Category: Headwaters Construction

How Project Managers Add Value

How Project Managers Add Value to Commercial Construction

If you are planning a commercial construction or renovation project, you may be wondering what abilities to look for in the project manager you will be working with. Here are the key attributes and ways that we at Headwaters Construction Inc. have discovered that the best project managers add value to the projects they oversee.

Laser-Focus on Customer Needs

The ultimate test of any new commercial construction or renovation project is whether it meets the needs of the client. We have learned that the best project managers add value by finding out what a client actually needs as opposed to what they want. These project managers go to great lengths to know their client’s business. They also spend a lot of time talking to the client in order to grasp what they really need. When those needs are clear, the project manager or retail general contractor unwaveringly set out to deliver on them.

They Put Together a Great Team

A project is only as good as the team that has been assembled to execute it. The most successful project managers are well aware of this fact. They go to great lengths to assemble and nurture the best team. These project managers understand each team member’s motivators and strengths, and they coach them to achieve their full potential. Great project managers view themselves as facilitators or enablers, and they do what they can to eliminate obstacles standing in the way of their teams.

They Delegate

The best project managers don’t attempt to micromanage or do everything on their own. Instead, they start off with the best team and trust that team to deliver their best in their different specialties. The project manager, therefore, frees themselves to attend to big-picture aspects while also overseeing the project team. In this way, everything works seamlessly to deliver great outcomes, at a great price, and within the projected timelines.

Questioning the Status Quo

No great project manager is content to do things in the same old way that things have always been done. Their desire to deliver added value to clients constantly drives them to challenge their teams to find new ways to get around project challenges. For example, during a tilt-up construction project, the project manager can push the team to deliver unparalleled energy efficiency that is far beyond what other similar projects have delivered to their clients. By constantly pushing the envelope, great project managers are constantly adding value to every project that they oversee.

They Have an Eye on the Big Picture

Here is where the best project managers stand head and shoulders above all others. Great project managers aren’t simply satisfied with meeting the budgetary, time, and utility aspects of the project. They go farther by making sure that the project will offer value to clients in the immediate and long-term sustainable. The project manager makes it a point to deliver a project that meets the strategic objectives of the client, and they do this consistently. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we are focused on just that because we know that the capital outlay required to pull off a retail renovation or a new tilt-up construction project can only be justified by delivering a project that will be relevant now and in the future for the client.

They Manage Risks, Problems and Scope Changes

Risks, problems, and scope changes can bring a project to a standstill if the project manager isn’t equipped to manage these situations proactively. The best project managers anticipate risks and prepare their teams to mitigate those risks. They also monitor issues that arise and marshal the team to deal with them effectively. Successful project managers also interrogate all scope changes and find the best way to implement those changes, so that project budgets, timelines, and quality aren’t affected adversely.

They Deliver What They Promise

The acid test for any project manager is whether they actually make good on their promises. Credibility is important because a lot is at stake for all project stakeholders. This is especially true for the client and the suppliers or contractors who work with the project manager. It is, therefore, important for the project manager to be reputable and credible. At times, this calls for turning away some projects or assignments if the project manager isn’t sure that they can deliver what is required. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we have set our focus on commercial construction and renovation work. So, we firmly but politely turn down any residential project sent our way. By doing this, we have excelled at delivering excellent service to our commercial clients.

If you are looking for a commercial construction or renovation project manager/contractor, look no farther than Headwaters Construction Inc. Our long list of satisfied clients in Washington State, California, and Oregon is a testament to our commitment to delivering the utmost value on every project that we undertake. So, give us a call today!

How Drones Are Improving the Construction Industry

Drones have been an important addition to technology for decades. Up until 2006, drones were only used for military purposes. However, 2006 saw the first commercial drone license issued. Since then, people have been using drones in a wide range of areas to provide real-time data.

Commercial construction companies have taken up drones and are increasingly using them to carry out different functions. These special drones are equipped with special cameras and software to help them collect the kind of data that helps them make better decisions regarding construction. Construction companies use drones to work faster and produce better results.

Here are some of the ways in which drones are improving the construction industry.

Aerial Data Collection

This is the most important reason why drones are important in the construction industry. Drones provide a bird’s eye view to different terrains. They provide more accurate data and in a shorter period of time. Using drones equipped with the right software allows construction companies to make more accurate calculations for the area, volume, and distance during different stages of construction. Many companies use drones for their tilt-up construction projects.

