SERVICES
SERVICES
For more than 90 years we’ve built a reputation for delivering the highest quality construction services. From planning through to construction and completion, every facet of our process is bound by our core values to exceed our client’s expectation and build a structure that we can be proud of. Our specific services not only give you an overview of our capabilities but an illustration on how we can bring a project to life.
At the very heart of our services is construction management — our ability to serve as an extension of your organization’s capabilities to help plan, design and build what you envision. Our construction capabilities include but are not limited to the following:
Program Management
Barr & Barr provides a wide range of services that support the capital programs of our clients. Our personnel leverage years of experience and expertise to support clients from capital planning through occupancy. Implementing a comprehensive construction management strategy, we integrate all components of the construction process including: planning and design, budgeting, scheduling, design analysis/contractibility, risk management, procurement, construction, commissioning and project closeout. It is not Barr & Barr’s role to replace the client but to provide the resources and support for the client to make educated and timely decisions throughout the process. Program Management and detailed planning at the beginning of a project may be the most important factors determining its success. Barr & Barr believes the vast knowledge and experience of our team, as well as our corporate philosophy, is unique to our industry and is key to the great success of our projects.
Preconstruction
Preconstruction is the interlocking set of services by which we, in close partnership with the client and the architect, will build your project virtually first, employing state-of-the-art technology, in all of its material and logistical detail. Ultimately, our work together during preconstruction ensures that, upon completion, your building is everything you want and need it to be – while honoring your budget and schedule.
Construction
As the project progresses, we apply knowledge gained during preconstruction to our overall construction services. Our approach is to control the entire process as an extension of the client’s in-house management team by providing guidance and leadership in “all” activities required for the project’s successful completion and continued use.
- Permitting, Bonding and Insurance
- Construction Site Supervision
- Investigation of Existing Conditions
- Master Scheduling
- Look-Ahead Scheduling
- Procurement
- Safety
- Cost Control
- Quality Control
- Shop Drawings Review
- Coordination Drawings Review
- Owner and Subcontractor Meetings
- Monthly Requisitions, Financial Status Reports, and Cash Flow Projections
- Construction Status Reporting
- MEP Supervision, Coordination and Commissioning
- LEED Documentation and Administration
- Inspections, Punchlist, and Completed Operations
LEED/Sustainability
While many construction managers are averse to new materials and construction techniques, we feel it is our duty to be committed to advancing sustainability in every project we undertake. And the work of fulfilling our responsibility to the environment absolutely begins at the earliest stages of design in preconstruction.
An active member of the US Green Building Council, Barr & Barr has been involved in numerous sustainability-driven projects. Our employees are especially well-versed in sustainable construction, with backgrounds in LEED certification. This not only benefits the environment, but also provides significantly reduced energy costs for our clients. Some examples of how our green efforts are impacting our projects:
Sustainable sites are realized through storm waste management, light pollution and landscape design.
Water efficiency is achieved by using low-water landscaping and efficient plumbing.
Energy and atmosphere are impacted through optimal energy performance of the building itself, the type of equipment installed and CFC reductions.
Materials and resources are saved via reuse, recycled content, use of local materials and a keen eye on construction-waste management.
Indoor environmental quality is maintained with overall air quality management, building management systems, tobacco/smoke control, day lighting, and low-VOC materials.
Geothermal is attained by using full geothermal and HVAC systems.
Waste diversion is attained by implementing our waste materials management program, achieving a landfill diversion rate of over 95%.
BIM/3D Logistics
One of our key strengths has always been the ability to shorten the production schedule and expose hidden and potentially costly building conflicts. Using Building information Modeling (BIM), we can review constructability and fully coordinate by generating a 3D model of the project accounting for Architectural, Structural and all MEP services. BIM can reduce installation time by months, by making information more readily available. It’s especially helpful with mechanical/electrical clearance issue, which is increasingly an area of concern. Thus maximizing efficiency, reducing waste and most importantly risk.
Our BIM process is extensive in its own right:
Standards. Every success story starts off with a well thought out plan. Our BIM Execution Plan, BIM Specification and Level of Development (LOD) Matrix includes the requirements for all projects utilizing BIM, but also provides framework to determine project specific BIM goals, processes and protocols.
Clash detection. Throughout the BIM process, we run multiple “clash detection” analyses to prevent conflict between trades during installation.
Integration. During Preconstruction, our BIM team will review the Design Model for completeness, accuracy and constructability and assist the team in the resolution of any clashes exposed during this analysis.
Instructions to Bidders/Coordination. Prior to construction, detailed Instructions to Bidders are crafted defining a BIM specific scope for each trade streamlining coordination. Our BIM team will integrate the Architectural “Design” model with the subcontractor’s trade models to create a “Construction” model by which the building is constructed. This model is maintained throughout the duration of the project incorporating Owner changes and field conditions.
Owner deliverables. At project completion, the “Construction” model is turned over to the Owner as a deliverable with the option to have links within the model to O&M data and 360 x 180 spherical photography for use as an FM tool.
Commissioning
As consummate builders with a keen focus on integrity and the bottom line, we strongly recommend utilizing commissioning agents throughout all phases of our projects. With both technology and energy conservation becoming major factors in all of our projects, not to mention a LEED requirement, commissioning agents will help to ensure continuity from the design phase through to post-acceptance.
Design Phase. We will collaborate closely with the commissioning agent to develop a plan, bidding process and project requirements to ensure that we are LEEDs compatible.
Construction Phase. Through coordination with commissioning activities, Barr & Barr team members and subcontractors, we ensure that the construction process remains compliant with best practices.
Acceptance Phase. In this phase we will verify the results of design, construction and prefunctional testing activities. We have incorporated the use of tablets in the field to provide access to project files, documentation and solutions as well as commissioning applications.
Post-Acceptance Phase. Here is where we focus on training, and concentrate on developing seasonal testing, documentation and reporting to maintain all correct standards.
As part of our diligent approach to building, commissioning is an essential tool to help our project team deliver a fully functional and validated project, on-time and within budget.