Have you wondered if you can save money by acting as your own general contractor or if you should take the cheap price from a contractor that may not be experienced or have the best reputation? Especially for a simple project? What would be the advantages or disadvantages of doing so? Why should you hire ParsCo Construction?
Let's take an example of building additional office space for your company. If your project is complex, it is extremely important to hire a company experienced in complex projects. ParsCo has over $400 million in complicated, complex construction project experience.
One of the major advantages of hiring a ParsCo is the coordination of trades and on a complex project you will typically require enough trades that this could be a serious issue. At a minimum, office construction will require carpentry, metal framing, drywall installation, electrical work, HVAC installation, floor covering, and painting. You may also need plumbing, demolition, and sprinkler work.
If you have a roof leak, there is nothing wrong with calling a roofer directly, but on a job that is complex you need to juggle schedules, paperwork, permitting, inspections, quality control, and competitive bidding, as well as establish clear lines of responsibility.
This requires an expert!
This requires ParsCo Construction!
So what exactly does a Certified General Contractor ("CGC") do? Here are five major areas of responsibility:
1. Paperwork – This includes coordination between the architect and the local authority having jurisdiction, following the permitting process and providing information as necessary, obtaining insurance and workman's comp certificates from all the trades, processing drawings and change-orders, design conflict resolution, procuring sign-offs, certificates of completion and occupancy, logging activities and calls, obtaining capital improvement certificates, and providing updates and status reports. A CGC should know his way around the building department and be able to establish trust and rapport with the building inspectors.
2. Cost control – The CGC is responsible for obtaining competitive bids from all the trades necessary on the job. A good CGC will be making suggestions to the client and architect on cost-saving measures before and during the project. He will be reviewing drawings and plans for accuracy and if necessary will provide field measurements to avoid costly change-orders.
3. Field Supervision – A CGC will be visiting the property on a regular basis to inspect and verify the quality of the work by subcontractors, secure the property against vandalism, graffiti and dumping, coordinate meter readings, set thermostats and alarms and watch for roof leaks and other properties. In general, he will be acting as the owner's representative, whether it be as a good will ambassador with the neighbors, or meeting with a fire marshal.
4. Coordination of work – One of the most valuable roles served by your CGC is coordination of all the work. He is responsible for the finished product and removes any finger-pointing among trades that you may encounter if you try to coordinate the project yourself. The CGC will be drafting work schedules, preparing a "GANTT" chart outlining and estimating the duration of each activity, materials and labor required for each phase of the construction. There will be unexpected delays or surprises (remember Murphy's Law) and it is the responsibility of the CGC to address issues as they arise and keep the project on course.
5. Be Nice – Construction is a headache for the client. Life is too short to be further hassled by a surly CGC. Find a reputable CGC with good recommendations and references and also make sure that you like him or her! Your CGC is going to be your "partner" for the duration of your project, so pick a CGC with whom you can get along!
ParsCo will be your "partner" for the duration of your project and make sure the process is enjoyable and not a hassle. Our company has the experience of a multi-million dollar firm but a small-family run feel that makes our clients feel comfortable.
"The three things our clients want are #1 lots of attention, #2 responsiveness, and #3 lots of attention. When we follow through and do those three things, we never fail to help them realize their dreams and exceed their expectations," states Amir Michael Fooladi, President/CEO of ParsCo.
Once we are selected for a project, ParsCo makes a commitment that runs far deeper than its contractual obligations. It's a deeply personal commitment that goes above and beyond ordinary expectations. Unlike other large companies, our company President Amir Michael Fooladi handles all inquiries from prospective clients. Once the contract is signed he stays involved to hold true to the values and mission ParsCo promises.
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