Client | Owner: Green Mountain Electric Supply
Architect: DJC Architecture – Cornerstone
Location: Binghamton, NY
Completion Date: May 2025
Fahs Construction served as General Contractor for the complete renovation and conversion of a former distribution warehouse into a clean, modern workplace for Green Mountain Electric Supply.
Scope of Work
- Interior build-out of new offices, conference space, locker rooms, break room, and copy room.
- Total square footage of 3,841
- Coordination of MEP, drywall, painting, ceilings, flooring, ceramic tile, storefront systems, doors & hardware
Challenges Overcome
- Modernizing infrastructure while maintaining industrial integrity.
- Workspace required leveling of existing concrete substrate (self-performed).
Results Delivered
- Efficient transformation from warehouse to workplace
- A strong example of private-sector adaptive reuse done right
If you’re planning a commercial project in upstate New York—whether in Oneonta, Cortland, Ithaca, Binghamton, Syracuse, Elmira, or Corning—selecting a contractor who self-performs key trades is one of the most strategic decisions you can make.
At Fahs Construction Group, we self-perform critical scopes of work like sitework, concrete, and asphalt paving, which helps developers, facility directors, commercial property managers, and owners across the Southern Tier and Central New York regions deliver projects more efficiently and cost-effectively.
1. More Control, Less Risk
When we self-perform, you gain a direct line to the crews on the ground. That means tighter scheduling, faster decision-making, and better coordination across job sites in Syracuse, Cortland, and beyond.
2. Budget Stability in Uncertain Times
With rising construction costs and volatile supply chains, budget certainty is everything. By managing sitework, concrete, and paving in-house, we eliminate markup layers and control labor and materials directly—offering our clients in Oneonta, Ithaca, and Elmira the pricing consistency they need.
3. A Built-In Buffer Against Tariffs
Recent increases in tariffs on construction goods are already impacting material prices across New York State. Our ability to self-perform protects your project from the ripple effects of subcontractor price hikes—especially on fast-moving jobs in areas like Corning or Tompkins County.
4. Local Agility, Regional Reach
From breaking ground in Binghamton to pouring slabs in Oneonta, our crews are deployed quickly and efficiently. As a contractor with deep roots in upstate New York, we’re growing our footprint with the resources of a regional builder and the responsiveness of a local team.
5. Consistent Quality & Safety—Every Site, Every Time
Whether we’re on a healthcare project in Syracuse or paving for a commercial development in Ithaca, our internal teams uphold Fahs standards for safety and craftsmanship. No gaps, no excuses—just reliable performance across every trade we self-perform.
Bottom Line: If you’re planning commercial construction in Central or Southern Tier New York, partnering with a self-performing contractor like Fahs Construction Group means fewer delays, more control, and a partner that delivers from concept to completion.
🔗 Explore our self-performed services or contact us to get started.
If you’re a commercial property manager or facilities director in Upstate New York, you know how quickly the construction season can slip by. Whether you’re considering sitework, asphalt paving services, drainage improvements, or an expansion—timing is everything.
Now is the moment to act, before cooler weather puts a freeze on plans and budgets.
Why Acting Now Saves Time & Money
Warm weather is critical for high-performance concrete and asphalt paving projects. Delaying until fall or beyond risks higher costs, limited contractor availability, and weather-related setbacks.
This is especially true for sitework contractors who rely on dry, stable ground to complete excavation and grading efficiently. Missing this window could mean starting over next year.
The Case for Design-Build in Upstate NY
At Fahs Construction Group, we specialize in design-build construction—a smarter, faster delivery method where we handle everything from planning to construction under one roof.
Key Benefits for Facilities Directors:
- Accelerated timelines – faster approvals, quicker starts
- Budget control – real-time pricing as plans evolve
- Accountability – one team, one contract, less risk
- Local expertise – trusted in the Southern Tier and beyond
Visit our Commercial Construction FAQs for more insights into timelines, budgets, and what to expect on your next project.
See Our Work in Action
Our General Construction Services showcase successful commercial and industrial builds across Binghamton, Syracuse, Ithaca, and the Southern Tier. We’ve partnered with hospitals, manufacturers, school systems, and developers who trust us to get it right the first time.
You don’t have to juggle multiple vendors. We simplify it for you.
Let’s Make the Most of the Season
Searches for “general contractors near me” and “construction companies near me” are spiking—indicating that your peers are already planning. If you wait too long, you risk project delays or missing contractor availability.
We’re here to help you fast-track your scope and deliver results before the season ends.
