Compass Construction Management Program

The Compass Construction Management Program encompasses all three phases of the project: plan analysis and subcontractor/supplier bid phase; construction phase; and close-out phase.

Phase I: Plan Analysis and Subcontractor/Supplier Bid

Prior to the solicitation of bids, Compass Construction performs an extensive analysis of the plans and specifications. During this constructabilility review, we search for gaps, laps, omissions, and clarity of detail in the construction documents. We utilize an extensive plan review checklist, to ensure that all areas are covered. We then work with your design professionals to clarify problem areas before the bid phase. This review helps to eliminate bidder contingencies, prevents change orders and delays, and results in higher construction quality.

Compass Construction’s Bid Management System was designed to ensure that all trades on a project are competent to perform the work assigned and are thoroughly informed of all aspects of the job. All subcontractors are reviewed and qualified based on criteria including: financial stability; track record for meeting schedules; superior quality; similar project experience; and, safety record. Bid packages are prepared for local conditions, and pre-bid conferences are held to educate the bidders and provide them with all necessary information. Sub-schedules are developed and included in each bid package so that a clear understanding of timing is achieved. This process provides for accurate, competitive bids based on the specific project requirements. If the client is a tax-exempt entity, bid packages are designed to take advantage of any direct vendor purchases.

When soliciting subcontractor pricing, we use all of the resources available in the local market, to get the most exposure for final pricing. Sub-bids are routed through the project manager who reviews each of them for completeness, adherence to plans and specifications; and the experience of the subcontractor for the work involved. In some cases, the owner, design professional and project manager jointly review and analyze the bids and choose the most qualified subcontractor in each category. It is during this phase that long lead items are identified and purchase orders are prepared to ensure the timely delivery of these materials.

Phase II: Construction

The construction phase of a project involves mobilization, development of a construction schedule, procurement of long lead items, delivery scheduling, construction tasks, cost control, coordination of owner-supplied items, quality control and safety.

The construction schedule is prepared by the project manager and job superintendent. To assist in this process, each subcontractor is required to provide a schedule of their work - which includes a complete list of shop drawings and submittals; delivery times of all equipment necessary to complete the project; as well as the schedule of work involved. The project manager and job superintendent review these schedules and, if compatible with the project goals, they are incorporated into the master schedule. The completed schedule is then reviewed by the owner and design team before it is issued for use. It is then issued to all subcontractors as part of their contract to perform the work.

Once the project begins, the construction schedule is reviewed weekly by the project management staff, updated as needed and given to the superintendent. Revised schedules are distributed to all subcontractors at the weekly job progress meeting. Additionally, the job superintendent holds pre-task meetings with each subcontractor prior to them starting their work. At this time, materials are reviewed for correctness, installation and coordination with other trades are reviewed; and, quality and safety issues are discussed with those who are actually going to perform the work.

Weekly job progress meetings are held on site with the project manager, job superintendent, and foremen of the work crews. At these meetings, there is a review of safety and quality control and work coordination issues are discussed. Any issues that cannot be resolved are brought to the attention of the entire construction management team for review, discussion and resolution.

In addition to weekly meetings, regularly scheduled job site meetings are scheduled during which the owner, design team and Compass staff review the progress of the job, the quality of the work in place and the monthly draw request for approval of work in place. Throughout the project, the project manager and superintendent work closely with the owner’s representative to coordinate, schedule and oversee the installation of the owner’s equipment and furnishings. Every effort is made to see that all owner items are delivered at the appropriate time and installed in the proper sequence.

Phase III: Close-Out

The final phase of each construction project is the project close-out. During this phase the superintendent performs a “pre-punch” of the building, developing his own punchlist that is distributed to all subcontractors. This punchlist will be completed before the owner and design professionals are called to the site to perform their punchlist inspection. The “pre-punch” enables us to eliminate a large percentage of items that would otherwise appear on the owner’s punchlist, saving the owner and design professionals time and effort.

A close-out meeting is then scheduled with the owner representatives. At this meeting, the major subcontractors will demonstrate the operational procedures for essential systems such as the fire alarm, PA, security, electrical, plumbing, air conditioning, fire sprinkler and lawn irrigation. This meeting may be recorded or videotaped for future reference.

Close-out documentation on the project is obtained and organized. As-built drawings, operation and maintenance manuals, warranty information, and any other information required by the design professionals is gathered as part of the close-out process. All documents are once again checked for accuracy, completeness and adherence to the project specifications. Complete close-out binders are provided to the owner for future reference.

Warranty issues are simply handled. Simply call the project manager for all warranty needs. The project manager will call and schedule all warranty repairs and perform a one-year, walk-though inspection. Compass Construction is your single warranty source.