Non-profit organizations (NPOs) considering new construction or remodeling projects have a friend in a.j. Veneklasen, Inc. and the Pro-Bono Studio. The program extends pre-construction and planning services to NPOs without charge and without obligation.

Non-profits must typically rely on fundraising efforts to pay for needs outside of budgeted contracts, and a well-planned, comprehensive presentation is essential in successfully attracting donors. Yet a dilemma occurs when the planning itself requires upfront funding. Thus, the Pro-Bono Studio was born to help those who help their communities.

a.j. Veneklasen, Inc. is an established general contractor that has provided building services in West Michigan for 35 years. We offer a diverse range of construction-related services, such as rough and finish carpentry, steel, interior design, construction management, building maintenance and service work, and much more. Many clients engage us for initial planning and use our services through interior finish work. Tasks are completed by our talented construction management team, carpenters and steel erectors. While our work focuses on construction in Grand Rapids and surrounding areas, we perform work throughout Michigan and in other states.

A thorough knowledge of construction's early planning stages fuels Pro-Bono Studio's offerings. Meetings involve discussions about site selection, building evaluations, project feasibility, budgeting and other planning initiatives. The goal is to map out an organization's construction or remodeling vision in collaborative fashion while taking financial realities into consideration. With no upfront costs whatsoever, the NPO acquires a host of professional materials to help their fundraising efforts, including floor plans, budget estimates, preliminary schedules and more. The organization can then create whatever brochures, presentations or other materials they desire to assist in attracting donations.

While the hope is that organizations will hire a.j. Veneklasen, Inc. to carry out their projects, there is no obligation. If an organization is unable to move beyond the planning stage, there is no charge. If an organization should hire another contractor, we do ask for reimbursement to cover planning costs so that we can continue offering this service to NPOs in the future.

Although the program has a limited capacity, we will do everything we can to assure that all interested NPOs have the opportunity to engage in this program. Churches, private schools, youth organizations, foundations and other NPOs are all eligible for consideration. Interested groups can contact a.j. Veneklasen, Inc. for further information and to set up an appointment.

The 2010 Standards for Accessible Design will make public facilities even more accessible to Americans with disabilities. The standards are part of revised regulations under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. All public, commercial and government facilities, including places of education, detention facilities, swimming pools, play areas and medical facilities, must comply with the new standards.

These federal regulations went into effect March 15th, 2012 and will affect the entire nation, including Grand Rapids businesses with commercial structures or businesses that are undergoing a commercial building project. Grand Rapids construction contractors who provide commercial building services for construction of new public, commercial or government facilities will be required to assure that these ADA standards are met. The new standards will also affect the Grand Rapids contractors who provide facility service, remodeling and maintenance to existing commercial and industrial properties as future structures are the main focus of the revised regulations.

The standards, issued by the Department of Justice in September 2010, clarify requirements for the maneuvering area at doors and gates, dimensions of toilet facilities, and the number of hotel rooms that must be wheelchair accessible and/or include a roll-in shower. These rooms must also be equipped with communication features such as visible alarms as well as audible alarms.

Other standards set minimum requirements for height, depth and amount of counter space. New constructions must provide for clear entry and exit routes and level landings at the top and bottom of wheelchair ramps. The length an object can protrude from the wall must be limited. Additionally, new constructions must provide for the distribution of wheelchair accessible and companion seating along with clear sight lines in facilities such as stadiums, theaters or conference centers.

The revised rules apply to new construction or alteration projects which start after March 15. If you are seeking a contractor or commercial builder in Grand Rapids or surrounding areas, consider a.j. Veneklasen. a.j. Veneklasen can assure that your existing or future structure will comply with the new ADA standards. 

A building inspection is essential for anyone who is considering buying a structure. However, inspections should not be limited to pre-purchase contracts. Having inspections performed periodically can be a great tool for saving money in the long run. Inspections provide a way to solve problems before they become major issues. They are also a must for prospective buyers. An inspection should always be included in any real estate purchase document. To request an inspection, use a.j. Veneklasen, a reliable Grand Rapids contractor. While conducting an inspection, professionals will check for several major issues:

Roofing
Some roofing is intended to last a long time. However, improper care or incorrect building materials can create a wide array of problems. Neglecting a roof that needs attention could result in serious damage within the walls and inside the business. When this happens, it will be too late for simple preventative maintenance from construction or roofing companies in Grand Rapids. Extensive water damage, mold and many other problems may already be present.

