What General Construction Really Means for Phoenix Businesses

When people hear “general construction,” they tend to picture hard hats, heavy equipment, and maybe someone shouting over the sound of a concrete saw. Fair—but that’s only part of the story. For commercial businesses in Phoenix, general construction is more about coordination than machinery. It’s about managing permits, subcontractors, materials, timelines, inspections, and making sure every piece moves in the right direction.

Whether you’re renovating a retail space, building out a restaurant, or starting from the ground up, general construction is what takes the plans off the page and turns them into a space that actually works.

So, What Falls Under General Construction in Phoenix?

Phoenix is growing quickly. Commercial construction is expanding and changing along with it. Here’s what we see most often:

• Tenant Improvements – Modifying a leased space to meet a tenant’s specific needs. That includes everything from layout reconfigurations to new plumbing and electrical systems.

• Ground-Up Construction – New foundations, new framing, new everything. These projects require heavy coordination and long-term planning.

• Commercial Build-Outs – Finishing an empty shell into a fully functional space, which is common for strip mall tenants, breweries, or expanding franchises.

• Facility Upgrades or Expansions – These are usually structural or system upgrades, including HVAC replacements or ADA compliance improvements.

• Adaptive Reuse Projects – Updating older buildings for new purposes. Phoenix has a lot of legacy commercial space, and we’re seeing more owners breathe new life into it.

One thing that often gets overlooked is zoning. Some parts of the Valley are easier to work in than others. The permitting process and design review requirements can vary dramatically depending on location. Knowing the landscape early in the process can save weeks—or even months.

Timelines: Real Expectations vs Theoretical Ones

No two projects are the same. A plaza build-out near Camelback won’t follow the same pattern as an industrial retrofit in Deer Valley. But in general:

• Small tenant improvements usually take about 4 to 8 weeks

• Mid-size build-outs typically fall in the 2 to 4 month range

• Ground-up construction can take 6 months or longer

Permitting in Phoenix has improved, especially with the city’s online portal, but delays are still common. Reviews, inspections, subcontractor schedules, material availability, and weather can all throw a wrench into even the most detailed schedule. That’s why we always advocate for building in more time than you think you’ll need. It’s just good planning.

Also worth noting: pre-construction matters. A solid GC will help you plan smarter, flag risks before they become problems, and keep your goals realistic.

Why It Matters Who You Work With

We’ve worked in Phoenix long enough to know that it takes more than a license to get a job done right. It takes local experience, good relationships, and knowing how to troubleshoot without drama.

Our team has handled everything from restaurant renovations to full-scale facility improvements. And while the projects vary, the process always comes back to the same thing—staying organized, staying communicative, and staying accountable. That’s how you keep a job on track without cutting corners.

Want a better look at how we approach it? Here’s more on KGM’s General Construction services.

What’s Changing in Phoenix Construction Right Now

Construction doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Local trends, regulations, and supply issues all play a role in how a project unfolds.

• Material Pricing: Steel prices continue to be unpredictable. Recent tariffs and global pressure have caused another round of increases. Concrete has stayed relatively steady, but if your build depends on custom fixtures or imported materials, you can still expect long lead times and price swings. Timing is everything.

• Energy & Efficiency: More clients are asking for energy-conscious systems, not just for sustainability but for the long-term savings and incentives. Arizona still offers a solar tax credit for commercial properties. You can find more about that from the Arizona Department of Revenue.

• Water Use Restrictions: The city is keeping a close eye on high-usage developments, particularly restaurants and commercial spaces with large landscaping plans. Phoenix has published updates at its Drought Resource Center for anyone keeping tabs on local water rules.

Bottom Line: General Construction is Complex—But It Doesn’t Have to Be a Headache

You don’t need to memorize building code updates or track every permit deadline. That’s our job. What you need is someone who’s clear from the beginning, transparent about what’s possible, and equipped to make decisions that keep your project moving without sacrificing quality.

We’ve built our reputation by doing just that. We speak the language of construction, but we also know how to speak to business owners who just want the job done right. In a market like Phoenix, that kind of clarity matters.

When you're ready to get started—or even if you're still figuring things out—let’s talk.