Ground-Up Commercial Construction for Restaurants, Offices & Retail
As a commercial construction contractor in Maryland, Virginia, and the DC metro area, we know that building a new facility is one of the biggest investments for a business owner. There’s no room for surprises, delays, or cost overruns when your entire operation depends on getting into that new building.
At Encore Construction, we believe complex projects should feel simple. While other contractors may struggle with the coordination needed for new commercial buildings—from site prep to the final certificate of occupancy—we provide calm, organized project management that keeps progress steady.
We specialize in ground-up commercial construction, including new restaurants, office buildings, retail spaces, and medical facilities across Maryland, Virginia, and DC. Whether you’re a franchise owner opening a new site in Northern Virginia, a medical practice building in Anne Arundel County, or a retailer launching a store in the DC metro area, we manage the entire process of ground-up construction.
The difference is in our approach to project management. We don’t hand you off to a different person every week or leave you wondering what’s happening on your job site. Our leadership team is involved from groundbreaking to ribbon cutting. This way, your commercial construction project meets all your needs for success.
How We Build Your Commercial Project from the Ground Up
Site Preparation & Foundation Work
Ground-up commercial construction starts with proper site prep and strong foundations. Our team oversees all site work, from excavation and grading to utility connections and foundation installation.
We manage the challenges of building on various soil types in the DC metro area. Whether you’re in Northern Virginia’s clay soils or central Maryland’s diverse terrain, we’ve got you covered. Our foundation work includes concrete slabs, footings, and below-grade waterproofing systems tailored to your commercial needs.
Structural Systems & Building Envelope
The structural framework and building envelope shape your new commercial building’s function and energy efficiency. Our commercial construction services cover steel framing, masonry work, roofing systems, and exterior cladding. These features protect your investment and create the interior spaces your business requires.
We manage all structural trades to ensure your building meets current codes in Maryland, Virginia, and DC. We handle load-bearing calculations for restaurant equipment and HVAC needs for medical facilities. Our construction supports your specific business operations.
Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Systems
Modern commercial buildings need advanced MEP systems for climate control and high-speed internet. Our commercial construction services include full mechanical, electrical, and plumbing installation to meet your business needs.
Whether you require kitchen ventilation for a restaurant, specialized electrical systems for medical equipment, or HVAC controls for offices, we manage all system installations. This ensures your new building runs efficiently from day one.
Proven Ground-Up Construction Throughout the Region
Complex Site Challenges We’ve Mastered
Our ground-up commercial construction team has tackled tough building sites in the DC metro area. We’ve handled projects needing environmental cleanup and those with tricky utility access. We’ve built new commercial facilities on former gas stations that needed soil treatment. We also worked on tight urban sites, coordinating material delivery around city traffic rules.
Multi-Jurisdictional Project Management
Ground-up commercial construction in the DC metro area involves multiple permitting authorities, each with its own requirements and timelines. We have successfully delivered projects for clients across county lines and coordinated with inspections in different jurisdictions. We’ve built new commercial buildings in areas with varied environmental and zoning requirements from Montgomery County to Fairfax County to DC.
Long-Term Ground-Up Construction Partnerships
Our best commercial construction relationships involve clients who come back for more. We’ve built several new restaurant locations for the same franchise operators. We’ve also developed office buildings for growing professional service firms. Additionally, we’ve constructed retail centers for property developers who trust our ground-up construction skills for their next projects.
Full-Scope Project Delivery Capability
We build direct relationships with specialized trades and suppliers, unlike contractors who subcontract much of their work. This method helps us control scheduling, quality, and costs. It also ensures accountability from excavation to final occupancy in our ground-up commercial construction projects.