Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to common commercial construction questions from Hearn Construction, Inc.
These are the commercial construction questions we hear most from owners, property managers and facility teams. General questions come first, followed by the questions from each service page. Don't see yours? Call (765) 452-2669.
General
General Questions
Do you offer free estimates?
Yes. Call (765) 452-2669 or fill out our Request Estimate form, and tell us about your project.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Indianapolis and north central Indiana from our Kokomo office. See our service area page for the towns we work in.
Where is your office?
Our office is in Kokomo, Indiana. You will find the address, hours and a map on our contact page.
How long have you been in business?
Hearn Construction has been building and remodeling commercial and industrial properties since 1990. Read more about us.
Do you use your own crews or subcontractors?
Mostly our own. We are a full-service general contractor, and the bulk of our work is done by our own people. On bigger jobs we bring in trusted subcontractors for extra manpower.
Do you focus on commercial or industrial work?
We focus on commercial and industrial work: commercial and industrial design-build, construction, build-outs, remodeling and construction management, plus steel, post frame and pre-engineered metal buildings.
How do I request an estimate?
Use the Request Estimate button at the top of any page or call (765) 452-2669. You can upload photos or documents with the form to help us understand the project.
I'm a subcontractor. How do I work with you?
Send us your information through our Request Estimate form and tell us your trade and the area you cover.
Our Services
Quality Commercial & Industrial Construction Services
What types of projects do you take on?
We handle commercial and industrial construction: design-build, new construction, build-outs, remodeling, construction management, and steel and post frame buildings.
What is design-build?
Design-build puts the design and the construction under one team and one contract. You have a single point of responsibility, and the process is typically faster than design-bid-build.
Do you build steel and post frame buildings?
Yes. We build steel, post frame and pre-engineered metal buildings, and we have experience working with all PEMB manufacturers.
Do you work in Indianapolis?
Yes. Indianapolis is a primary market for us, and we serve north central Indiana from our Kokomo office.
What industries do you serve?
Restaurants, retail shopping centers, senior living facilities, churches, schools, office complexes, government buildings, medical facilities, factories and warehouses.
All Commercial Services
Commercial Construction Services
Which service do I need?
If you are starting from scratch and want one team for design and construction, design-build is usually the fit. If you have a space to finish for a tenant, that is a build-out. If the building works but looks or functions dated, that is remodeling. Not sure? Call us and we will talk it through.
Can one team handle design through construction?
Yes. With design-build, one contractor leads the designers, builders and subcontractors for the whole project, so you have a single point of responsibility.
How do I get a quote?
Call (765) 452-2669 or use our Request Estimate form. Estimates are free.
Commercial Design & Build
Commercial Design & Build Services
How is design-build different from design-bid-build?
Design-bid-build uses separate contracts for the designer and the builder, with a bidding step in between. Design-build puts both under one contract and one team, which gives you a single point of responsibility and often a faster schedule.
Who designs the building?
The architects and engineers on the design-build team, working with our construction manager and with you. Everyone is on the same team from the start.
Can you help with layout decisions?
Yes. Layout and planning are part of the design stage, and the people who will build the space are in the room while it is being designed.
How does pricing work with design-build?
Design and construction are under one contract, so cost is considered while the design is drawn instead of after. Call (765) 452-2669 for a free estimate on your project.
What commercial buildings do you construct?
We have built and remodeled restaurants, retail shopping centers, senior living facilities, churches, schools, office complexes, government buildings and medical facilities.
Do you handle new construction and additions?
Yes. We build new commercial buildings and add on to existing ones, from the foundation through the interior finishes.
How do you keep a project on schedule?
Our own crews do the bulk of the work, and on bigger jobs we bring in trusted subcontractors to add manpower when the schedule calls for it.
Do you work with landlords and property owners?
Yes. Property owners and landlords are a large part of our client base, whether they are building new space or getting existing space ready for a tenant.
What is a commercial build-out?
It is the work that turns a commercial space into a layout that fits a specific business: walls, doors, electrical, plumbing, lighting, flooring, ceilings and finishes.
Can you build out a leased space?
Yes. We build out spaces for tenants as well as for property owners getting space ready to lease.
Do you coordinate with the landlord?
We work with both property owners and tenants on build-outs. Needs and approvals vary by lease, so tell us who is involved when you call (765) 452-2669.
Can you work while neighboring tenants stay open?
We are conscientious about working in occupied buildings and keep the needs of the people around the job in mind.
Can you remodel while we stay open?
We regularly work in occupied buildings and are conscientious about the people using them. Tell us how your business operates and we will plan the work with that in mind.
What remodeling projects do you handle?
