NOTES:
"we are your eyes and ears"
FIVE REASONS FOR USING A CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT?
Owner's having construction done on their behalf don't understand the difference and don't understand why they should have an independent Owner's representative/construction consultant representing them on their construction project and why the General Contractor cannot be their advocate.
Reason 1: An owner's construction consultant does just that - they represent the owner's interests and also our neutrality. The contractor and the architect represent themselves - not the owner.
Reason 2: At GAMM PARTNERS INC., our only agenda is what's best for the project based on the Owner's goals. We are not tied to (or shouldn't be) to design, schedule or cost outcomes beyond meeting those stated goals for the project. Whether a project takes 12 months or 24 months doesn't matter to the us as long as it’s appropriate for the project and meets the Owner's goals and requirements.
Reason 3: Conversely, a General Contractor has a particular agenda and does care how long it takes or doesn't. Their profit depends on it. Of course a good GC wants to meet the Client's goals and have a good relationship but the GC can never be 100% neutral because there's a good chance an issue will arise that will pit the Owner's interests against those of the GC or its sub contractor relationship therefore How then can a GC be neutral?
Reason 4: Hiring a construction consultant, will reduce claims, complaints and lots of headache to the owner. At GAMM PARTNERS INC., we will act independent from the Architect, providing construction management services to the owner. We will act on behalf of the owner solving critical issues that must be addressed on the field and without further delays. It will definitely represent an economy to the owner. Construction has become more sophisticated and complicated with use of more exotic materials. The average owner does not have the time, expertise or emotional detachment to follow through with the endless decision-making. The problem with your typical construction project, is that the owner seldom understands that the money spent with GAMM PARTNERS INC., will typically yield a greater value for dollars invested (through less costly or fewer change orders) and higher quality.
Reason 5: It is difficult to find contractors or architects that will advocate for this type of participation. The construction consultant should truly advocate for the project - even if sometimes it means telling the client things they don't want to hear. By being irreproachably fair, honest, and even handed when dealing with those who have designed or are construction the work, you can actually improve the end results for the designers and builders. This creates good will in the industry and can bring advocates for you?
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WHAT ABOUT AN OWNER'S CONSTRUCTION CONSULTANT/PROJECT MANAGER ON THE RESIDENTIAL SIDE OF BUILDING CONSTRUCTION?
Fact Number 1: An owner's representative does just that - they represent the owner's interests. The contractor and the architect represent themselves - not the owner.
Fact Number 2: Homes have become larger and more sophisticated with more exotic materials. The average homeowner does not have the time, expertise or emotional detachment to follow through with the endless decision-making.
Fact Number 3: Hiring an owner rep, will reduce claims, complaints and lots of headache to the owner. The rep must act independent from the Architect, providing construction management services to the owner. He must also be able to act on behalf of the owner solving critical issues that must be addressed on the field and without further delays. It will definitely represent an economy to the owner. The problem with your typical single family (even if it is ultra high end) project, is that the owner seldom understands that the money spent with a construction consultant will typically yield a greater value for dollars invested (through less costly or fewer change orders) and higher quality.
Fact Number 4: However, since so projects of this type utilize OR services, it is difficult to find builders or architects that will advocate for this type of participation. Additionally, the OR should truly advocate for the project - even if sometimes it means telling the client things they don't want to hear. By being irreproachably fair, honest, and even handed when dealing with those who have designed or are construction the work, you can actually improve the end results for the designers and builders. This creates good will in the industry and can bring advocates for you on more than just the client side.
Fact Number 5: However, since so few residential construction projects utilize services of a construction consultant, it is difficult to find builders or architects that will advocate for this type of participation. Additionally, the consultant should truly advocate for the project - even if sometimes it means telling the client things they don't want to hear. By being irreproachably fair, honest, and even handed when dealing with those who have designed or are construction the work, you can actually improve the end results for the designers and builders. This creates good will in the industry and can bring advocates for you on more than just the client side.
Call or write to larry@gammpartners.com or call 1-630-220-7813 to learn more on how Gamm Partners Inc., can help you on your next project.
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6 STEPS TO CHOOSING THE RIGHT CONTRACTOR!
Choosing the right contractor to join you in your building or remodeling project could make the difference in getting your project completed correctly and on time or having to pay someone else to fix it. To find the right contractor you must “do your homework”. Here are 6 steps to remember when choosing a contractor.
