Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Industry News

Understanding Your Insurance Coverage

The Omaha metro area has been hit by numerous devasting storms this season and many homeowners are still dealing with the aftermath.

The tornado that hit the Elkhorn area in late April left devastation in its path. Many homes were completely destroyed, leaving residents homeless and needing to rebuild their homes.

While most homeowners’ insurance policies will cover the cost of rebuilding damaged or destroyed homes, many people are discovering significant costs that are not covered. Debris must be removed before rebuilding can begin, and this cost is often not a covered expense for policies. Depending on the scope of the damage, this can be extremely costly.

Several recent rainstorms have caused significant property damage due to flooding. Damage can include flooded basements, damaged foundations, and collapsed garages and structures. Many insurance policies only cover certain water claims – be sure you know what is covered.

The lesson for homeowners – understand your insurance policy so you aren’t caught off guard by damage and destruction that is not covered.

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Industry News, Uncategorized

Time to Build

We could see an increase of close to 10 percent in construction projects in 2023, according to the American Institute of Architect’s AIA Consensus Construction Forecast. And 2024 could see an additional increase of six percent. This is great news!

The construction industry, like most industries, slowed down during the pandemic. Labor shortages and supply chain issues posed additional challenges. But things are looking up! Unemployment is low, and there are many positions available in the industry. 

Construction spending has been trending upwards this year, and is not showing signs of slowing. Projects that may have been put on hold during the pandemic are now being scheduled, and this is contributing to the brighter forecast as more businesses have returned to the office.

Are you ready to move forward with your project that has been on hold? Don’t wait any longer to reach out to the Prairie Construction team to get your renovation or new build on the schedule for 2023. We are looking forward to working and building with you!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Industry News

Construction in Omaha is Booming

This week, Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert shared a major announcement about development projects in downtown Omaha.

A highlight from the mayor’s updates is the addition of a 3-mile streetcar lane from the University of Nebraska Medical Center campus to the riverfront. The streetcar is expected to alleviate parking issues in the booming downtown area and provide convenient transportation.

To make way for the streetcar, Mutual of Omaha is moving its headquarters from Midtown to the current site of the main Omaha Public Library on 14th Street between Farnam and Douglas. The new headquarters will be a 40-plus story skyscraper that could become the tallest building in Omaha.

The Prairie Construction team is excited about these developments, and the commitment to commercial growth in Omaha. In 2019, the Associated General Contractors of America identified Omaha as the nation’s fastest-growing construction market in the US. Construction projects in the Omaha metro area have not since slowed.

Omaha boasts a cost of living that is 7% below the national average. Transportation and logistics industries in the area have kept supply chain issues at less of an issue than other parts of the country, and business costs are lower than other regions. This makes Omaha an attractive location for commercial businesses and provides incentives for local businesses to stay here and grow.

Does your business need more space to accommodate your growth? Ready for an upgrade or renovation to your business? Now might be the time – make 2022 the year to commit to growth and development for your business. Contact the Prairie Construction team to plan your construction project!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Industry News

Looking Ahead to 2021!

As we look back on 2020, I think everyone can agree the year didn’t necessarily go the way we planned it!

No one could have predicted a pandemic that would close businesses and put many aspects of our lives on hold the way they were in 2020.

But it’s a new year, and as we look ahead we can revisit plans that were put on hold in the last year. If your plans to remodel, or build a new home or office, stalled in 2020, the Prairie Construction team may be able to help with your plans.

If you are ready to move ahead with your construction needs, the Prairie Construction has some tips to keep in mind to ensure your 2021 project, big or small, is successful:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask a contractor for referrals. Or ask your friends and family for a recommendation.
  • Check with the Better Business Bureau to make sure the company has a solid reputation.
  • Choose a company that has experience with projects similar to yours.
  • Work with a company that has a good understanding of architectural design.
  • Choose a contractor or construction company that will manage your project from start to finish so you don’t need to find subcontractors.

More than anything, trust your instincts. Choosing the right company for your project will make the process successful and enjoyable. Contact the Prairie Construction team to discuss your projects for 2021!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Industry News

Spring is Coming – Time to Plan Your Projects!

The groundhog did not see his shadow – that means an early Spring!

We’ve had a mild Winter, especially compared to last year when we had record snow amounts, and it felt like it would never end! But we have already experienced mild temps, making us think that Spring is just around the corner.

