|
|
|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is value engineering?
Value engineering is quite simply finding the best way to build the project that will
maintain a quality completed product and give the customer the lowest possible price at
completion of the job. Schlouch Incorporated works with the customer well in advance
of the beginning of the project to probe the site, adjust plans to minimize rock removal
and find ways to balance the site where possible. All savings or added costs are built into the budget so there will be no surprises during construction.
What are examples of proactive solutions you have provided?
Schlouch prides itself on bringing proactive solutions to every job. An example involved
a project for the 5th Street Highway shopping center in Reading. Start of the project was
delayed but the delivery date for the first pad for anchor tenant Target was not. We
solved the potential problem by going to the township to get permission to work 24-7 on
the site. Coupled with our value engineering prior to start, this proactive approach
enabled us to deliver the site three weeks ahead of schedule and be told by Target that it was "one of the best jobs they have ever had".
Why are there change orders on my jobs?
Change orders occur when the scope of the job changes for one reason or another -
unexpected rock or soil conditions, incomplete engineering, faulty plans or change in
project direction. Most of these can be avoided by approaching the project through value
engineering rather than lowest bid. When we are brought on board early to work with
your engineers or provide in-house Schlouch design services, a more accurate budget can
be achieved. Teamwork, trust and a full understanding of risks of the project before the
start of the job will result in smoother flow during construction and minimize change
orders.
How do I evaluate bids?
This is a complex question. The most important considerations are (1) do the parameters
of what the bidder is including cover the scope of your job and (2) are all bidders bidding the same services. It is very easy to focus on the dollar amount of each bid looking for
the lowest bidder without determining if the items being bid will in fact get you the
lowest price for the completed project or provide a quality finished product. Failure to
consider these factors will surely result in change orders and added costs that may mean
your job will cost more than it should at completion.
Why do my jobs run over budget?
The most likely cause for jobs running over budget is failure to evaluate bids and
contractor qualifications thoroughly. Picking the lowest bid does not assure the lowest
cost at completion. More often it results in surprises and change orders that will take you over budget and may actually jeopardize the financial soundness of your project.
How do you make your job sites safe?
It is important to include safety as part of your contractor pre-qualification and your bid evaluation to minimize your risk. Schlouch Incorporated is committed to safety. It is our
number one priority because a safe job is an efficient job and has a direct impact on
quality, delivery and cost. Every member of our team undergoes extensive safety
training. Among our safety practices on our job sites are the "Morning Huddle" where
the team meets at the beginning of the day to review the scope of work for that day,
production goals and any safety issues that must be addressed. Each of our job sites have
an OSHA competent person assigned and we conduct on-going compliance inspections to
make certain we meet OSHA standards. In addition, we conduct daily soil classification
tests and keep a trenching log as well as daily equipment logs. Our goal is for every
member of our team to go home safe at the end of each day.
How do you manage customer/contractor risk?
Schlouch's value engineering, proactive solutions and extensive safety programs are key
parts of how we manage the risks you might face in building your sites. When Schlouch
is brought on to your team well before start up, we have time to value engineer the work
that needs to be done. This way we can eliminate surprises, maintain safe job sites and
manage financial risks and liabilities.
Why isn't the lowest bid always the best?
Certainly you want to bring your project in at the lowest possible cost. This, however,
does not necessarily mean the lowest initial bid. Some site contractors will omit a
number of tasks from their bid to get to a lower price only to make up for that shortfall to them by costly change orders once they have won the bid and are on the site working.
They count on getting past the point of no return before they start hitting you with
escalated costs that could mean budget over runs and possible financial disappointment.
It is best to determine if the contractor can give you a true "cost of completion" for the job and not just a bid designed to win the competition based on price.
How do you evaluate plans before bidding?
First our estimators look to make certain that the plan makes the best possible use of your site. Then we follow by studying the engineering to be certain that everything we will
encounter has been thoroughly studied and included in the plan. Once we are satisfied
that we can bid a job to give you the best possible cost of completion number, we prepare
our bid. If that isn't possible we will tell you what is missing and what we can do to
ensure that you get the type of job necessary at a fair and firm price with no surprises.
How can I be assured my schedule will be met?
Our reliability for on-time delivery of your project starts the moment you sign the
contract. Our proactive approach to making certain there are no surprises on your job
includes planning, value engineering, selection of the proper team for your project and
communications. Schlouch's state-of-the-art equipment, managed and maintained by
certified professionals, gives our project team the ability and confidence to meet all site preparation challenges. Once we have established a workable schedule, it is monitored
and reported on weekly with the goal of not only meeting your schedule but also beating
it.
What geographic areas do you serve?
Schlouch provides its site construction services in Pennsylvania and surrounding states
with its primary focus on Pennsylvania.
|
|
