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UMMS Laurel Medical Center & Catalyst MOB Construction Timelapse - Forrester Construction Company

Check out this time-lapse video of our UMMS Laurel Medical Center and Catalyst MOB projects! 

 Our TrueLook time-lapse camera, mounted on the existing hospital, takes multiple photos and videos throughout the day. Although you do not see the first five months of site work, this video gives a fun look at how new healthcare facilities are built! 

#generalcontractor #newconstruction #healthcareconstruction #healthcarefacility #laurelMD

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Why is Forrester a Washington Business Journal Best Place to Work?

In June 2017, the Washington Business Journal honored Forrester Construction as one of it's 2017 Best Places to Work. Placing #6 in the Large Companies category, Forrester was recognized for creating an exceptional workplace that is highly valued by its Team Members. But, what makes Forrester a great place to work? 

Read the full announcement here: https://www.forresterconstruction.com...

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Learn About Forrester Construction Company

Established in 1988, Forrester Construction Company is an award-winning Engineering News Record (ENR) Top 175 Contractor and Top 50 Green Contractor, offering clients preconstruction, general contracting, construction management and design-build services. As one of the top five locally-owned general contractors, Forrester has a proven track record of client satisfaction, construction excellence and efficient project delivery, including completion of work on such landmark projects as the Supreme Court, the Washington Convention Center and the National Institutes of Health. 

Forrester has been recognized with more than 170 construction industry awards and has placed teamwork, quality and commitment to community among its core values through its 25 years in business, a milestone it is celebrating in 2013.

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Thank You For 30 Years

To mark our 30th anniversary, Forrester is saying “thank you” by supporting local community and AEC industry organizations with donations. We couldn’t have made it to this milestone without the support of our clients, business partners, Team Members, and most of all, the community. These donations are our way of celebrating this milestone anniversary in a way that honors our core values and contributes to the region we have been fortunate to play a role in shaping through our award-winning projects. 

 Thank you for 30! We can't wait to see what we'll build together next.

Established in 1988, Forrester Construction Company is an award-winning Engineering News Record (ENR) Top 175 Contractor and Top 50 Green Contractor, offering clients preconstruction, general contracting, construction management and design-build services. As one of the top five locally-owned general contractors, Forrester has a proven track record of client satisfaction, construction excellence and efficient project delivery, including completion of work on such landmark projects as the Supreme Court, the Washington Convention Center and the National Institutes of Health.

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Forrester Construction 2022 Annual Meeting

Check out a recap of the Forrester Construction 2022 Annual Meeting!

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Forrester Summer Construction Internship

Hear from some of our 2022 interns about their experience working with Forrester Construction! 

Through its internship program for college students and project engineer program for emerging professionals, Forrester provides unique, innovative career development opportunities for people who want to work hard, achieve excellence and be a part of a high-performing, award-winning team.

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Forrester Construction Company

March Madness is wrapping up. Check out how our team members celebrated the men's and women's tournaments! 

Forrester Construction's Annual March Madness Chili Cook-off allows our team members to come together to test their skills, compete in a chili-making competition, and eat some delicious food while enjoying one another's company.

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Why Work at Forrester Construction?

At Forrester Construction, our team members are able to build unique, exciting projects, their careers, and have a lot of fun too! Learn more about working at Forrester at www.forresterconstruction.com/careers.

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Internships in Commercial Construction

Internships in commercial construction are vital to the future of the construction industry. The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of construction workers, and this lack of experienced professionals in the industry is expected to get worse. Construction companies must provide well-rounded, thoughtful internships to inspire and confirm young students’ interest in construction, provide them with real-world experience and training, and provide useful help to construction teams in the field.

The Need for Young Talent in the Construction Industry

There are not enough construction professionals to go around. The lack of access to adequate training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the

industry to lose talent.  In addition, the pandemic-related safety concerns that led to the suspension or alteration of training programs have also made it harder to attract and retain workers. Construction companies will need to increase the pace of hiring exponentially in 2022 if they are expected to keep up with construction demands.

