Project management for historical refurbishments

Ensuring a structure’s historic significance endures the test of time will involve maintenance and refurbishment during its lifetime. In today’s world we have the luxury of using modern technology to enable coordination of the project, making a complex process easier and more efficient. Here are two vital areas where technology improves construction project management for historical refurbishments:

Feasibility Studies

Too often owners and investors leap into historical refurbishments without rationally evaluating the risks or threats they stand to face because of the age of the building. Today modern technology allows us to conduct relatively simple evaluations using input measurements, environmental criteria, and resource costs to get realistic costs expectations so that we can compare them to the value at hand.

Construction management services are now able provide estimates that incorporate not only material costs and operations and management costs, but also impact and results of marketing research and policies, financial data, legal requirements and tax obligations. This is vitally important in the refurbishment of historical buildings as removing or replacing key features not only impacts the cost but could actually decrease the value of the property. Technology enables us to list each feature and its cost and benefit of restoration or replacement.

All of this is brought together using feasibility studies on software that decreases the time and effort required to determine the calculation. The results are also computer generated and are presentable automatically in formats that can identify opportunities and threats.

Project management

Careful planning and coordination are important in every construction project. However in historical refurbishments they are so much more complex. From specialist skills to rare finishes or materials, or old ventilation systems and discoveries during demolition, each aspect need to be categorized, estimated and tracked according to an expected implementation timeframe and budget. Commercial construction companies have leveraged off of technology and software to integrate project management applications that are able to link to emails and work on mobile devices. This creates a user friendly, transparent way of managing the project that is easily integrated into other parts of the business model like budget management, risk assessment and productivity.

Hire MDS Builders as your professional construction project management team

Historical refurbishments are best handled by an experienced commercial construction company, this way you get the best advice and the latest technology. For more information and advice on historical refurbishments, contact us via email or telephone at MDS Builders today.

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How to develop a construction project timeline

Developing a realistic construction project timeline is an important part of effective construction project management. Unfortunately challenges do present themselves along the way that can delay a project, but having a timeline set in place to work to is vitally important. A construction project timeline is required for the following reasons:

  • Property owner needs to have the construction project completed by a specific date. An effective timeline will ensure that all parties know what pace to work at and what progress needs to be made at the various stages / times of construction.
  • Labor, building materials and equipment must be paid for and time is of the essence in order to keep these costs to a minimum. Timelines / schedules can help you to effectively plan financially for these.
  • Changing seasons can affect weather conditions. In some instances it may be vital to complete a building while the weather conditions are still favorable. An effective timeline can ensure timely completion.

When developing a construction project schedule, it must include a start time and an expected or estimated duration for each listed activity or phase. It’s always a good idea to cater to some delays as a result of weather, material delivery delays and potential schedule conflicts with your contractors.

A Gantt chart is popular to use. This is a chart with all the construction activities listed to the left of the chart with reference start and progress dates at the top. This is merely a representation of appropriate time frames for each task. Important aspects or phases to feature in your construction project timeline include site preparation, foundation work, dried-on shell completion, mechanical rough-in completions and finish work.
If you want to get the most out of your construction project timeline, hire a professional construction project management team who ultimately make use of latest project management software, programs and mobile apps that help all parties stay on track with the expected timeline.

Hire MDS Builders as your professional construction project management team

The best way to develop a construction project timeline or schedule is with the help of MDS Builders. We are experienced in the field of project management and will ensure that your project is carried out perfectly according to schedule. Whether it’s dealing with contractors or ensuring that your materials are delivered on time, we at MDS Builders ensure a professional and efficient service. For more information and advice, contact us via email or telephone at MDS Builders today.

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Using technology to streamline the commercial construction process

commercial construction technologyIf you outsource your project management to a commercial construction company; make sure that they are up to date with the latest technology and systems. Commercial construction trends of 2015 saw many changes on commercial construction job sites. With 2016 well underway, we have only seen more improvements with the use of technology and myriad of apps that ensure daily construction tasks are handled with greater ease and efficiency. On today’s construction site, it is common to see technology being used for reporting, scheduling and planning, sharing of photos and a great deal more. The process of bidding has even been streamlined with electronic processes being used for receiving plans, addenda and submittals.

While technology has impacted on every sphere of life, its effect on the construction industry is particularly interesting. The industry is constantly evolving in terms of processes while its construction techniques have been much the same for many years. If you are outsourcing your commercial construction project management, is important to choose a commercial construction company that seeks out the latest technology and processes in order to keep up with the times and ensure efficiency and accuracy of your project at all times.

