December 2024 - Page 3 of 3

How Long Does Pre-Construction Termite Treatment Last?

Posted on December 5, 2024December 5, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

How Long Does Pre-construction Termite Treatment Last?

Termite treatment is an essential component of any construction project, offering long-term protection against structural damage. Typically, preconstruction termite treatments, such as underslab and perimeter footing sprays, last 5 to 10 years. However, their effectiveness depends on various factors, including soil type, weather conditions, and application methods.

Ensuring termite treatment is part of your construction plan is vital, as it’s easy to overlook this step amidst the numerous other tasks involved in building.

Understanding Liquid Termite Treatments:

Liquid termite treatments are the most common type of preconstruction application. They are sprayed around and under footings, as well as beneath slab-on-grade areas. To ensure effectiveness, it’s crucial to:

Perform proper quality control (QC) during application.
Confirm even spray coverage and overlap.
Verify that the chemicals are not diluted due to rain or other site conditions.

Liquid treatments typically last 5 to 10 years, provided they are applied correctly and protected during the construction process.

Exploring Termite Baiting Systems:

Termite baiting systems are an alternative to sprays. These systems are designed to attract and eliminate termites over the building’s lifespan. However, they require:

Regular checks to ensure they are functioning properly.
Replacement every 1 to 3 years.

For long-term effectiveness, involve vendors and specialists familiar with the system and the region’s termite behavior.

Key Factors That Influence Termite Treatment:

Soil Conditions:
- Sandy soils can cause the chemical barriers to break down faster.
- Clay-rich soils help prolong the lifespan of the treatments due to their density.
Moisture and Weather Conditions:
- Rain can dilute termite treatments, especially around perimeter foundations.
- Ensure the treatment is applied under optimal conditions and protected until the foundation is placed.
Local Termite Species:
- Different regions host different termite types.
- Consult with local experts to determine the appropriate treatment for the species in your area.

Best Practices for Effective Termite Treatment:

Plan Ahead: Include termite treatment as part of your project design and schedule.
Hold Preparatory Meetings: Conduct pre-installation meetings with the vendor to align on requirements and methods.
Ensure Quality Control: Inspect applications in the field to confirm proper coverage and adherence to specifications.
Schedule Retreatments: Plan for reapplications every 5 to 10 years for sprays or 1 to 3 years for baiting systems.

Conclusion

Incorporating termite treatment into your construction planning is not just about checking a box—it’s about protecting your structure from potential damage. From selecting the right method to ensuring proper application and maintenance, every step is critical to success.

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Pre-Con Meeting: Work Package Installation Instructions Explained

Posted on December 4, 2024December 4, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Pre-Con Meeting: Work Package Installation Instructions

In this blog, we’ll discuss the most crucial outcome for your Pre-Construction meetings—also known as pre-install, preparatory, or Pre-Con meetings. These meetings can either set your project up for success or render the entire process ineffective if not conducted correctly. The key takeaway? Distilling all necessary information for the crew to ensure they can see, know, and act as a cohesive group.

Let’s break it down.

Preparing Trade Partners for a Construction Project:

When preparing a trade partner for a construction project, there’s a clear process to follow:

Purchasing Process.
Contract Execution.
Pre-Mobilization Meeting: This is where initial expectations are discussed.
Preconstruction Meeting: Conducted three weeks before work begins, this meeting sets the stage for a successful project.
First In-Place Inspection.
Follow-Up and Final Inspections.

The role of project engineers and managers goes far beyond paperwork like submittals, RFIs, or payoffs. Instead, they must manage a comprehensive system that includes planning work, building alongside trade partners, and ensuring completion before demobilization.

The Biggest Mistake with Pre-construction Meetings:

The greatest pitfall occurs when we leave a Pre-construction meeting without creating Installation Work Package Instructions. This document is essential for turning plans into actionable steps for the crew.

What Are Installation Work Package Instructions?

The installation work package is a concise, visual document designed to communicate expectations clearly. It’s not about creating long, complex files but rather a practical tool, primarily using pictures and bullet points. This ensures superior communication.

Key Components of the Work Package:

Purchasing Details: Any relevant information the crew needs to know.
Contractual Inclusions: Unique terms that must be emphasized.
Pre-Mobilization Notes: Any agreements or discussions to highlight.

This document integrates all relevant information into a single reference, ensuring the crew knows exactly how to proceed.

