When a construction client wants to open a business, they’ll need a building crew that prioritizes style, aesthetics, and function for a storefront that will attract customers. Precision and efficiency are paramount for construction crews working on new storefronts. Your equipment will play a major role in how the building looks and functions. Outdated or inadequate equipment can make a project take longer and look worse, which can affect not just its success but also your construction company’s future. If you’d like your storefront project to go as smoothly as possible, you’ll need to make some high-quality equipment choices first.

Site Preparation

Before starting any storefront, you’ll need to prepare the site. You’ll want even land for a level foundation, free from trash or debris. Your equipment will determine how quickly and efficiently you can do this job.

Excavators

Most site preparers wouldn’t be caught without at least one excavator. These heavy-duty machines feature a long arm for maximum reach and a large bucket to dig foundations, clear land of debris, and provide efficient site prep in no time. Make sure your excavator is in working order, or you may need to upgrade. An uneven foundation can lead to many issues down the road.

Skid Steers

Skid steers are also useful machines when it comes to site prep. They come equipped with lift arms for all types of grading, leveling, and other clearing jobs. You can attach many tools to a skid steer, making them more versatile than a full-size bulldozer, though larger projects may benefit more from a dozer. A skid steer grader is a must-have for leveling foundations and landscaping well.

Compact Track Loader

If the foundation is particularly rough, messy, or uneven, a compact track loader will help you gain better traction than a skid steer alone. Instead of wheels, this equipment uses tracks for ultimate versatility in terrain. These compact machines can help you lift, landscape, and backfill any part of a store’s property, especially if you’re working with a tricky foundation.

Framing and Structural Work

Once you’ve prepared and leveled the site, you’ll start the actual construction process. The best equipment can cut labor time in half, so you’ll want to invest in the best, particularly for larger-scale projects.

Lift Trucks

While many types of scaffolding can be useful, a lift truck is easy to set up and allows workers to perform any task, regardless of height. If a storefront has multiple levels, high signage, or tall lighting, a lift truck will save you a ton of time. 

Concrete Pouring and Mixing

Throughout the construction process, you’ll need a lot of concrete. A proper concrete mixer and pump can reduce the time spent preparing the mixture and ensure an even, attractive sidewalk, foundation, entry ramp, and more.

Drywall Lifts

Instead of assigning entire teams to drywall installation, you can use a drywall lift to allow quick and seamless installation. With panel lifters, you can even use a one-person team without sacrificing time or accuracy. This equipment has many more applications outside of drywall, like metal sheets or glass. 

Storefront Equipment

While all structures typically require similar tools, procedures, and materials, you’ll want to pay extra attention to aesthetic quality for storefronts. Since businesses will utilize their storefront to attract customers, poorly installed glass or uneven signage can significantly affect client satisfaction.

Glass Lifter Attachments

A miniature crane can help you install storefront glass properly at any height, especially when using glass lifter attachments. These lifting arms with suction cups help carry fragile glass and install it without excessive labor or manpower. Most storefronts utilize a lot of glass for natural light and signage, so adequate installation is key.

Metal Fabrication

Portable welding equipment makes it easy to join metal frames, brackets, or even decorative signage on the job site. Compact tools like plasma cutters can help you get the job done whenever and wherever without worrying about cumbersome, large-scale welding tools. If a storefront requires a lot of metal fabrication, this is a worthy investment.

Forklifts or Pallet Jacks

If you don’t have a substantial amount of forklifts or pallet jacks for lifting heavy materials back and forth through the construction site, think again. Forklifts add major convenience to your crew and can cut labor and time spent. They’re typically more versatile than pallet jacks, but they’re both useful equipment for hauling heavy tiles, lumber, or large display units for the storefront. If you’re spending more time hauling materials, consider investing in more forklifts.

Conclusion

Your construction equipment plays a huge role in the efficiency of your project, especially when it comes to storefronts, where aesthetics and style are particularly important. Equipment like drywall and glass lifters, skid steers, and forklifts can help you significantly cut down on labor and time spent on the job site. Don’t forget to install useful equipment like site lighting to reduce issues from low visibility and temporary fencing to keep the project pristine. If you’re worried about the time and effort your projects are taking you, investing in equipment can help the project and your company thrive.