The construction industry is also expected to face increased challenges with labor shortages. It is, therefore, important that companies take immediate action to address this issue. One of the most effective ways to improve the industry’s talent pool is by reaching out to a younger demographic, implementing construction internships, and engaging with high schools and universities to attract students to the construction industry and properly prepare the next generation of great builders.

Construction Talent

Many construction companies, like Forrester Construction, are thinking toward the future to address the need for talent in the construction industry. Partnering with educational institutions is one of the ways that commercial construction companies can adopt a long-term, educational approach to solving the talent issue. This can help students decide what kind of construction company they want to work for, develop skills in real-world construction settings, and gain experience that will jump-start their careers when they enter the construction industry after graduation. 

When encouraging students to consider construction as a career, focusing on increasing the number of women in construction is vital. In 2019, only 9 out of every 100 people who worked in construction were women. That means there is a huge potential for many more talented, educated construction professionals if more women seek construction as a valid, attainable career path.

In addition to the many benefits that students gain from developing a relationship with construction companies before graduation, construction companies benefit from university engagement by developing a strong and diverse talent pool, gaining strong relationships with clients who may have projects at colleges or high schools, and developing early connections with future industry contacts.

Though not all companies within the commercial construction industry have internships. Another avenue to support the need for talent in the construction industry is by developing apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships that provide opportunities for learning, career development, and professional growth help attract and retain talent in the construction company and increase the overall number of workers in the industry by providing young talent for many subcontractors. This skills-based approach is an effective way to build talent and worker capabilities through experience and training.

What is a Construction Internship?

Construction internships are the best way for students to get a taste of the industry, receive training, and develop real-world experience without making long-term professional commitments. Construction internships generally take place in the summer and allow students to work for companies in the construction industry to help identify their ideal company’s size, type of work, culture, and values before they graduate and decide on their career direction.

Although an internship doesn’t provide a formal industry qualification, it can still set students apart from other candidates, prepare them for an entry-level position, and allow individuals to explore and learn about various construction paths. An added benefit to getting a construction internship is that they can usually help secure a higher starting wage since you are coming to a company with real-world experience.

How to Get a Construction Internship

Most commercial construction companies, like Forrester Construction, start hiring their summer interns in the fall. The company website generally has a location where students can apply online or contact the organization for more information about the internship program. Construction companies attend many college and university career fairs, especially at schools that have larger or more established construction or engineering programs. Some of the construction industry career fairs Forrester generally visits include the University of Maryland Chi Epsilon Civil and Construction Management Career Fair, the Architectural Engineering Career Fair at Penn State, Virginia Tech’s Myers Lawson School of Construction Career Fair, and more! Visit our website to see a full list of career fairs we are visiting this fall!

Typical Construction Internship Programs

Many construction internships for general contractors take place in the summer while college students are on summer break, though some construction internships can take place in the summer or occur part-time during the school year. Many general contractors that provide internships allow  to be on a real construction project for the summer, working with the team, and performing real tasks that are integral to the construction project’s progress and completion. Construction internships will train students on the various tasks they will complete over the summer, as well as provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and a well-rounded learning experience. Construction internships also allow college students to see what it’s like to work in construction and allow them to grow professionally. Construction internships should aim to be innovative, provide hands-on training, and engage students in the decision-making process.

Other Ways to Engage with Students

Sparking students’ interest in construction at a young age can inspire and encourage individuals, who may have never considered construction as a profession, to pursue it as a career. 

Engaging with Students

If you are a general contractor, architect, or subcontractor working in the private or public education market, like Forrester Construction, there are many ways that you can impact students and help encourage more interest in the construction industry. Attending career days at high schools you have built or are building near and giving tours or informational sessions at schools you are building, can provide a new perspective on all the benefits of working in the construction industry.

