What Should You Consider When Planning a New Building?

Planning a new building involves much more than deciding how much space you need. The choices made during the early stages of a project can influence construction costs, functionality, future expansion, maintenance, and how well the finished building supports your organization.

At Lundy Construction, we have been providing construction services throughout Central Pennsylvania since 1933. Our experience with commercial, industrial, institutional, and specialized construction allows us to help clients consider the many decisions that go into planning a new facility.

TL;DR: Planning a New Building

Key Steps in Planning a New Building.

Planning a new building involves important decisions about the site, building system, budget, schedule, and future needs. By considering these factors early, you can create a clear plan that supports both the construction process and the long-term goals of your organization.

What Will the Building Be Used For?

One of the first considerations should be the purpose of the building. A commercial office, industrial facility, educational building, healthcare facility, storage building, or other specialized property can have very different requirements. Think about who will use the building, what activities will take place inside, and what spaces are necessary to support those activities. Understanding these needs early provides a stronger foundation for the design and construction process. It is also important to think beyond immediate requirements. A building that works well today should ideally provide enough flexibility to accommodate reasonable changes in operations, staffing, equipment, or space requirements in the future.

How Does the Building Site Affect the Project?

The property itself can have a significant influence on how a building is planned. Site conditions can affect building placement, access, site work, utilities, drainage, parking, landscaping, and the structural system selected for the project. These considerations should be evaluated before major design and construction decisions are finalized. Through our design-build services, Lundy Construction can provide consultation covering areas such as site selection, structural system selection, cladding, site work, and landscaping.

What Building System Should You Choose?

There is no single building system that is appropriate for every project. The right approach depends on factors such as the building’s intended use, size, design, budget, site, appearance, and long-term needs. Traditional construction and pre-engineered building systems can each offer advantages depending on the project. Lundy Construction has been an authorized Butler Builder since 1958, giving our team extensive experience with engineered building systems in addition to conventional construction. Evaluating these options early allows the building system to become part of the overall planning process rather than a decision made after other important choices have already been finalized.

How Should Future Needs Be Considered?

Organizations change over time, and buildings often need to change with them. When planning a new facility, consider whether additional employees, equipment, storage, production space, or other operational changes could eventually require more room. Even when an expansion is not currently planned, thinking about future possibilities can influence building placement, layout, site development, and structural decisions. A long-term perspective can help create a facility that continues supporting the organization as its needs evolve.

Why Are Budget and Schedule Important During Planning?

Budget and schedule should be considered throughout the planning process rather than after the building has already been designed. Materials, building systems, site conditions, project complexity, and other decisions can influence both construction cost and timeline. Establishing priorities early can help the project team identify where flexibility exists and where certain requirements must be maintained. Our project managers work closely with owners, architects, and other stakeholders to coordinate commercial and industrial projects around the client’s goals, schedule, and budget.

How Can Design-Build Simplify Planning?

Design-build brings design and construction considerations together under a more integrated approach. Instead of treating design and construction as completely separate stages, the project can be evaluated with construction requirements, materials, building systems, schedule, and budget in mind from the beginning. Lundy Construction provides single-source responsibility through our design-build services, helping clients move from initial concepts and planning through construction.

Start With a Clear Plan.

A successful building project begins with understanding what the facility needs to accomplish. Taking time to evaluate the site, building system, layout, future needs, budget, and schedule can help establish a clearer path forward.

At Lundy Construction, we bring decades of construction and project management experience to new construction throughout Central Pennsylvania. Our team can help clients evaluate their options and develop a building solution designed around their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions.

Lundy Construction knows that careful planning is key to a successful new building project. Below, we answer common questions about getting started, planning for future needs, and preparing for construction.

How early should a contractor be involved when planning a new building?

Bringing a contractor into the conversation early can provide useful insight into site conditions, building systems, materials, scheduling, and construction requirements. Early collaboration can also help identify potential challenges before major project decisions are finalized.

Should future expansion be considered when designing a new building?

Yes. Even if an expansion is not currently planned, considering future space and operational needs can influence the building's layout, placement, and structural design. Planning ahead may provide more flexibility if the organization grows or changes.

What information should you have before beginning a new building project?

It helps to have a general understanding of the building's purpose, desired size, operational requirements, budget, schedule, and potential site. These details give the project team a starting point for evaluating available options and determining the next steps.

What Should You Consider When Planning a New Building?