7 Steps to a Risk Free Project

Last month, StructureTec's Building Construction Technology Educational Center (BCTEC) hosted a webinar entitled “7 Steps to a Risk Free Project”. During the webinar, three in-house experts shared some great case studies and explained the steps necessary to ensure the successful completion of your construction projects.

Here are some of our favorite insights and key takeaways from this webinar:

1. Defining the Problem / Objective. Performing pre-construction due diligence is critical to assess potential risks and protect your interest in any construction project. Testing and surveys must be done to ensure that you have all vital information before continuing on.

2. Alignment (The Best Solution). Define the project goals and outline your organization’s objectives. Be sure the priority between cost, schedule and required project objectives are clear.

3. Develop the Project Manual. An accurate project manual is a key component of a successful project. The scope, including the materials and workmanship of the project needs to be clearly and accurately defined in the project manual. Project policies, procedures, guidelines, drawings, bidding requirements, contract forms, and conditions of the contract are all necessary information to include.

4. Selecting the Right Project Team. Whether its roofs, walls, parking lots or parking structures, when you are look at the remedial aspect of maintaining sites, you must have the right team in place. When pre-screening your approved contractors, look at their experience, specialties, financial history, current workload, insurance requirements, and safety protocol. As you pick your team, make sure your contractors have a clear understanding of the specifications and details of the project.

5. Construction Review and Administration (Quality Assurance). Once you have established your qualified project team, it is critical to have an expert representing your companies best interests monitoring the progress of the contractors work. Make sure your rep knows the scope of the project to ensure that no corners are being cut.

6. Maintenance Program.  We highly recommend that you put in place a Warranty Audit Program for after the completion of the project. Perform a 12 month and 24 month post-construction inspection on all projects. No matter how smooth your project went, the weather will be the ultimate commissioning agent.

7. Long-term Risk Mitigation. Maximize your warranties. You want to make sure that all documents are properly filed and accessible downstream as things come up. Incorporate continuous improvement practices, keep good records, and log any maintenance you are doing.

By using the seven steps listed above, you can significantly mitigate risks and ensure your projects go as smooth as possible."It's all about the process".

StructureTec Turns 25!

2016 marks another milestone in StructureTec history. This year, we celebrate our 25th year in business.

We have maintained 20% growth every year for the last 25 years and will continue to do so moving forward. Our capabilities and service offerings are unmatched in the industry. Our ability to perform for our clients in multiple project delivery methods, including: Design/Bid/Build, Design/Build, and Construction management, position us for significant growth in the years to come.

This company was founded on quality. Our reputation for quality is something we must maintain with growth. Our commitment to quality is what enables us to service such amazing clients, including those that have been with us since inception:

Our success is, and always will be, tied to the success of our employees and clients. Thank you for your trust and support over the last 25 years and we look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead!

StructureTec Executive Roundtable Dinner Recap

2015 Cincinnati Executive Roundtable
 

 

StructureTec recently hosted an executive roundtable dinner in Cincinnati, Ohio. The event brought in facilities management leaders for lively exchange and roundtable discussion. Below are the highlights and key takeaways:

Industry Leaders Collaborate …

Biggest Challenges

• “Conflicting Priorities” - Investment in product line vs. facilities management
• Investing back into the business
• Age vs. condition and educating management
• Capital vs. operating costs
• Succession planning
• Maintaining CMMS systems
• Securing skilled specialty contractors, i.e. masons
• Completing all priorities
• Budget

Strategic Facilities Capital Planning

• Improve assets and slow down deterioration
• Calculate cost to maintain vs. cost to replace
• First cost vs. life cycle cost of ownership
• Consequences of neglect
• Safety—Number 1 priority
• Proof for verification—pictures
• Checks and balances
• “Cradle to grave management”
• “Carbon footprint” reduction as a tool to obtain funding
• Zero-based budgeting

Closing

• Best practices
• Run to expire vs. long term investments
• Need to review engineering economics
• Facility Decisions can:
• Add value
• Mitigate risk
• Cause damage control
  

Throwback Thursday: "We've Got You Covered"

For this Throwback Thursday update, we've uncovered another great vintage StructureTec Group ad.

Although our StructureTec cowboys have long since retired, we still protect our clients investments through our best-in-class project management and delivery. Contact us today to find out how "We've Got You Covered!"

Lawrence Tech named one of the most environmentally responsible colleges in the U.S.

 

Recently Lawrence Technological University was added to the list of 'Green' Colleges. It now is among one of the 353 most environmentally friendly universities in the U.S.

 

One of the reasons it was selected was a result of their recently added green roof system (pictured below). Their green roof system was designed with oversight from StructureTec Group. Our expertise in green roof technology has allowed the university to stand out from the crowd as an environmentally responsible campus.

 

 

 

Check out our project profile below to learn how StructureTec Group played a vital role in the development of Lawrence Tech's green roof system. 

 

 

 

Throwback Thursday: Ready When You Are!



Many things have changed since this 1992 advertisement, but the content is still true today!

 

Rest assured, one thing will never change: We provide the best solution for our customers. This is, and always will be, our #1 priority.

 

We hope you enjoy this timeless ad!

 

Six Strategies to Ensure Your Project is Shovel Ready

StructureTec Group’s Building Construction Technology Educational Center (BCTEC) hosted a webinar on April 16^th on the topic: “Are Your Projects Shovel Ready?”

In case you missed out, shovel ready essentially means that your projects are ready to start as soon as funding is approved. Ensuring your projects are shovel ready gives you a much greater chance of not only getting budget approval, but completing your projects on schedule.

As discussed in the presentation, there are six strategies that ensure your project is shovel ready.

1.       Define the project. You can do this by performing regular condition assessments and preparing a list that is ranked based on a well-defined condition index. It is also helpful to have a risk index prepared.

2.       Define the budget. Define your budgets based on recommendations and course of action. It is helpful to include unit pricing with estimates that are based on current average pricing information.

3.       Get the specs ready to go. Allow time to develop the project manual. This can be a time consuming process, ensuring it is completed will give you a head start on getting your project completed.

4.       Select the right team for the project. Selecting the right internal and external team is essential to completing a successful project. In selecting the correct external team, you should consider a designer and contractor that have a solid technical understanding of the project, and have excellent team communications.

5.       Choose a project delivery method. Between design/bid/build, design/build and construction management there are many different advantages and disadvantages. Have a method researched and chosen that will be the best fit for your project.  

6.       Have the financial impact ready for CFO review. Be prepared to show impact for prioritization, cost reduction and sustainability.

If you missed the webinar, you can watch the presentation here.