Drones Improve Communication and Management

Commercial builders are better able to communicate and manage workers through drone technology. These drones are equipped with cameras that provide real-time video feedback for communication and surveillance purposes. This has helped increase efficiency at the job site by a considerable margin. Drones also make it easier to manage different construction sites at the same time.

Drones Help Improve Security

Today, drones are revolutionizing how commercial construction companies are dealing with incidences such as theft and vandalism. Drones used for security purposes are able to perform actions that ground-mounted cameras are not able to, such as tracking moving subjects using laser technology and covering areas that are out of reach. They are easy to maneuver and more flexible.

Efficient Transportation

It is now easier to transport time-sensitive materials from one point to another using drones. Many commercial construction companies enjoy this perk. Since drones do not have to deal with regular traffic or adhere to traffic rules, they can easily be used to transport material using half the time and resources.

Marketing and Promotion

Drones have improved how construction companies market and promote their work. It is now possible to film aerial shots of different areas during various stages of development, create and develop 3D renderings, videos, and pictures to provide multiple angles for better visualization.

This has allowed contractors to help clients see the viability of different projects. Drones are also helping contractors show job progress to clients.

Safety and Insurance

One of the reasons why commercial construction requires high safety standards is for insurance purposes. With the rising cost of insurance for such projects, drones are making it easier to inspect safety procedures in job sites. It is also possible to determine the quality of work and avert accidents in a timely fashion.

Drones are revolutionizing the commercial construction industry. For more information, advice on how to make your construction stand out, contact Headwaters Construction Inc. and enjoy our professional service.

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Commercial Construction Loan: Everything You Need to Know

Commercial construction is an expensive venture. Whether you are in the business of setting up commercial buildings or are merely looking to have a building for your business, you will incur high costs throughout the construction period.

It is common for people and businesses to result in taking up loans to finance these projects. After all, not many have the kind of money that would facilitate a whole construction lying around. Banks and lending institutions are usually more than ready to lend deserving parties in the form of commercial construction loans.

A commercial construction loan is a loan you receive to finance the construction or renovation of a commercial building.

Whether you are a business or individual looking to get into commercial construction, it is important to understand the kinks involved in commercial construction loans and how they work.

Commercial Construction Guide

Unlike other loans, your lender will not provide the full amount in one lump sum. Instead, money is disbursed in partial amounts according to the draw schedule decided upon by you and your lender. This draw schedule involves a pre-arranged milestone system. For example, you will receive money for land development, laying the foundation, etc.

Each time you hit a milestone, your lender will involve an inspector to confirm that the work meets the requirements before releasing more money for the next milestone. This goes on until the full amount is released.

When it comes to paying interest for the loan, you will only pay interest for the amount disbursed. For example, if you are taking a $1 million loan, and the lender has only managed to provide you with $500K, you will only pay interest for the $500K. This way, you will only pay interest until the whole amount if disbursed.

Borrowers can then pay the principal amount in a lump sum once the construction of the project is complete.

Construction Loan Payment

The borrower does not have to make one large payment for commercial construction loans. Instead, they can receive a commercial mortgage from the lender, turning the already completed property into collateral.

You can then use the amount received from the mortgage to pay off the loan before embarking on making more favorable monthly payments. The payments can also be spread over a long period of time.

Fees and Interest Rates

You are likely to encounter a number of fees before getting your commercial construction loan. They include:

Guarantee fees
Processing fees
Documentation fees
Project Review Fees
Fund Control Fees

You will also be required to pay a down payment of about 10% -30% of the total project cost. This alleviates some of the risks the lender is bound to undertake.

Interest rates range between 4-12% depending on your credit score. The better your credit score is, the lower the interest rates you will be charged. The kind of lender you work with will also determine how much interest you pay. Banks tend to charge lower rates than other lenders.

Types of Commercial Construction Loans

There are different types of commercial construction loans. They include:

SBA CDC/504 Loan Program (Small Business Administration (SBA) CDC/504 loan). These loans are most popular because they come with low down payments, low-interest rates, and favorable credit score requirements.
SBA 7(a) Loan Program- These loans are ideal for buying or constructing real estate. Borrowers can get up to $5 million with a repayment period of up to 25 years.
Bank Loans- Bank loans require that one pays a minimum down payment of 10% and can provide you with a maximum payment period of 25 years. Borrowers can also get fixed and variable rates.
Mezzanine Loans- This loan is a type of loan that is usually secured with stock.