Restaurants, retail stores and shopping centers, offices, medical facilities, churches, schools, government buildings and senior living facilities, from cosmetic updates to reconfigured layouts.
Do you update older buildings?
Yes. We update older commercial buildings, including historic churches, while respecting the original structure.
How do I start a remodeling project?
Call (765) 452-2669 or use our Request Estimate form for a free estimate.
Commercial Construction Management
Commercial Construction Management
What does a construction manager do?
A construction manager hires the specialty contractors a project needs and oversees the entire project, so the owner has one team watching the work.
How is it different from general contracting?
A general contractor builds with its own crews and subcontractors. A construction manager focuses on hiring and overseeing the contractors. We offer both.
Do you hire the specialty contractors?
Yes. We hire out the different specialties and contractors needed to complete the project.
Will I have one point of contact?
Yes. You work with our team, and we deal with the contractors.
Which industrial service do I need?
If you need a new building or an addition, start with industrial construction or design-build. If you are reworking space inside an existing plant or warehouse, a build-out or remodel fits. If you want someone to hire and oversee the trades for you, ask about construction management. Not sure? Call us and we'll talk it through.
Can one team handle design through construction?
Yes. With design-build, one team designs and builds your facility, so you have a single point of responsibility and one contact for the whole project.
How do I get a quote?
Call (765) 452-2669 or use our Request Estimate form. Estimates are free, and a team member will follow up to learn about your project.
Industrial Design & Build
Industrial Design & Build Services
Why use design-build for an industrial facility?
You get one team and a single point of responsibility for design and construction. The builder is involved early, which keeps the design practical, and design-build is typically faster than the traditional design-bid-build approach.
Can you plan for equipment, docks and future growth?
Yes. Layout is part of the design: production lines, material storage, loading docks, offices and room to expand are planned together before construction begins.
How early should we involve you?
As early as you can. The design-build team can help most while decisions about the building's size, layout and use are still open. Call us when you start planning.
Who is my point of contact?
One team handles both design and construction, so you have one point of contact for the whole project instead of separate designers and builders.
What industrial facilities do you build?
Small warehouses, large manufacturing facilities, steel frame buildings and post frame buildings, plus additions to existing industrial buildings.
Do you build warehouses and manufacturing plants?
Yes. Warehouses and manufacturing facilities are a large part of our industrial work, from new buildings to additions.
Steel or post frame for an industrial building?
It depends on the size and use. Steel suits large, open spans for production and storage, while post frame buildings can work well for smaller structures. Our steel buildings page explains more.
How do I get an estimate for an industrial project?
Call (765) 452-2669 to talk with one of our team members, or use our online form. Estimates are free.
What goes into an industrial build-out?
It can include structural steel, concrete, foundations, framing, drywall, suspended ceilings, lighting, HVAC, plumbing and electrical, depending on what the space needs to do.
Can you build out an existing warehouse shell?
Yes. We build offices, meeting rooms, break rooms, production line layouts and material storage areas inside existing industrial buildings.
Can you build offices inside a plant or warehouse?
Yes. Offices and meeting rooms are among the most common build-outs we do in manufacturing facilities and warehouses.
Can work happen around operations?
Our crews strive to complete their work with the minimum impact on your employees. We'll talk through your schedule and how the work can be phased before we start.
Can you remodel a facility that's still running?
Yes. Manufacturing and warehouse operations often run around the clock, so we plan the work to keep the impact on your employees and production as small as possible.
What industrial remodeling do you do?
Production line retrofits, safety upgrades, shipping and receiving remodels, conveyor moves, OSHA sink additions, electrical work, and office, break room and restroom upgrades. We can also move machinery and equipment.
Can you expand an existing building?
Yes. Additions are part of our steel buildings and industrial construction work, and a prefabricated steel building is an option when building onto your facility isn't feasible.
How do I start a warehouse renovation?
Call (765) 452-2669 or use our online form to request a free estimate, and we'll discuss your facility and goals.
Industrial Construction Management
Industrial Construction Management
When does construction management make sense for a plant?
When your project needs several specialty contractors and you don't have the time or staff to hire and coordinate them yourself. We hire the trades and oversee the whole project.
Do you oversee all trades?
Yes. We hire out the specialties and contractors needed to complete the project and oversee the entire job.
Will I have one point of contact?
Yes. You work with us, and we handle the specialty contractors.
How is this different from design-build?
With construction management, we hire and oversee the contractors for your project. With design-build, one team handles both design and construction. Our industrial remodeling and construction teams can talk through which fits your project.
What building types do you build?
Steel buildings, post frame buildings and pre-engineered metal buildings, in lean-to, clear span and modular frame designs.
