Horst Construction & Construction Project FAQ

Horst Construction is based in Lancaster, PA, but we have projects that span the East Coast. We consistently work on construction projects in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida. That said, the strong relationships we’ve created with our clients often pull us into new regions, and we don’t rule out traveling outside our current service area.

We offer commercial construction services that fit within a variety of delivery methods, including design-build, general contracting, and construction management. We also offer comprehensive preconstruction and master planning services, and are well-versed in sustainable construction approaches, IPD, and Lean Construction.

We specialize in the design-build method because it aligns well with our values and emphasis on teamwork, client advocacy, and streamlined project vision. However, we have extensive experience in all of the delivery methods and are happy to provide you with construction services that fit your needs and goals. Click here to learn more about the construction services we offer.

Our specialized 3R Team^® stands for Renovate • Remodel • Refresh, and that’s just what they do! This team focuses on projects that pose unique challenges, even though they may not have the biggest budget or largest footprint.

Their projects typically require working safely and efficiently within occupied facilities, careful scheduling to minimize disruptions, and partnering with our client’s facilities teams to create plans that maximize their resources.

If you’re looking for a team experienced in tenant fit-outs, ADA renovations, repurposing spaces, office renovations, branch remodeling, technology updates, or other similar projects, click here to learn more about our 3R Team ^®.

Typically, we work on projects that are within the $10,000 – $60,000,000 range. We have in-house talent and a network of subcontractors who are well-experienced and prepared to handle large projects. That said, we don’t shy away from “smaller” projects. We have a specified team of construction professionals experienced in the intricacies of projects of this size.

Regardless of size, we ensure each project is allotted the talent and attention required to complete it successfully.

Horst Construction offers project planning and construction services for the following industries or market sectors: religious, senior living, education, industrial/manufacturing/pharmaceutical, and commercial.

Our team includes construction professionals with varying areas of expertise, and we hand-select the project team for each client that best suits their needs. Because we have deliberately grown our business within these specific market sectors, we have a deeper understanding of the challenges and unique aspects of each. Click here for a look at some of our recent work within each segment.

We have a skilled team of craft professionals, including formally trained carpenters with decades of experience. We regularly self-perform carpentry, millwork, doors, hardware, and concrete foundations.

Horst Construction is a commercial construction contractor, meaning we focus primarily on projects for organizations, businesses, industrial facilities, schools, churches, etc. We are not a residential contractor.

Horst Construction began in the 1890s with the construction of Trinity Evangelical Congregational Church in Lancaster County, PA. Nearly 130 years later, that church still holds services, and Horst Construction still builds high-quality, long-lasting buildings. For more about our company’s history, click here.

Horst Construction starts every project with a relationship-based approach. This helps us understand what our clients truly aim to accomplish and how they’d best like to accomplish it. This relationship provides a solid foundation upon which the rest of the project will be built.

Our relationship-based approach naturally positions us well for design-build projects, but we also bring this team-oriented, collaborative mindset to any construction project, regardless of project delivery method —and your project will benefit from that.

We remain your advocate throughout the project and will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure your vision is brought to reality.

Thanks for your interest in working with Horst Construction! If you’d like to be added to our bidders list, please go to our Subcontractor Registration page and complete the form. We’ll get you prequalified and entered into our system.

Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and Construction Management/General Contracting are the main project delivery methods. Learn what each construction delivery method is by checking out our blog.

Design-Build streamlines and reduces the project-related responsibilities of the owner while also reducing the owner’s risk and encouraging more collaboration between project team members. The owner will choose one entity to handle the design and construction teams.

This entity (the design-builder) holds all contracts and serves as the main point of contact for the various partners, subcontractors, and vendors. The owner generally experiences fewer change orders, a reduced administrative burden, lower overall project costs, and fewer disputes that result in litigation. Learn more about a design-build approach here.

Depending on which project delivery method you’re interested in pursuing, you’ll either want to find a design-build contractor or an architect. From here, you’ll work out a plan for your project. Design-build offers a plethora of benefits to project owners, from a reduction of risk and responsibility for the owner to a more collaborative team.

To get started on your project today, schedule your free consultation with Horst Construction!

Your construction project’s duration will vary greatly depending on several project-specific factors, like the project’s size and complexity. Smaller projects may be completed in a few weeks or months. Larger projects can take several months or years. Regardless, your project’s schedule should be clearly communicated and remain updated throughout the process.

Just like your project’s duration, cost will vary greatly with project’s size and complexity. Once you have determined which delivery method you are planning to utilize, you will be able to start narrowing down the cost range.

With design-build or negotiated contract methods, you will select your partner and then begin to work together to develop the scope of work before gathering pricing details from subcontractors to create the total budgeted cost. One benefit of these methods is that you have greater opportunities to value engineer and find ways to maximize your project’s value while being mindful of your budget.

With hard bid projects, all companies will submit pricing based on a set of construction documents that are developed without contractor input and the lowest bidder wins. However, this method often equates to more change orders, higher administrative costs, and costly legal disputes.

We offer free consultations to help you gather the information you need to start figuring out your project’s roadmap and cost, contact us via our contact page or give us a call.

Selecting a firm to run your project is an important decision. A great way to ensure you’re selecting the right construction team is to take a look at their past projects and references. If they’ve worked on projects similar to yours in the past and have glowing reviews from these projects, it’s a good sign they can replicate this success. You want to ensure you are selecting a team that can deliver your project on time and on budget.

But choosing a construction team should go beyond price. Factors such as company stability, areas of expertise, values, safety, and methodology are also important considerations. The best contractor may not have the lowest bid, but they will certainly provide the best value. And above all, remember that your project and the resulting building is a large investment: you want to select a team that you feel confident with and can trust.