Commercial
Commercial Construction. Programme-Led. Professionally Delivered.
Office fit-outs, retail refurbishments, restaurant and hospitality works, commercial-to-residential conversions and HMO development across London. Full principal contractor service. Minimal business disruption.
Commercial projects demand more. We deliver accordingly.
Commercial construction projects operate under different pressures to residential works. Programmes are tighter. Compliance requirements differ. Business operations cannot simply stop while construction takes place. And the cost of delay is real — empty commercial space, delayed opening dates, lost revenue.
RCB brings a programme-led approach to every commercial project. We plan the work, sequence it correctly, coordinate all trades, and manage the construction phase with the documentation and communication standards that commercial clients require.
Whether you are fitting out a new office, transforming a retail unit, converting a commercial building to residential, or undertaking a phased refurbishment of an occupied space, RCB has the experience and the structure to deliver it professionally.
What's included
How It Works
The RCB process for this service.
Commercial Assessment
We review your brief, the existing space, planning position and commercial compliance requirements. We identify programme constraints, access logistics and phasing requirements from the outset.
Scope & Programme
We prepare a detailed scope of works and a construction programme. For occupied or partly-occupied premises, we plan phasing to minimise disruption to business operations.
Approvals & Compliance
We coordinate planning applications (including change of use where required), Building Regulations submissions, fire safety coordination and any licensing requirements relevant to the project.
Managed Delivery
RCB controls the construction phase as principal contractor. Weekly updates, variation management, inspection coordination and out-of-hours delivery where programme requires it.
Handover
Full handover documentation — including RAMS, programme, variation log, warranties and health and safety file where required — issued at practical completion.
Planning & Regulations
Commercial works involve different Building Regulations requirements to residential — including fire safety, means of escape, accessibility (Part M), ventilation and structural standards. Change of use may require a planning application. HMO conversions require specific compliance with licensing standards and fire safety regulations. RCB coordinates all relevant applications, approvals and inspections. Under CDM Regulations, a Principal Contractor and (where design is involved) a Principal Designer must be appointed. RCB manages these appointments correctly.
FAQs
Common questions.
Can RCB manage a commercial fit-out while the building is partly occupied?
Yes. Phased commercial delivery in partly-occupied premises is a core part of our commercial offer. We plan the construction sequence to protect ongoing business operations — including out-of-hours working, dust and noise management, and temporary access arrangements. Clear communication with the occupier throughout is essential and is built into our project management approach.
What is a change of use application and when do I need one?
If you are converting a property from one planning use class to another — for example from retail to office, from commercial to residential, or from a single dwelling to an HMO — you may need a change of use planning application. Whether permission is required depends on the specific use classes involved and current permitted development rights. RCB advises on the planning position and coordinates the application where required.
Do you work on HMO conversions?
Yes. HMO conversions require careful coordination of planning (in some cases), HMO licensing, fire safety compliance, Building Regulations and specific room and amenity standards set by the local authority. RCB has experience delivering HMO projects across London and works with clients to ensure all compliance requirements are met before licensing applications are submitted.
What documentation does RCB provide on commercial projects?
On all commercial projects we provide: a written scope of works, a construction programme, RAMS, a variation log, a payment schedule, inspection records, warranty documentation and a health and safety file at completion. We can also provide Building Control completion certificates, fire risk assessment coordination and any licensing documentation relevant to the use class.
Can RCB manage commercial projects outside central London?
Yes. RCB operates across London and the surrounding areas including Essex, Kent, Surrey and Hertfordshire for both residential and commercial projects.
Ready to discuss your project?
Book a free project review or send your drawings for a detailed estimate.