ACI has always strived to be at the forefront of innovation in the construction industry. This includes new ways of organizing projects. Today, we are sitting down with George Ray, President and Owner of ACI, to talk about a more in-depth understanding of their streamlined design-build process. 

*Remarks have been edited for clarity*

“Design-build is a project delivery method that kind of takes the place of design-bid-build. What it does is creates a team of the designer, architect, engineer, and contractor in an effort to streamline the process and reduce cost and eliminate errors and confrontations during a project. We have used design-build for every type of project out there. There really isn’t a project that would not allow design-build to be used. Even more recently, with the use of design-build and municipal projects, or government projects, we’ve partnered with Sourcewell which allows us now to do design-build with government entities. So really, design-build replaces the standard design-bid-build that a lot of people are familiar with. The benefits of design-build, as I mentioned earlier, are time savings and cost savings. That’s achieved because during the design process you have all the entities involved. You set up meetings with the owner, with the architect, with the engineer, with the contractor. We come together as a team and we look at all the different options for materials and methods of construction for a particular type of project and really come to a conclusion as to what’s the best for that project. And by everybody buying into it, there’s no animosity about “well this would have worked better, that would have worked better.” Again, that team approach saves you time and it in the long run saves cost because you know everybody decided on a method upfront.

Thank you for watching. we appreciate your time and if you have any more questions don’t hesitate to look at our website or give us a call, we certainly can help.”

[Music]

Simply running a small business is a hefty task. Moreso, running it well and in a profitable manner is a huge feat. Adding in anything extra may seem like an overwhelming task, especially something like remodeling, adding on or building a new facility. Renovating or expanding your business is a sure sign of positive growth and that your business is headed in the right direction. Keep pushing forward in your business endeavor by following these simple tasks to manage your business during an expansion.

Set reasonable construction hours.

Depending on the type of business that you own, setting reasonable construction hours may be an easy or a difficult task. While most people work the typical 9 to 5 work shift, and not on the weekends, it may be strenuous having the construction happening during your peak times. Having limited hours can extend your construction project, which also adds to the overall cost. When negotiating a contract with the contractor, consider asking for unconventional hours to have the work completed. This may mean having the work crew arrive early in the morning and work until your business opens at 9am, or having them  work in the evening, after your business has closed. Negotiating your construction hours will help keep your employees and customers appreciative of your business remaining open during normal hours of operation. 

Keep people informed.

From the beginning of the project to the end, keep those who are affected by the projected well informed. Not only should you notify your employees regarding your upcoming project, but it will be helpful to inform your customers, as well. Providing signage that explains new hours or new locations ensures that they know that your business will remain open but may have different hours of operation during the expansion. This helps mitigate any questions or false information they may have received.

Ensure cleanliness and safety.

Construction activities can create many types of hazards and debris. It’s important your contractor keeps a clean worksite. This involves daily cleanup including sweeping of floors, removing demoed materials, throwing out packaging materials and properly storing onsite materials. They should also address safety situations such as fall hazards with temporary fences or railings, installing temporary lighting to protect against dark areas and trip obstacles  and provide temporary enclosures to keep customers out of construction areas and to secure the facility at night.  

ACI can help you.

If you’re looking to renovate or expand your business, reach out to our team of seasoned specialists at Associated Contractors, Inc. today. We can help you implement a solid plan, stay on track and within budget in order to make the process as smooth as possible for you and your business. We will be there during your business expansion from start to finish.

Be sure to check out other topics in this series:

 Expansion Checklist Part 1: Preconstruction Considerations  

 Expansion Checklist Part 2: Bidding Process vs. Design Build 

Expansion Checklist Part 3: Considerations When Planning your Budget for your Project

Expansion Checklist Part 4: Selecting Your Project Team 

When beginning a new construction project, you will find that many people are required to get the job done. Choosing your building team for an upcoming project is a big deal, and it’s one of the first things that should to be on your to-do list. This may seem like common sense, but often is overlooked.

This process begins when you choose your contractor. If this is your first construction project, you may not have a lot of experience on what to look for. Learn more about how to choose your team, who should be involved, what to look for and what your team will expect from you:

How to choose a contractor.

