Administering construction projects requires organized assimilation of information and appropriate application and reporting. In the construction phase, we employ several means of keeping the project properly managed.

We deal with dependable trade contractors. Qualification Statements are often required and must demonstrate objective qualities. Specifications for each individual trade include language which may require "a firm with not less than 5 years experience", or "an installer certified by the manufacturer". New businesses are great but, we don't expect you to pay for their learning curve.

We receive bids, verify and tabulate them. We review requirements with the successful trade contractors and arrange the Pre-construction Conference. We discuss needs, interface requirements, time, sequences, deliveries, access, site utilization, potential problems, and do some housekeeping. We insure that the trade contractors are comfortable with the project requirements and have a clear understanding of each item of work. Within 7 days of notice to proceed, a schedule is generated with time bars for each trade and portion of work, properly sequenced and intermeshed. Weekly reports are prepared, recording the following information for the covered period:

Contractors at site
Temperatures and weather conditions
Accidents
Meeting summaries and significant decisions
Stoppages, delays, shortages, losses
Emergency procedures, field orders
Orders/requests by authorities having jurisdiction
Change directives received/ implemented
Partial completions and occupancies
Schedule conformance and concerns

A Schedule of Values is generated in coordination with the Progress Schedule. This provides a breakdown of the contract amount in sufficient detail to facilitate continued evaluation of pay requests and progress reports.

Field supervision is a daily activity. In addition, formal field inspections are conducted at critical phases of the work. The first formal inspection checks all foundation construction and imbedded items. In addition to regularly scheduled inspections, an over-the-top inspection is made of all overhead elements and systems prior to ceiling installation. An inspection is made at substantial completion and a punch list of incomplete and unacceptable items is generated. We issue a Certificate of Substantial Completion, the warranty period starts, and we advise on insurance and bonding action.

You have, through McCathren Associates, full access to observe and inspect, the ability to stop work, reject nonconforming work, order remedial work and cause corrective action, and control payments to the Contractors. We administer the contract and insure that the work is in conformance with the Contract Documents. We guard against defects and deficiencies. All communications go through McCathren Associates. We review and certify amounts due the Contractor based on observed completion of portions of the work and issue Certificates for Payment. We review and take action on submittals such as shop drawings, product data, and samples. We prepare Construction Change Directives and supporting documentation. We determine Substantial and Final Completion dates and assemble records, as-built drawings, warranties, and related documents.