1. Ask for Referrals and References
2. Find out if the Contractor is Licensed, Bonded and Insured
3. Get a Written Estimate and Guarantee
4. Make Sure the Contractor is a Member of the Better Business Bureau
5. Sign a Written Agreement
6. Experience, Experience, Experience
Step One.......Ask for Referrals and References;
Ask friends and family for referrals. People love to talk about the work they have had done on their homes, so getting a list of contractors they would refer should be easy. References are also an important source of information you should research. Call and talk with the contractor’s references and ask questions about the contractor’s workmanship. The questions you may want to ask are the things that may concern you. Like whether the contractor keeps his jobs clean, on time and on budget.
Step Two.......Find out if the Contractor is Licensed, Bonded and Insured;
Make sure the contractor will provide license, bonding and insurance information. A reputable contractor will have no problem providing this information to you. Hire a contractor who has experience in the quality, design, and value you are expecting. Ask who the contractor uses to do the specialty work such as plumbing and electrical. These trades should also be certified, licensed, bonded and insured in their area of expertise.
Step Three......
Get a Written Estimate and Guarantee:
Ask for and get a written estimate for the services you agree upon and their guarantees.Rate the contractor for quality, service, price and value. Be aware that things like material, design and function will make a difference in price and time. Remember to find out if the contractor guarantees their work and what type of guarantee they will provide you. Remember the lowest bid may not result in the greatest quality for the price.
Step Four.........
Make Sure the Contractor is a Member of the Better Business Bureau;
Check to see if the contractor is a member of the Better Business Bureau or a local Chamber of Commerce. This way you can research the contractor’s membership to see if there have been any complaints about the work the contractor has done.
Step Five.......
Sign a Written Agreement;
Make sure the contractor has a written agreement that outlines the expectations of the job to be preformed. Keep the communications and expectations clear so that both the contractor and you know what direction the project is headed and how and when you plan to get there. The contract should clearly state what materials are included, how and when the contractor expects to be paid, and when the project should be completed.
Step Six.........
Experience, Experience; Experience;Experience is the best indicator of the contractor’s ability to execute and complete a project that shines in the quality of the design, plays harmonically in the orchestration of planning, and finishes skillfully in the execution of the timely completion of the project. This takes years to perfect and not every contractor can master these qualities. Ask to see examples of the contractor’s work.
If you not sure about the qualifications of the contractor and if you have questions or concerns on the materials being used and sequence of work, contract amount and any request for deposits? A phone call to obtain appropriate expert advice will cost little in comparison to the cost of resolving an escalated dispute later on then call
GAMM PARTNERS, INC. Construction Consultants. “We are your eyes and ears”
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A MOLD COVER-UP DURING YOUR NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION OR REMODELING CAN BE DANGEROUS AND EXPENSIVE:
When you’re new home or condo was being constructed or remodeled, did you ever have concerns about building materials being exposed to rain or snow before they were installed or fully protected from the weather? Your suspicions may have been accurate.
Many new home builders carelessly leave lumber, roof trusses, dry wall, concrete block and other types of building materials exposed to wet conditions during the construction process. Failing to protect building materials prior to using them or neglecting to properly treat those materials before installation may lead to serious problems with mold down the road. Good builders are very diligent and take the time and proper steps to avoid mold growth up until the home has reached the ‘Dried-In Stage’ of construction, a point in the building process where the roof and shingles have been properly installed to divert rain and melting snow from entering the structure. If the materials are not protected, inspected and treated prior to installation and ‘Dry-In’, mold may be covered up and hidden only to resurface at a later time after creating a potentially unhealthy and dangerous living environment as well as threatening the value of most peoples’ largest single investment.
Even if building materials are exposed to moisture but dry before installation, the mold may still be present and have just fallen into a dormant state. Many builders try to clean the material with bleach. However, the bleach merely oxidizes the surface and appears to make the mold disappear. The bleach probably did not kill the roots of the mold leaving the opportunity for problems to arise after you move into your new home or condo. High humidity, a leaking roof, window or door may be the avenue for moisture to travel and allow dormant mold attached to building materials inside walls or attics to come alive and start to grow once again.
There is an abundance of scientific evidence to support claims that mold spores adversely impact the health of people. Infants, children, elderly, asthmatics and individuals with compromised or weak immune systems are especially susceptible to the effects of mold. Mold can cause very serious illness and has been linked to lung damage, brain damage, cancer and even death.
