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OVERVIEW

The nature of construction is solving problems and managing teams. There are many contractors that can complete a project, but only a few that successfully navigate the teams and problems encountered on a project. Whether it is a design / build project, design assist, or a per plans and specification job, our roles do not change. From every preconstruction meeting to punchlists, we facilitate a constructive dialogue and move the ball forward so the project team can accomplish their collective goals. Although every project is different, the following is generally how we see at our roles at the various stages of the project.

Pre-construction

As the general contractor, we understand the importance of finding a balance in pre-construction efforts by assisting in leading the design process from a schedule perspective while still allowing time for the creative process, required for a successful project. Whether it is running a design build project or doing design assist, we see our main pre-construction roles as follows:

Managing the Process / Schedule

We will do our best to meet deadlines for all aspects of the design such as major system selections, owner deadlines for financing, or permit submittals and be sure to clearly communicate to all parties to clear any roadblocks for the ownership and design team to achieve these dates.

Provide Real Time Cost Feedback & Value Engineering through Trend Logs

How many times have design teams and ownership groups been surprised at the pricing received by General Contractors after the Construction Documents are issued? For the design team and owner to make educated decisions regarding system selections and finishes, real time cost feedback early on is crucial in the process. We have an effective process establishing budgets at the beginning of each project and using a trend log to track design changes in between the major drawing sets (Schematic, Design Development and Construction Documents). We then verify these trends and overall pricing at each major design milestone, keeping the team on track. We provide extensive value engineering throughout the process to be sure the design build team is making the best value decisions..

Perform Constructability Reviews, BIM Coordination and Involve Key Trades Early

At each major milestone we will perform a constructability review of the documents to solve any issues that would impact design or cost. Our constructability reviews take into account the current state of the documents, focusing on any conflicts rather than “incomplete” areas.

Involvement from experts in every field is imperative during the design process. Whether it is a steel erector reviewing complicated connection details, an elevator provider helping with hoist way sizing, or a mechanical contractor assisting on the life cycle costs of major systems, we utilize our large bank of subcontractor resources to make these experts available to the design team at the appropriate times.

Bristlecone Construction Corp takes the lead on BIM Coordination and clash detection (as warranted by the project). BIM is often used as a marketing slogan rather than an actual benefit to the final project and often times BIM is abandoned or half completed becoming un useful. When all team members are fully committed, BIM is proven to yield large benefits. In order to get the best return on investment, BIM must be used during preconstruction and updated as field conditions change and carried through the entire project.

Identifying Long Lead Items

We will quickly identify the long lead and critical items that need to be ordered while the project is still in the design phase so the materials and equipment arrive on time. Our role is to guide and educate the owner and design team in order to meet deadlines and keep the project running smoothly.

Construction

Project Staffing

Staffing plans for a project are not a “one-size fits all” exercise.We take great care throughout the planning process to ensure that the unique aspects of each project are considered when determining the manpower and duration required to drive production, quality, and safety into our products. One of our project executives will be primarily responsible for the outcome of the project from conceptual phase through warranty and closeout, providing a single point of contact for all project stakeholders.

SUBCONTRACTOR SELECTIONFinding the right subcontractors is the first step to the success of the construction phase for any project. Subcontractors need to be qualified and the right size contractor for the project. This aides in risk vs. cost is analyzed so the best value is achieved.We make a conscious effort during the subcontractor selection process using outreach efforts that is reflective of the local community

Material Procurement

One of the biggest problems with quality and schedule are selections or submittals are not completed in time for the product to arrive onsite by the scheduled date. Although submittals can seem like a simple process, it is only through a diligent submittal log that we can ensure that the right product arrives when it is supposed to.

Safety

We have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to accidents. We believe every accident can be avoided through training and field compliance. This is a large part of our subcontractor selection process and is ingrained in our management as something they need to look for every time they walk in the field.

Scheduling and Field Operations

Our team’s most important role is on-site, coordinating work on a daily basis and accounting for quality, safety, and scheduling. As projects allow, we structure our field offices to maximize the superintendent’s time in the field. Distributing lookahead schedules, CPM updates, daily plan of the day meetings, and weekly foreman coordination meetings are paramount to the success of the project to ensure that information freely flows between all project personnel.

Efficient Project Administration

We are a systems driven company that believes in project administration, organizing all of the project communication, imperative to a successful project. Our engineers and project coordinators efficiently and systematically manage the flow of information from RFI’s, submittals, changes, OAC meetings, etc. to get the information to the field. Our project administration team has one motto: “Feed the Field.” This means our field staff has the answers and products it needs to complete the project on time with the highest quality.

Warranty

Streamlined Communication

Through our Building Care program, powered by Custom Care Technologies, the end user can quickly and conveniently make a request for a warranty or repair claim and we use the system to inform the appropriate sub trades and schedule a warranty visit with all parties. Additionally, we offer continual building maintenance programs that address the needs of a building during its lifecycle.

Timely Response

Nothing is more frustrating than the sense that one’s concerns are falling on deaf ears. We recognize that the quickest way to turn a small problem into a big one is by failing to address it quickly and professionally.

Extreme Ownership

We take extreme pride in the buildings and communities in which we work. We will always bring potential solutions to building performance issues even if they fall outside of our warranty obligations or the warranty time period with the cost to our clients a primary consideration.