CONSTRUCTION ESTIMATING
Cost estimating is one of the three primary elements in a project and it helps all parties involved to understand the financial impact of the project. The accuracy of any estimate is dependent on the quality of the project plan, the specifications, the level of detail the estimator works in and the tools the estimator uses. There are various estimates that will be performed on a project from the design phase through to the construction phase. All of these estimates have two fundamental components, a take-off and pricing.
At Hammerhead design, we strive for greater accuracy in the estimating process. All of our estimates are done on a computer and stored in the cloud. Because we design in a 3D space, we are able to more accurately quantify materials and define scopes of work. Using the cloud to store all of our data also allows us to collaborate with other members of the team who have different areas of expertise so that we are getting the most accurate information into the estimate as possible. And because all the data is on the cloud, we know that each estimator is working with the most current and up to date information. For pricing, we use RS Means for your zip code, local bids and our own extensive database to ensure that we are pricing your project as accurately as possible.
CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULING
A construction schedule is one of the three primary elements of all projects. Simply put, a construction schedule is a timeline for all activities on a project and when they will be executed. A schedule defines when a resource is needed and the teams responsible for each task. Each task in the schedule will consist of a start date, a duration, and a resource. Tasks are sometime linked to one another as they must be followed sequentially. Information from a schedule can typically be viewed in a spreadsheet format, a Gant chart or even a calendar view. A Project Manager will use this schedule to plan and track activities.
At Hammerhead we know schedules. We like to schedule everything. This form of organization not only helps us to ensure that we covered all aspects of a project. It also helps us to communicate to the client, construction team, consultants and others on the progress of the project at all the different phases. Microsoft Project is a great tool and we love it. However, there are others out there as well. SmartSheet is a great resource and one of our favorites as it is a free account for everyone that is viewing the documents. These are live documents, meaning that when we make a change and hit save, you see the change at your side as well. This allows our team to collaborate with the site and clients even if we are all in different corners of the globe.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
In every construction project, there are three key elements that need to synchronize, Budget, Schedule and Scope. A Project managers primary role is to control costs, schedule, and quality of construction. They plan and coordinate all aspects of the construction process including
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Collaborate with the Project consultants and construction team
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Working with suppliers, subs contractors, architects and engineers.
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Obtain permits and licenses from appropriate authorities
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Contract Negotiations with Vendors
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Material procurement
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Project scheduling and monitoring
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Project Budgeting and monitoring
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Quality Control programs and Inspection
Not everyone has these skillsets. Often Clients try to take this role on themselves, causing delays and cost overruns to their own project. At Hammerhead, we have managed several projects and possess the ability, knowledge and tools to manage a construction project efficiently. Our team is able to work with the builder and client to assist them in all aspects of the project management process. Having us involved in the project management of the a project will help to maintain continuity across all aspects of the project.
DRONE & 360 DEGREE CAMERA REPORTING
The use of Drones in construction industry has increased exponentially over the past few years. Drones have many benefits and are a great tool for Architects, Engineers and Contractors (AEC).
Pre-Construction Uses and Benefits:
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Understand the sites topography, vegetation, surrounding structures and potential hazards or risks that will impact the project
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Estimate cut/fill requirements
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Plan Final Building location and size
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Design Landscaping
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Layout Site utilization maps for Construction phase to reduce disturbance and overall cost of project
Construction Uses and Benefits:
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Quality control and progress reporting
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Track and manage materials and assets
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Stockpile and excavation measure and verification
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Collaborate with team and communicate on specific items
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Safe inspection of elevated spaces
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Increased Safety
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Perform 3D scans
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Create 3D models of existing Structures
For ground level inspections, we like to use 360degree cameras as we walk through the structure. These can be uploaded to the same software that we use for the drone flights and from a phone, tablet, or computer, anyone connected to the project can walk through and around the project from anywhere in the world. Because the information is captured in 360degrees, the user can rotate the camera around points along the walking path. This again gives anyone of the stakeholders and investors who are not on site the ability to see and inspect the structures as they are being constructed.
BENIFITS
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Reduced Site Visits
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Track Progress
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Reduce Rework
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Prevent Disputes
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Documentation of construction progress
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Sharing progress and collaborating with teams
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View a space in an immersive way
QUALITY ASSURANCE INSPECTIONS
Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are critical parts of the construction process. Often these terms are misused and interchanged for each other. In actuality, they are two very different process's designed to work together in an effort to keep the quality of the materials and installation procedures at a level that meets or exceeds the clients expectations.
The goal of any good QA process is to prevent problems before they occur. This can be achieved by ensuring that the contractors and construction personnel are following the design instruction and monitoring the construction quality. This all starts with us at the design phase. Ensuring that there is enough information given to the construction team is vital. Sharing of updated drawings, answering Requests for Information (RFI's) and adding supplemental instructions are all a part of the QA process. Checklists and inspections at the construction phase are other valuable components of the QA process.
As communication and flow of communication are key to the QA process, we at Hammerhead prefer to use a cloud based document sharing platform. This allows everyone on the team including the Client, Design team, Consultants, and the Construction team to access the same current and relevant information. There are great platforms out there like Dropbox that are commonly used. When paired with Google Docs or Smartsheet's, they typically cover all of a projects document sharing needs. We also have experience with several Construction Management software's such as Procore, UDA and others. These are great tools for any project and something we can discuss with the client and the construction team when the time comes.
The QC program focuses on inspection, and control of the quality of construction activities happening on the site. The standards of quality are defined in the QA program. The QC program ensures these standards are met. Typically a builder will have a dedicated person or team that performs this task. Hammerhead is dedicated to assisting with this process as well. We want to work with the builder to ensure that the design intent and quality meets the clients expectations. The use of drones and 360 degree camera's throughout the construction process help us to monitor construction as well and point out defects that need to be corrected along the way. At key milestones, we also want to visit the site and put our own eyes on the progress of the project. The goal is to deliver a project that is on time, on budget and meets the clients expectations.