Choosing a contractor is the first big step for the construction project. A contractor should be someone you can trust, communicate well with, is reputable and has a history of completed jobs. Make sure to do thorough research when searching for a contractor. Look online at their website to find information about their recent and past jobs to see if they have experience with the type of building you are planning to build or remodel. Interview potential contractors and ask about their processes, quality control, credit history, financial stability, and any litigation history. Speaking to recent customers may be a good way to receive a first-hand opinion. It is also important to develop confidence and trust with the person you will be working with at the construction company before you finalize any decision.

How to choose an architect/engineer.

Choosing an architect will be a similar process to choosing a contractor. In addition to your preliminary research, you want to find someone who you are able to communicate well with and that will listen to your requirements. Your contractor may already have an architect that works for him or with him quite frequently. Before selecting your architect, compile a list of important considerations in YOUR order of priority. Below is a sample priority list for a successful business owner wanting to build a new office:

• Functionality
• Aesthetics
• Compliance with regulations
• Design cost
• Completion date
• Location
• Building energy cost
• Building maintenance cost
• Building cost

Once you compile your list, look for an architect who can help you reach your goals. A rule of thumb when choosing an architect is find someone who has created projects that excite you but also understands building costs. 

What your building team expects from you.

As the owner of the construction project, the team will be looking to you to answer their questions and provide a clear picture of what you envision. Having a solid plan and conveying your priorities will help control cost and keep the team moving forward. They look for you or your designee to attend job meetings, provide input on material and color options and quickly bring any changes to their attention so they can be reviewed and incorporated into the project and schedule. With the amount of factors that come into play in any construction project, perfection is rare. Your team will expect you to understand and accept reasonable standards of performance. You should be prepared to accept the risk of unpredictable conditions. Lastly, as the owner, it should your highest priority to assume all responsibility for your actions that can affect the job. This shows your personal integrity and respect for your team.

We stand by our word.

When constructing your building team, compile a group of reputable professionals who have the training and experience to meet your needs. At ACI, we have a solid team of Design/Build professionals that we work with regularly. We have completed hundreds of projects from start to finish. Our team is compiled of individuals and companies who are adaptable and work well with each other. We truly believe that team spirit is needed to build the best project for the least cost. To learn more about our team and how we can help you, contact a someone Associated Contracts Inc. today!

Be sure to check out other topics in this series:

Expansion Checklist Part 1: Preconstruction Considerations 

Expansion Checklist Part 2: Bidding Process vs. Design Build 

Expansion Checklist Part 3: Considerations When Planning your Budget for your Project

 

 

Expansion becomes a necessity when the daily business operations are too crowded and inhibited by the space in which the business occupies. Over time, your business may have increased needs, added multiples of equipment to handle product demand, overflowing storage space, and lack of parking for employees and customers. This poses a problem, with a few overwhelming and extensive solutions.

When you own a business and occupy a commercial space, expansion becomes a need when your business growth is overrunning the space in which your operation occupies. Knowing your options can help you plan ahead for the future. Options to consider when thinking about expansion:

Expand on commercial space that you own.

When you have your own commercial space, the amount of space that you occupy can affect and limit your business. Owning the commercial space that your business is in allows you to manipulate the circumstance however you please. While the idea of expansion may seem unattainable, working with a contractor can help. Through our Design-Build method, you will work exclusively with a single, responsible entity throughout the entire process. We will meet with you to discuss your needs and concerns and then look over the space and offer a plan of action. Working directly with you, we are able to assess your needs and find all possible solutions based on your time frame and budget.

Purchase commercial space instead of leasing.

Leasing space can sometimes feel limiting, especially if you have the desire to expand or renovate your current space. Leasing takes away your creative freedom with the space that you occupy. Depending on your lease, you may be allowed to make some changes, but usually taking on the responsibility of the costs. That may not be ideal for you, especially if you’re unsure if you’ll be in the space long term. It’s frustrating to invest in a facility that you don’t own.

Since you need to expand, your business must be prospering. Which means you may have the ability to purchase or build a new facility for your business. This option allows you to keep investing in your business and obtaining another asset.

