Construction

Construction Services

Preconstruction Services

As a project team member, E. T. Gresham provides essential preconstruction input in three broad and comprehensive categories: conceptual estimating, value engineering, and constructability review. We define the scope of these services as follows:

Conceptual Estimating:

Working from preliminary program data and schematics, an initial estimate is established and is expanded as the design process proceeds. As the project progresses and the scope of work becomes more clearly defined, periodic cost updates will be provided to the Project Team.

Value Engineering:

Closely related to the conceptual estimating, this process analyzes and presents various alternatives for design, cost or scheduling for the client’s consideration. The ultimate objective is to obtain the optimum in materials and systems for the project with regard to cost.

Cost comparisons of particular building materials and equipment, along with costs associated with alternative support systems are explored for consideration by both the Client and the Architect.

E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY uses input from field experience as well as traditional sources, such as the trade contractor community, to validate its value engineering recommendations.

Constructability Review:

Constructability reviews enable the Contractor to evaluate the project relative to its ease or difficulty of construction. Using the team or “partnering” approach, this process encourages the design of a structure which can be built with the greatest degree of quality, economy and timely completion.

Continuous review of design and working documents during their development stage will ensure that any constraints which would restrict the Contractor’s ability to complete the work in an efficient and timely manner, will be addressed. Both the assigned E.T. GRESHAM Project Manager and the Field Superintendent will actively participate in this process.

Scheduling:

E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY will provide complete scheduling support for both the preconstruction and construction phases of the project. The preconstruction schedule provides the team with the earliest look at the project’s completion date.

It also will prove invaluable in coordinating programming activities. It becomes a particularly critical tool in a design/build, fast track environment where communication and response times are vital to the continuity of the project. E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY will continue to revise the preconstruction schedule as the design progresses.

Procurement of Long Lead-Time Items:

As a direct result of the scheduling program outlined above, identification of long lead-time or schedule-sensitive items, can be approached systematically.

Items such as structural steel, elevators, specialized air handling equipment or switchgear can often require identification for early purchase commitments in order to achieve schedule milestones. E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY has the capability of supporting this process.

Site Utilization Plan Support:

Because of its own extensive field experience, E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY can assist the Architect in the development of a site utilization plan. Such a plan will typically reflect how the site will be used during construction with regard to access road, lay-down and storage areas, parking, job trailer placement, safety fencing, erosion control, etc. This planning helps initiate jobsite organization.

Summary:

Having taken these steps to formalize the overall building program, the Project Team can begin construction without delay. During the preconstruction phase, the project is thoroughly analyzed by the Team with agreement as to its schedule, constructability and budget.

Construction Services:

In the construction services phase of the project, E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY endorses a team approach. The central focus is communication where all parties work together towards planning for the successful completion of the work. Project direction and objectives must be clearly defined and communicated. The following project management program enables us to achieve these goals.

Supervision of Construction:

The Project Manager’s primary responsibility is to ensure the project is completed as specified in the contract documents within the Owner’s budgetary and time constraints. He has the authority to commit the company’s resources as required, to meet any obligations or to react to unexpected conditions.

The Project Manager’s duties include:

• Planning, Estimating and Scheduling the Project
• Contracting with the Subcontractors
• Purchasing necessary materials
• Facilitating communication via documentation
• Coordinating and leading Monthly Team Meetings
• Submitting RFIs, COs and Pay Requests.

The Project Manager’s responsibilities extend well beyond the above list. He will do whatever is necessary to ensure a successful project.

The Project Superintendent coordinates all of Gresham’s field work, subcontractor/trade work, and Owner activities on the jobsite. The superintendent will construct the job according to the plans and specifications, establishing the quality standard while adhering to the schedule.

The Project Superintendent’s duties include:

• Controlling Quality
• Establishing and enforcing safety policies and conducting weekly safety meetings
• Utilizing necessary equipment
• Maintaining necessary labor force
• Building to correct dimensions & tolerances
• Coordinating all work on a daily basis
• Conducting weekly progress meetings with subcontractors
• Maintaining the Job schedule on daily basis
• Controlling Quality
  

E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY is proud of the fact that our experienced Superintendents are some of the finest in the construction industry, averaging over 20 years each in building construction.

Quality Inspection:

Requirements for material and equipment deliveries will be determined early in the project and will be expedited on a daily basis. E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY will maintain contact with vendors, suppliers and subcontractors by written correspondence, telephone and by personal visit if necessary to verify the quality expected on the project. An active delivery status will be reported to the project team at scheduled progress meetings.

Material Expediting:

Supplemental to the Client’s or Architect’s regular inspection, E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY will independently inspect the project to ensure its adherence to the quality model established during the preconstruction phase. This inspection is performed by E.T. GRESHAM as part of our daily checklist system which strives to produce a ZERO PUNCHLIST project.

Purchasing and subcontracting will be implemented by the project management staff, under the direction of the Vice President for Construction, at E.T. GRESHAM's corporate office and in the field. At the point of contractual commitment, E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY will verify scope, pricing, submittal timing, delivery schedules and will assess the impact of these factors upon the overall project.

Daily check sheets will be maintained as a historical record of the project, as well as a basis for documentation for the quality of installation of materials and equipment.

Safety:

Instilling safety consciousness into every person who enters the jobsite is the premise upon which our project program is predicated. Safety lectures and reporting are an integral part of Gresham Company’s morning job meetings. E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY has a full time safety inspector who visits all the jobs regularly.

Summary:

E.T. GRESHAM COMPANY's, Construction Services Program is designed to compliment the discipline, continuity, and control manifested in the preconstruction service package. Through our years of experience, we are able to give you the services your project demands.