Steel vs. post frame vs. PEMB: which fits?
It depends on how you will use the building, the open space you need and your budget. Steel suits large clear spans, while post frame offers design flexibility. We will walk you through the options in your budget.
Which manufacturers do you work with?
We have experience working with all PEMB manufacturers, so we are not tied to one brand. We help you choose the building system that fits how you will use the building, the open space you need and your budget.
Do you handle the foundation and site work?
Foundations and concrete are part of the work we do as a full-service general contractor.
Steel Buildings
Steel Building Construction
What are steel buildings used for?
Warehouses, manufacturing, retail, offices, schools, churches, municipal buildings such as fire stations, aviation, recreation and agriculture.
What is a PEMB?
A pre-engineered metal building: its steel frame and panels are engineered and fabricated in advance, then erected on site by our crews. Learn more on our post frame and pre-engineered metal buildings page.
Are steel buildings low maintenance?
Yes. Steel lasts a long time and needs little upkeep, which is a big reason owners choose it.
Post Frame & Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
Post Frame & Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings
What is a post frame building?
A prefabricated building whose structure is mostly wood posts instead of steel. They are often called pole barns or pole buildings.
How is a PEMB different from a post frame building?
A post frame building is framed mainly with wood posts. A pre-engineered metal building (PEMB) uses a steel frame and panels that are engineered and fabricated in advance, then erected on site. We build both.
What is a PEMB?
A pre-engineered metal building. Its steel frame and panels are engineered and fabricated in advance, then erected on site by our crews. PEMBs suit buildings that need a large, open clear span interior.
Which service do I need for my building?
It depends on whether you are building new, finishing an empty space or updating a building you already use. Tell us what you have and what you need, and we will point you to new construction, a build-out, a remodel or design-build. Our Who We Are page explains how our team works.
Can one team handle design through construction?
Yes. As a full-service general contractor, we are qualified to perform each step of a commercial construction or industrial project, and design-build puts the design and the construction under one contract.
How do I get a quote for an institutional or public sector construction project?
Call (765) 452-2669 or use our online form to request a free estimate. Share the building type, location and what you want to build or change.
What school projects do you take on?
Classroom renovation, additions, new buildings, interior build-outs and support buildings. Our trades include foundations, framing, drywall, electrical, plumbing, lighting, flooring and acoustic ceilings.
Can you work while students and teachers are in the building?
Yes. We plan access, noise and work areas with your staff ahead of time, and we can schedule the most disruptive work around the school calendar.
Do you build new school buildings as well as remodel existing ones?
We do both, and design-build lets one team plan and build a new school space. Browse our past projects for the kinds of buildings our crews have completed.
What kinds of office work do you do?
Office remodels, tenant build-outs, new office buildings and offices inside industrial facilities, including walls, doors, windows, electrical, plumbing, lighting, flooring and storage.
Can our staff keep working during an office remodel?
In most cases, yes. We plan phases and work areas around your staff so the business can stay open while we build.
Can you build a new office building, not just renovate one?
Yes. We handle new office construction as well as renovations. Our past projects show some of the commercial spaces our crews have built.
What municipal buildings can you build or remodel?
Town halls, government offices, fire stations, public works buildings and similar facilities, with trades from foundations and concrete to electrical, lighting and flooring.
Can a town office stay open while you work?
Usually, yes. We phase the work and plan entrances and work areas so staff can keep serving residents.
Do you take on both new public buildings and renovations?
Yes, we handle new construction and remodels. Our past projects give a look at the buildings our crews have worked on.
What church projects does Hearn handle?
Sanctuary and classroom remodels, fellowship halls, additions, new buildings, steel and post frame buildings, and repairs after fire, wind or water damage.
Will construction get in the way of services?
We schedule around worship and church events, and we keep work areas separated so your congregation can keep meeting.
Can you build a new church building or only renovate?
Both. We build new church space and remodel existing buildings. You can see the range of our work on our past projects page.
Warehouses & Manufacturing Facilities
Warehouse & Manufacturing Construction
What warehouse and manufacturing projects do you build?
New warehouses and distribution buildings, expansions, remodels, warehouse offices and mezzanines, and steel and post frame buildings.
Can you build while our facility keeps operating?
Yes. We phase the work and plan access with your team so shipping and production can continue.
Do you handle both new plants and upgrades to existing ones?
We do both, from a new building on an empty site to an update inside a running plant. Our past projects show the kinds of buildings our crews have completed.
Let’s Build
Still Have Questions?
Call Hearn Construction at (765) 452-2669, Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm; Saturday and Sunday by appointment, or request an estimate and we will get back to you about your project.
Mon–Fri 8am–5pm · Sat–Sun by appointment