If you are looking for a commercial construction company, look no further than Headwaters Construction Inc. We offer professional construction consulting and planning, general contracting, building or property maintenance, and tilt-up construction.

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Everything you should know about Commercial Construction

Commercial construction has been around for tens of years as an important part of any urban development. It allows the setting up of different infrastructure, which makes life better in terms of convenience, security, basic necessities, and aesthetics. With it, bare lands can easily be converted to towns and cities, hosting millions of people.

Commercial construction is not easy; neither does it happen without proper planning. In most cases, human movement decides the amount of construction that is going to happen. The more people move to a particular place, the more commercial construction companies will need to create offices and facilities such as hospitals, malls, and so much more.

Here are some of the things you will be interested to know about commercial construction.

How Commercial Construction Works

Any commercial construction needs to go through various stages before completion. These stages allow for proper planning and safety standards to be affected. They include:

Project Development

This is the concept phase of the project. Any design is informed by what the client wants, the size of the construction site, costs, among other factors. Contractors and clients need to have clear communication during this phase to prevent unwanted outcomes.

Initiation and Design

The contractor will now start designing the facility based on the approved budget and ideas. Within this stage, contractors also work with clients to ensure that there is clarity of vision. This they do through drawings, especially 3D drawings. The budget of the project is also adjusted accordingly.

Time Planning

This phase deals with scheduling. You will hardly find a single contractor working on an entire project alone. There will be subcontractors. To save time, everyone gets a schedule of when they are supposed to start and finish work in their designated areas. Contingency plans are also put into place to save as much time as possible.

Construction

Construction of the project begins as soon as everything is ready. A commercial builder will be highly involved in this process. A retail general contractor will keep an eye on the timeline and budget to ensure everything goes as per the client’s specifications.

Commissioning

The commissioning process involves handing a completed project to the client. Prior to commissioning, the contractor will take the client through the facility for inspection and make sure that the client is happy with the work.

The time between project development and commissioning of the building varies depending on the budget, size of the facility, among other factors.

Closing of the project

This is the wrapping-up stage of the project. The client is happy with the work, and the contractor can move on to other projects. The final payment is provided. The contractor will also ensure that the client understands how to use the facility and the equipment within properly.

Specialization in Commercial Construction

Contractors are more likely to specialize in a single commercial market. Some will specialize in building medical facilities, others high rise buildings while others specialize in providing interior fittings. Specialization makes it easier to produce great results because each contractor works at what they know best.

Success in Commercial Construction

Every commercial contractor rides on their success to get more projects and build their business. Contractors are sure to get more projects if they can prove that their previous projects were successful. Quality of work, ease of working together, and predictability in available labor are among the things most clients look at.

Picking the right contractor is one of the most important parts of commercial construction. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we pride ourselves on providing nothing but quality service to all our clients. If you’re interested in working with Headwaters Construction Inc., take a look at our projects and give us a call.

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Commercial Construction Project Folsom, CA

In a few weeks, the shell of the roundhouse in the Folsom Historic District will be completed. Scott’s Seafood and Williamette Wineworks will have their new home in Folsom! The new Scott’s Seafood building will be an exact replica of the roundhouse that stood on that land more than a century ago. We’re very honored to have played a part in the building of Scott’s Seafood.

Our Headwaters team has worked round the clock with some fantastic craftsmen and other specialists to give this historic building rare features that make it truly authentic. There is no doubt that the new Scott’s Seafood in Folsom will be the hottest restaurant in the Folsom Historic District. In this article, we highlight some of those unique features.

Real Brick

To keep the historic atmosphere, we needed to use real bricks that existed when the roundhouse first stood there. We wanted the exterior of the building to make a bold statement, and these bricks are a testament to that commitment.

The Custom Backside Windows

It was crucial for us to make the new Scott’s Seafood, an inviting restaurant. On the inside, there is a solid wall, but we decided to put three 6×8-foot windows on the outside of it. Sierra Pacific makes these windows.

These massive windows will have a photo-etched onto a sheet of glass that will have an LED light to illuminate the photo. Anyone walking by at night will, therefore, see Locomotive 3 inside the building (the etched photos depict a real locomotive and the people servicing it).

