Blog
What Are Hard Costs and Soft Costs in Construction?
When your contractor hands you a preliminary budget for a commercial construction project, the numbers rarely tell the complete story on their own. Line items are grouped, categories are summarized, and somewhere in the document, you are expected to understand the...
What Every Commercial Owner Should Know about Change Orders in Construction
Few phrases make a commercial property owner's stomach drop quite like “We need to talk about a change order.” For many owners, those words are synonymous with budget overruns, schedule slippage, and the uncomfortable feeling of being at a disadvantage in a...
Phases of Commercial Construction: What Happens at Each Stage
If you’ve never been through a commercial construction project before, the process can feel like a black box. You have a vision for a building, you hire a contractor, and somewhere between the handshake and the ribbon-cutting, a lot happens that isn’t always visible...
Commercial Building Permits and Zoning in Pennsylvania
Building permits and zoning approvals are among the first and most consequential hurdles in any commercial construction project. Yet they're also among the most misunderstood — especially in Pennsylvania, where permitting authority sits at the municipal level and...
ADA Bathroom Requirements for Commercial Buildings: A Practical Reference Guide
Restrooms are among the most scrutinized areas in ADA compliance — and among the most commonly cited sources of violations in commercial buildings. Whether you’re constructing a new facility, renovating an existing one, or preparing a space for a new tenant,...
White Box Construction: What It Is and What to Expect
If you’ve spent any time shopping for commercial space or working through a lease negotiation, you’ve heard the term. White box construction describes a specific condition of a commercial interior — one that sits between a raw, unfinished shell and a fully built-out,...
Construction Site Selection: A Practical Guide
Construction site selection is one of the most consequential decisions in any commercial project — and one of the most underestimated. The land you build on affects construction costs, project timeline, long-term operating expenses, customer access, and, ultimately,...
Commercial Office Construction Timeline and Process
Commercial office construction requires careful planning, coordination, and clear communication. Whether your business is building a new office or upgrading an existing space, understanding the construction timeline helps you prepare for each phase and reduce...
Church Renovation Costs and Challenges
Renovating a church is both a practical and emotional decision. Churches are more than buildings. They are gathering places, community anchors, and spaces with deep historical and spiritual significance. When renovation becomes necessary, church leaders must balance...
Industrial Roof Replacement for Commercial Buildings
Industrial roof replacement is a major decision for commercial facility owners and operations teams. When an industrial roof reaches the end of its service life, ongoing repairs often become costly, disruptive, and unreliable. At that point, replacement is no longer...
Why Hospital Commercial Construction Requires a Specialized Partner
Healthcare facilities carry responsibilities unlike any other commercial environment. Hospitals must support life-saving work around the clock, protect patient health, maintain strict regulatory standards, and deliver a safe, calm experience for everyone who enters...
How Restaurant Construction Management Ensures a Successful Build
Building or renovating a restaurant takes more than great design and quality materials — it takes careful coordination, smart scheduling, and attention to every detail. By partnering with an experienced construction management team, restaurant owners and developers...
Top Benefits of Exterior Renovation Services for Commercial Buildings
Commercial properties make their first impression before anyone even walks through the door. A well-maintained exterior not only protects your investment but also attracts tenants, clients, and customers. That’s why many property owners turn to exterior renovation...
The Art of Office Building Construction: Planning for Productivity and Growth
Why Office Building Construction Still Matters Even in an age of hybrid work and digital transformation, office buildings remain a cornerstone of business infrastructure. Whether you're developing a new corporate headquarters, upgrading a multi-tenant space, or...
Smart Grocery Store Renovations for Modern Retail
Why Grocery Store Renovations Matter In today’s competitive retail environment, your grocery store’s layout and customer experience can be the deciding factor between a one-time shopper and a loyal customer. Whether you're updating your store to reflect changing...
5 Things To Consider Before Your Next Retail Build-Out
A retail build-out is an exciting prospect that can bring significant benefits. To maximize those benefits, you’ll want to invest some time in weighing your options and making plans before jumping in with both feet. Consider these five things before your next retail...
Why a Steel Frame Commercial Building is the Smart Choice
When planning a new commercial facility, the construction method you choose can significantly impact the success and longevity of your investment. For many business owners in Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio, and Western New York, a steel frame commercial building...
