Design Review

The SSW & BUSH Team has extensive experience participating in construction design document reviews and procedures. Architectural goals generally relate to aesthetics and image, while focusing on formality, dignity, and proportionality.

Functional goals primarily address operational and construction objective requirements. While these goals can be divergent, SSW & BUSH staff will fully support the design group during these reviews, and will cooperate throughout the design process to balance architectural and functional goals.

Constructability Review

Building systems as-designed will be reviewed for constructability during the preconstruction phase. This involves cooperation with the Architect, Engineer and Vendors to review design documents for conflicts, structural details, and weather resistance as well as civil, architectural, and landscape details to ensure functionality.

Preliminary Site Scheduling based on availability of required vendors, manufacturers and material is determined and includes Site Construction Phasing and Site Access Planning.

Value Engineering Review

Value engineering consists of determining possible equivalent value substitutions and alternate systems that offer no-sacrifice in design integrity or quality, but are more appropriate in terms of cost value. True value engineering considers the long-term perspective, total life cycle cost--including maintenance and replacement costs for alternate systems.

We identify and verify all existing constraints that must be considered and then develop a detailed plan of action to evaluate all major building systems. Our evaluation includes all costs associated with the fit and connection of a particular system versus the costs associated with utilizing an alternative system. This method helps to produce accurate results which in turn helps to strengthen the budget control process.

We maintain continuity in our estimates by utilizing input from subcontractors, material suppliers, and manufacturers during preliminary design stages. This data serves as a valuable tool for the owner and architect in determining their selection for a system. This process promotes "checks and balances" to ensure that budgets are maintained and that previously agreed upon features of design are not mistakenly overlooked as the design concept is developed.

At SSW & BUSH, we fully utilize every dollar to make it count. Successful cost management creates satisfied clients.

We Align Our Interests with Yours

SSW & BUSH personnel understand the benefits derived from teamwork and the importance of developing a win-win relationship with the parties involved in the construction process. Immediately following the award of the contract, an alignment session will be conducted.

SSW & BUSH, working with the Client, will define priorities. This involves verifying and clarifying project requirements and objectives in order to secure agreements that are consistent with the overall project objectives. The partnership generally includes the owner, architect, engineer, and construction manager.

Building Relationships

We believe the aspect of knowing and trusting each team member is the strongest factor in forming a productive and beneficial relationship. Partnering becomes truly successful when participating groups are recognized as team players and each party unites in the best interests of the project.

Task Integration

Addtionally, we feel that task integration must be divided amongst team members. Under this concept, the tasks of project planning, design, budgeting and construction are treated as integrated tasks. Key results areas typically established include safety awareness, quality management, cost effectiveness, timely completion, review processes, meeting objectives, and effective general communication. The partner alignment process will continue throughout the life cycle of the project.

Establish a Roadmap

The Project Execution Plan is developed from, among other things, the specific key results areas identified during the alignment sessions and becomes the strategic roadmap for the project. The execution plan will establish the manner and methodology to be employed during the various phases of the project and will specifically incorporate the necessary checks and balances to ensure compliance.

The team will prepare the master plan integrating the program budget, design phases and reviews, procurement and contracting procedures, and construction program elements. As with the alignment process, the execution plan will be based on input from the Client, SSW & BUSH project team members, subcontractors, and vendors.

Key Elements

The Project Execution Plan will carefully consider and communicate the procedures and protocols for the following relevant key elements:

Preconstruction

1. Overall Construction Management Program
2. Documents & Distribution Matrix
3. Project Budget & Required Design Phased Estimates
4. Project Scheduling
5. Constructability, Operability, & Maintability Reviews
6. Life-Cycle Cost Reviews
7. Bid Package Development, Advertising, & Contracting Program

Construction Phase

1. Construction Execution Plan
2. Contractor Premobilization/Mobilization Plan
3. Monthly Project Reviews
4. Monthly Project Status Reports
5. Weekly Contractor Coordination Meetings
6. Site Logistics, Temporary Facilities, & Materials Management
7. Zero Accident Safety Program

Project Closeout

1. Warranty Documents
2. Final Surveys
3. Final Development Records
4. Maintenance Program
5. Accounting Closeout & Lien Release Records

Purpose

The SSW & BUSH project team will manage the construction project to achieve predictable results within the project budget and schedule objectives. To meet this goal, the Project Manager will implement and maintain a fully integrated Project Controls Program. This program will assist the project team in managing and controlling all aspects of cost and schedule from the early programming activities through facility turnover.

