General Contracting
Hiring CD Barnes Associates as a General Contractor is the oldest construction method. This means you, as the owner, hire an architect, solicit competitive bids and then hire a contractor. The contractor in turn hires and manages all subcontractors. This process tends to be more linear than collaborative. It is perhaps best-suited to clients with experience in, and time for, planning and managing construction. What are the considerations? See below.
Time-Proven
Since 1954, CD Barnes Associates has acted as a general contractor, constructing many of West Michigan’s landmark buildings. As your General Contractor, we can bring those decades of experience to your project. Working with your staff and design team, we will; develop a schedule that clearly defines subcontractor responsibilities, manage the schedule, anticipating problems whenever possible, and address them quickly. We can also effectively manage changes during construction, and convey any cost variance in writing. Finally we will develop an effective Quality Assurance Program tailored to the needs of your project.
Is General Contracting right for you?
If you’re (a) experienced in supervising construction, (b) prefer hands-on management, and/or (c) face a strict competitive bid requirement, you’re likely to appreciate our forthright, quality-oriented approach to General Contracting. We also offer Design/Build and Construction Management services, which can make the construction process simpler for you, while maintaining cost efficiency. Every general contractor has a unique approach, and we hope this gives you an insight into our approach. We’d be glad to answer any questions you might have. Please feel free to contact Todd Oosting at 616.241.4491 or email him at todd@cdbarnes.com
“Your display of superior productivity, safety and efficiency on a tricky 63,000 square foot building that required us to work our 25 ton crane while the project continued showed us that C.D. Barnes Associates knows what they’re doing.”
Donald R. Simon
President, Contractors Steel Company
The C.D. Barnes Approach to General Contracting
Once appointed, here is how C.D. Barnes Associates acts as your General Contractor.
Pre-Construction
Master Project Schedule
- Schedule all following steps based on target
completion date
Scheduling
- Coordinate design and construction time
frames
- Monitor schedule
- Notify client in advance of possible variances
Detailed budget.
- Update budget based on approved drawings
and specifications
Bid Management
- Analyze need for phased construction
- Determine need for temporary facilities
- Recommend division of labor
- Analyze upcoming availability of labor
- Develop list of subcontractors for bid
solicitation
- Contact approved subcontractors for
bidding
- Meet with subcontractors as necessary
- Recommend awarding of contracts
- Contract approved subcontractors
Permits and Fees
- Ensure all necessary permits are obtained
on time
During Construction
Project Management
- Supervise project on-site
- Schedule and coordinate all subcontractors’
efforts
- Monitor compliance with contracts and
client’s objectives
Cost Control
- Monitor any variances from budgeted items
and procedures
- Advise client and architect/engineering firm
of variances, secure approval
- Prepare, review and process all bulletins,
site orders and change orders
Subcontractor compensation.
- Review, process and pay subcontractor
invoices
Shop Drawings
Receive, review, correct and maintain:
- detailed shop drawings
- equipment/color schedules
- technical data
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During Construction (continued)
Quality Control
- Define Quality Assurance objectives with
client
- Monitor project for appearance, durability
and workmanship
- Measure and correct outcomes based on
schedule and cost implications
Client Communication
- Inspect site and project regularly
- Record progress of work
- Provide regular written reports to client and
A/E firm
Occupancy/Activation
Equipment/Furnishing Procurement
- Expedite delivery and installation of
furnishings and equipment, according to
client requirements
Finalize Construction
- In conjunction with A/E firm, determine stage
known as “substantial completion”
- Prepare list of incomplete or unsatisfactory
items
- Establish schedule for correction/ completion
- Monitor correction/completion efforts
Start-up.
- Train your maintenance personnel in new
systems, utilities and equipment
- Coordinate testing and system start-up by
subcontractors
Completion
- Determine final completion
- Arrange final inspection with client, A/E firm
- Secure required affidavits, guarantees,
bonds and waivers; forward to A/E firm
- Provide client with all keys, manuals and
construction records and drawings
Close-out
- Assist owner’s personnel by identifying and
notifying proper subcontractor in case of any
deficiency
- Assess quality of call-back work
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What matters in the long run...
Ideally, your contractor should be around as long as your building will be. C.D. Barnes Associates is known for helping its clients long after project completion. We’ve been doing that since 1954. So you can be confident we’ll be here to help.