Picking the Paint Color

The exterior paint color of the building was selected based on its historical significance to the time when the roundhouse was in use. This particular paint color is referred to as Carter Brother’s Tuscan Red. The color dates back to years prior to 1887 when it was used on more than 5,000 railroad cars around the west coast and South America.

Headwaters Construction Corp. is pleased to use this paint color that adds authenticity to the roundhouse alongside many other time-appropriate features.

The Wooden Doors

How often do you come across a building with operable 12×17-foot wooden doors? This roundhouse has them, and for very good reason. At the time when the original roundhouse was built, these doors were a necessity because they used to be wide enough to allow a steam locomotive into the roundhouse.

Thanks to Cross Roads Lumber, this roundhouse will also have the same sized doors that are similar to what existed in the 19th century. The ones we are using are thick and made from reclaimed redwood to match the historic nature of the building.

Second Floor Windows

Another important architectural feature that we included was the clerestory windows. This feature was a norm back in the day when the roundhouse was in use. The importance of these windows was to flood the roundhouse with as much natural light as possible.

The windows weren’t easy to construct since they typically don’t have any right angles. However, our determination to bring each detail of the original roundhouse back to life ensured that we got the job done.

There are many more unique features that make this roundhouse a special gem in the Historic District of Folsom. Our Headwaters Construction Inc. team is proud to have played a part in bringing this piece of history back to life. The Williamette Wineworks will be up and running in just a few short months. The opening of Scott’s Sea Food is still being determined. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we are fully licensed as construction contractors in California, Oregon, and Washington. Get in touch today and let us talk about how to bring your commercial project dream to reality! Make sure to check out more of our projects!

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Signs Your Property Needs a Commercial Remodel

It can be difficult for many commercial building owners to know when those buildings are in need of a remodel. All buildings, including commercial buildings, need to be updated from time to time so that they remain relevant to their purpose as well as the times. Here are some signs that our team at Headwaters Construction Inc., have pointed out to inexperienced commercial building owners who would like to get the timing of commercial building remodels right.

Building Deterioration

If you observe that your commercial building is exhibiting one or more signs of deterioration, such as cracked walls, chipping paint and a leaking roof, now might be the time to contact Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial renovation contractor in California, Oregon and Washington for a discussion of the scope of work for the needed remodel work. Otherwise, the longer you take to fix the property, the more extensive the deterioration will get, and you will spend more to fix the building.

An Outdated Appearance

Sometimes property owners will be in denial about the condition of their commercial building. If you realize that your commercial building looks outdated inside or out, you’ll want to hire an experienced commercial renovation contractor as soon as you can. A fresh look at your building will make the building more attractive to tenants. The best HVAC company in Sacramento, Gilmore Heating & Air, adds that if your commercial building is outdated, it’s likely that your plumbing and HVAC system is just as outdated.

Space is Becoming Hard to Come By

If you notice that it is becoming harder to find space within the premises of your business, then it might be time to start your commercial renovation. Headwater Construction Inc. can add more space and improve the layout of the existing space so that you can get maximum value and efficiency from the current square footage.

The Décor is Out of Tune with Your Brand

Branding is one of the most effective ways to distinguish your company from all others. So, you may need to conduct a commercial remodel project if your building does not compliment your branding. For example, a modern and sophisticated company should have a modern and sophisticated building. Location and aesthetics can say a lot about your business to customers and potential tenants.

Complaints Abound About the Building

In today’s world, it’s much easier for people to leave reviews on the Internet. As a business owner, you want everyone who walks through your door to have a good experience. If they don’t, it is likely for them to leave a negative review online. This could be detrimental to your business. So, don’t wait to start your commercial building remodel. If you’re looking for a commercial building company in Sacramento, contact Headwaters Construction Inc.

You’d Prefer to Schedule Meetings Elsewhere

Another subtle sign that your commercial building needs a remodel is if you find yourself scheduling meetings elsewhere rather than within your office. Whether this is due to the lack of space, privacy, or the condition of your building, you shouldn’t have to avoid your building. Regardless of the reason, Headwaters Construction Inc. can remodel your building and make it suitable for all your needs.

Does your commercial building or office need a new look? Headwaters Construction Inc., a commercial construction company, is happy to help. Our team has extensive experience in performing commercial building remodels throughout California, Oregon, and Washington. So, contact us today, and let’s discuss how we can make your property more inviting to tenants, employees, and customers.

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How Does Tilt-Up Construction Work?

