When getting multiple quotes on construction projects, most are drawn to the lowest price. The assumption being made is that all the companies that are providing these quotes will provide the same level of quality, customer service, project management/supervision and communication. While it’s easy to be fixated on the lowest quote, we can easily overlook what may be left out when choosing the lowest price.

Quotes are usually based off of the level of information that is provided for the job. This information could be drawings, existing conditions, communication with the owner, site conditions and specific products desired for the project itself. When receiving the quote, paying attention to how the details are presented is key to knowing who you want to build your project. Look for a quote that is well organized and broken down, has a scope of work included or sketches with details shown. A meeting with each contractor to discuss their project quote is essential. While this isn’t a sure guarantee of a quality project, it can help reduce the chances of a poor one. When wondering if you are spending enough on your construction project, consider the following:

Quality of craftsmanship

A company with trustworthy, skilled and knowledgeable craftsman helps make a project happen smoother and correctly from the beginning of the project through the end. Sometimes, when choosing the extremely low quote, you may end up with corners being cut or poor workmanship that will come back to haunt you. Spending the extra money upfront can help ensure you’ll receive quality craftsmanship from start to finish.

Specifics with materials used

Like with anything else, the quality of the products being installed plays a crucial role in the overall durability and lifespan of the building. Two products can look the same but may have very different life spans and cost. This difference can be due to variations in the thickness of a wearing surface, the type and durability of the finish being used or a better warranty. Having the exact quantities of materials and other elements of the project detailed in a scope of work shows that the estimator knows and understands your project. For example, instead of a quote that calls for a concrete footer, look for the one that has 200 LF of 12” thick 3000 # concrete footer 3’ wide. These small details help ensure that your spending your money wisely and you get what you want the first time.

Timeliness of overall project

A proposed timeline provides specific goals and dates for work to be completed. This helps the client and the contractor stay on the same page and know how to plan accordingly. Having the timeline planned also helps to know the amount of work required by all parties, and the payment terms. If a solid plan isn’t established, the amount of labor could potentially become a financial burden. Having the timeline is a proactive measure to ensure unknowns are cut to a minimum.

When it comes to choosing the best contractor and quote for your project, there’s a lot to take into consideration. From the experience and reputation of the company, timeliness of the quote, the communication and much more. Being knowledgeable about what to look for in your quote is important. Spending enough money on your project helps ensure you are not spending a lot more in the future to fix what wasn’t done correctly the first time. At Associated Contractors we strive to seamlessly guide you through the process, leading you in the right direction for your next project.Contact one of our specialists today to get started.

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

 

 

At the conception of any major construction project, before anything else can be determined, the budget must be thoroughly thought through. The budget helps to establish the allotted amount of money that will be spent on a specific project. The project budget can be established by comparison of similar projects, a preliminary analysis of what will be needed for the project, and an assessment of your projected income and expenses throughout the duration of the project. Establishing a comprehensive budget is imperative to all construction projects, ranging from remodeling to completely new construction.

Basic budget considerations.

When beginning to construct a feasible and realistic budget for your project there are many factors to consider. From the hard costs, which include excavation and site preparation, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and so on, to the soft costs, which include land costs, land surveying, governing body compliances, the budget preparation process may seem intimidating. Utilize the help of a seasoned professional to lead you through the process. The total project cost for a typical commercial or industrial building project include:

• Land costs
• Legal fees
• Survey costs
• Project financing costs
• Government fees
• Architect/engineer fees
• Various consulting fees
• All direct costs, including site development and building construction
• Contractor’s costs, including general conditions
• Contingency for probable scope changes
• Furniture, furnishings, and equipment
• Other costs depending on the project type and location

A contractor or developer, such as ACI, who has built similar projects can help you estimate cost. When initially approaching the professionals, use this as a time to understand their services, as well as match up your expectations with what they offer. This is also the time to share your overall goal and budget. The more clear and concise plan that you have will assist with aligning your desires with if and how the contractor moves forward with the plan that suits everyone.

Attention to detail.

The rule of thumb that we follow at Associated Contractors Inc. is the closer one gets to the source of costs, the more accurate the estimate will be. By focusing on every detail of the project and all options and scenarios that can arise, we know that having the answers up front can ensure that we stay within the comprehensive budget.

How we can help you.

With ourconstruction management services here at Associated Contractors Inc. your project will be managed with the utmost organization, critical thinking, and overall industry expertise. Our seasoned team of industry specialists can guide you through the budget and planning process, as well as provide suggestions. Contact one of our specialists today to start planning your future projects.

 

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 4: Selecting Your Project Team 

 

Before beginning any type of construction project, laying down the groundwork is key. Addressing all the details involved helps to provide a flowing, streamlined construction project. This planning and preparation phase, known as Preconstruction, is where design and construction cost come together to ensure your project can be completed within budget and schedule. Learn about the many aspects to consider during the Preconstruction phase of a project.

What building permits and zoning approvals are needed to complete this project?

Because we have a lot of experience in the field, we ensure that all necessary permits and zoning issues are addressed upfront so you have nothing to worry about during your project. Items like parking requirements, setbacks, utility locations, flood plain requirements, sprinkler or elevator requirements are determined up front. We compile the necessary information about the project and provide preliminary design to meet the existing state codes and local zoning regulations.

Do I have a realistic and approved budget?

A budget is usually one of the biggest stressors of a project. We aim to remove the unnecessary stress by having a reasonable budget prepared before construction drawings are started. This construction budget addresses all of the items needed to complete the project and is broken down by scope of work. Having this realistic budget early in the planning process and updated as the Preconstruction process proceeds mitigates costly design changes down the line.

Have I constructed a stormwater management plan?

Stormwater management isn’t something that comes to most people’s minds when planning a construction project. That’s why we are here to help. We know the guidelines and requirements to mitigate potential problems associated with this down the line. Because construction projects can potentially disrupt the current stormwater runoff patterns, we are required to assess the situation and ensure that the completed project will still comply with the state and county regulations.

Do I have a detailed schedule and has it been agreed upon by all parties involved?

During the Preconstruction process, we access and calculate the duration of the project and construct a detailed schedule. Many times on renovation projects it is necessary to phase the project to keep the customer in business and create the least amount of disruption as possible. We strive to design a schedule around the needs and demands of the customer, along with the availability of materials, weather issues and labor capacity. Creating a realistic and detailed schedule allows everyone to be on the same page and understand the constraints of the project and how to most efficiently provide the customer with the finished product.

We can help you!

Associated Contractors takes pride in our well-defined Preconstruction planning process. Before we begin a project of any size, we execute a well-defined Preconstruction plan. This plan includes the cost, timeline, necessary parties involved, necessary permits, recommendations of materials and equipment and many other useful parameters. Our goal is to put you in the best position to make informed decisions and maximize the use of your construction dollars.Get in touch with an ACI specialist today to begin your construction project!

Be sure to check out other topics in this series:

 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 

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.

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.