Lump Sum Process
Weifield Group Contracting has assembled a highly knowledgeable team to prepare bids for lump sum projects. When the estimator receives your project plans, they are reviewed in detail. Quotes are selected from many different vendors, to ensure you receive the best product pricing package available for each element. Once the estimator selects the ideal package for each project specification, project bids are assembled. We not only put together your most cost-effective and favorable quotes, but we comb your specifications for any areas that could be improved upon by value engineering options. We will provide you with several different options for each project to ensure you’re receiving the best result for the cost. We examine construction documents for constructability issues. We address the issues with the general contractor prior to bid day. This practice allows the general contractor to address the problem proactively before there is a financial impact.
VALUE ENGINEERING
We identify 3-5 areas upfront where we can use our experience to potentially reduce costs, eliminate challenges, and reduce the schedule duration. Once the options are evaluated and solutions identified, we coordinate with the electrical engineer. The last thing Weifield Group wants to do is reduce cost in the electrical division and drive up another division, (i.e. mechanical).
SUSTAINABILITY PRACTICES
Weifield promotes green building and energy conservation in our design and construction process. As a member of the United States Green Building Council (USGBC), Weifield is actively engaged in LEED best practices. Our portfolio of LEED certified jobs include silver, gold, and platinum projects. Weifield has also completed a net-zero energy project for the Department of Energy, which is one of the most energy efficient buildings in the world.
LEAN CONSTRUCTION
Weifield is constantly looking for ways to improve our sustainable building practices. We strive to eliminate anything that doesn’t add value to a project. We set goals to meet our customer’s needs while using less material in the process. We take the typically rigid and wasteful construction process and transform it in the beginning by highlighting problems and resolving them quickly.
BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM)
Weifield uses BIM technology for our projects to identify conflicts and solve problems. We use layouts generated from our foreman and implement them into 3D CAD modeling. We meet with the MEP and fire protection teams to review and eliminate conflicts. This allows for a smooth operation when performing work in the field.
SCHEDULING
Weifield identifies conflicts and problems ahead of time to solve the problems proactively. We work with the general contractor to solve problems before they arise, keeping the job on schedule. We also work with other trades on the job to assure a smooth flow of work.
QUALITY CONTROL
In an effort to maintain zero punch lists, low warranty requests, and a quality far above other contractors, Weifield Group developed multiple checks and balances, starting with a detailed quality control program. Throughout the duration of every project, the field superintendant references the job plans and quality control procedures.
We utilize weekly visits from the construction managers to ensure construction is consistent from project to project. The construction managers are also involved in the buyout of the project so they have an understanding of what is required in the specifications and can double-check the actual installation. During these inspections they see if personal protective equipment is being utilized, work areas are clean, and materials are organized. Part of our quality control program includes job hazard analysis, pre-task planning, and energize permits to help avoid both safety and quality issues.
SOLVING CONSTRUCTABILITY ISSUES
Weifield Group understands the emphasis placed on pre-project planning. We examine each project for constructability issues, including confirmation that the feeders are sized correctly, voltage drops are accounted for, utilization equipment is circuited properly and light fixtures are properly specified for the project. Each project is examined for any errors or omissions, guaranteeing an accurate final estimate. We not only look for technical deficiencies, but also for any areas that can be improved upon with value engineering options. After examining the construction documents, our team provides the owner and design team several options at different price points to ensure the absolute best value, while maintaining the original design intent.
Some of the benefits of Weifield’s pre-project planning are;
- overall project cost reduction,
- shorter project duration,
- decrease in plan and spec inconsistencies,
- addendum reduction,
- elimination of waste during the construction process,
- reduce the need for costly rework,
- minimize change orders,
- quality enhancement, and
- reduction in specification ambiguities.