Pre-Construction & Construction
The Limbach construction process for delivering a project on time and within the budget encompasses many facets.
Pre-Construction Services
Getting it right on paper before starting the work has long been a Limbach standard practice. Sometimes on Team Construct and Design Build project, we start before the job is formerly proposed and awarded. We collaborate with our customer, the Owner, and Architect/Engineer to develop the best scope. On plans and specification work, we begin this process post award, utilizing our Trade Planners, Engineers, Project Managers, and Trade Managers to use all their expertise to create the best construction plan. From constructability review to material and equipment selections, we produce detailed coordinated planned drawings, which allow us to fabricate and procure material and schedule installation to best fit the overall construction parameters. This allows us to be cost effective, reduce scheduled time, and often identify and help correct costly oversights. This all results in a smoother and safer job for everyone.
Job Cost
Job cost management is critical to the delivery process. Limbach utilizes a cost management system for tracking estimated versus actual costs from the contract award to the project completion. Costs are independently monitored for all aspects of the job including detailed breakdowns of all equipment, material, labor, subcontracts, and other job related activities. The system also has a subcontract and purchase order tracking feature.
Scheduling
Scheduling of work starts with a thorough understanding of the hours estimated to complete the job by area, system, etc. From this, durations can be established for predetermined work activities. The work activity durations must then be incorporated into the overall project schedule, so that all trades have sufficient time to complete their work within the overall constraints of the job. Limbach is familiar with, and use many different scheduling tools (software, etc.) to manage this process efficiently.
Project Management & Material Storage
Effective project management is critical to ensuring the collective satisfaction of all the individual components required for a successful job. Our Project Managers are responsible for all aspects of the job to minimize oversights for lack of a "big picture." All Project Managers report to the Operations Manager, who is responsible for the project, as it relates to costs, efficiencies, and other project details.
Material storage is a project delivery component that we prefer to minimize. Working with our vendors to add value, Limbach schedules deliveries to the jobsite, material storage can and should be kept to a minimum. This minimizes double-handling, safety issues associated with tripping hazards, etc. Obviously, some storage is going to be necessary for basic raw materials.
Quality Control
At Limbach, quality control is everyone's responsibility. The Leadmen, Foremen, Design Engineers, Engineers and Project Managers have primary responsibility on the job. Limbach's Commissioning Managers are also instrumental in this process. It is our Commissioning Managers job to checkout, start-up, commission, and tend to warranty issues on all issues on all systems. They are also involved with job kick-off, shop drawing review, and other key milestones throughout the project.
Conflict Resolution
Nobody likes conflict and Limbach tries to minimize any conflict resolution issues. However, it does at times occur, and we approach the problem in a timely manner to reduce potential additional impact. If there is an issue and Limbach is at fault, we accept full responsibility for our actions and correct the problem as quickly as possible. If the conflict is not easily resolved, we attempt to fully recognize the other parties' needs and promote an equitable solution.
Resolution of hidden conditions is something that varies from job to job and depends on the individual situation. Contract documents typically address this subject, but to varying degrees. Our first step is to review the respective language and determine its applicability to the situation encountered. Usually this step solves the problem. If not, we approach the subject from the standpoint of what reasonably could, or should be expected on a competitively bid job in anticipating such conditions. When looking at the problem this way, the solution usually is obvious and Limbach is willing to stand behind any responsibility we may have in a situation such as this.
Scope Modifications
Scope modifications, similar to hidden conditions, are usually well-defined in the contract documents relative to procedure. Identifying scope discrepancies, which ultimately generate the scope modifications, can be less predictable and more costly, if not identified in a timely manner. Prompt identification of a problem via RFI's and cessation of work activity in that area until resolved, is sometimes the most cost effective contribution to the process that we can make. Providing a proposal with a reasonable breakdown and sufficient back-up, as requested, to support the same is standard procedure. Format of the proposal is easy to understand and in accordance with contract documents.