Remodel the commercial space that you own.

If you currently own the space in which your business occupies, you always have the option to remodel that space to better suit your needs. Even though you may not necessarily want to add square footage on to the existing facility, you may have the ability to simply rearrange the space to better suit your needs.

Whether you are interested in remodeling the commercial space that you own, are looking to expand on to what you have, or are wondering if leasing is your only possibility, there are many options to help your business reach its full potential.

How We Can Help

As your Design-Builder, we promise to manage your project from start to finish with trusted quality, time-driven results and no hidden or unexplained costs. We’re here to not only help with the planning and implementation of the physical project, but with our past experience, we have the knowledge to keep your company open during expansion. We’re here to help make the expansion process as seamless as possible for you.

Do you catch yourself wondering how to handle an expansion project like this while maintaining your daily business operations? Don’t let that hold you back from the possibilities for your space. Not sure where to begin or if expansion is even a possibility for you? Reach out to one of our specialists at ACI today to learn about our experience with commercial expansion and let us guide you through the process.

With winter upon us here in northwestern PA, we know that with the winter season comes heavy snowstorms, blowing and drifting snow, treacherous ice and frigid winds. These conditions create hazards when it comes to excessive weight to a building structure. These wintery conditions can also cause structural and/or cosmetic damage, as well as create an unsafe environment in and around the building. While the weather storms are at times unpredictable, we always know that there is a chance from now until March. Knowing how to manage your business during winter storms will help prepare you and save you the hassle and money in the long run.

Know what to look for.

Regardless of where your building is located, these wintery conditions can affect you anywhere. Whether you’re in a downtown location with buildings snug up against yours, or if your building is located in a remote, desolate area, knowing what to keep a lookout for can help you stay safe.

How to manage winter conditions.

There are many issues that could arise due to winter conditions. Excessive snow accumulation can present danger to structures due to the extra weight. Being mindful of the amount of snow building up on your structure is a good place to start. If you aren’t always present at the location, assemble a snow watch and removal crew to keep tabs on the accumulation. Instituting a snow removal plan can help prevent costly damage from occurring.

Another potential danger to be mindful of is the drainage system. Keeping the drains and gutters clear of snow and ice will help ensure they are functioning properly. Another preventative measure is installing heat tape in the gutters and downspouts to avoid ice build-up.

If any damage does occur, it’s imperative to inform your employees and anyone else that could be affected by the damage. Informing your employees allow them to be aware of the situation and to be on the lookout if the problem worsens.

How we can help.

With over 30 years in business in northwestern PA, we at ACI know how to handle the treacherous winter conditions. From excessive snow buildup to backed up drainage and pipe burst prevention, we can lead you through a safe and productive winter season. Contact us today!

When the winter months start winding down, be sure to check out  Inspecting Your Building For Winter Damage.

Proper building maintenance is crucial to the success of your overall facility. Not only is the physical structure important for the overall operations of the company, but the structure is also a large financial investment that has the ability to provide comfort and functionality for years to come. Maintaining your building ensures that your facility remains a safe, healthy and clean place for your employees and business to thrive in.

Benefits of proper building maintenance.

Taking the time for proper building maintenance will keep your building safe, save you money and improve the overall longevity of the structure. Consider the following:

• Helps you save money. Having a scheduled plan for periodic maintenance is much cheaper than emergency maintenance. The periodic maintenance ensures that you are operating under safe conditions and avoiding potentially costly problems.
• Mitigates hazards. Proper maintenance helps ensure that potential hazards are limited. This leads to a much safer environment for everyone involved. And a much safer, sustainable future for the building.
• Improves overall experience. A properly maintained building provides a better impression to your customers of the type of business you run. It reflects caring management, professionalism and a sense of overall safety. It also gives your employees more pride in there place of employment and greater job satisfaction.

Regular inspections can take time and energy away from your business. At ACI, we are skilled at taking care of this for you. We work with you to schedule routine inspections and then perform the necessary precautions and/or projects to preserve the integrity of your facility.