Key Components of Tenant Improvement Construction
Are you planning to lease a commercial space? Understanding the details of tenant improvement construction is vital. Exploring how tenant improvement contractors can assist you will give you an advantage. What Is Tenant Improvement Construction? The leased space may...
Tips to Hire the Most Effective Restaurant General Contractor
Restaurant construction is complex. Whether for a new build or a renovation, selecting a restaurant general contractor who can do the job effectively the first time is essential. If you’re shopping for a restaurant builder, these tips can help. Choosing The Right...
Choosing a Retail General Contractor for Your Next Project
Retail is a challenging and highly competitive field. A retail general contractor understands that staying on top of the market when creating or reworking a retail space requires a unique mix of innovation, expertise, and planning. If you’re preparing for a retail...
ADA Compliance During Construction and Renovations
The Americans with Disabilities Act is landmark legislation that can affect new construction, renovations, exterior building features, and interior spaces. What does the need for ADA compliance during construction and renovation mean for your project? Complying with...
Choosing an Industrial Design Build Contractor Team
The design-build method eliminates hassles, stress, delays, and extra costs by streamlining the process. However, entrusting both design and construction services to a single company makes choosing the right contractor essential. How do you choose the right industrial...
How To Choose a Design Build Commercial Construction Firm
If you’re in the market for a new commercial facility, consider design build commercial construction. It’s innovative and efficient and will save you money. With design build construction, one firm handles the project's design and construction aspects. This...
Pros and Cons of Steel Frame Construction
Steel frame construction is an increasingly popular choice. We’ve seen many new buildings using steel in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Steel frame construction has many benefits; however, is it the right choice for your project? Reviewing the pros and cons of this...
Identifying the Right Commercial General Contractor Services For Your Job
Enlisting a commercial general contractor makes sense when planning a commercial construction project. After all, it’s a commercial building project, and general contractors excel at helming construction projects. Therefore, a general contractor specializing in...
Choosing the Right Commercial Warehouse Construction Company
Businesses depend on workflow, storage and equipment efficiency. Functional, well-designed warehouses that balance these areas are vital for your company’s success. Rely on a general contractor with experience in building commercial warehouses that focus on all the...
Top 8 Questions to Ask a Prefabricated Metal Building Contractor
Brick-and-mortar might be the words used for stores and businesses with physical locations, but many companies are opting for buildings made of a different material: metal. Prefabricated steel buildings offer several advantages, so it’s no wonder that many business...
Choosing the Right TPO Roof Installation Contractor
TPO roofing offers numerous perks, so it’s a popular choice for commercial facilities. However, proper installation is vital. That makes choosing the right TPO roof installation contractor an essential step when you need a TPO commercial roof. How do you select the...
Benefits of Working with a Design Build Construction Company
As you ask for recommendations, you discover that more and more of your peers are choosing to work with a design build construction company. We’ve outlined a few tips about this option, including when it works best and its benefits, which can help you make an informed...
Top 6 Tips for Retail Building Construction
Why do some stores seem more inviting than others? After all, aren’t people just supposed to walk into the store and buy what you have to offer? We’re sure you wish it were that easy. Instead, there is a science to shopping and getting retail building construction...
How to Maximize an Office Building Renovation
Is it time to breathe new life into your office space? Whether you want to eliminate outdated floor plans or integrate new office features, an office building renovation can help you achieve many of those goals. Here's how to maximize those efforts. Plan a Layout That...
7 Tips when Planning a New Church Construction Project
We love to see churches grow. When there is an increase in membership and ministries, it usually leads to “we need more space.” It’s a conversation we’ve had dozens of times with local area churches. CBF Construction Inc. recognizes that planning to renovate or build...
Insights From an Assisted Living Construction Contractor
The senior living residences of the past were sterile facilities with white walls and medicinal atmospheres. Today’s seniors expect better; modern senior living construction encompasses those needs. How can you ensure that your new assisted living facility will...
What to Expect with EPDM Roofing Installation | Roof Replacement
You might consider an EPDM roofing material if your commercial facility is topped with a flat or low-slope roof. Over the last few years, EPDM roofing has increased in popularity for these types of buildings. If you're in the market for an EPDM roofing installation,...