Engaging with colleges and universities outside of career fairs by inviting groups for construction site tours, hosting or attending learning sessions or panels, or encouraging your team members to become peer mentors are all ways that your construction company can support the next generation of commercial construction workers. During the pandemic, Forrester found ways to connect with college students by offering virtual site tours and Q&As with engineering classes.

Conclusion

The construction industry is expected to play a vital role in the country’s economic recovery. It is, therefore, important that the industry’s various stakeholders come together to address the talent issues that are hindering its growth. To succeed, the construction industry must adopt multiple strategies and approaches to help it create better jobs and improve efficiency, including building great internship programs to encourage and prepare current students, and our future in the construction industry.

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General Contractors vs. Subcontractors: How They Differ

If you have ever been involved in a commercial construction project, you likely understand the significance of both general contractors and subcontractors. While general contractors and subcontractors are both involved in construction, they have different roles and responsibilities to help ensure a project is of a high quality and completed safely and on time. To better understand their roles, it is important to look at each of their main responsibilities in a construction project.

General Contractors

When starting a construction project, it is common to hire a general contractor who is responsible for managing:

subcontractor partners (including, selection, hiring, and oversight)

project financials

building materials

schedule

quality

safety

and more!

Depending on the delivery method, if the general contractor is also the Design Builder, they would also be responsible for designing the project or finding and partnering with an architect. To perform the necessary scope of work, some general contractors may subcontract out all work, while others may have in-house professionals who self-perform some aspect of construction, like drywall or painting for example.

Subcontractor Partners

One of the first steps a general contractor takes in pursuing a project involves contacting subcontractors and gathering bids for the scope of work. Once a general contractor has selected their subcontractor partners and wins a job, the general contractor is responsible for contracting the work, then supervising and managing those partners on site.

The general contractor ensures subcontractor partners perform the work safely, the way the architect intended, and at a high quality. General contractors are responsible for paying their subcontractor partners, just as the client/owner is responsible for paying the general contractor.

Building Materials

Sometimes materials are in a subcontractor’s contract, and they are responsible for purchasing and delivering the materials. However, the general contractor is still responsible for being aware of all the project’s building materials and ensuring that those materials are procured so work can begin on time.

If materials do not arrive on time or aren’t stored properly, they risk putting the schedule behind and potentially impacting the budget as well! Subcontractor partners cannot perform their work without the specified materials as defined by the architect in the project drawings and specification documents.

Quality

It is the general contractor’s responsibility to ensure that the completed project meets the design intent and is built to the standards of the client and architect partners. Many companies have quality control programs to ensure that their buildings are constructed at a high quality. Forrester Construction’s Quality Control Program is closely modeled after the US Army Corp of Engineers (USACE) Construction Quality Control program.

Forrester Construction’s quality control program includes:

Preparatory Meeting – Drawings and contract reviews, subcontractor coordination, and safety plan development

Initial Inspection – Mock-up reviews and initial inspections of work to establish acceptable standards

Follow-up Inspection – Daily work-in-progress inspections for conformance and accepted standards

In addition, clients will walk a job at the end of a project and can point out punch list items for a general contractor to have fixed before they are given occupancy or completely turn the building over.

Safety

The general contractor is responsible for the safety of every single person on the job site. This includes the general contractor’s team members working on the job site, subcontractor partners performing manual labor, any visiting clients or architects, inspectors walking the site, and any community members who live around, or could be affected by, the construction.

There are many safety tips and ways to ensure the safety of the team and visitors, including mandating personal protective equipment (PPE), implementing safety training and incentives, and much more. Creating and maintaining a dedicated safety program is one of the best ways to stay on top of keeping the team safe.

The general contractor is also responsible for ensuring that construction work does not impact the safety of neighboring homes, buildings, traffic, or other community factors. Managing the safety of the surrounding community could include managing dirt and debris, deliveries, or installing construction fencing to ensure no one can wander on-site and potentially hurt themselves.

