3 Healthcare Building Code Requirements

Wed, 15 Nov 2023 19:03:00 GMT

Healthcare facilities need to think about the overall care of their patients and staff on many levels. That's why there are strict building codes and standards for building contractors to keep everyone safe. According to RedShift, a publication on digital transformation in the construction industry, the global construction industry must build 13,000 buildings daily between now and 2050 to support an expected population of 7 billion people living in urban spaces. Here are a few building code requirements that anyone running a healthcare facility must adhere to.

1. Classification of Occupants

The classification of occupants refers to the type of patients housed in these facilities. Some patients aren't capable of bodily autonomy and running on their own in case of a fire. These patients could be in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, nursing homes, or any area where they need medical assistance for regular tasks. Spaces that have these types of patients are known as Group I-2 occupancies. A healthcare facility with this classification should have fire barriers with a fire resistance of at least two hours, according to our knowledge.

2. Fire Protection and Safety Systems

A fire in a healthcare facility could be especially devastating considering the vulnerable state of the typical occupants. That's why building contractors for these facilities should install fire alarms, smoke detectors, sprinklers, fire doors, and emergency lighting. To remain in compliance with NFPA 101: Life Safety Code, all facilities with Group I-2 occupancies need an automatic sprinkler system throughout the building. Such facilities should also have a smoke control system that prevents smoke from spreading through corridors and stairways. After all, people can often become injured or die from smoke inhalation, even if they're nowhere near the fire itself. These buildings should also have an advanced fire alarm that has voice communication abilities.

3. Accessibility

Healthcare facilities often have people who may have disabilities or mobility concerns due to age or surgery. When patients are unconscious, they are moved by staff on stretchers. Having a facility that's highly accessible for everyone is important for things to function properly. Building contractors should ensure that there are enough accessible elevators, restrooms, entrances, and routes throughout the facilities.

These are just three of many considerations healthcare building contractors must take into account. The facilities serve a vulnerable population that may be injured, sick, unconscious, or have disabilities or mobility concerns. Plus, staff must move occupants around in an efficient way. To learn more about what our building contractors do at Vetter Construction, contact us today.

What to Expect During a Commercial Construction Project

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 16:13:00 GMT

Construction is a great way to bring your business to life or upgrade your commercial property. According to the American Institute of Architects, there's expected to be a 6% increase in construction spending in 2023. While this might not seem large at first glance, this is actually significant growth compared to 2022 projections. Here's what you can expect if you're planning a commercial construction project.

Location Scouting

Before you can plan out specifics and start construction, you need to find a suitable location. Choosing a location for your business is a big decision, so take your time to evaluate your options. There's also the matter of the ground you're building on; some soil is firm and dry while some is wet and soft. An experienced commercial construction team will know how to handle either situation.

Preparation

Once you've got a location for your commercial building, you can start preparing for the project. During this stage, you'll want to plan out your project and the materials you need and start seeking out contractors. The sooner you start this preparation and the more thorough you are, the easier the rest of the project will be.

Initial Construction

The actual construction process is the bulk of most projects. Now that you've got a job site and all the details ironed out, you can start your commercial construction project. Make sure your job site is equipped with proper security measures, including cameras and fences with locking gates. You should also check in with your team regularly to make sure everything is going according to plan.

Project Finalization

Construction project timelines can vary quite a bit based on the size of the project. Your project may be done in a couple of weeks, or it may take several months or more than a year to complete. It's smart to make arrangements before you start construction so you don't have to shut everything down. As individual parts of your project are completed, inspectors will check to make sure everything is done to code.

Whether you're adding a second location or moving your business, contractors can help you turn your big ideas into reality. With our help, you can take the hassle out of construction. Contact Vetter Construction to start planning and working on your commercial construction project today.

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