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With tilt-up construction, the precision of design-build technology and the strength of reinforced concrete are brought together to complete buildings quickly and economically. The discussion below will help you to get more information about this method of construction so that you don’t miss out on one of the most practical ways to construct your building.

How Tilt-Up Construction Works

During tilt-up construction, a series of reinforced concrete panels are raised (tilted up) to form the exterior walls of the building under construction. What is unique about the tilt-up panels is that they are made at the construction site using concrete, rebar, and wooden forms.

The process involves shaping the wood forms and cutting the rebar in accordance with the designs of the building. Once the forms are completed and the rebar has been placed, concrete is poured and finished.

The walls are ready in a few days and a crew with lifting equipment, such as cranes, comes in to lift the panels from their horizontal position to their final vertical positions as exterior walls. The Headwaters Construction Inc. team uses braces to provide temporary support for the raised panels until the roof is placed to hold the whole structure together as one unit.

The interior and the exterior surfaces of the tilt-up panels are blank slates which can be finished in any way that the client desires. For example, you can ask your Sacramento tilt-up contractor to use any exterior siding material that you prefer on the outer-facing surface of the panels, and you can also request the contractor to provide additional insulation on the inside facing surface of these panels that have been tilted into place.

Similarly, any coating that you desire can be applied on the exterior or interior surfaces of the tilt-up panels, so you should have no fears that your building will not have a distinct character and look from all the others built using this method.

How Tilt-Up Construction Compares to Other Methods

You can opt for tilt-up construction as an alternative to the following construction methods:

Wood frame construction is known for being labor-intensive, so using tilt-up construction can help to sidestep this high labor cost.
Steel beam construction is pricey, and this makes the option better suited to high-rise construction. Tilt-up construction can be used for projects that aren’t economical when undertaken using steel beam construction.
Prefabricated steel frame construction has emerged as an economical way to build structures, but its design limitations often position tilt-up construction as a better alternative.
Tilt-up construction can also be used in lieu of masonry construction.

In our experience at Headwaters Construction Inc., there is no specific segment of the construction industry that is best suited for the tilt-up construction method. This method is most common during the construction of large complexes, such as big-box stores and warehouses, but tilt-up construction can also be used for smaller structures.

Broad Assumptions About Tilt-Up Construction

As already indicated, each project has its own peculiarities. So, it isn’t easy to come up with an approximate cost of each square foot constructed using this method. However, our team at Headwaters Construction Inc. have come up with the following general observations that hold true for most tilt-up construction projects.

Generally speaking, the cost-effectiveness of tilt-up construction increases with the size of the project being undertaken. Conversely, each square foot becomes more expensive as the square footage of a building reduces. This is because the smaller the building, the lower the chance that the economies of scale will manifest.
Tilt-up construction makes it possible for site workers, their tools and all construction materials to be sheltered in an enclosed place sooner since the tilt-up exterior walls go up faster than the exterior walls made using other construction methods.
Tilt-up construction also allows the contractor to have more control over the project since all the materials used are sourced locally. For example, a contractor would have nothing to do except wait if specialty materials or components are needed from an off-site supplier who needs several weeks lead time before delivering. With tilt-up construction, all the needed materials, such as ready-mix concrete and rebar, can be readily obtained from local suppliers.

As you can see, tilt-up construction comes with numerous benefits, such as cost-effectiveness, energy-efficiency, speed in project completion, design flexibility and a reduced need for labor. However, not every project is an ideal candidate for tilt-up construction. So, it is wise for you to contact Headwaters Construction Inc. We’ve been serving across California, Oregon, and Arizona for many years. Give us a call today to learn more about how our professional commercial construction services can help you.

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Ways to Finance Commercial Construction Project

The Mechanism Behind Construction Loans

Taking into consideration the strictness behind credit and income requirements, it becomes increasingly crucial to find a lender for your new build.

In order to secure a construction loan, you may experience a more stringent policy in terms of credit scores and income guidelines, than you would for a home loan. So, it’s rather important to go through an evaluation as a borrower.

Construction-To-Permanent Loans

Apart from other options, a construction-to-permanent loan suits the needs of many as in the case of solid construction deadlines it proves to be reliable and efficient. If you have a contractor who has a history of completing each task on time, taking upon the option of construction-to-permanent loans is preferred. The mechanism runs smoothly where the lender pays the builder once the work is completed.