Schedule

Have you ever heard the phrase, “time is money”? It is especially true in the commercial construction industry!

Building projects like restaurants, healthcare facilities, and other organizations that depend on their building to operate and make money means that any delays to the construction schedule cost the client money. Creating a thoughtful schedule and managing subcontractors and materials properly to ensure that the project stays on that schedule is crucial to the owner utilizing their space as soon as possible.

Subcontractors

Most general contractors must work with subcontractors on some aspect of a construction project to complete the full scope of work the design requires. There are many types of subcontractors, including:

Site Development

Steel Erectors

Mechanical

Electrical

Plumbing

Carpentry

Demolition and Abatement

HVAC

Landscaping

Concrete

Masonry

And many more

The design and drawings determine the scope of work and show the general contractor what materials and labor are required to build the project. Different subcontractor partners specialize in performing specific trades, so many are needed to complete one project.

For example, when renovating a restaurant, associated trades or work could include drywall, electrical, plumbing, and more. The drywall subcontractor may be responsible for both drywall and framing, as they have the necessary skills and training, while a different subcontractor would paint the wall after it’s constructed.

Many areas of the building will require several specialties or required skills close together or overlapping. Things like MEP coordination can often avoid many unforeseen problems. All of this coordination across subcontractors is the responsibility of the general contractor.

Subcontractors will have little to no communication with the owner or architect, given that they report directly to and are paid by the general contractor. Depending on the project’s needs, a contractor may also elect to bring in several subcontractors with whom they have previously worked with and built a professional relationship.

Often if a project involves very technical work, a general contractor may try to secure a subcontractor partner who they know has the expertise to perform the required work at a high level, even if it may be more costly.

Conclusion

While there are many differences in the roles, responsibilities, and day-to-day tasks of general contractors and subcontractors, they must develop meaningful relationships and work closely together to deliver a successful project. Though different, both are vital to the completion of any construction project and to the overall commercial construction industry.

Are you a subcontractor looking to build impactful projects with us in the DMV? Visit the subcontractor page of our website to find out how to bid future projects with Forrester Construction.

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Finding The Right Materials for Your Construction Project

Finding the right materials for your construction project is extremely important. Beginning a construction project requires detailed planning and collaboration to set the job up for long-term success, including planning and coordinating materials. The planning phase lays the foundation for the project and determines what materials need to be procured for its completion.

Sourcing building materials is a significant part of the planning process, as it identifies budget requirements, specialized professionals needed, equipment necessary to complete the project, and more. Before finalizing the schedule and budget, the construction team must determine what materials can be purchased and installed to complete the project safely, at a high quality, that will meet the specifications and as the design intended. Below are some of the most important factors to consider when deciding what materials to use.

Overall Design and Quality

The overall design intent is one of the most important factors that must be considered when choosing a material. Many drawings have either specifically noted materials or specifications that the materials must meet. A general contractor must ensure the materials that are procured and installed meet the specifications of the drawings.

While saving money on materials is generally ideal – some clients want high-quality finishes and materials. It is important to know your architect’s detailed specifications, design intent, and your client’s overall vision when choosing what materials will be installed.

Cost Of Materials

Cost is one of the other factors that most clients, architects, and general contractors consider when choosing and approving materials. Teams should look at and compare several options for each material. It may be tempting to go with more affordable options for products and materials to keep the overall budget low.

However, it is crucial to research:

The quality of the product

Its longevity

The warranty, and

Whether it will be capable of holding up over a comparable period

and more.

While it may be cheaper now, the client may end up paying to replace or repair low-quality materials which would make it more costly in the long run. In many cases, spending more on materials in the beginning can prevent major costs from arising after the project has been completed.

