Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is a StoreReady Program?
A. StoreReady is National Custom’s turnkey program, which takes your store or office space from concept to compete, using a single provider. NCI handles the entire pre-construction, build out, installation and fulfillment process on behalf your, the owner. Once the space is completed, the keys are handed over and the space is 100 percent ready to open for business.
With the traditional build out model you are responsible for planning, permitting, design, architecture, scheduling, and each one of these tasks is typically handled by a different vendor. Then a general contractor builds the space. The contractor may subcontract lighting, plumbing and electrical supplies. Following construction another subcontractor builds free-standing or display fixtures. Purchasing and installation come next for equipment, kitchen equipment, computers, cash registers, vending machines, as well as supplies for restroom, paper goods, cleaning supplies, mops, brooms, doormats, etc. NCI's StoreReady is the alternative to the traditional build out model, improving the overall quality and efficiency of getting your store, office or franchise built.
Q. How do I avoid going over my budget?
A. Start with a good plan and a good budget. At National Custom we accurately estimate, then final cost of every project before work ever begins, so you know the dollar amount up front. By doing our work on the front end, you know what to expect at the beginning and the end of your project. It’s not unusual to hear that a contractor has blown the budget. Just one more reason NCI developed StoreReady, an all inclusive program to get your project completed while keeping your costs contained.
Q. Won’t I save money if I manage my store construction myself?
A. This can depend on the size of the project and your level of experience. Would you perform surgery on yourself just to save a few bucks? Even the smallest mistakes or setbacks can cost you. Project management and construction experts have the advantage of knowing the best way to build. At NCI we’ve seen and done just about everything when it comes to building and supplying a store or office. When you use a turnkey service, like NCI’s StoreReady, the process is developed to get the job done as efficiently as possible.
Q. Do you offer Green Building?
A. Yes. NCI believes we should always be good stewards of our environment regardless of the government standards. National Custom’s original business model was developed to recondition, reuse and recycle interior office furniture, fixtures and space. To that end, we’ve been building “green” for more than 25 years. Today, our company and executive are LEED certified, understand the value of the green building movement and aspire to use responsible practices whenever possible. Our LEED team can work with you to incorporate sustainable and responsible solutions into your interiors program.
Q. What is your service area?
A. If you’re there, we can be there too. Through our nationwide network of service providers, National Custom has performed work in thousands of cities across the country, and has proudly completed projects in every state in the US, in addition to several provinces in Canada.
Q. How long does it take to complete a Store?
A. This can vary on the size and initial condition of your space. At the onset of every project we provide a production schedule to keep you abreast of your time line. Keep in mind, a typical retail or franchise build-out could take less time with NCI than doing it yourself. When you use a single-source provider like NCI, we fully integrate each step in the process for maximum efficiency, from concept to completion.
Q. What does NCI offer that is different from other companies?
A. National Custom provides you with a complete supply chain process to bring together all the components from planning, design, budget, and build out, to equipping, furnishing and finishing your store or office space. We manage and implement the entire process to your corporate or franchise specs. We see your project through to completion and leave nothing undone. You will be able to open your doors when our work is done. No architect, general contractor, project manager, or supply vendor alone does all that.
To be the single-source alternative for developing your business.
To add value by combining project management, construction and fulfillment into a turnkey service.
To deliver quality projects by a team committed to professionalism and integrity in all we do.