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Construction Services
The Construction Services Department at BME Associates encompasses the various functions necessary for the successful completion of a project. Every project requires competent construction services to achieve a timely and cost-efficient end result. The complex environment of a construction project demands that the interests of the Owner be adequately represented throughout the duration of the contract. The following is a brief summary of the services available at BME:
Contract Documents
As a project nears the completion of its design phase, the Construction Services Manager becomes increasingly more involved in working with the design team. A "Constructability Review" at this stage allows additional input to reduce the risk of future construction problems as much as possible.
Contract documents and specifications are prepared jointly by the Project Engineer and Construction Services Manager. It is critical that specifications be clear, concise and complete. Effective contract documents are the basis of a successful project, and provides the owner with the security of firmly establishing pertinent conditions and agreements.
Shop drawings are an essential part of most projects. BME provides coordination of these documents as they pass through the various stages of review. Efficient follow up in this process reduces the chance of misunderstandings or time lost due to drawings and details not being agreed upon.
Owner/Contractor Liaison
This is probably the most critical area of construction services. The successful completion of a project requires a team effort from all parties involved. By establishing and maintaining clear and effective communications, we attempt to eliminate misunderstandings and mitigate the effect of unforeseen problems. Design changes, abnormal site conditions, and other unexpected problems are, unfortunately, inherent to construction projects in general. By maintaining an atmosphere of involvement, cooperation and fairness, these occurrences can be handled without jeopardizing the project. The prime objective of BME’s Construction Services Department is to ensure that the owner’s best interests are served.
The Construction Services Department at BME Associates encompasses the various functions necessary for the successful completion of a project. Every project requires competent construction services to achieve a timely and cost-efficient end result. The complex environment of a construction project demands that the Owner be represented throughout the duration of the contract. The following is a brief summary of the services available at BME
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Contract Administration
BME provides an invaluable service to the owner by coordinating the burden-some paperwork required by modern construction contracts. Letter of Credit (LOC) estimates are prepared to obtain municipal approvals for construction. As the job progresses, these Letters of Credit are routinely reduced for the owner by preparing and submitting appropriate "release" statements. BME works closely with the appropriate governing agencies to coordinate the release of LOC monies on behalf of the owner. Contractor's statements are reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and the release or withholding of retainages. BME provides the owner with a copy of their review and a recommendation on whether or not to pay any or all of each statement.Change orders and/or field changes occur in almost all construction projects. This can be the result of unforeseen problems or unexpected site conditions becoming apparent, or as a result of a change in the original design intent or the scope of the project. BME coordinates all changes to the original contract, recommending the type and extent of the modifications, as well as reviewing the costs to minimize potential over-runs and to credit the owner for reductions when appropriate.
The Construction Services Department arranges for all necessary meetings including the standard pre-construction meetings required by municipal officials and private utility companies. Progress meetings or reviews can be held at whatever interval the owner desires. BME works closely with the appropriate agencies to keep them up to date on the status of each project. Open communication and a cooperative atmosphere are our primary goal to achieve the best possible end result.
Construction Observation
The "Project Representative" periodically observes the actual construction to monitor progress and quality of work. The time required for this varies greatly depending upon the nature of the work involved and the amount of on-site representation desired by the owner. BME’s presence on the job site provides a vital communication link between the owner, contractor and the design team. The project representative is routinely called upon to interpret drawings and details to avoid misunderstandings and expedite the project. He works closely with the municipal inspectors to ensure that the work accomplished is acceptable to the appropriate agencies. The project representative also keeps daily logs of the job progress, noting problems and solutions as they arise. These logs can be invaluable in recreating events if disagreements arise at a later date.
Storm Water Permit Maintenance
BME is widely recognized by regulatory agencies as a leader in the area of interpretation, implementation, and oversight of erosion control procedures. In addition to routine 'construction observation', BME provides the monitoring, record keeping, and coordination required by NYSDEC and SPDES Storm Water Permits. It is our goal to assist our clients in successfully meeting their current and future permit requirements in the most efficient and least costly manner possible.
Record Mapping & Contract Completion
As each project nears completion, BME provides the contractor with a "punch list" of items which need attention prior to any final payment or release of retainages. The Construction Services Manager arranges the final release of Letter of Credit monies through the appropriate municipal agencies. This includes the preparation and submittal of "Record Maps" in the format specified by the municipality.