Types of Commercial Contractor Services – PA, OH & W NY
If you're building or remodeling a commercial or industrial property, there's an excellent chance you'll need a commercial general contractor. But did you know that commercial contractors specialize in different areas? CBF Contracting Inc. can assist you with a wide...
Factors to Consider When Building a Supermarket
As communities grow, so do their needs. Groceries and other household products are at the top of the list. As an experienced commercial contractor, CBF Contracting has completed neighborhood markets, supermarkets, and grocery stores as well as major remodeling...
Top 8 Reasons Why TPO Roofing is Right For Your Commercial Building
A damaged roof leaves a structure and its contents vulnerable. With the risk of disruption of business or disaster, it’s easy to see why a failing roof is bad for business. If your commercial building needs a new roof, consider thermoplastic polyolefin roofing or TPO...
Avoid These Mistakes When Hiring a Commercial Design Build Company
Not every commercial design build company can complete your project with excellent results. To achieve that goal, finding a reliable commercial contractor with the right mix of expertise and resources is essential. We’ve already outlined the many advantages of working...
Benefits of Commercial Pre-Construction Services
Commercial pre-construction services are a vital component of the construction industry. They offer clients a wide range of benefits, including cost savings, improved project timelines, increased quality control, and reduced risks. This article will examine these...
Advantages of Building Prefab Retail Buildings
In business, time is money. However, savvy businesspeople know that cost and value are two distinct concepts. When shopping, looking for the best return on investment is essential. This concept is unmistakable when choosing prefab retail buildings. Here are why...
Most Popular Types of Commercial Office Renovations
If you have outgrown your current space but aren’t ready to buy a new building, it might be time to renovate or expand. When office inefficiencies interfere with your ability to get the job done, it’s time to take action. Here are a few of the most popular types of...
Top 5 Priorities For Nursing Home Construction
Nursing homes are more than most medical buildings or residential apartments. They are a combination that makes nursing home construction a complex task. After all, a properly designed facility can help make life more comfortable for residents and support employees in...
Choosing the Right Restaurant Renovation Contractor
Renovating a restaurant has a lot of moving parts. Deciding what updates to make is just the beginning. Then, you must figure out how to deal with multiple municipal and state agencies that govern building, health, and zoning codes. Choosing the right restaurant...
Advantages of Working with a Commercial Design Build Company
If you’re planning a commercial construction project, then you want exceptional results with minimal hassles. Commercial design build is the most efficient way to achieve that. With a design build method of project delivery, one company handles both the design and the...
Things To Know When Planning a Warehouse Roof Replacement
Have you already gone through a few warehouse roof repairs? Then maybe a warehouse roof replacement is in your future. Consider this: Your facility’s roof is an essential resource. If it fails, the potential for damage to your facility and its contents is immense....
Top Reasons to Hire a Commercial Building Contractor
Being an effective leader doesn’t mean doing everything yourself. In many cases, it means handing the reins over to the right person. If you're planning a commercial construction project, then hiring a commercial building contractor is a smart way to set the stage for...
Working with the Right ADA Compliance Commercial Contractor
The Americans with Disabilities Act’s purpose is easy to understand. The law is designed to prohibit discrimination and pave the way for those with disabilities to enjoy equal opportunities. Unfortunately, figuring out how to comply can be tough. ADA compliance must...
Most Popular Commercial Renovations for Business
Change is vital for any business. Whether you’re looking to attract new customers or expand operations, commercial renovations are a great and cost-effective way to grow your business. Many business owners understand why they need to update their business but...
Most Popular Commercial Contracting Services Offered by CBF Contracting, Inc.
If you want a job done right, you match the right person and the right tool for the job. If you’re looking for a commercial contractor, you want to match the contractor with the right commercial contracting service. How do you know which one is the best fit? Here’s a...
7 Types of Retail Construction Projects
When it comes to retail construction, there's no one-size-fits-all blueprint. Retail stores vary widely when it comes to things like size, product offerings, traffic flow, focus, and branding. Working with an experienced retail contractor who recognizes the need to...
Advice from a Retail Renovation Contractor When Remodeling Your Store
You've built a successful retail establishment, and your business is growing. That means you are looking to take the next step and expand. A retail store renovation can include expanding your company's space, refreshing its look, or revitalizing its capabilities....
