How do I get started?

· One of the first steps in building a dental office is finding a location.  Realtors specializing in dental and medical can help provide different options and offer their expertise in deciding what is right for you.  If you do not have a realtor, CHC has worked with many specialized realtors in and out of state, and can help provide contacts.

· Once a location has been decided the next step is typically getting in touch with an equipment supplier.  Some suppliers specialize in specific areas of Dental and Medical, while others are one stop shops with the ability to provide everything.  Most dental suppliers can also assist in layout of the selected space.  If you do not have a dental supplier, CHC works directly with suppliers and can help provide contacts.

· With a location and equipment supplier selected, a quality contractor that has extensive experience in Dental and Medical should be contacted. CHC can assist with the selection of qualified contractors.

· At this point, we can help you with budgetary needs.  We can also help assess feasibility and cost for potential spaces.

Which way is best, “Full Architectural service,” or “Design build”?

“Design builds,” offer many advantages over “Full architectural service.”

· It is faster and less adversarial because the contractor and the owner have worked together from concept to completion, and as a team to bring the project in on budget and on time.

· The cost is known early on in the design phase. The cost variables become simple to address and are usually related to choices regarding finishes i.e. granite, sound system, and decorative walls, etc.

· It is faster and more cost effective since the design/estimating and construction phases can be done simultaneously. This process allows you to custom tailor the project with your desires and budget practically eliminating change orders.

· The team approach gives cost impacts and input during the design process verses waiting for the bids to be opened. With this method savings are passed onto you, the owner, and you can request options based on budget and overall criteria.

How long will it take to build my office?

A typical office can be completed between 60 and 75 days depending on the project size and scope.  At CHC, we understand that the sooner your office is open, the sooner revenue can be generated, which is why we oversee the project from start to finish to ensure that you open on time or in many cases ahead of schedule.

How much time or attention will I have to give the project?

The amount of time and attention needed for a project is completely up to you.  We recommend weekly visits. It is often difficult to visualize what an office will look like, and how it will function strictly based on a set of plans.  As the project progresses, in many cases, changes can be made to fit your style at little to no charge if made at the right time in the process.

Will I need an interior designer?

An interior designer can be helpful in making choices such as furniture, furniture placement, and overall aesthetics.

What are the most common mistakes?

· Ordering the dental equipment too late.  Dental equipment can take anywhere between 4 and 8 weeks lead time to get to the site with a few days to install.  This can cause problems where the office is ready but cannot get a final inspection from the city because the equipment is not installed yet.

· Waiting too late to get paperwork/proposals signed.  The permit process cannot start until a signed proposal is in hand.  Permit processing can take anywhere between 3 and 6 weeks and sometimes longer depending on which city the project is located in. 

· Making changes at the last minute.  Making sure the plans are what you want before the build-out or new construction starts is important.  Sometimes it is difficult to tell from the plans how exactly the office will look before it is built and some changes are necessary.

How do I know that I will not be taken advantage of?

At CHC, we have built our business based on referrals and repeat business.  We strive to build a relationship with our clients, not to just build or expand their one office, but to take care of all of their needs both current and future. Our process is transparent and our goal is to share our expertise and knowledge of the industry with you to start off your practice on the right foot. Our results are strong because our clients get the advantage of the reputation we’ve created.

What is the best flooring option?

Each flooring option provides a variety of pros and cons.

VCT – Typically put in more behind the scene, non-public areas like the Lab, Break Room and Storage areas.

·         The cheapest of typical flooring options

·         Relatively easy to clean

·         Requires maintenance waxing

·         Is not very appealing to the eye

Carpet – Typically put in Corridors, Offices, and Waiting Rooms.

·         Typically cheaper than Luxury Vinyl (LVT) and Tile

·         Helps cut down on echo and noise travel

·         Difficult to sterilize

·         Shows wear patterns in heavy traffic areas

Luxury Vinyl (LVT) – Typically put in Operatories, Corridors, open Sterilization and Waiting Rooms.

·         Relatively easy to clean

·         Does not require waxing or coatings

·         Very durable

·         Provides the look of wood or tile while still being stabilizable

Tile – Typically put in Restrooms and Entries.

·         Relatively easy to clean

·         Durable

·         Provides good protection in wet environments

Wood – Typically put in some Waiting Rooms.

·         Difficult to sterilize

·         Provides a very appealing look

·         Shows more wear than other options like Luxury Vinyl (LVT)

What is P-Lam or Plastic Laminate?

P-Lam or Plastic Laminate is a process of laminating a durable plastic type material to typically a particle type wood surface.  This provides a durable surface that comes in a wide variety of colors and finish styles.

What is better, wood or metal door frames?

Wood and metal door frames typically cost about the same, while typically metal frames show less signs of wear over time.  The type of door frame selected is primarily based on aesthetic value.