Finding Land to Build Your Commercial Building

If you plan on building a commercial building from the ground up, it’s best to find lots that are in established areas. In other situations, you may not have to start from scratch. Whether you’re looking to start a completely new commercial building or just need a retail renovation, keep in mind that location is everything.

Design-Build for New Construction

The decision made by you to hire an architect will largely depend on the area where you choose to materialize your commercial property. In commercial communities that are planned, there are contracts that are signed with a number of local builders. Hiring an architect, however, may be helpful if you have a large number of preferences and specifications. A completed drawing by your architect can help you achieve the permit to build as well.

Is There a Need for Title Insurance for a New Construction?

In order to avoid disputes in terms of legal transfers, getting title insurance shall be your safest bet. If a purchase is made in a tract of land in a suburb that is developing, then the property is most likely to have been covered legally. To get more insight on whether or not you need title insurance, you may need a real estate attorney who can guide you along the way.

Get a New Commerical Construction Inspection

After your commercial building has been built, it is still highly recommended to undergo the procedure of professional inspections. It’s always best to be safe than sorry. An inspection will ensure that the entire process goes smoother.

In a nutshell, be sure to find an agent that keeps your financing in check, have your credit in order so you can successfully finance your construction venture. In order to avoid any delays, get documents and plans pre-approved as certain fines may increase your cost. Be sure to research skilled builders that will provide value. Financing your project can be a challenging process, but strategic planning and an organized outline can help you in the long run. At Headwaters Construction Inc., we understand that commercial construction is not an easy process. Don’t worry, our team is here to make the process go smoother. If you’re interested in our commercial construction services, contact our office today.

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Why You Need a Project Manager for Your Construction Project

A construction project involves numerous tasks, including multiple stakeholders, and this reality creates the necessity for a project manager. Here are some of the key tasks that a project manager will perform at your construction site:

Planning

The project manager is the glue that holds the entire construction team together. This individual has to be a very good planner so that the work progresses seamlessly. Experts at Headwaters Construction Inc. point out that the key planning tasks that a project manager performs include:

Preparing the work that each team member will perform.
Estimating the cost of each aspect of the work to be done.
Developing a schedule and timelines for the different deliverables of the construction project.
Reviewing the project to ensure that everything was executed in accordance with the specifications provided.

Make Hiring Decisions and Supervise Workers

At the construction site, the project manager is the boss. According to an Oregon construction company, the task of hiring different people needed to construct the building falls on the project manager. Along with this, he or she will also fire those who fail to deliver as expected. This implies that the project manager is actively involved in supervising the site workers. Those who aren’t doing the work in an expected way are either reminded about what is expected or ultimately fired.

Keeping the Project on Schedule

The value of a great project manager is portrayed through timely, completed projects. Many times, a lot is riding on the project timelines. For example, you may have given notice that you are terminating your lease at the premises you have been renting. If the construction delays, your business will be left with no premises.

Equally damaging is the risk pointed out by a Sacramento construction company that project delays often inflate the cost of the construction work. This is because the prices of different materials may experience inflationary pressures. So, the longer the project takes, the higher the exposure to these price hikes. Therefore, a project manager is crucial in ensuring that everything is done on schedule to avoid all the problems that come with project delays.

Staying Within Budget

Your project manager will generate project estimates using various software tools and their own experience in this type of work. Once those cost estimates are approved, and you sign the project papers, it is the responsibility of the project manager to ensure that the project stays within the agreed budget.

The best project managers from Headwaters consulting and planning division can deliver cost savings by finding ways to spend less than what was budgeted without compromising quality. If unexpected problems occur, the project manager has to be creative and find ways to resolve those problems without increasing the cost of the project.

Keeping You Updated

Chances are you don’t have the time or the ability to keep an eye on every aspect of the construction project yourself. California construction company experts reveal that a project manager comes in handy because they will keep you informed about the way the project is progressing, the challenges encountered, and the plans made to address those challenges so that the project remains on course and within budget. You may receive daily or weekly reports from the project manager so that you remain informed about the project.

If you ever discover that a project manager is withholding information from you, especially about the problems being encountered in the project, you should fire that person immediately.

Conflict Resolution

As already mentioned, a construction project has many stakeholders. This may include the project owner, the general contractor, the subcontractors, and other people involved with the project. Where there are many parties, conflicts are likely to arise.