Interior Concerns for Building Maintenance

Interior building maintenance concerns can stem from minute, cosmetic projects to substantial foundational projects.  Some examples of this are:

• Concrete floors & joints
• Machine foundations
• Noise and sound transmission
• Wall casing & base, corner guards and wall guards
• Cabinetry and countertops
• Drywall finishes and painting
• Acoustical ceilings
• Floor finishes

Exterior Concerns for Building Maintenance

The exterior concerns to consider when doing building maintenance can range from structural to weather damage prevention, such as:

• Steel doors, frames and hardware
• Vinyl and steel siding
• Gutters and downspouts
• Snow guards
• Concrete sidewalks, steps, ramps and curbs
• Catch basins and trench drains
• Asphalt parking lots
• Loading docks & equipment

Pride in the work that we do.

At Associated Contractors, we offer unprecedented overall building maintenance throughout the region. Over the years, we have established long-standing relationships with companies in the area. They trust us to look after and maintain their facilities so they can continue their day-to-day operations and do what they do best. We take pride in our lasting relationships and are always working to make sure their facilities are in tip top shape.

We stand by our word

Having a company you can trust will ensure that your worries about building maintenance are mitigated. We at ACI are committed to supporting your company’s long-lasting success. It’s the assurance that you need to know that we are going to follow through and stand by what we promised you from the beginning. To learn more about proper business maintenance and how we can help you, contact us today!

 

When beginning any size construction project, stormwater management is imperative to a successful job. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Stormwater management is the effort to reduce runoff of rainwater or melted snow into streets, lawns and other sites and the improvement of water quality. Stormwater management is a crucial matter when planning for new construction and when making additions and/or updates to already standing structures.

The Importance of Planning for Stormwater Management

In developed areas, many factors come into play that could affect the natural tendencies of precipitation. Hardened surfaces, foundations, roofs, and many other manmade elements can prevent runoff water from naturally soaking into the ground. We can prevent issues from occurring by constructing a stormwater management plan. “It is important to ask questions early in the planning stage whenever taking on a construction project, notes Tracey Crawford, District Manager of the Crawford County Conservation District. “We see so many developers sitting and waiting on permits when the weather is perfect for working because plans were not developed and submitted far enough in advance.” By working with your contractor in the early stages, you can help maintain a safe environment, detain stormwater and remove pollutants. Knowing the guidelines for your specific project will help you plan ahead and create  “If your project exceeds certain thresholds or you find yourself working in a special protection watershed, it can add unforeseen requirements.”

 Stormwater Management Guidelines

In recent years, stormwater management has become of the utmost importance. For the basic safety factors, but also because of the environmental concerns many guidelines have been established to help with environmentally conscious building practices. There are three scenarios that need to be considered in your management plan. Will your project disrupt: 1. Under 2500 square feet, 2. 5000 square feet or over 5000 square feet? Once you know this, you can then find the guidelines which you are required to follow. One of the most crucial takeaways is that you cannot have the water leaving the site any faster after construction than it did prior to construction. For more information on stormwater management, refer to the Stormwater Management Act (Act 167) of 1978 from the Department of Environmental Protection.

Tracey continues, “The topic of excessive stormwater is very common today, we (the District) receives more complaints now than ever before regarding flooding; so it is definitely an important consideration and in fact when planned for early, stormwater BMP’s (Best Management Practices) can be an attractive and functional added feature.” To help better prepare you and create a plan for stormwater management, contact ACI today.  Our knowledge and experience can lead your project from a well-formulated start to a successful finish.

Whether you have worked with the National Joint Powers Alliance (NPJA) or are brand new to the community, you have probably noticed that it has undergone some major changes over the last year. NJPA is now Sourcewell, and they are celebrating 40 years of partnerships by making sure you know exactly who they are and how they contribute to this industry. 