7 Most Popular Types of New Construction Commercial Buildings
Businesses come in all shapes and sizes. Their commercial buildings also have different needs to optimize how the business operates. If you’re looking to start a new business or if your current business is ready to grow, it's important to choose a commercial...
Advantages of Steel Frame Buildings That Save Time & Money
It's time for a new commercial facility. Why would you opt for a steel frame building? As a savvy business owner, you're used to evaluating situations and determining how they can give your business an edge. Steel frame buildings offer several advantages that make...
Tips on Choosing the Right Commercial Renovation Contractor
You may want to remodel your current facility or have an idea for transforming an existing building. When a construction project is in your future, you need to find the right commercial renovation contractor. How do you do it? Use these tips to find the best...
Top 6 Reasons to use Steel Building Construction
Why are so many companies leaving traditional construction favorites like brick and wood behind in favor of metal and steel? Savvy business owners pay attention to the bottom line, and it's clear that steel building construction offers many advantages that are hard to...
Smartest Questions for New Commercial Building Construction Projects
When you're talking to a commercial contractor about your new commercial building construction project, some questions are obvious. We hear them every time we meet with a potential client. Other questions aren't so popular, but they should be. What questions should...
Dangers of Commercial Remodeling: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You
If you're planning on remodeling your commercial property, what you don't know can quickly cause trouble for your project and your business. That’s why it’s essential to team up with a commercial construction company that can help navigate through the process. Here...
Exploring Mall Redevelopment into Medical Facilities
Consumers are more often shopping online instead of in malls. It's a trend that's forcing malls to evolve and find new ways to utilize their assets. Mall redevelopment is on the rise in cities across the US. Mall conversions are being used for new residences, office...
Medical Building Construction: Planning, Design and Construction
The demand for healthcare is growing in Pennsylvania and there are no signs of it slowing down. However, the way that healthcare buildings are being constructed is evolving. Technological developments, strict regulatory environments and changing expectations all...
Industrial Roofing Contractor to handle Roof Repair and Replacement
Too often, roofs are ignored until something goes wrong. That's a dangerous mistake to make. After all, your building's roof plays a starring role in protecting your building and its contents from the elements. A roof failure can lead to water damage that can put your...
What to look for when hiring an Industrial Building Contractor
When you opt for the industrial-strength option, you have certain expectations. Generally, you expect the product to be solid construction without a lot of frills or fuss. When you hire an industrial building contractor, you'd like your industrial construction project...
Advantages of Construction Project Planning That Will Keep You on Budget
A commercial construction project has a lot of moving parts. How do you make sure that they all come together in the proper sequence and place? Effective construction project planning is essential. What goes into a construction project plan and why is this plan such a...
Top 5 Reasons to Call A Commercial Contractor for any Restoration Work
Having a business plan is great, but, as we know, life is full of unpredictable twists and turns. When the unexpected happens, turning to those we already know for assistance can be a smart choice. That's certainly true if you find that restoration work is required at...
Should I Hire an Architect or a Design Build Firm?
Whether you need more space or to update your facilities, you've decided that it's time. Now the question remains, should you hire an architect or a design build firm to get the job done? Both have their advantages. Let’s go over the differences between whether you...
Top 4 Reasons Why Businesses Choose Commercial Steel Buildings
Over the last several years, steel and metal buildings have seen a huge increase in popularity. Whether pre-fab metal buildings or modular construction, they offer many advantages over traditional commercial construction. CBF Contracting is a proud supporter of STAR...
Optimizing Warehouse Construction to Better Serve Your Needs
Warehouse construction is often trickier than it seems on the surface. After all, a modern warehouse isn't just a big metal building. When you're building a warehouse, you need a commercial building that will serve your needs while not looking like a big metal box....
Building Your Commercial Construction Project Schedule: Why It Matters
A construction project schedule is more than a list of dates or a collection of color-coded calendar pages. It's a blueprint and an essential part of any pre-construction services package. CBF Contracting uses every commercial construction project schedule to stay on...
The Importance of Commercial Construction Engineering Services
Engineering services are vitally important in so many aspects of construction. An engineering miscalculation can have serious consequences. Meticulous engineering services are essential to any commercial construction project. When engineering services are included in...