Contact us today to discuss your project timeline and learn how design-build could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
Client / Owner: State University Construction Fund (SUCF)
Architect: Holt Architects
Location: Cortland, NY
Completion Date: June 2010
Construction of a single/three-floor addition to the existing SUNY Cortland New School of Education to include Integrated Child Care; renovations to two floors of the existing building; and sitework utilities and improvements. Work includes concrete foundations, structural steel, brick, cast stone, metal studs, drywall, doors, frames, hardware, aluminum windows and curtainwall, metal panels, elevators, casework, flooring, ceramic tile, painting, plumbing, heating, ventilating, air conditioning, electrical, fire protection, asbestos abatement, and playground equipment.
Client / Owner: SUNY Oneonta
Architect: Thaler Reilly Wilson Architecture & Preservation
Location: Oneonta, NY
Completion Date: August 2023
This project is located on the SUNY Oneonta Campus and transformed the building into a state-of-the-art center for learning, meeting, and innovation. The renovation is SUNY Oneonta’s first major investment in reducing its carbon footprint using 39 geothermal wells housed beneath the parking lot. The extensive project which began in 2021 renovated the original building constructed in 1958. The 41,000 square foot project included classrooms, offices and meeting spaces for students, staff, and alumni. Highlights include a stock trading simulation room, a student entrepreneurial space, small group rooms, lounge study areas and a large conference room.
Work included asbestos abatement and demolition, new electrical and mechanical systems, drywall, metal studs, doors, frames and hardware, acoustical ceilings, painting, new flooring, and a new elevator. Exterior improvements included new sight lighting, sidewalks, parking lot, and vehicle charging stations.
As of February 28, 2025 SUNY Oneonta’s Alumni Hall earned LEED Platinum certification – the highest level of recognition award by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC).
As a commercial property owner, facility manager, or developer, you’re responsible for ensuring that every construction decision maximizes long-term value. Whether you’re building from the ground up, renovating an existing space, or maintaining commercial properties, the temptation to accept the lowest bid is strong. But is that initial cost savings worth the risk?
It’s an all-too-common scenario: A project is awarded to the contractor with the cheapest price tag, but soon enough, unexpected expenses start piling up—shoddy workmanship, material failures, and change orders that blow the budget. What seemed like a smart financial decision turned into a costly mistake.
At Fahs Construction, we’ve witnessed the real cost of cutting corners. Choosing a contractor solely based on price can lead to hidden risks that jeopardize project timelines, quality, and your reputation. Let’s break down why prioritizing quality over the lowest bid is not just a good decision—it’s essential.
The Real Costs of the Lowest Bid
1. The High Price of Rework
Construction defects and rework account for up to 30% of project costs, according to industry studies. That’s thousands—sometimes millions—of dollars spent fixing mistakes that could have been avoided with better craftsmanship and planning. (Source)
2. Delays That Kill Your ROI
A low-bid contractor may cut corners on labor, scheduling, or materials, leading to project delays that extend completion timelines by an average of 9.8%. Every day lost in construction means lost revenue, frustrated tenants, and increased carrying costs. (Source)
3. Poor Quality = Higher Maintenance Costs
Buildings constructed with inferior materials or rushed labor can result in maintenance costs that are 50% higher over the first ten years of occupancy. Saving money upfront can cost exponentially more in repairs, legal disputes, and dissatisfied tenants down the line.
4. Reputation Risk and Liability
No property owner or facility manager wants to be known for faulty buildings or unsafe conditions. Poor construction quality leads to safety hazards, lawsuits, and compliance failures—damaging your credibility and making future projects harder to sell or lease.
Breaking the Low-Bid Cycle: What to Look For
If the lowest bid isn’t always the best bid, what should owners, managers, and developers prioritize?
- Experience & Track Record – Choose contractors with proven success in your project type.
- Material Quality – Verify that the bid includes durable, long-lasting materials, not just the cheapest option.
- Scope Clarity – Ensure the contract outlines clear deliverables to avoid costly change orders.
- Reliable Subcontractors – A contractor is only as good as their team. Are they using trusted, skilled professionals?
Fahs Construction: Building Value That Lasts
At Fahs Construction, we don’t just build structures—we build long-term partnerships based on trust, quality, and reliability. We work with developers, owners, and facility managers who understand that investing in quality upfront leads to fewer headaches, faster completions, and higher ROI.
The lowest bid might look good today, but the true cost of poor construction can haunt your project for years. Are you ready to invest in quality? Let’s talk about how we can help bring your vision to life—with durability, precision, and cost-efficiency that pays off in the long run.
Owner: NYS Office of Mental Health
Architect: Architecture+
Location: Syracuse, NY
Completion Date: August 2018
Delivering Excellence in Mental Healthcare Facility Construction
Fahs Construction Group successfully completed a comprehensive renovation and expansion of Building 1 for the New York State Office of Mental Health, reinforcing our expertise in delivering secure, high-quality, and patient-centered healthcare environments.
The project included:
Structural Enhancements & Expansions
- Two new additions seamlessly integrated into the existing facility, along with tie-in work to Buildings 15, 17, and 8.