Many times, the traditional bid process results in accepting the lowest bid and not getting the quality you want and need for your project. Additionally, it almost always takes much longer than anticipated to get a project completed. The concept behind Sourcewell is to act as a bridge between government, education, and nonprofit agencies and organizations that offer solutions, such as:

• Construction and landscape companies
• Food and food equipment services
• Fleet management services
• Outdoor equipment retailers
• Inventory management companies 
• Information Technology services
• AV equipment services for classrooms
• Office and home supplies distributors

With Sourcewell, there is a better way to buy the quality you need without the extra expenses and time delays you don’t need. State and local government agencies, educational institutions and school districts, and nonprofits can get quality construction without having to go through the low bid process. Sourcewell is a national cooperative purchasing organization that has done all the hard work for you. 

As a government agency, Sourcewell satisfies the bid requirement through its legislative authority for members across the country. They manage the competitive bid process, qualify all the bids, and award the successful bidder, all while maintaining the entire paperwork trail for each member. Sourcewell ensures its members get a best-value solution for quality products and services under a fixed price. They vet each and every vendor to ensure the best possible matches are recommended and taking the competition out of the solicitation process. 

After completing the competitive bid process for their Sourcewell contract, ACI’s partner, BlueScope Construction®, was successfully awarded their second design-build, turnkey construction contract. BlueScope Construction holds the Sourcewell contract and partners with ACI to supply the Butler® building factory-direct at a discount while ensuring the work is performed by local designers, subcontractors, and vendors. School Superintendent Virginia D. Potter at Bethel Local Schools in Ohio explains how buying construction through Sourcewell worked for her: 

Recently, I was confronted with the need to add a 3-bay addition to our district’s bus barn. Realizing that it was going to be a costly venture, I cringed at just the thought of starting the bidding process! I was on a time constraint and knew how long that process could take. It was at that time I was introduced to BlueScope Construction, a general contractor that specializes in commercial and government facilities. They offered complete planning and budgeting from project conception to completion. Unlike other companies, BlueScope Construction was part of Sourcewell, a national cooperative contract company. Sourcewell creates cooperative contract purchasing solutions on behalf of their members which include all government, education and nonprofit agencies nationwide. As a result of this alliance, I was able to forego the bidding process and start my project in half the time!

As someone who considers time a precious commodity, I readily encourage other district Superintendents to consider companies who are part of the Sourcewell process. Not only was their pricing competitive nationwide but also their ability to save time and, of course, some of the headaches that come with any sizable building project!

With over 67,000 member agencies nationwide, I’ve discovered that many of our local government entities are already Sourcewell members. Membership is free and there are no obligations for any government, education or nonprofit entity. These organizations use Sourcewell for their supplies, services, equipment, and construction for their facility needs. Whether you need a new building or an expansion to an existing building, ACI can help with a quality design-build solution. 

As the community grows, Sourcewell is also becoming an essential partner for vendor contracts, with a catalog of the most qualified companies to choose from based on needs and geography. Once you qualify to be listed as a Sourcewell-approved vendor, potential project partners are more likely to look at your offerings with a sense of trust because of Sourcewell’s extensive vetting process. Sourcewell offers both cooperative purchasing and solicitation services.

Contact an expert at ACI today to learn more about how Sourcewell contributes to alleviating the anxiety many organizations and vendors deal with during the traditional bid process, or to discuss how ACI, BlueScope, and Sourcewell can make your next construction project simple and successful.

 

 

Across the board in the contractor industry, payment terms are usually pretty standard. Most contractors abide by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) standards. The AIA advocates for the value of architecture and gives contractors and architects the resources they need to do their best work. These standards are useful for all sizes of projects, but they make large projects must easier to manage and document. The AIA standards provide assistance to contractors and customers, alike, which helps everyone involved stay on the same page and understand all aspects of the contract and payment terms.

 

These standards provide a simple, organized manner to handle all projects and understand how the contractor is billing the customer. The standards break down all that goes into a project. From employing supervision, clean up, facilities for crew, equipment, and types of work. It provides transparency for the customer, which in turn builds trust and integrity.

While most contractors gladly follow the AIA guidelines, there are some who do not. When this happens, it can cause misunderstandings and leave customers feeling perplexed and frustrated.

Associated Contractors Follows AIA Standards

At Associated Contractors, we follow AIA guidelines to create a clear understanding for everyone involved. The payment terms are established at the beginning of the project, and we provide a complete breakdown of all items and services billed. This ensures that the customer knows exactly what we plan on doing and how we plan to bill for it. We bill the customer at the end of the month for the work that was completed, and they then have 25 days to pay.