A project manager from Headwaters Construction Inc., a general contracting construction company in Sacramento, will plan ahead and place safeguards to prevent sources of conflict at the site. If conflicts occur, the project manager should involve himself or herself to resolve the dispute as soon as it arises so that the project isn’t affected.

Drafting Contracts

A construction project is a complex undertaking that can quickly run into serious problems if proper documentation of what is expected of each party isn’t done. The project manager performs the task of drafting the different contracts required for the project to proceed. These include contracts with the client, all subcontractors, materials suppliers, and any other third-parties involved.

As mentioned earlier, the roles of a project manager will change depending on the specifics of the project. Therefore, the list above should not be regarded as exhaustive. However, it serves as a pointer to the importance of a project manager to the successful completion of the project. If you need help selecting the best project manager or you aren’t sure which company you should hire for your construction project, contact Headwaters Construction. We have a presence in California, Oregon, Washington, and other locations across the country. We will execute your project efficiently and cost-effectively.

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Why Tilt-Up Is More Cost-Effective

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Benjamin Franklin is credited with saying that an ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure. As you are considering which construction method to use for your project, you might want to reflect on what Benjamin Franklin said and then select tilt-up construction. Tilt-up is a more cost-effective alternative not just at the time of putting up the structure but also throughout its expected service life. Construction experts at Headwaters Construction Inc., a Sacramento construction company, explain that the construction cost of a building accounts for approximately 11 percent of the total cost of owning that building. Therefore, your planning should factor in the long-term costs as you select a building method. Here are some of the ways through which tilt-up delivers cost-effectiveness.

It Collapses Project Timelines

During a time when the cost of major construction materials like steel experience double-digit inflation, it can get very difficult to predict what project expenses will be several months down the road.

This is where tilt construction can help bring some sanity to the construction process. This method collapses the construction timeline and makes it possible for the project to be completed much faster than it would have been possible with the traditional construction methods used.

The California construction company explains that this time collapse is possible because the work of various skilled professionals can be done simultaneously. For example, the plumbing work can be done at the same time as the electrical work since the runs for these different building systems will have been created within the tilt-up walls. Consequently, the project could even be delivered ahead of schedule and this timely completion saves you from price increases that could arise from price fluctuations when a project drags on.

Tilt-Up Delivers Energy Savings

Arizona construction company experts also assert that tilt-up construction delivers energy savings throughout the service life of the building. This is because the concrete panels form a tight building envelop, which prevents the leakage of heat.

How is this tight envelop achieved? With conventional construction services, numerous layers of the exterior structure have to be tied together. These layers include a waterproofing membrane and the exterior cladding.

Tilt-up construction reduces the approximate five layers of exterior skin on your structure to just two (the tilt-up panels and the insulation layer), making it less likely that gaps will appear where these layers of the building’s skin meet. The tighter envelop reduces the energy needed within the building. Headwaters Construction Inc. executives point out that a 55,000 square-foot school built using tilt-up technology used 23 percent less electricity on a daily basis than a 49,000 square-foot school that was built using the traditional building method. Thermal imaging studies also confirmed the better performance of the tilt-up building in comparison to other building methods. Therefore, you can be assured that you will enjoy energy savings over the life of the tilt-up building when compared to a building without tilt-up technology.

You can check out our projects using tilt construction

Reduced Lifecycle Maintenance Costs

Ask any Oregon construction company professional and they will tell you that unlike other construction materials, concrete becomes stronger the more it ages. This is another attribute that makes tilt-up more cost-effective in the long-term.

Headwaters Construction Inc. can give the concrete exterior surface of the tilt-up walls nearly maintenance-free finishes, like cast-in brick. These finishes are part of the concrete structure and will, therefore, become stronger as the building ages. In addition, the paint or other coatings used on tilt-up panels can be repaired easily or altered if you want to give the building a new look. These changes come at a minimal cost, unlike the costs that one would incur if the building had been constructed using a different method.

You can also remove windows or create others within the wall panels without creating an eyesore. This is because the sections where existing windows are removed can be closed up with concrete and painted to leave a uniform appearance with the rest of the wall. This isn’t easy to attain with other building methods and if it is attainted, there often remains a visible “patch.”

As you can see, the initial cost of constructing a building shouldn’t be the primary reason upon which you select the building method that will be used. Work with the experts at Headwaters Construction Inc. to assess different simulations of the lifetime cost of the building so that the final decision you make is the right one both in the moment and in the long-term.

You can check out our projects using tilt construction in Sacramento, CA.

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