CONSTRUCTION PHASE
Project management
The project manager is in charge of the overall project. Specific responsibilities include; planning and scheduling, resource allocation, project accounting, and control, while providing technical direction, ensuring compliance with all safety and quality standards that exceed customer expectations. Once construction begins, the project manager will be your primary point of contact throughout the duration of the project. In this role, communication is key to successful project completion.
On-Site Supervision
After the project manager develops the project strategy and plan, it is the superintendent’s responsibility to see this plan set in action on a day-to-day basis. Responsibilities specific to the superintendent include: direction of tradesmen and subcontractors, providing quality control and assurance, maintaining sequences to meet schedule, and conducting weekly jobsite coordination and safety meetings. The superintendent must maintain communication with the project team and keep a professional working relationship with owners, architects, project managers, engineers and subcontractors. Like the project manager, the superintendent must maintain good communication with the project team to ensure a successful project.
Safety
Safety is one of the most important aspects of the construction process. There are many facets to construction safety, as can be seen in this article by OSHA. Many organizations, like the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), Tilt-Up Concrete Association (TCA), and many others strive to go beyond the standards set by OSHA and constantly innovate new methods to ensure jobsite safety.
Quality Control
Quality Control is a very complicated and comprehensive part of the construction process. While the project manager and superintendent are responsible for day-to-day quality assurance, it is the general contractor’s initial selection of subcontractors that leads to superior project quality. Selecting subcontractors goes far beyond cost. Things to consider in the selection process include: past project history, experience of personnel, safety history, safety plan, responsiveness, and available resources to name a few. Again, communication with everyone on the project team is key.
PROJECT CLOSE-OUT & WARRANTY
Final City Inspections
The final inspection is one of the most important events in the final stages of construction. In order to receive a Certificate of Occupancy, a city inspector will come to your jobsite to check that things such as lighting & electrical outlets, plumbing, guard & stair rails, fire protection, and other items meet necessary code requirements. After your building passes the final inspection, you will receive your Certificate of Occupancy (CO) and will be able to inhabit your building!
Punch List
Once substantial completion has been reached, it is time for a walkthrough between the owner, gc, and architect to go over final items for the punch list. A punch list is a document that line-items specific issues, usually cosmetic, prepared by the architect that should be corrected. It is important to note that every project has items on a punch list. There are various reasons why items do not meet the contract or plans, but it is the job of the general contractor and subcontractors to ensure that these items are complete before they finish and leave the jobsite.
Final Clean
When all the work is done and you or your tenant are ready to move in to the new building, a final clean will be performed. This will take the final layer of dust and debris from construction off the floors and any surfaces throughout the building, ensuring a smooth move-in.
Close-Out
The next and final step in the construction process is the final close-out. This includes document collection for hand over as well as owner training. Document collection for hand over includes warranty and technical data, a complete list of each organization who worked on the project and contact names and information, and will also include much of the documentation from all parties throughout the construction process.
Owner training is a crucial component of close-out. Even the simplest of buildings has new equipment and processes that you may not be familiar with. Each key trade will walkthrough with the owner and the building manager to go over areas like electrical panels & light fixtures, security systems, fire alarm & sprinkler systems, and more that will be customized to your building.
Warranty
Contractor’s Warranty is something required by law in many places. Regulations regarding the length of the warranty can vary, however; a one-year warranty is near the universal standard for the commercial construction industry. The warranty covers material and labor defects and differs from standard building maintenance. The building owner will coordinate with the general contractor’s warranty manager to ensure any issues are taken care of in a timely manner.
Summary
Looking in from the outside, the construction process can be very intimidating to face. When you partner with a general contractor, you bring in a team of professionals who work through this process every day. The team at Bob Moore Construction will be there to walk you through the process and truly be a partner with you on your project, just as we have for the past 74 years.