Why Utility Mapping is Important for Any Commercial Construction Project
Utility mapping reveals what lies beneath your commercial construction site. It's an essential part of any pre-construction services package. Why? While underground infrastructure may be out of sight, the presence of these features needs to be identified, accounted...
How Site Planning Is Critical to Any Commercial Construction Project
Solid site planning is a critical element for any commercial construction project. After all, commercial construction goes past the physical features of a new building. It's essential to include the location and the regulations that govern it. Both have a significant...
Breaking Down Pre-Construction Services for Design Build
The stakes are always high when you're planning a commercial construction project. Many miscalculations or errors can result in costly delays and change orders. That's why pre-construction services are so valuable. If we can identify issues early in the process, then...
Top 7 Ideas for Mall Conversions and Valuable Shopping Mall Real Estate
Some only see problems when they look at abandoned malls. Others recognize that these vacant retail centers offer a unique opportunity. These massive buildings are generally located in an area that people can access easily by public transportation and major...
How Construction Safety Impacts Your Commercial Project
Construction workers have a clear interest in improving job site safety. After all, it's their health and welfare on the line. Likewise, construction companies need to protect their workers, manage their liability risks, ensure the quality of their product and...
Top 5 Ways to Increase Office Building Security
There was a time the safety of a building meant the quality of building materials used to build a strong structure that would withhold winds and snow. However, today building safety means something entirely different. When office building security tops the agenda,...
Top 6 Tips for Choosing a Quality Commercial Construction Contractor
Why is it so important to make the right choice when selecting a commercial construction contractor? First of all, working with a reputable, seasoned professional will produce superior results. Additionally, it will increase the odds that your project will be...
Choosing the Right Commercial Roofing Contractor
When everyone promises excellence, choosing the right commercial roofing contractor can seem like a tough task. How do you select a commercial roofing company that can truly deliver a superior result? Keep an eye open for these three things The Right Commercial...
What is the Timeline For a Design Build Project?
One of the often-cited perks of the design build method is a speedier delivery. After all, when one entity handles both the design and construction phases of a project, it increases communication which in turn minimizes delays and duplications. What is the timeline...
Types of Commercial Construction Management Consulting Services
Understanding why business owners opt to use construction management consulting services is easy. After all, the appeal of having an experienced professional oversee your project is fairly obvious. When your commercial construction project runs smoothly, you are less...
Exterior Façade Renovation – Transform your Commercial Building
Curb appeal is very important when businesses want customers to visit their location. Whether it's a shopping center, health care facility, hotel, business park or industrial complex, the look of your commercial facility can have a major effect on the opinions formed...
Deciding Between a Roof Repair or a Commercial Roof Replacement
A popular question commercial property owners often struggle with is “Should I repair my roof or replace it?” The difference in price can be significant. However, the cost of cutting corners with a repair when what's really needed is a commercial roof replacement can...
Commercial Building Renovation While Tenant Occupied
If you are thinking about renovating your commercial building and the tenants are still in the building, then this is an excellent place to start. Sometimes, commercial building renovation is necessary and needs to be done quickly and efficiently while still tenant...
Why It’s Smart to Hire a Commercial General Contractor
Why is it considered a smart move to hire a commercial general contractor? Whether you're building from the ground up or renovating an existing commercial space, the experience, skills and connections that a commercial general contractor brings to the table can...
Uncovering Top 5 Hidden Commercial Construction Cost Overruns
Commercial construction cost overruns are a common problem when you are building or renovating. Fortunately, there are things you can do to prevent or reduce construction cost overruns so that your project stays on track. Being aware of why a cost overrun in...
Top Decisions During a Restaurant Remodel or Renovation to Attract More Customers
Why is a restaurant remodel on the menu for so many restaurant owners? When restaurants begin to look dated, dingy or unattractive, customers tend to go elsewhere. If you want to retain existing customers and attract new ones, a restaurant remodel or renovation may be...
How to Avoid or Minimize a Change Order on your next Commercial Construction Project
Planning for a new commercial construction project takes hours and hours of creating the perfect scope of work. What happens when you want changes to the original scope of a project? It’s called a change order. Depending on the type of change order, it can be very...