- Durable, high-security construction featuring a structural concrete foundation, steel framing, and a resilient exterior of block, brick, storefronts, and curtain wall systems.
- Roofing upgrades with a complete EPDM roof replacement and a new standing seam metal roof, ensuring long-term durability.
Specialized Interior Renovations for Patient Care
- Asbestos abatement and full window replacements to enhance environmental safety and energy efficiency.
- Secure and therapeutic interior upgrades, including:
- Metal stud and drywall construction for enhanced durability.
- New security doors, frames, and high-grade security hardware to support patient and staff safety.
- Acoustical ceilings, epoxy flooring, resilient and carpet flooring, ceramic tile, and millwork, creating a comfortable and functional space for patient care.
- Security toilet accessories designed to meet the stringent safety requirements of mental health facilities.
Site & Exterior Upgrades for Safety & Accessibility
- New sidewalks, railings, and storm drainage systems to improve accessibility and site functionality.
- Perimeter security enhancements, including security fencing for patient and staff protection.
- Aesthetically and structurally resilient exterior improvements featuring Trespa and metal wall panels.
Owner: City of Binghamton
Architect: Keystone Associates
Location: Binghamton, NY
Completion Date: 2022
Fahs Construction served as the general contractor for this multi-prime project and state-of-the-art facility, which houses fire and EMS services with a modern drive-through design.
Scope of Work:
Fahs Self-performed work included:
Sitework: Grading, stormwater retention system, and paving.
Concrete: Foundations, stamped concrete, radiant-heated garage slabs with epoxy finish and trench drains.
Installations: Doors, hardware, fiberglass windows, entrance mats, and flagpole.
Finishes: Concrete sealer for durability.
Challenges & Solutions:
Built during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fahs overcame supply chain delays, labor shortages, and safety concerns by securing alternative suppliers, maintaining a safe work environment, and adapting timelines to stay on track.
Key Features:
Drive-through design for efficient operations. Sustainable stormwater system and durable finishes. Functional training center to conduct comprehensive training programs.
Results:
The project was delivered successfully, meeting the city’s needs for a cutting-edge emergency services facility.
Client / Owner: Hartwick College
Architect: The Collaborative
Location: Oneonta, NY
Completion Date: May 2017
Fahs Construction Group was proud to contribute to the transformative Hartwick College Campus Site Improvement Project, designed by The Collaborative, to enhance safety, accessibility, and aesthetics for students and faculty. This project addressed a critical need for a safe and visually appealing central walking path, connecting West Street to the heart of campus.
Our sitework played a pivotal role in solving longstanding issues with accessibility and infrastructure. By relocating the existing water service and installing over 8,000 linear feet of conduit and 900 linear feet of waterline, Fahs ensured the new walkway could be implemented seamlessly while improving utility systems to meet campus needs.
Highlights of the work completed by Fahs Construction Group include:
- Retaining Walls and Stairs: Installed 15 retaining walls and six concrete multiple-landing stairways with stainless steel handrails, creating safe and durable elevation transitions.
- Walkways and Pavers: Constructed 1,500 linear feet of concrete and brick paver walkways, providing smooth, safe paths for pedestrian travel.
- Landscaping and Lighting: Added new lighted entrance signs, pole lights, accent rope lighting, and 28 tree lights, improving campus safety and visibility at all hours.
- Materials and Craftsmanship: Used 910 linear feet of granite curb, 800 cubic yards of concrete for walkways, 790 cubic yards of concrete for footers and walls, 8,000 square feet of pavers, 7,000 square feet of brick veneer for retaining walls, and 200 linear feet of blue stone for a seating wall.
This project transformed the campus environment, providing a safer and more welcoming space for students, faculty, and visitors while maintaining the college’s beautiful aesthetic. The Hartwick College Campus Site Improvement Project stands as a testament to Fahs Construction Group’s ability to deliver complex sitework solutions that address real-world challenges and enhance community spaces.
Client / Owner: Binghamton University
Location: Vestal, NY
Completion Date: June 2015
Fahs Construction Group was contracted to perform the site work for the Binghamton University Energy R&D Building, a 105,000-square-foot facility completed in August 2017 (site work completed in 2025).
The project encompassed several critical components:
- Site Excavation: Comprehensive excavation to prepare the foundation for the new structure.
- Storm and Sanitary Structures: Installation of essential stormwater and sanitary systems to manage wastewater and runoff effectively.
- Drainage System: Development of a robust drainage infrastructure to prevent water accumulation and ensure site stability.
The site work was meticulously phased to minimize disruption to university operations, with scheduling and coordination given the highest priority to deliver a quality product. This foundational work was crucial in supporting the building’s unique structural elements, including curved, round, hollow structural steel members designed to resemble tree branches.