If you are considering a construction project for this Spring or Summer, don’t put off planning – Spring will in fact be here before you know it! Everyone wants to take advantage of nicer weather and plan projects for the Spring and Summer, and schedules fill up quickly – so don’t put off planning your projects!

The Prairie Construction team has some tips to consider when choosing the right construction company, no matter how big or small your project is:

  • Choose a company that has experience with projects similar to yours
  • Make sure the company is reliable and has a good rating with the Better Business Bureau
  • Referrals matter, so ask trusted sources for recommendations
  • Work with a company that has a good understanding of architectural design
  • A good construction company will manage the project from start to finish, eliminating the need for you to find subcontractors
  • Trust your gut – you should feel good about the project manager you are working with!

The Prairie Construction is looking forward to the end of Winter and a busy construction season!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Company News, Industry News

Dedication of the Westside Welding Lab

Westside students have already been busy learning in the new welding lab, which was officially dedicated on Thursday, October 3, 2019.

Governor Pete Ricketts, a 1983 graduate of Westside High School was on hand to officially dedicate the lab.

We could not be more excited about Westside School District’s dedication to teaching trades and crafts to students, and we are extremely proud to be trusted with this important project. The lab is state-of-the-art and amazing!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Industry News

Commit to Your Construction Project in 2019

January is typically the time of year when people commit to getting organized – clearing the house of unnecessary items, organizing files and offices, and creating a budget for the year ahead.

The team at Prairie Construction thinks this is a great time to plan for that construction or remodel project you have been considering. A construction project of any size for business or property owners is a big decision. And the decision to commit is often the biggest hurdle.

Once you commit to the project, experts and professionals will help you through every step of the project. Here’s a look at what you can expect:

  • Initiation: You have decided you are ready for the project, and now it is time to get started. Choose a designer and contractor, get the budget squared away, and commit to a start date. Now the fun begins!
  • Planning: Work closely with your contractors and designers to nail down the plans, secure necessary permits and logistics.
  • Execution: Once the project is underway, while some monitoring and decision-making may be necessary, you can leave the heavy lifting to the professionals.
  • Closure: This is the point when you get to enjoy the final project – whether it be a new home, a remodel project or new office or work space!

Make 2019 the year you commit to that project. Don’t wait until your office is overcrowded. Do it now so you can enjoy it. And of course, the experts at Prairie Construction are here to help!

Posted on By Julie Swartz Categories Industry News

Commercial Renovation vs. Construction

Whether your business is just starting out or outgrowing your current space, the decision about the right office space can be hard. Should we renovate an existing space or build a brand-new site?

When it comes to choosing a new space for your business, there are many things to consider, not the least of which is budget. Renovating an existing space can often cost less than a new build, but there are several factors to consider:

  • Can you find an existing space to meet your needs? Consider how much space you need now and for potential growth in the future. Do you need cubicles or offices, or a shared conference space, etc.?
  • Consider long-term renovations and upkeep. An existing building may require more significant updates over time than a new building, and those expenses may outweigh the upfront savings. You could have a pest issue, for instance, and you might explore a few michigan exterminators (or in some other location) to hire one for pest control. Whereas, a newly constructed building can be treated while construction to avoid such issues in the future.
  • What is your timeframe? A rehabilitation will often take less time than new construction, especially if the previous structure needs to be demolished. For instance, it would probably take less time to complete a renovation or place a new roof on your new office with the help of commercial roofing companies in Denver or elsewhere than to create a brand-new structure. If you need to move in before the building is finished, think about when you need to be in the new workplace.
  • What are your design preferences? Starting from scratch with a new building gives you a blank slate to choose the design elements you want. This may be limited in a renovation.
  • Energy-saving options. Construction from the ground up allows you to choose some energy efficient elements that may not be an option with a renovation project, and those can save you money in the long run. However, before embarking on the journey of constructing a building, you would need to find a commercial builder who has a good reputation in building offices. Besides this, you would also need to hire the services of construction site security guards TX who can provide impeccable security to the site so that no one can interrupt the construction process.
  • Location, location, location! if location is a crucial factor for your business, available options may be the deciding factor in whether you decide to you build or renovate.

Prairie Construction is experienced in renovations and new builds of all sizes. We are committed to completing projects that meet our client’s needs on time and within budget. Whether you decide to renovate an existing space or build a new space, Prairie Construction can help create the perfect office space for your business!