The Key to Successful Construction Projects:

An effective preconstruction meeting ensures:

Expectations are clear.
Plans are reviewed and updated as necessary.
Installation instructions are distilled into actionable steps.

If done correctly, the crew will have all the information they need when they begin, and follow-up inspections will align with these expectations. This approach embodies lean construction principles: avoiding waste, improving processes, and empowering trade partners.

Improving Production Processes:

To take this a step further, consider keeping everything, bid package details, work package instructions, and updates in one continuously updated document. This not only streamlines communication but also ensures better design, fabrication, delivery, and installation processes.

The ultimate goal? Narrowing durations without overburdening resources or trade partners.

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Construction Project Manager Salaries

Posted on December 3, 2024December 3, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Understanding Project Manager Salaries Across Different Sectors: A Comprehensive Guide

In this blog, we will dive into the variations in project manager salaries across different sectors within the construction industry. Understanding these differences is essential for making informed career decisions, helping you navigate your journey in project management. We will explore general salary ranges and discuss how certain factors can influence your earning potential, so let’s break it down!

General Project Manager Salaries in Commercial Construction:

Project management in commercial construction is an exciting field, and the role of a project manager is one of the most vital positions on any construction site. On average, the salary for a project manager in a large commercial construction company ranges between $95,000 to $135,000 per year. If you’re just starting out in the industry, entry-level project managers can expect to earn between $70,000 to $85,000 per year.

For those with 3-7 years of experience, mid-level project managers typically earn between $90,000 to $110,000 annually. Senior-level project managers, with significant experience and leadership skills, can earn up to $140,000+ per year. These salaries are base figures, and can increase depending on the complexity of the projects and the size of the company.

Project Manager Salaries in Specialty Contractors:

When working for specialty contractors, the salary range can vary slightly. The average salary for a project manager in specialty contractors is between $75,000 and $105,000 per year. However, these salaries also depend on the level of experience:

Entry-level: $60,000 to $70,000
Mid-level: $80,000 to $95,000
Senior-level: $100,000 to $120,000

Real Estate Development Project Manager Salaries:

Project managers working in real estate development typically earn a bit more. The average salary for this sector ranges from $90,000 to $130,000 annually. For entry-level project managers, the salary ranges between $70,000 to $85,000. Mid-level professionals earn $90,000 to $115,000, while senior-level project managers can earn anywhere from $120,000 to $160,000 and beyond.

Government or Infrastructure Project Manager Salaries:

For government projects or infrastructure contractors, the salary range varies but still offers competitive pay. The average salary for a project manager in this sector is between $80,000 and $115,000 per year. Here’s the breakdown by experience level:

Entry-level: $60,000 to $75,000.
Mid-level: $90,000 to $100,000.
Senior-level: $110,000 to $130,000.

Salaries in High-End Commercial and Industrial Construction:

For high-end commercial and industrial construction, project manager salaries tend to be on the higher end of the spectrum. The average salary in this sector is between $100,000 and $140,000 annually. For entry-level project managers, the salary ranges from $80,000 to $90,000. Mid-level professionals can expect to earn between $100,000 and $120,000, while senior project managers in high-end commercial and industrial sectors can earn between $130,000 and $170,000.

Factors Affecting Salaries:

While these salary ranges provide a general guideline, several factors can impact a project manager’s earning potential, such as:

Location: Salaries are generally higher in larger cities, such as New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Regional variations can have a significant impact.
Project Type and Complexity: More complex and larger projects often lead to higher salaries.
Company Size: Larger, more established companies tend to offer higher salaries and more benefits.
Performance and Experience: Senior-level managers with a proven track record of success can command higher pay, especially if they have demonstrated leadership on high-profile projects.

The Bigger Picture: Bonuses, Benefits, and Stock Options:

It’s important to note that the base salary is only part of the equation. Project managers often receive additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, bonuses, and stock options. These incentives can significantly increase your total compensation package.

Conclusion:

Project management is an essential and rewarding role, and understanding salary expectations across different sectors can help you make informed decisions about your career. Whether you’re starting out or looking to level up in your field, knowing how different sectors compare in terms of pay can help guide your next career move.

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Mechanical vs. HVAC: What’s the Difference?

Posted on December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Understanding the Difference Between Mechanical and HVAC in Construction

In construction, clarity in terminology is essential for smooth communication, especially when working with various teams across different regions. A common point of confusion arises with the terms “mechanical” and “HVAC.” In this blog, we will dive into the key differences between these two terms, why it’s important to get them right, and how this clarity can help streamline project management and improve coordination on construction sites.

