Ground‑Up Construction 101: What Owners Should Know Before Starting a New Build

Ground‑up construction is one of the most exciting opportunities for owners expanding into new markets or building a space tailored exactly to their operational needs. Unlike remodels or interior buildouts, a ground‑up project gives you full control over layout, flow, utilities, and long‑term efficiency. But it also requires a clear process, early planning, and a general contractor who understands how to manage every moving part.

At Cornerstone Commercial, we’re applying this expertise right now on one of our ground‑up builds, Chuy's Tex-Mex, in Willis, Texas, a project that reflects the precision, coordination, and communication required for a successful new build. Whether you’re planning your first ground‑up project or preparing for a multi‑site expansion, this guide breaks down what owners should know before getting started.

What Is Ground‑Up Construction?

Ground-up construction is the process of building a structure completely from scratch. This kind of construction encompasses everything from sitework and utilities to the foundation, framing, and full interior buildout. It differs from interior remodels or shell buildouts because the contractor is responsible for the entire lifecycle of the project.

How It Differs From Interior Buildouts

• More complex permitting

• Longer timelines

• Full site development (utilities, grading, drainage)

• Structural engineering requirements

• Greater coordination across trades

When Ground‑Up Is the Right Choice

• Entering a new market

• Building a flagship or high‑visibility location

• Needing full control over layout and guest experience

• When existing structures don’t meet brand or operational needs

Phase 1: Pre‑Construction: The Foundation of a Successful Build

Pre‑construction is where the success of a ground‑up project is truly determined. It’s the phase that sets expectations, aligns budgets, and prevents costly surprises later.

Site Evaluation & Due Diligence

Before any work begins, the General Contractor (GC) must conduct a thorough site evaluation and due diligence. This process involves evaluating soil conditions, utility access, environmental requirements, zoning and municipal regulations, and site drainage and grading needs. These critical factors directly influence the project's overall cost, schedule, and feasibility.

Budgeting & Early Cost Modeling

Accurate early budgeting and cost modeling are essential for the project owner. This preliminary work helps owners understand the major cost drivers, identify potential value-engineering opportunities to optimize expenses, and ultimately avoid costly scope changes in the middle of the project.

Permitting & Approvals

Ground-up construction projects require navigating multiple layers of official approval. This includes securing necessary building permits, utility permits, environmental or drainage approvals, and satisfying fire and life safety reviews. Submitting these applications as early as possible is crucial, as delayed approvals are a common cause of pushing a project off schedule.

Why Pre-Construction Matters

A strong and well-executed pre-construction phase provides significant benefits for the entire build. It is the foundation for reducing costly change orders, ensuring complete alignment between the owner, architect, and GC, establishing a predictable and reliable schedule, and setting a positive, professional tone for the entire project lifecycle.

Phase 2: Sitework & Foundation

Once approvals are in place, the site is prepared for construction.

Preparing the Site

Preparing the site encompasses clearing and grading the land, installing underground utilities, establishing drainage systems, and preparing the building pad. Proper sitework is crucial to prevent long-term problems such as settling, drainage failures, or conflicts with utilities. 

Laying the Foundation

This foundational phase is critical, as the base is engineered to bear the building's entire structural load. Key steps include setting up the formwork, installing reinforcement, pouring the concrete, and completing all required inspections.

Common Challenges

Builders often face common challenges, including weather delays, inconsistencies in the soil, conflicts with existing utilities, and unexpected underground conditions. A seasoned GC is expected to anticipate these risks and incorporate contingencies into the project schedule.

Phase 3: Structural Build & Exterior Envelope

This is where the building begins to take shape.

Framing & Structural Systems

The framing and structural systems involves crucial decisions regarding the primary load-bearing structure. Depending on the project's design and requirements, framing may involve steel, wood, or concrete block. It is important to note that each of these structural systems has different lead times, costs, and unique engineering requirements that must be accounted for in the overall project plan.

Exterior Walls, Roofing & Weatherproofing

Exterior walls, roofing and weatherproofing is critical for long-term durability. A strong exterior envelope protects the building from moisture, heat, and long-term wear. This phase encompasses the installation of several key components:

• Wall systems

• Roofing

• Insulation

• Waterproofing

• Windows and doors

Staying on Schedule

It is paramount to stay on schedule as the complexity and coordination ramp up. The GC is responsible for managing several moving parts to ensure discipline, including:

• Trade sequencing

• Material deliveries

• Inspections

• Safety protocols

This is the phase where schedule discipline matters most to keep the entire project on track.

Phase 4: Interior Buildout & MEP Coordination

Once the structure is enclosed, interior work begins.

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MEP)

MEP coordination is one of the most complex phases of a ground-up build. It involves the careful installation and integration of all necessary utility systems, including:

• HVAC systems

• Electrical panels and wiring

• Plumbing and gas lines

• Fire suppression systems

Interior Finishes & Brand Elements

This is the stage where the space becomes recognizable to guests and aligns with the brand vision. This includes the installation of:

• Flooring

• Millwork

• Lighting

• Paint

• Specialty finishes

• Brand-specific elements

  
  

National chain restaurants, for instance, frequently utilize custom millwork, specific finishes, and signature design elements. Ensuring consistency and quality across locations demands meticulous coordination for all of these features.

Quality Control & Punch Lists

The GC is responsible for the final quality control checks. They ensure every detail meets established brand standards and adheres to all local building code requirements before the final turnover to the owner.

Phase 5: Final Inspections, Turnover & Opening

The final phase prepares the building for operations, starting with obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy. Inspectors verify key areas, including life safety systems, accessibility, structural compliance, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) functionality. Upon approval, the project moves to training and handover, where owners receive essential documentation and guidance:

• Warranty documentation

• System manuals

• Maintenance guidelines

• Training on building systems

Finally, many brands opt for a soft opening to test operations thoroughly before executing a full grand opening launch.

What Owners Can Do to Keep Their Ground‑Up Project on Track

Communicate Early and Often

Clear decision‑making prevents delays.

Choose a GC With Ground‑Up Experience

Ground-up projects require strong scheduling discipline, effective vendor coordination, deep permitting knowledge, and robust quality control systems.

Understand the Timeline

Ground‑up projects typically take longer than interior buildouts but with the right GC, the process is predictable and transparent.

Why Ground‑Up Construction Is Worth the Investment

Ability to build exactly what your concept requiresGround-up construction offers several significant advantages for your business. It provides full control over the layout and the overall guest experience, ensuring the space is perfectly tailored to your vision. This approach also allows for long-term operational efficiency by integrating modern, streamlined systems from the start. Furthermore, a custom-built facility can cultivate a stronger brand presence and gives you the unparalleled ability to build exactly what your unique concept requires.

Partnering With the Right GC Makes All the Difference

Ground‑up construction is complex, but with the right partner, it becomes a clear, structured, and predictable process. Cornerstone Commercial is applying this approach right now on our ground‑up Chuy's Tex-Mex project in Willis, Texas, and we’re excited to bring the same level of precision and communication to every new build we take on.

If you’re planning a ground‑up project in 2026, our team is here to help you build with confidence. Contact us today and let’s talk through your specific build needs.