Commercial Parking Lots: Best Practices for Optimal Functionality
Building a parking lot seems simple enough, right?
But in actuality, there are logistics that go into building the best commercial parking lot that will be long-lasting, allow for optimal usability, and be visually appealing.
At Red Star Construction, our team knows a thing or two about concrete and parking lots. Who better to ask than the best specialized concrete contractors in my area? Here are a few best practices for building the best parking lots:
Consider Traffic Flow
Traffic flow is a big deal when it comes to parking lots. It’s one of those things that you don’t even think about when it works well but is a huge headache when it doesn’t! Before you start your construction project, talk with your general contractor and a trusted concrete contractor about any potential issues and make sure everything is ironed out prior to laying concrete.
Add Proper Lighting
Lighting for parking lots is important. For one, it’s a security feature. Bright, well-lit parking lots keep potential crimes and mischief at bay. Secondly, during certain parts of the year, the days end earlier, making lighting in a parking lot absolutely necessary.
Plan for Accessibility
Sure, each parking lot must meet accessibility requirements that are required by law, but sometimes those accessible spots aren’t convenient. Maybe the ramps or doors that are added to the parking lot don’t align with the placement of the spots. When beginning your parking lot with one of the concrete contractors in my area, be sure to not only talk through the placement of the handicap parking spots, but the other accessibility issues as well.
Keep Landscaping to a Minimum
If you want your new concrete parking lot to last (and of course we all do!), then another tip is to make sure to keep the landscaping to a minimum. Only plant small trees and shrubs that will not interfere with the integrity of the parking lot as their root systems grow. This will also cut down on lawn maintenance if shrubs and plants are kept small.
Project Future Needs
Have you ever seen a parking lot that is now surrounded by growth and no longer fits the bill? As you are building a parking lot, ask yourself what the next 5-20 years look like for the surrounding area. Do you foresee expansion? Either way, pad the parking lot with added space for future use. This could be used for dumpsters, storage buildings, etc. until you are ready to use it for parking.