Every successful construction project begins with a vision, but bringing that vision to life requires careful planning, experienced project management, and skilled craftsmanship. At CMR General Contractors, we specialize in managing complex renovations from concept to completion, ensuring every phase is coordinated for a seamless building experience.
We’re excited to begin work on an ambitious commercial conversion project in Tilton, New Hampshire that showcases exactly what comprehensive project management can accomplish.
A Complete Change of Use
This project involves converting an existing engineered commercial garage into a three-unit residential building consisting of:
- Two one-bedroom apartments
- One studio apartment
A change-of-use project is much more involved than a standard renovation. Every aspect must meet current building codes, fire safety requirements, energy standards, and municipal regulations. Our team manages the entire process so our client has a single point of contact from start to finish.
Planning Before Construction
One of the most important phases of any commercial conversion happens long before construction begins.
For this project, we coordinated approximately three months of pre-construction work, including:
- Engineering design and revisions
- Building permit approvals
- Coordination with the Town of Tilton
- Water department approvals, which are managed separately from the building department
Navigating these approvals efficiently helps keep projects on schedule while ensuring every requirement is met before construction begins.
Building the Infrastructure
Once approvals are complete, construction begins with the critical infrastructure that will support the new apartments.
This project includes installing three major underground utility systems:
- Approximately 200 feet of trenching for the septic connection
- Approximately 100 feet of electrical trenching
- Approximately 75 feet of new water service
These utility installations create the foundation for reliable, long-term building performance.
Preparing the Concrete Slab
Converting a garage into residential living requires extensive modifications beneath the existing concrete slab.
To accommodate kitchens, bathrooms, and utility connections, we’ll perform:
- More than 165 feet of 18-inch-wide concrete trench cutting
- Core drilling for plumbing and utility access points
- Installation of underground plumbing and utility systems before restoring the slab
This precision work ensures the finished apartments have modern infrastructure while preserving the structural integrity of the building.
Designed for Long-Term Performance
The completed building will include a dedicated mechanical room that provides centralized access to utilities, making future maintenance more efficient while improving serviceability for property owners.
The renovation also focuses heavily on energy efficiency through:
- High-performance windows
- Energy-efficient exterior doors
- Modern mini-split heating and cooling systems
- A completely updated building envelope, including new roofing and siding
These improvements help reduce operating costs while creating comfortable living spaces throughout the year.
One Contractor. One Team. One Process.
Projects like this demonstrate the value of having one experienced contractor oversee every phase of construction.
From engineering coordination and permitting to utility installation, structural modifications, and the final finishes, CMR General Contractors manages each step with careful planning and attention to detail. Our goal is to simplify complex projects while delivering quality craftsmanship that stands the test of time.
Whether you’re considering a commercial renovation, adaptive reuse project, or complete building transformation, our team has the experience to guide your project from the first consultation through the final inspection.
If you’re planning a commercial or multi-family construction project in New England, contact CMR General Contractors to learn how our start-to-finish project management can help bring your vision to life.