The 4 Stages of Construction Project Management
A commercial construction project is a complex puzzle with a multitude of moving pieces. Project management offers an effective way to make sure that all those pieces end up in their proper places. Delivering quality construction management services requires a...
Top 4 Priorities When Building Assisted Living Facilities
The construction of assisted living facilities presents some unique challenges. In the past, the focus was on functionality and the ability to deliver health care effectively. Today's assisted living facilities must do more. The need to facilitate the smooth delivery...
FAQs when Hiring a Pennsylvania Commercial Construction Company
At CBF Contracting, we work diligently to exceed your expectations. Even though every job is unique, there are specific questions that we hear frequently. To support your search for a reputable commercial construction company, we're providing answers to some of these...
Knowing When to Upgrade Commercial Sprinklers During a Renovation
Being proactive about fire safety is simply good business. If you're planning to renovate your commercial building, it may also be a requirement. How can you determine if your renovation should include upgrades to your facility's commercial sprinklers? Here are a few...
Looking for a Metal Building Contractor in Pennsylvania? We Can Help!
Are you searching for a reliable, cost-efficient and customizable commercial metal building contractor to meet your company's needs? Pre-engineered metal buildings are an excellent option. After all, these buildings are ideal for everything from offices, classrooms...
Types of Wheelchair Accessibility Options For Your Commercial Building
Why does anyone planning a commercial building construction project need to be aware of the Americans With Disabilities Act? This civil rights law sets out requirements for public accommodation. Public and commercial facilities must keep matters like ADA compliance...
5 Tips for Choosing a Tenant Improvement Contractor
When you’re selecting a tenant improvement contractor, you want a professional who can deliver value without unnecessary hassle or expense. Keeping these five tips in mind as you make your pick can help you to choose wisely. 1. Opt for Experience While enthusiasm and...
Deciding Between Ground Up Construction and Commercial Renovation
Typically, when a business owner is considering ground-up construction or commercial renovation of an existing building, it’s because of two reasons. Your business has outgrown your current location. You looking for a second location Either scenario, the decision...
Wood Frame Construction vs. Steel Frame Construction for Commercial Buildings
When building a commercial facility, which type of construction is better: wood frame construction or steel frame construction? Traditional wood frame construction has a lot of merits and so does pre-fab metal buildings (or steel frame construction.) The answer...
The Commercial Construction Design Build Process
When it comes to delivering excellent value in commercial construction, the design build process is hard to top. By fostering cooperation and coordination from the project's initial phases, design-build i a popular construction delivery method that streamlines the...
5 Tips in Choosing a Building Site Location
Once you've made the decision to build a new commercial facility, you'll likely be eager to break ground and start construction. However, before you settle on the first plot of ground that fits your budget, it's important to evaluate your needs and choose the right...
Understanding Vanilla Box Construction And Why It’s Important When Selling Or Leasing Your Space
Vanilla is sometimes mistaken for a synonym for boring. It's not. In fact, if you hope to lease or sell commercial space, it's simply good business. Whether you're building a new facility or renovating an existing one, understanding what vanilla box construction is...
Top 8 Tips on Getting the Best Commercial Building Cost Estimate
Commercial building cost estimates cover so many important factors. You want to be sure you're getting the best quote for your project without compromising construction quality. Experienced commercial contractors expect you to compare bids, but not all bids are...
What to Expect When Hiring a Construction Management Company
Before you hire a general contractor for your next construction project, you might want to consider hiring a construction management company to guide your project from initial conception to final completion. A construction management company allows you to reduce...
Top Questions When Interviewing a Commercial General Contractor
When searching for a commercial general contractor in Pennsylvania, it's wise to schedule interviews with the contractors you're considering. Let’s assume the information on the website is correct and each general contractor who wants your business is as awesome as...
CBF Contracting, Inc. is a commercial construction company that operates in Pittsburgh, Western Pennsylvania, Eastern Ohio and Western New York. We manage commercial construction and industrial projects from design through completion.
Ready to experience the difference of CBF Contracting? Tell us about your project.
Hiring a General Contractor
The success of your construction project depends
on hiring the best PA general contractor for the job. Since every
project is unique, it’s important to have qualifiers when interviewing
General Contractors and the skills they can provide. Insisting on a
high standard of quality is a good place to start.