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Wolgast Blog - Construction Trends, Tips and Information

Get commercial construction questions answered by a professional contractor sharing building trends, tips and information

Posts about Scheduling

What Makes a Design-Builder a Dental Construction Expert?

I’d like to address a question that has been posed to me about what makes a contractor specialized in Dental Construction. We’ve claimed for a couple of decades now to be an expert at dental office construction, but what does that mean? There are many out there that think a building is a building, but most Dentists will recognize that a design-builder that’s versed in dental operations will make a big difference in the final building design, quality of construction and completion date.

How Self-Performed Trades Keep Construction Schedules on Track

In order to maintain a stellar reputation as a professional contractor, speed, quick problem solving and meeting deadlines are critical.  The biggest complaint and almost a disappointing anticipation in our industry is that a job will take longer than estimated.  We strive to disprove that assumption on each and every project.  Here’s one way that we do that.

Three Common Misconceptions about Design Build Construction

Companies that regularly open new locations most likely have a lot of experience with construction.  They benefit from having established drawings to help design the next store and a familiarity with contractors, and, therefore, are a good fit for General Construction services to complete their buildings.  On the other hand, business owners who are unfamiliar with construction and don’t have relationships with professional contractors would benefit more from having a Design-Builder on their team. This is because Design-Build perks include earlier budget information, faster completion, a single-source to contact for all project needs, and the ability to judge which subcontractors offer the best value for their project.

What is the Design Build Method of Construction?

Wolgast has been a Design Build Construction Company for almost 40 years and we're curious if it's a well-known term among those who haven’t previously been involved with the construction of a commercial building.  Have you heard the term before?  In a nutshell, it’s a method of construction delivery in which the building owner executes a single contract with one entity to provide architectural/engineering and construction services.

How to Complete Construction Months Faster

As I’ve gone through the benefits of Design-Build in a recent campaign to inform more business owners about their options, it’s important to discuss the time savings that result from this construction delivery process. We stress the importance of time because we know that the faster construction is completed, the faster you can start generating income in your new space. And Wolgast is your biggest advocate when it comes to speed.

Precast Concrete Wall Panel Options for Construction Efficiency

Precast Concrete Wall Panel Options for Construction Efficiency

Construction efficiency is a critical factor that can significantly impact timelines and overall project success. The combination of precast concrete wall panels and structural steel and insulation offers a powerful solution to achieve efficiency when needed in construction projects. Wall panel system construction is gaining popularity due to its labor and time savings to erect a building envelope. Precast concrete walls with conventional steel roof framing are one option to use on a large commercial building. Made of a variety of concrete materials, walls are poured in an indoor, controlled environment to the specs of your building’s needs, as specified by your Architect or Engineer (A/E). Each 10,000+ lb. (approximate) panel and other precast parts are then transported on a large truck bed to your building’s site to be put in place by a crane, assembled by a crew that welds/connects them to structural steel and then caulks the gaps to create an energy efficient, structurally sound, quickly installed building envelope ready for your interior buildout.

All-Inclusive Vacation in Construction Land

 
Recently, while I was on my first all-inclusive vacation in the Caribbean, I realized how much more relaxing and enjoyable it was to know up front what the costs would be and all the activities that were available as part of the resort’s package.  I didn’t have to spend my time making separate plans for a hotel, meals, transportation, or entertainment because the package covered it all.  With all that was included, I had more than enough options to create an affordable and enjoyable vacation without the hassle of budgeting for my next meal or entertainment and I felt that I was getting way more for my travel budget.

How to Expedite the Construction Process

We hear it quite often from business owners, once they decide to build a building, they needed it yesterday.  We understand that once the need for the new building is decided how important it is to get the owner moved in quickly.

Knowing Long Lead Items Early Speeds up Construction Schedules

Certain building materials or products that have to be ordered, imported, and/or manufactured specifically for a building can take longer than the natural progression of a construction schedule.  These are considered Long Lead Items (LLIs).  They commonly occur with pre-engineered buildings, elevators, generators, mechanical equipment that is heavy enough to need a helicopter lift, electrical switch gear, fancy finishes, or imported products to name a few.

4 Reasons Why the Preconstruction Phase Is Key to Project Success

For both Design-Build and Construction Management delivery methods, the start of Preconstruction Phase is Architectural Design and it’s a very exciting time for most building owners.  They love the ideas, options, and decorating aspects for their building.  And then, when drawings are done, the owner is eager to get to the other main event of Construction Phase.  But there is so much more happening during Design than they know and a lot more to be done before this Preconstruction Phase, “Pre-Con”, is complete.  This is also when the contractor gets organized to save the most time and money during construction.   

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