Focus

Our philosophy of project controls integrates the elements of scope definition, planning/monitoring of all project activities, and analysis of cost and schedule data to effectively identify deviations from the project plan in a timely manner. With this level of control, the owner is positioned to make decisions in a proactive environment versus reactive when potential deviations occur.

Tools

The Project Controls Program will utilize Microsoft Project, and American Contractor Accounting Systems as primary tools for scheduling and accounting. The schedule will be task loaded with the critical path recognized. The reporting tools will contribute the added value of real time data, providing the core management team with the information necessary for sound decision making. When coupled with the significant similar project experience of SSW & BUSH management, project success is ensured.

Planning

One of the first project management tools the team will employ in planning the project involves work structure. The Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) will delineate the project in manageable components or work packages. The WBS will become the basis for controlling and coordinating all design and construction elements of the project.

Estimating & Cost Control

The SSW & BUSH team will employ their recent experience in similar projects to incorporate accurate cost information, alternate building system ideas, value engineering options, systems/equipment operation, and maintainability information. Using this experience will result in prudent business decisions relative to the project budget.

Ongoing evaluation and verification of project cost estimates based upon current labor cost surveys, availability of proposed construction materials, and efficient system design will occur in parallel with the value engineering/cost verification effort. The graphic below illustrates the estimating effort at varying levels of design.

Proactive Approach

Having defined the program scope and established the overall budget, specific focus must then be directed to identifying the Work Breakdown Structure and sequencing. This activity must occur at the initial stages of the project so that the desired deliverables are achieved:

• Design Refinement
• Project Scope Complete
• Estimate Verification
• Quality Standards
• Quantitive Comparisons

The following chart demonstrates the importance of design scope maintenance versus project budget during the early stages of the project.

Earlier definition and accuracy is vital to ensuring consistency in controlling the ultimate project cost. During the preconstruction phase, our goal will be to exert maximum influence during the period of maximum gain.

Better Business Practices

Our belief that it is imperative to provide the safest and cleanest job site available, is prompted by our keen desire to protect our employees, our subcontractors and our suppliers.

We recognize that safety saves lives and that a safe, clean jobsite always promotes a higher degree of quality. We also believe that comprehensive safety practices will save money, which in turn will allow SSW & BUSH to be more competitive on your next project.

Accident Prevention

We are committed to provide all of our employees with a safe workplace to prevent accidents through jobsite safety awareness and alertness, common safety rules, safety education, and preparedness to handle jobsite accidents should they occur. This commitment extends to employees of our subcontractors and suppliers, who shall be made aware that safety is everyone's responsibility while working on our jobsite.

The SSW & BUSH safety program entails a corporate safety philosophy, an organizational safety committee, a coordinated safety program, on-site safety supervision and weekly subcontractor and personal safety awareness sessions.

Composition

Our development project team plays an integral role in delivering the finest quality finished product to the client. Each project team is comprised of a principal officer, project manager, superintendent, estimator and additional staff as required. SSW & BUSH personnel that comprise each team possess the highest degree of knowledge and experience in providing construction management and general contracting services.

Value Added

This degree of experience enables our personnel to implement a systematic, tailored approach to problem solving. As the client you will be offered multiple scenarios and solutions throughout the construction process.

Examples of value added services provided to our clients:

• Value analysis of plans with the ability to substantially reduce costs without diminishing quality.
• Competitive negotiation on your behalf with subcontractors to enhance cost effectiveness.

SSW & BUSH strives to consistently provide innovative services to the client. This value-added philosophy allows us to provide our customers with an optimum level of value for the construction dollar.

Acting as your agent, SSW & BUSH will competitively negotiate with trade contractors to obtain the highest quality work at the most efficient cost. The subcontractor relationship will be managed by the project team including factors such as qualifying, bidding, negotiation and quality control.