Here are a few ways in which you can use technology to streamline the commercial construction process for your project:

  • Use electronic processes to boost efficiency – in the not too distant past, a contractor asked to bid on a project would need to print and distribute plans and drawings to all involved. Technological advancements now allow for a variety of online project software systems that make it possible for the bidding process to be completely digital! There’s no need to set up lengthy meetings or distribute costly documentation. Everything can be found in one easy-to-access digital portal.
  • Ensure that your job site tools are always up to date and of the best – the construction industry is seeing some great developments. Let’s take Building Information Modeling (BIM) technology for instance. While it’s not mainstream yet, it most certainly will be and it’s important for a commercial construction company to keep on top of the latest technology and what is soon to be the latest. BIM offers the opportunity to present a 3-D image of the building site which helps to better determine potential construction problems and hiccups. It’s with tools like this and similar, that you can truly streamline your construction project processes.
  • Use integrated systems to improve on client service – in the construction industry clients want to be kept up to date with project progress. Integrated project management systems make it possible to share construction information quickly. Such systems make it possible for project managers, contractors and clients to keep up to date with reports, progress photos, change orders, requests and similar.

Some news from our Boca Raton and Ohio branches

We sponsored and attended the T-Mobile conference in Dallas last month. Some of the interesting topics that were discussed included procurement, cost control, facilities maintenance, program work, and corporate construction. We were proud to have representatives from our company discussing all four topics.

MDS Builders was also recently awarded the Carrabba’s renovation project in Boca Raton. Construction of this project will start in May 2016 and we are looking forward to working with the client and project team on this refurbishment project. Other projects that are lined up include the construction of two Florida Bealls Outlet stores (Delray Beach, & Tequesta) and we recently started construction on an 18,000 sf Out of the Closet Thrift Store/Pharmacy for the Aids Healthcare Foundation. The building will also include additional retail space for future tenants.

Our Boca Raton and Ohio offices are currently bidding two significant projects:  a 10,000 sf two story restaurant for a celebrity chef on Biscayne Bay in Miami Beach, Florida, as well as a two story commercial shell building for future “mixed use” on Las Olas Blvd., in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

MDS Builders offers effective commercial construction project management services

If you are looking for a commercial construction services company to assist you with streamlining your construction project processes and to ensure that your project is completed on time and according to spec, MDS Builders can assist. Contact us via email or telephone and find out more about the technology and systems that we use to benefit the outcome of your construction project.

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Project management for gym building and refurbishment projects

portfolio_pool-391x290Do you need to build a gym or refurbish your existing one? Building or refurbishing a gym takes a host of specialized skills and the commercial construction company that you choose to work with, will determine the outcome quality of your project. To ensure that your gym is built or refurbished according to your specifications, it is essential that you choose a reputable and knowledgeable construction project management company to work with. A gym is a large space that needs to be properly planned. It must be built with the end user in mind, with safety and building regulations as top priorities.

Below are a few benefits of using a construction project management company to handle the building or refurbishment of your gym:

  • The project will be completed on time and strictly according to your specifications.
  • Safety mechanisms will be strictly set in place for all contractors, so that your liability as the property owner is limited.
  • The best rates will be negotiated with all service providers and contractors.
  • The quality of the end product will be guaranteed as the project manager will be meticulous in overseeing tasks and ensuring the correct materials and building methods are being used.

Below are a few features, unique to gyms, that your commercial construction company should be experienced in dealing with:

  • Change room facilities.
  • Tiling and flooring.
  • Steam rooms / saunas.
  • Swimming pools.
  • Studios.

Choose MDS Builders as your commercial construction company of choice for your gym building or refurbishment

At MDS Builders we offer commercial construction services on a nationwide basis. We have experience in constructing and refurbishing gym spaces and have licensing in 47 states. We welcome our clients to pay a visit to any of our offices in Florida, Ohio or Texas and we also encourage you to take a look at our previous completed projects where you will find that we managed the construction of the Equinox Fitness Club in Florida as one of our over 5,000 projects.

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Why going for the lowest bid can compromise your construction project

Putting your construction project out to bid comes with a variety of pros and cons attached. One of the biggest tasks of the organization will be to ensure that as much detail as possible is given on the project, so that all interested contractors are bidding on the same thing. On receipt of all the bids from your chosen commercial construction companies, you might notice that all the quoted rates are similar; in some instances you might find that there is a substantial price difference between contractors. It’s a common mistake to opt for the lowest possible bid without thoroughly investigating the merits of the bid. Yes, this can be a time consuming chore, but it’s absolutely essential if you don’t want your construction project compromised.

Below are just a few of the reasons why we don’t recommend settling for the lowest bid:

  • In some instances, it may seem like the contractors are bidding on the exact same services, but they aren’t. Scrutinize the bids to ensure that each aspect of the project is correctly covered and quoted on. The lowest bid could end up the most expensive one if you have to arrange additional services to ensure that the project is complete.
  • Often the lowest bidder is an unknown contractor or one without sufficient experience. They might be charging lower rates to secure projects and get the experience that they need in the industry. Unfortunately, this can often translate to problems for you and your project. Firstly, you have no guarantee that commercial construction company will diligently pay its subs or that they won’t be irresponsible with your deposit. You also won’t have any guarantees with regards to the quality of their workmanship. Look for companies registered and well rated by the Better Business Bureau. This will give you peace of mind.