Another factor to consider when learning about your payment terms, is most respectable contractors do not accept deposits for their jobs. Unfortunately, it happens, but it’s a bad practice for contractors to require a deposit up front and then never return or credit it back to the customer.

It’s common practice for larger projects to get billed at the end of each month. The contractor will bill for the work that they performed for that month. But, payment isn’t usually required for 20 to 30 days after. The work performed, materials used and other expenses that were needed for each month are kept track of throughout the duration of the project. That way, the customer can always look back at the documentation to know what exactly what they were paying.

Lastly, we have a retainage policy. At Associated Contractors, we strive to have our customers as satisfied and informed as possible. A retainage policy is in place to ensure the customer is happy and satisfied with the work and provides them with a means of leverage. According to levelset.com, it creates a financial incentive for the contractor to finish the project successfully; and it provides protection to other stakeholders in the event of any problems, such that the retained money can be used as an insulation for that risk. We provide a retainage of ten percent until 50 percent of the work is complete and then we drop it down to 5 percent.

We Can Help.

While there is a lot to consider when beginning a new project, working with a contractor that provides transparency is key. This will ensure you are aware and fully understand your payment terms and everything that is involved. If you’re  thinking about beginning a project and have questions, reach out to one of our specialists today. We’d be more than happy to answer questions and help you navigate through the process.

Associated Contractors is proud to be your local Butler® builder, but what exactly does that mean? Through every step from budgeting and design consultation, to complete construction management and permitting, we strive to offer you the best service available. Here are some of the top benefits of using Butler pre-engineered buildings and of being a Butler builder.

Design Software

Being a Butler® builder allows ACI to offer sophisticated systems that provide clear, customized options from the beginning of the design phase all the way through the end of construction. Butler® offers conventional steel services for more conventional building options as well as 3D design capabilities that accurately display every adjustment and decision throughout the project. This keeps the project flexible while maintaining the ability to stay on schedule and meet deadlines.

They offer a daylighting system.

The SunLite Strip® daylighting system used by Butler® in companion with the MR-24® roof system can help slash your building’s energy costs by up to 70 percent. When integrated with the control systems design, daylighting can reduce roof penetrations, field labor, and protect the roof’s integrity. The prismatic acrylic dome technology can increase the amount of light let inside of the building earlier and later in the day by three times more than can be done with translucent panels. When you invest early in the right systems you’re more likely to see major savings later, and the daylighting system can provide a return on investment in just three to five years.

The MR-24 roof system is top of the line.

The MR-24 roof system Butler® uses is the only standing seam roof on the market that has the full 180 degrees of the seam mechanically field rolled for weather tightness assurance. The Pittsburgh 360 degree double-lock feature is the tightest seam available and the same one used on beverage cans. Butler is the only building manufacturer to offer factory-punched structurals & panels. This attention to detail ensures perfect alignment every time and takes field installation errors out of the picture.

These roofs are also designed with movable clips that can accommodate roof movement caused by fluctuating temperatures. They are also made to handle additional blanket insulation thicknesses or the ThermaLiner™ insulation system for buildings that want to enhance their energy efficiency.

25-year coating warranty.

25-year warranty protection against chipping, cracking, blistering, and peeling is standard for the finish on every painted wall & roof panel on a Butler® building. Their Kynar 500® And Hylar 5000® finishes come in several colors that meet the standards for reflection and emission that establishes them as “cool roofs” according to the energy codes. Cool roofs help reuse energy used to cool a building by lowering roof temperatures and managing the heat island effect that can contribute to the formation of smog in urban areas.

Taking the time to invest in quality partnerships and products now will ensure your building thrives for years to come, offering you peace of mind now and saving you money in the future. At ACI, we choose to be a Butler® builder because we want to offer all of the benefits we would insist on having if we were designing and constructing a building for ourselves.

Thinking about how to approach your next construction project? Contact an expert to learn more about how a partnership between Associated Contractors and Butler Manufacturing™ can tackle your next project.