Smart Packaging

SSW & BUSH utilizes “Smart Packaging" of construction bids. Implementing our experience with the product type and the local subcontractor market to develop work packages which yield the most qualified subcontractors and the lowest price. We have developed a loyal following of capable subcontractors for any type of work and have successfully coordinated the most qualified local and regional vendors in a variety of development projects.

Pre-Bid Meetings

The purpose of each conference is to clearly explain project requirements and to help ensure complete and competitive proposals from bidders. The pre-bid meeting will be documented with clarifications incorporated by written addenda. Pre-bid Meetings at a minimum will review:

• Instructions to Bidders
• Special & General conditions
• Quality and safety related objectives
• Specification divisions and sections
• Turnover and closeout requirements
• Proposal requirements including pricing and alternates as applicable

Pre-Award Meetings

Pre-award Meetings will be held with the apparent low bidder following the receipt and examination of submitted bids. The purpose of the meeting will be to review the following:

• Contract requirements
• Scope of work
• Price compared to the detailed estimate
• Key contractor personnel
• List of proposed major subcontractors
• Contractor references and legal history

Inventory of Relationships

SSW & BUSH maintains an excellent relationship with viable subcontractors on a local, regional and national scale. We have developed these long-term associations by working hand-in-hand with these groups to deliver a quality finished product to our client base. Our quality standards benefit their reputation and their hard work benefits ours.

We can obtain the services of the most reputable subcontractors for our project. More importantly, we can command their attention to your project, facilitating accuracy and quality in your project goals.

Commitment to Respect

Our success in developing these relationships is due to several factors:

• We maintain a consistent workload, offering our subcontractors and suppliers continuous business.
• We acknowledge that without our subcontractors and suppliers, we would be hard pressed to succeed in our business ventures.
• We are fair and reasonable in our administration of subcontractors and suppliers.
• We pay our bills in a timely fashion so that we may take advantage of payment terms.

A Point of Pride

We are exceptionally proud of our commitment to quality control. Our QC systems are one of the most important aspects to the client/owner. By implementing and adhering to a strict Quality Control Program, we are confident that our performance will produce repeat business from satisfied clients in the future, as it has in the past.

SSW & BUSH has established a comprehensive Quality Control and Assurance Program (QCAP) for its construction staff. To ensure that we continue to provide our clients with the highest quality of construction attainable, we monitor this program initiated the first day we begin preparations to start construction. The following bullet points outline the SSW & BUSH QCAP controls applied to every construction project.

• Full review of project details.
• Simulation of difficult work.
• Material inspection and specification compliance.
• Daily inspection of completed work.
• Recognition and rejection of mediocre work.
• Task schedule coordination and mandatory compliance.
• Strictly enforced construction site safety protocol.
• No tolerance policy for substance abuse and poor behavior.
• Create internal project punch list.
• Management of communications between trades, architect, owner, and all relevant team members.
• Reward for quality work delivered on-time.

Sustainability and Efficiency

As participants in the land development industry we believe it is our responsibility to build smart and sustainable projects that minimize environmental impact. Sustainable practices are often more efficient practices and that means they are cost saving practices: for the client and for their customers. It’s a win-win.

No Idea Too Small

We pull from the recommendations and resources of all major green building organizations to identify and implement environmentally sensitive building methods and products. Our team includes NAHB Certified Green Professionals™ who can help our clients identify the most appropriate and cost-effective green building solutions for their unique project. We don't just "build green" for the sake of being green. We build using smart, pragmatic, and sustainable processes and products that have proven long-term benefits on the local environment, energy efficiency, and waste reduction.

It Starts With The Client

We take a collaborative approach to implementing sustainable construction practices and products. We put the client’s objectives first and work to align sustainable practices with the project scope. Our project team establishes a written strategy during the project planning phase to align these goals. The process includes:

• Specificaton and alignment of sustainability goals.
• Identifying construction strategies and product designs that reinforce these goals.
• Application of stringent value engineering guidelines.
• Oversight of implementation.