Tri-Bay Takes Pride in Going the Extra Mile

Is doing the right thing the same as going the extra mile? Many construction companies pride themselves on “doing the right thing” during construction. Tri-Bay Construction will go the extra mile from beginning to end. We take experiences from previous projects where we’ve worked with suppliers and subcontractors and evaluate for continuous ongoing improvement.
We take into account all the pieces that go into a project, such as:
  • Evaluating where scheduling can be improved upon
  • Clarifying ambiguities on plans and other documents (i.e., surveys)
  • Assessing the effects construction may have on neighboring businesses or residences
  • Best practices to effectively create a collaborative environment inclusive of Owners, tenants, landlords, subcontractors, and designers. And considering the relationships with local officials before getting to the construction phase of a project.
Cleaning up after a specific operation is the standard operating procedure for most construction companies. Enhanced preparation before the project to minimize clean-up and operate more efficiently and safely is what we do.
This small amount of extra time beforehand results in a better, more efficient operation, less chance for collateral damage, and most importantly, a safer work environment. Best of all, it reduces costs in the long run by eliminating repairs and doing things a second and third time.

When you demand this type of preparation and efficiency, subcontractors want to work on our projects and leave owners knowing without question that we value them and their project. This approach results in a more collaborative and cohesive team effort on every project we do.

There is typically a warranty period of one year following the completion of your project.
The seemingly minor extra efforts, inclusiveness of field workers in daily operations and decisions, and collaborative teamwork between all trades set us apart from many typical construction companies.
You should be asking questions like:
  • Where does your construction company go after one year?
  • Can you call on them to solve problems that arise after the warranty expires?
  • Have they provided you with a maintenance schedule for your new building or the equipment you now own?
  • Do they show you how it operates or provide you with an instruction manual?
  • Will they help you find solutions or tell you how much it will cost to involve them in a solution?
By focusing on details from the start (pre-construction), changes become less frequent and less costly. Identifying challenges or gaps early on can make a project smoother in the construction process.
Getting it right the first time saves time and money for all involved. One glitch or hiccup has a trickle-down effect that can quickly snowball into significant delays.

Transparency between all parties allows for last-minute adjustments that have a less negligible impact on the overall project. There cannot be any “islands” on a construction project. Every component will affect other parts of the project.

Tri-Bay Construction goes the extra mile for Owners, designers, and subcontractors alike. That is why we have repeat clients, referrals from satisfied owners and designers, and subcontractors who want to work with us. The extra mile we take in our work results in a victory for all.

Construction Pre-planning is Vital for Success

Last month we discussed the qualities to look for in a Contractor. This month we will explore some of the pre-planning you can do before you even get to permitting and construction. Whether you are about to lease a space for an existing/new business or purchasing land to construct a new building, there are many things you should do in advance.

Do not rely solely on the “experts” or assume that these upfront items have been taken care of before the project launch. Keep the old adage in mind that “failing to plan is a plan to fail.” This saying especially rings true in the construction industry. Any gaps can become a costly delay.

Define the scope with a contractor, including how you want the space or the building to perform. The result will always turn out better than if you hand a contractor a set of plans and say, “Can you build this?”; How fast? How much? Defining the scope and performance often will change the cost for the better.

Walking through this pre-construction process with a Contractor is equal to interviewing to find the right fit. You should identify the level of risk the project may have, such as delay points, permitting procedures, and design decisions that will affect the overall budget, material specifications, and more. Walking through this process can determine whether the project is viable at all.
To follow are some of the crucial elements that make up a successful project:
  • Clearly define goals and deadlines for the Owner and Design & Construction Teams: Set realistic cost projections, confirm scheduling, and establish clear communication lines early to prevent misunderstandings.
  • Collaborative scheduling: This critical step requires all team members to create a realistic schedule for the project, from design to project turnover.
  • Sustainable Building: Know the benchmarks that make a building or a space considered “Green.” Having a clear understanding of the costs associated with green building methods and materials will eliminate surprises during construction and may even alter the performance goals before the project begins.
  • Permitting and Jurisdictional idiosyncrasies can often delay the review process: Understanding the local codes and ordinances by meeting with jurisdictional officials before the submittal process may shave valuable days from the overall schedule. Otherwise, poor communication can derail a plan before it gets started. Gaining clear direction helps alleviate items easily overlooked if unfamiliar with the project’s jurisdiction location.
  • Accurate budgeting and expense tracking plan: The team can accomplish this with the early selection of finish materials, so costs are known before construction begins—brainstorm to uncover the hidden fees that are bound to arise and can often be budget busters.
There are many more components that makeup Pre—Construction Services and Planning. We will continue to discuss the benefits of Pre-Construction planning and will then follow that with the types of Project Delivery available and their pros and cons.

Put Your Best Foot Forward

Do you know what qualifications to look for in a Contractor when planning a new project?

There are many questions to ask, and asking the right questions will provide you with a much smoother process.

  • The first question is the Contractor licensed by the State of Florida? Does he/she have the proper license for your project? A licensee's information is a matter of public record and can be found on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website: www.myfloridalicense.com. This website may also list any active complaints against the license holder.
  • Another critical question that can foretell what the project will be like throughout its duration is “Did the Contractor call you back promptly?”
  • Did the Contractor ask you questions about your project, or did he/she just tell you how good they are and what they can do?
  • Can the Contractor provide his last three client references? A good indication of what to expect if you hire this Contractor is whether or not his/her previous three clients would call them back to do another project. One person's experience with a contractor might not be the same as yours, but if all three references supply similar feedback, you can likely expect to have a similar experience.
We will continue to explore “What to Look for in A Contractor” and “What Questions to Ask” in future issues.
We will also explore the many steps required for a successful construction project before one gets to the project’s actual construction phase.