Construction Management
Pre-Construction Phase Services:
Project Approach:
Carpenter participates in pre-construction activities in the context of teamwork and good working relationships among all members of the project team. Our corporate philosophy coincides with accepted industry procedures, which advocate combining the resources of multiple professionals, who focus on common goals and objectives in an environment characterized by open communication and innovative approaches to design and construction challenges.
Preconstruction Planning and Scheduling:
Carpenter utilizes planning and scheduling systems (Primavera software) for schedule presentation and control. Our scheduling activities for a project include Pre-construction or Design Phase Schedules as well as the more traditional Critical Path Method of Construction Phase Scheduling. During the pre-construction phase, Carpenter implements a series of scheduling activities which include the Pre-construction Activities Schedule, the Master Milestone Schedule, Project Cash Flow Schedule and Early Start and Long Lead Procurement Schedule.
Value Engineering:
Value Engineering is a systematic, disciplined process of analyzing project requirements for the purpose of achieving the essential functions at the lowest total cost, thereby optimizing the value of each dollar spent. Through this process, high savings-potential project components are identified, modified or eliminated. Our typical Value Engineering process includes Design Review, Detailed Analysis, Lifecycle Cost Analysis, Cost-Benefit Analysis and selecting those alternates that result in substantial cost savings. Value engineering will take place throughout the duration of the project.
Cost Estimating and Tracking:
The estimating process occurs at three distinct design phase milestones and is characterized by increasing levels of definition and accuracy. On projects where total team input is required during the design phase, estimates are prepared at minimum at the Schematic, Design Development and Working Drawings phases of document development. Intermediate estimate updates are prepared as needed. The Construction Documents Estimate Phase also provides a basis for Establishment of Trade contractor bid packages and the establishment of a guaranteed maximum price for the project when required.
Constructability Review:
Carpenter utilizes the constructability review process to provide optimum use of construction knowledge and experience gained through its Core Competencies into the planning and design of a project. This will translate into procurement and field operations that achieve overall project objectives. Constructability reviews take place at the major design phase milestones of Schematic, Design Development and Working Drawings. As the documents progress and reflect greater accuracy, these reviews will address components of the work, and will be documented and distributed.
Bid Packaging:
With the Project Schedule in place and the majority of the value engineering concepts incorporated into the project plan, Carpenter is well positioned for bid package preparation. We perform a comprehensive review of market conditions to determine the most efficient and cost effective division of work based on the specific project objectives. Carpenter also reviews the advantages of pre-purchasing select items when developing the various bid packages and scopes of work. Well-planned and carefully developed bid packages set the tone for successful project buyout. We complete our preliminary subcontractor/vendor selection process utilizing pre-qualification techniques, eliminating from consideration all contractors with inferior quality and/or safety records, or those with insufficient capital. Bid packages are distributed to only pre-qualified contractors/vendors. Upon receipt of the subcontractor bids, Carpenter conducts a review of each respondent’s submission comparing them against our internal control estimates and verifying that the apparent low bidder has satisfied the intent of the bid package and associated contract documents.
Safety:
Safety is the most critical factor towards a successful project. We bring our safety experience and safe workplace attitude to all construction projects meeting or exceeding OSHA standards. Scheduled activities at the work site are updated to avoid any work conflicts and also any potential job site hazards. In addition, our job site safety manual with established safety OSHA regulations is required and is available for review at all times in field offices with applicable first aid equipment.
Trade Contractor Bid Process:
Carpenter will distribute bid documents including scheduling, site access, safety and insurance requirements and schedule and conduct pre-bid conferences to familiarize selected bidders with the site, the bidding documents, management techniques and with any special systems, materials or methods. We will receive, review, analyze and evaluate subcontractor bids, and determine if they are complete and competitive with regard to the project budget, schedule, and other requirements. An evaluation is made of the overall project budget to ensure that costs for the project remain within the limitations established early on in the project. Upon satisfactory conclusion that the respective trade contractor has met the requirements of the bid package, and the overall project, a recommendation for award is made.
Construction Phase Services:
Supervision of Contractors:
Quality Control: Carpenter supervises the field activities of the trade contractors and, in addition, performs all field contract administration. Carpenter will independently inspect the project for adherence to the quality model established in the drawings and specifications. All of our quality control functions will be planned and coordinated by our project staff. We utilize weekly coordination meetings to maintain an excellent record of effectively coordinating the efforts of the various trade contractors.
Project Accounting:
Cost Reporting: Carpenter will procure all monthly invoices from trade contractors and material suppliers, prepare one master monthly requisition for payment by the Owner and provide all traditional project cost accounting using our computerized cost report system. We receive all change order requests, review for accuracy and prepare an initial estimate of the probable costs for the Owner and Architect to review. Once approved, we prepare documentation for the Change Order and maintain an on-going log of all change orders and their status. We issue monthly reports to the Owner reflecting the current status of job costs. This report will indicate on a trade basis all contracts executed, change orders pending, approved and requested and the projection of costs to come throughout final completion.
Job Site Records, Contracts and Drawings:
An important function of construction phase is on site project administration. This requires full and detailed documentation throughout project construction. The daily job log is the job history of the project and original record for all inquires in daily field activity. Records of all contract documents, contracts, change orders, shop drawings, purchase orders, samples, correspondence, test reports, manuals with additional documents developed during construction are kept on site.
System Start up and Project Closeout:
Carpenter will supervise together with the Owner’s maintenance personnel the checkout of utilities, operational systems and equipment for readiness and assist in initial start up and testing. We collect and furnish all as built drawings, warrantees and manuals upon final completion of the project and thoroughly familiarize your personnel with these documents. We will also direct the start-up and testing of operational systems and equipment by the trade contractors.