The Confusion Between Mechanical and HVAC:

Recently, while working on a project in Phoenix, Arizona, I ran into an interesting situation where the developers from Canada were confused about my use of the term “mechanical.” In Canada, when we use “mechanical,” it often refers to the broad category of trades involved in heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, fire protection, elevators, and even other systems like gas lines, compressors, and pumps.

But when I used the term “mechanical” in Arizona, the team didn’t understand what I meant. They looked at me like I was speaking a different language. This was a great reminder that terminology can vary by region, and using the right terms is crucial, especially when coordinating with people from different parts of the world.

What Does Mechanical Actually Mean?

In construction, the term “mechanical” is much broader than most people realize. It includes any mechanical systems inside a building that help it function—this is not limited to HVAC but also includes plumbing, fire protection, elevators, gas lines, piping systems, and even equipment like generators, compressors, and pumps. Mechanical systems essentially cover everything that keeps a building running mechanically.

In short, when I refer to “mechanical,” I am talking about a wide array of systems that make the building function as intended.

What About HVAC?

On the other hand, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) refers specifically to the systems designed to control the building’s climate. HVAC deals with the heating, cooling, and ventilation of a space, ensuring comfort by maintaining proper air quality, temperature, and humidity.

Unlike mechanical, which encompasses all the systems that fall under mechanical operations within a building, HVAC is a specialized subset that focuses purely on creating a comfortable and healthy indoor environment.

The Importance of Knowing the Difference

Why does this distinction matter? The key reason is precision. When we talk about mechanical systems, we’re discussing a wide array of elements—HVAC, plumbing, fire protection, and more. But when we use the term HVAC, we’re narrowing the focus to heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. Understanding the difference helps eliminate confusion, especially when it comes to contracts, project scope, and coordination between various trades.

Getting more specific with language is important, particularly in international projects or diverse teams where people come from different backgrounds. By using precise language, we can avoid misunderstandings and ensure that the project progresses smoothly.

Why It’s Crucial for Project Success

The success of a construction project often depends on properly coordinated contractors, especially those working on essential systems like HVAC and mechanical. These trades are critical drivers of a construction project, and optimizing their workflows is crucial. This is why early coordination is key: we need to ensure that HVAC and mechanical contractors are well-prepared, their work is well-defined, and their schedules are synchronized with other trades.

Typically, HVAC and mechanical contractors, along with electrical and plumbing trades, are some of the most time-consuming activities on a project site. To keep everything on track, it’s essential to work with skilled contractors, define clear work packages, and ensure everything is ready before work starts.

In addition to coordinating these driving trades, careful attention must be paid to things like zone transitions, scheduling, and optimizing work processes. For instance, the HVAC contractor may need to operate in multiple zones simultaneously, which can create bottlenecks. Identifying these issues early and addressing them can prevent delays and ensure that the project stays on schedule.

Conclusion: The Value of Precision in Terminology

To wrap up, the difference between mechanical and HVAC is not just a matter of semantics. It’s about ensuring clarity, optimizing coordination, and setting up the project for success. Using precise language helps avoid confusion, particularly when working with diverse teams and ensuring that contractors understand their roles and scope of work.

Understanding the distinction between mechanical systems and HVAC is essential for every construction professional. So next time you’re working on a project, make sure you’re speaking the right language to the right people. This precision can go a long way toward improving efficiency and reducing miscommunications.

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What Are My Bottlenecks?

Posted on December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

How to Identify and Handle Bottlenecks in Your Production Plan

When managing a construction project, bottlenecks can be a significant challenge. They don’t mean anyone is underperforming; they’re often a result of complexity, overlapping tasks, or extended durations. In this blog, I’ll share insights into how to identify bottlenecks in your production plan and actionable steps to address them effectively.

What Are Bottlenecks?

Bottlenecks arise when a specific activity or trade struggles to maintain the required pace of the project. This could be due to:

Zone transitions requiring more coordination.
Longer task durations conflicting with the established Takt time.
Overlapping activities leading to resource constraints or overburdened crews.

It’s important to note: bottlenecks don’t indicate poor performance. Often, they reflect the inherent difficulty or complexity of certain tasks.