Construction management services that will help you to cut back on costs

At MDS Builders we offer commercial construction services on a nationwide basis. We welcome our clients to pay a visit to any of our offices in Florida, Ohio or Texas and we also encourage you to take a look at our previous completed projects.

We will also have representation at the upcoming T-Mobile conference which is to be held in Dallas. The topics that will be addressed include procurement, cost control, facilities maintenance, program work and corporate construction. We recommend that all industry players, customers and colleagues attend this conference.

If you would like to ensure that your project is completed on time and strictly according to spec, take the time to consider a reputable commercial construction company such as MDS Builders. Contact us via email or telephone and find out more about outsourcing your project management today.

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What is construction management?

programsIf you are involved in commercial property construction, you will know just how important it is to have a professional and experienced commercial construction management company on your side and at your service. This is particularly useful if you are working on more than one commercial project at a time. Spreading yourself thin can often lead poor quality of workmanship, over charging by contractors and general design and construction floors that could otherwise have been avoided. Construction management is the solution. By outsourcing your construction management services you can save on time and money

What exactly is construction management? The main task of a construction management company is to ensure that your best interests are taken into account throughout the construction process. They can also guide you through the construction process right from conceptualization to the final close-out phase.

Your chosen construction management company should be able to divide your project into the stages of development. First, it must be decided if the project is feasible. Then participation and competition must be maximized through bidding. The construction and close-out stages can then follow thereafter.

Below are a few of the benefits of hiring a construction management company:

  • Reduced total project costs. Construction managers will negotiate best rates with contractors, reduce overall project time and eliminate unnecessary costs.
  • Centralized communication. Construction managers liaise with all parties involved in the project, to ensure all teams and contractors are informed and working together.
  • Improved quality control. Construction managers will be on site ensuring that quality products are used and the quality of workmanship is ensured.
  • Protection of you and your business. Construction managers will ensure that you, the property owner, are protected from unnecessary liability.

Construction Management Services Offered by MDS Builders Nationwide

At MDS Builders we offer professional construction management services and have worked in 47 states. For your convenience, we have offices stationed in Florida, Ohio and Texas. We also have a number of completed projects available for you to look over.

If you are looking for professional construction project management services, take the time to consult with us at MDS Builders. Contact us via email or telephone and find out more about outsourcing your project management today.

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Why choose professional construction project management?

portfolio_lounge-388x292Do you want to ensure that your construction project goes ahead without a hitch? Are you worried that your construction contractors aren’t acting in your best interests? At MDS Builders we often encounter organizations concerned with the progress and management of their construction projects. In such instances we recommend outsourcing your construction project management to professionals in the industry. Your first thoughts might be that this could be an expensive endeavor, however it doesn’t have to be. In fact, with the right construction management company on your side, you can reduce overhead on each project and enjoy greater efficiency, client satisfaction and increased profits.

Below are a few benefits of hiring a construction project management company is ideal for you and your project:

  • Construction managers plan meticulously. Outsourcing your construction project management will mean that your project is broken down into phases and the management team will ensure that each phase is completed on time and according to your pre-proposed schedule. This means that you can impress clients by finishing on time and won’t waste extra valuable income on paying staff for extra days worked to complete the project.
  • Construction managers are typically well connected and can do all the negotiating with the contractors for you. Want to get the very best rate and service? Let your hired construction manager handle it for you.
  • Construction managers ensure that safety regulations are strictly adhered to. It’s sometimes easy to forget about safety concerns when the contractors you work with are bonded and licensed. If you want to reduce your liability as the property owner, your construction manager can ensure that all precautions are taken at all times.
  • Construction managers offer quality assurance. As you are outsourcing your construction project management, the service provider you choose will be liable for any faults or poor quality of workmanship in the building. As a result, your construction manager will ensure that the building is completed to the utmost best quality.
  • Construction managers offer a wealth of services that can benefit your project. These include the likes of pre-construction and process planning, permitting, team management, constructability reviews, provision of reports, directing subcontractors, cost management, development and management of schedules, quality control, procurement strategies, safety programs, maintenance and warranty programs and more.

Our national construction company has offices in Florida, Ohio and Texas

At MDS Builders we are a professional commercial construction company that offers specialized construction management project services nationwide. This means that we have offices in Florida, Ohio and Texas. If you are looking for professional construction project management services, take the time to contact us at MDS Builders today. You can also view some of our completed projects in multiple states, online.

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