When it comes to construction contractors, the type you choose can significantly impact the success of your healthcare construction project. Whether you’re building a new healthcare facility or renovating an existing one, selecting the right contractor ensures that your project meets the rigorous standards required in healthcare environments.
From mechanical systems to safety protocols, every detail must be precise. Understanding the roles and expertise of various contractors can help you make an informed decision.
General Contractor (GC)
A general contractor is the backbone of any construction project, overseeing every aspect from start to finish. In healthcare projects, GCs must not only coordinate all trades but also ensure that the work aligns with the strict regulations that govern healthcare facilities. This includes meeting compliance standards for medical equipment installations and managing complex timelines that allow healthcare operations to continue with minimal disruption.
The right general contractor for a healthcare project understands the intricacies of healthcare construction services and has the necessary experience to manage specialized teams, all while keeping the project on time and within budget.
Construction Manager
Choosing a construction manager familiar with design-build services can streamline the entire process, helping healthcare providers maintain tight control over project timelines and costs.
While similar to a general contractor, a construction manager often works more closely with the project owner from the very beginning. Their role is to oversee not just the construction process but also pre-construction activities like budgeting, scheduling, and design. For healthcare projects, construction managers are invaluable, ensuring that the facility adheres to healthcare codes and standards right from the design phase.
Demolition Contractor
In healthcare construction, renovation is just as common as new builds. Demolition contractors specialize in safely removing outdated or hazardous structures. In healthcare settings, this could involve removing old hospital wings or outdated labs.
Safety is paramount, especially when dealing with hazardous materials such as asbestos or lead that may be present in older buildings. A qualified demolition contractor will follow strict safety guidelines to ensure the area is ready for new construction.
Demolition Contractor
Excavation contractors are responsible for preparing the site before construction begins. In healthcare projects, this includes tasks like digging foundations for new structures or creating trenches for utilities. Proper excavation is crucial to ensure the structural integrity of the new build, and it must meet local regulations to avoid issues later in the project.
Given the technical requirements in healthcare construction, an experienced excavation contractor will understand the critical need for precision during site preparation to prevent costly delays or compliance issues.
HVAC Contractor
One of the most critical systems in any healthcare facility is its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. Proper air quality is essential not just for patient comfort but also for infection control and maintaining the safety of medical environments. HVAC contractors play a vital role in ensuring these systems meet healthcare-specific regulations, providing clean air circulation, optimal humidity control, and temperature regulation.
The HVAC system must also be designed to support specialized spaces like operating rooms, where air cleanliness standards are even more stringent. An experienced HVAC contractor will ensure compliance with these essential health regulations.
Electrical Contractor
Healthcare facilities rely on advanced medical equipment, much of which requires a reliable and uninterrupted power supply. Electrical contractors are responsible for installing and maintaining electrical systems that meet healthcare standards. They need to provide backup power systems for critical areas like emergency rooms and operating theaters.
With healthcare facilities, it’s important to choose an electrical contractor who not only understands general electrical systems but also has experience in healthcare-specific electrical codes and requirements.
Plumbing Contractor
Water supply and sewage systems in healthcare facilities are another crucial aspect of construction. Healthcare plumbing contractors must ensure that plumbing systems are both sanitary and compliant with health regulations. This includes the proper disposal of medical waste and the installation of systems for specialized medical gases used in hospitals.
An experienced plumbing contractor will also understand the complexities of installing sterilization systems and ensuring that every aspect of water use in the facility adheres to stringent healthcare standards.
Plumbing Contractor
Selvaggi Built, Inc. specializes in managing the unique challenges of healthcare construction. Our team has a proven track record of delivering high-quality, custom-built environments that meet the specific requirements of healthcare facilities. From hospital refurbishments to equipment installations and seismic mitigations, we handle each project with precision, ensuring full compliance with healthcare regulations.
Our clients appreciate the design-build services we offer, which allow us to manage the project from concept to completion, reducing the complexity and providing a streamlined process. As a smaller, more agile company, we bring a personal touch to each project, offering more attentive service than larger firms.