How to Spot Bottlenecks:

During a recent pull planning session with 20 trade partners, we identified bottlenecks using a step-by-step process:

Color-Coded Activities: Using stickies, we mapped out activities and Takt time sequences to visualize workflow.
Buffer Analysis: We checked if each trade had sufficient buffer time. If not, it became a potential bottleneck.
Specific Example:
- A plumbing trade had a 10-day activity within a 5-day Takt time, creating overlap with another zone.
- Possible solutions included splitting the crew into two, adding a larger crew, or leapfrogging zones.

This process revealed the bottlenecks early, allowing us to plan solutions collaboratively with the trades involved.

How to Address Bottlenecks:

Once you’ve identified a bottleneck, here’s what to do:

Prioritize the Trade: Ensure their needs are front and center for logistics and communication.
Preconstruction Preparation: Verify everything is ready before they begin. A “full kit” approach ensures materials and resources are in place.
Lean Into Collaboration:
- Support from the general contractor and other trade partners can make a significant difference.
- Address issues as a team to ensure progress without delays.

The goal is to empower the bottleneck trade to succeed, not to place blame or add pressure.

Key Takeaways:

Bottlenecks are a natural part of complex projects and require a proactive approach.
Identify them through pull planning and buffer analysis.
Support the trades involved by providing resources, communication, and teamwork.
Collaboration and preparation are crucial to overcoming these challenges effectively.

Bottlenecks don’t have to derail your project. By identifying and addressing them early, you can ensure smoother workflows and a successful outcome.

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Watch Your Stairs On A Construction Site

Posted on December 2, 2024December 2, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Why It’s Crucial to Watch Your Stairs on a Construction Site

Stairwells are a vital yet challenging component of construction projects. They are not only the main access points for workers but also a complex part of the building that requires meticulous planning to finish efficiently. In this blog, I’ll share some tips, strategies, and insights to help you tackle stairwell construction effectively and avoid unnecessary complications.

The Common Challenge with Stairwells:

Stairwells are among the last areas to be completed in construction, often because they remain in constant use throughout the project. Workers need them for access to different floors, which makes it difficult to finish them without disruption.

Compounding this challenge are the various elements that must come together:

Handrails to inspect.
Paint and finishes to apply.
Hard-to-reach ceiling areas.
Exterior curtain wall cleaning.
Final inspections of treads and standpipes.

Without a clear plan, these tasks can overlap and delay progress.

A Practical Solution: Sequential Completion:

To address this, I recommend a sequential approach to completing stairwells:

Plan the Active Stairwell:
Designate one stairwell for worker access during the project. Mark it clearly on your logistics maps to ensure everyone knows where to go.

Sequence the Work:

Begin by finishing the rough-in, applying finishes, and performing the first-pass cleaning on one stairwell.
Once that stairwell is complete, move to the next one. Repeat the process until all stairwells are finished.

Protect the Final Stairwell:
Use the last stairwell as your live stairwell. Protect its walls and floors to keep it functional while maintaining quality.

Why Not Finish All at Once?

Attempting to complete all stairwells simultaneously can lead to:

Delays caused by overlapping tasks and ongoing worker traffic.
Missed hard-to-reach areas like soffits and ceiling spaces.
Incomplete inspections due to rushed work.

By focusing on one stairwell at a time, you can maintain better control over the process and ensure high-quality results.

Realistic Timeframes for Stairwell Completion:

The fastest I’ve seen a stairwell completed is six weeks. While this might seem long, it’s a realistic timeframe for:

Inspections.
Cleaning.
Finalizing finishes.

If you have four stairwells, plan for at least six weeks per stairwell. This allows you to finish systematically without compromising quality or safety.

Key Considerations:

When planning your stairwell work, don’t overlook:

Hard-to-access areas like soffits and high ceilings.
Fire sprinklers and standpipe installations.
Exterior curtain wall cleaning.
The impact of high traffic on quality.

Double-check the backside of your schedule to phase the work properly and avoid last-minute panic.

Final Thoughts:

By taking a methodical, sequential approach to stairwell construction, you can avoid the common pitfalls of rushed finishes and incomplete inspections. Watching your stairs—both literally and figuratively—will ensure a smoother process and a safer, better-quality result.

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Month: December 2024

How Long Does Pre-Construction Termite Treatment Last?

Pre-Con Meeting: Work Package Installation Instructions Explained

Construction Project Manager Salaries

Mechanical vs. HVAC: What’s the Difference?

What Are My Bottlenecks?

Watch Your Stairs On A Construction Site

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