks to the strong contribution of mining and engineering firms and tenant moves and expansions.
Insights from Cushman & Wakefield found a lack of supply has pushed an increase in gross face rents, up 13.7 per cent year-on-year in the third quarter of this year. They predict overall economic growth will continue to slow but will pick up again in mid-2024, with that trend to be mirrored in Queensland.
However, several noteworthy commercial projects are already under construction in Brisbane, including the Queen’s Wharf integrated resort and casino development that will include 50 new venues and experiences across the 12-hectare property.
On the opposite side of the CBD, Dexus is undertaking a $2.1 billion transformation of Eagle Street Pier and Waterfront Place, while at 205 North Quay, a $600 million development is planned to deliver a six Green Star-rated architecturally designed office building.
At Woolloongabba, plans are afoot for a $1.26 billion accommodation and retail centre, Station Square, to capitalise on developing the Cross River Rail station and Gabba redevelopment.
Value of the commercial building market in Australia
Nationally, there are a number of factors impacting the commercial building market in Australia. Analysis from Herbert Smith Freehills says that despite a low economic growth rate, real estate demand in Australia should hold thanks to “strong population growth, significant infrastructure investment and a diversified economy”.
It predicts that investment demand will gradually increase from early 2024. It also noted that premium office space was driving demand (six per cent rental growth per annum) while the post-COVID trend towards hybrid work would continue and have an impact on office asset valuations.
Vacancy rates in the industrial sector also remain very low in Australia (0.6 per cent) with a long-running undersupply problem.
Commercial building services offered in Brisbane
When it comes to commercial building services in Brisbane, there are a number of options for getting your project done and done well.
It can be just as important to help get the design and conceptualisation right as the fitout, so you can be certain your space will be the right solution for your company.
At RAW Commercial Projects, we are a commercial builder in Brisbane who assist clients with designing and conceptualising fitouts and renovations and then work with you to plan the project and manage construction and delivery.
An important part of commercial building is ensuring compliance with building codes and regulatory approvals; a licensed commercial builder will also take care of those details.
With the right commercial building partner, you can ensure that your project is well-planned and executed on time and within budget to deliver the best solution for your business.
Sustainable practices in commercial building
Sustainability has become an important commercial building consideration, with commercial buildings responsible for a quarter of Australia’s electricity use.
Many businesses also want to ensure that their operations are as sustainable as possible to help lower carbon emissions and power bills, as well as to meet corporate social responsibility objectives.
When working with a commercial builder in Brisbane, you can ensure that energy-efficient technologies and practices are incorporated along with initiatives to help manage waste and boost recycling and environmentally friendly materials.
For some companies, these initiatives will contribute towards Green Building certifications which is why working with trusted, experienced and licenced commercial builders is important.
Incorporating green building initiatives into your commercial building project may also mean your business is eligible for government incentives.
Case Studies
RAW Commercial Projects works with asset owners and tenants to deliver high-quality fitouts that meet their needs.
For the Bachrach Naumburger Group, which owns and leases the riverfront Brisbane offices at 301 Coronation Drive, this has meant creating modern and flexible spaces that are ready to move in. In the past year, we’ve overhauled three whole floors, the lobbies and end-of-trip facilities.
For another private property owner, we removed and replaced the entire whole-level’s fittings, fixtures and wiring with a new, contemporary look. The space, in Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, has been future-proofed and is ready for tenants.
In the Brisbane CBD, we developed a design to capture the river views and optimise the workspaces for a growing office of consultants.
These highlight the diversity of commercial builder fitout work and the importance of tailoring each job to the requirements of the clients.
We’re expert commercial builders. For a free office fitout and design assessment, contact the team at RAW Commercial Projects.