Structural Issues
One of the most important issues Grand Rapids builders consider during an inspection is the foundation. Crumbling walls, uneven beams and many other building issues may be present. Some older buildings may have problems that could lead to expensive future renovations. However, some issues can be fixed before they become serious. Finding them early is the key to avoid paying out a possible fortune.

Asbestos
By now, most people know from television commercials that asbestos can cause cancer and other health problems. Asbestos is now rarely used in new structures but is commonly found in older buildings. It may be present in insulation, pipe coverings, flooring and siding. If a structure has a large amount of intact asbestos-containing materials, it could become an expensive and dangerous possession in the near future.

There are several other important issues contractors check for. They examine the building’s major systems for problems. Trees that may become invasive and damage pipes are also evaluated. Anyone searching the web for construction in Grand Rapids, MI can learn more in-depth information about these issues from a.j. Veneklasen.

Is it time for your building to be inspected?

Most modern construction projects involve some sort of environmental review process. Many people think that environmental reviews are conducted only for large public works, but this is not the case. Almost all building activities require some level of environmental review. In Michigan, the level of review required is determined by the scope of the construction project. Grand Rapids building companies including a.j. Veneklasen, Inc. will facilitate the review in Grand Rapids or surrounding areas.

Damming a river, constructing a new power plant or building a new airport are all activities that might have a serious impact on the surrounding environment. These types of large-scale constructions require the highest level of environmental review. These reviews are called Environmental Impact Studies.

Constructing a fire station, building a library or putting in a public sewer system are all smaller projects when compared to dams, power plants or airports. They are likely to have smaller impacts on the environment. These types of projects require a less intensive review called an Environmental Assessment.

Not all Environmental Assessments are the same, and this can cause some confusion. When government money is used to fund a public works project, an Environmental Assessment is conducted to ensure that public funds are not expended on a project that will harm the environment. This review is required by the National Environmental Policy Act.

When a property owner constructs a building on private property, government funds are not being used, and no environmental review is required. However, a Baseline Environmental Assessment might be a smart thing to do. A Baseline Environmental Assessment, called a BEA, is not the same as the Environmental Assessment performed on a public works project. In this case, it refers to a practice that is known as Due Diligence.

When a business buys property, all of the environmental problems associated with the property are also purchased. If the soil on the property contains residues from leaking gasoline or oil containers that were once stored there, the property owner becomes responsible for cleaning them up. A Baseline Environmental Assessment determines the state of the property’s environment at the time of purchase. It can serve as legal proof that a pollutant existed on the site prior to ownership, and it can relieve the new owner of responsibility for remediation.

Most construction companies in Grand Rapids, MI are familiar with the various steps in the Michigan Environmental Assessment process, but it is not a service that is automatically provided. If the property is already owned, for example, a BEA is of little value. An owner cannot be protected against a responsibility for which he is already responsible. BEAs have value when purchasing land that has been used for a commercial purpose. Fuel stations are notorious for containing underground storage tanks which leak over time. A BEA can absolve a business who has recently purchased land of responsibility for BTEX remediation when an old gas station is purchased.

When purchasing land in Michigan for the purpose of building a commercial structure, owners should always obtain a BEA. The first step is called a Phase I assessment. This step involves only a walk-through of the site and an examination of historical records that might indicate a problem on the property or in the immediate area of the property.

The second step is a Phase II assessment. Phase II assessments involve sampling and testing to rule out or validate recognized environmental concerns identified in Phase I. If a Phase I assessment raises no concerns, then a Phase II assessment is unnecessary.

Not all Grand Rapids construction contractors are qualified to conduct Environmental Assessments. Special training and licensing is required, so opting for a company that can construct LEED-certified green buildings such as a.j. Veneklasen, Inc. is your best bet.