In addition to the health risks associated with mold, there is also a potential risk to your home’s value. Often times, people are not aware of a mold cover-up until they want to sell their home or condo. A home inspection is typically conducted during the sales process and may reveal the presence of mold much to the shock of the homeowner and the potential homebuyer. This will probably result in either a reduction to the sales price of the home or termination of the sales contract all together. Both are expensive alternatives for homeowners with mold problems. If you think your new home builder’s or remolding contractor’s construction methods or techniques resulted in a mold problem with your home? If you have questions or concerns talk to your attorney and ALSO talk to us
Gamm Partners, Inc. Construction Consultants. “We are your eyes and ears”
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Chinese company to fix 300 homes, possibly thousands more damaged by corrosive drywall.
Associated Press Writer October 14, 2010. NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A Chinese drywall manufacturer, along with suppliers, builders and insurers, agreed Thursday to repair up to 300 homes in four states and possibly thousands more damaged by corrosive drywall.In this pilot program, up to 300 homeowners in Florida, Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi whose homes had drywall manufactured by Knauf Plasterboard Tianjin Co. will get their homes fixed, lawyers said. Homeowners in Texas, North Carolina and Virginia could be added soon. Knauf and the other companies have agreed to replace drywall, wiring, fire and alarm systems, and fixtures in damaged homes. Many more of the 2,000 to 3,000 homes built with Knauf drywall might be fixed under similar terms if the pilot program is successful.++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
DO YOU DO? OR DO YOU CONTRACT TO OTHERS TO REMODEL, RENOVATE REPAIR OR PAINT??? …… PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:
How the latest changes in the lead paint rules affect your business And became enforceable on April 22, 2010.
Do you paint? Do you do Weatherization Improvements? Do you install new energy efficient windows or doors? Do you install siding or trim? Do you perform electrical, plumbing or HVAC services that would involve cutting any holes in walls or ceilings? Would any of your remodeling activities require the removal of baseboards or other molding? Would any of your roofing projects require a drip edge or fascia to be disturbed or removed? Do you do “handyman” activities or maintain rental property? Do you disturb paint in anyway?
If any of the above conditions apply the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) RRP (Renovation, Repair and Painting) rule affects you and all of the subcontractors that you hire to perform your renovations or remodeling. EPA requires that firms performing renovation, repair, and painting projects that disturb lead-based paint in pre-1978 homes, child care facilities and schools be certified by EPA and that they use certified renovators who are trained by EPA-approved training providers to follow lead-safe work practices to prevent lead contamination. Individuals can become certified renovators by taking an eight-hour training course from an EPA-approved training provider.
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TIPS ON HOW TO CONTROL HOME BUILDING AND REMODELING COSTS:
1. Estimate your home building costs:
Estimating your home building costs requires you to have a floor plan. Take time to sketch on paper what you want your house to look like as this gives an idea of how much it will cost. Organize a meeting with architects, builders and suppliers for a budget analysis session. Builders who construct houses similar to the one you envision can provide you with a list of the required materials. They will also let you know how much they charge for house construction - depending on the size, style, quality and features of the house.
2. Find great prices:
Rather than having your contractor purchase the required materials, buy them yourself. This way you will get them cheaper than if the contractor billed you for them. Most contractors usually mark up the price before billing their clients.
3. Minimize change orders:
Planning before you build can significantly reduce the number of change orders in your project. Change orders are the most common reason a construction project exceeds the budget as they were not planned for in the original budgeting. Always be watchful on any changes to the original plan as you will be responsible for the extra costs unless otherwise agreed by you and the contractor.
4. Consider size, style and shape of the house:
The following factors significantly determine the amount of money your house will cost.:
Size: Consider to build a home with a depth of less than 32 feet so as to eliminate the need for specially designed trusses. It is also advisable to work with even numbers and to always have the size of your house rounded up or down to the additions of two feet. By doing this you stand a chance to reduce the amount of wasted materials.
Style: The style of your house greatly determines the cost. For example, a two-story house will cost less than a single-story house of similar square footage. The former will have a smaller roof and foundation. Besides, ventilation and plumbing in a two-story house tend to cost less of using a central core for distribution of plumbing and duct runs.
If you are thinking about an upcoming construction project and is looking for someone to discuss and provide construction consulting? . Please contact me and I will provide a high level of client service to you or your friends. Larry@gammpartners.com,
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