While some materials may be more important to purchase at a higher price to ensure better quality, less significant parts of the scope could provide opportunities for cost savings. So long as the material meets the specifications, many cheaper materials can be utilized throughout the construction process to save costs in the overall budget.

Local Climate

When looking at potential materials, it is also vital to consider the general climate in the area and how the weather could impact the materials. Climate considerations should include:

The average amount of rainfall

The average amount of snowfall

The frequency/duration of direct sunlight

Extreme temperatures (hot or cold)

Coastal Building, flood, wind and salt erosion

The overall durability of the suggested material

These different factors could affect which of the options is the best possible building material, as the team will want to focus on finding materials that are proven to hold up in the area’s climate. Whenever possible, the building team should elect to install materials proven to last, even when impacted by things like extreme weather.

For example, if the climate in an area consists primarily of sunlight and dry weather, the focus should be on finding materials that can absorb the impact of the sunlight and won’t crack or break with extreme heat. More adaptable materials or materials made for the local climate will last longer and can reduce the potential risk of serious issues emerging after project completion.

Some materials can improve your overall design and the end user’s appreciation of the space. For example, specific trees and plantings were chosen for Swampoodle Terrace to help shade the sun-soaked area, including:

Many trees along the perimeter of the park, including crape myrtles.

A magnolia tree trained to grow up a trellis along the northern wall (also called a Magnolia Espalier).

Vines and plants that can grow up on a vertical screen wall/fence.

Over time these trees will grow, bringing shade and greenery to the space.

Availability Of Materials

One factor that has been a pressing topic of discussion in recent years, and is still impacting the construction industry today, is the availability of materials. Supply chain issues have been affecting the cost of materials throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. And while the world is re-opening, restrictions are lifting, and people are meeting in person again, these material delays, shortages, and resultant high prices may not be gone just yet.

This is critical because a material’s availability significantly impacts a project’s timeline, and scarce materials could significantly impact the project’s completion. To help prevent availability issues, focus on sourcing materials that would be available on schedule and meet the requirements for the project. Additionally, look for materials that can be easily shipped to the project site, as less common or international materials may come with a longer delivery timeline.

Sustainability

There has been an increasing focus on sustainable building and more environmentally-friendly commercial construction. More and more companies are creating and utilizing sustainable, environmentally-friendly materials that can help reduce a project’s environmental impact.

Materials can be environmentally friendly in several ways, including:

Reducing energy usage

Being sourced locally or recycled

Absorbing heat or stormwater

and more.

Because of the increasing significance and interest in sustainable construction, utilizing sustainable materials will only become more common on most construction sites.

General Maintenance Needs

Exploring building materials with reasonable maintenance needs is also useful when looking for the ideal materials for your client. Materials that require minimal maintenance, keep their original look through weather conditions, and are easily repairable are generally the best options.

These low-maintenance materials save the building owners money by preserving their quality and consequently requiring minimal repair or replacement. In addition, these materials can reduce the risk of damage from snow, heavy rain, intense heat, or other weather-related problems. General maintenance needs that are not expensive or time-consuming will be highly advantageous to owners and can be highly beneficial in the long run.

Conclusion

There are many factors to consider when deciding what materials to choose for your construction project. The design, specifications, cost, climate, and more can affect whether a product will be a good fit for the project and the client long-term. It is critical to research the materials and fully understand the project scope, environment, and needs of the client in order to pick the optimal materials for your construction project.

Want to learn more about commercial construction? Check out more blog posts at www.forresterconstruction.net or https://www.forresterconstruction.org. Links to all blog posts can be found on http://www.forresterconstruction.com/blogs

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How to Submit a Construction Project for an Industry Award

Submitting a construction project for an industry award is a great way to create positive recognition for your company and team members, win new work, and attract talent. Taking the time to select the best award program and project, gather information, and craft an engaging submission is very important. Continue reading to learn more about how to submit a construction project for an industry award!  

Choosing the Industry Association and Award

There are many opportunities for general contractors, architects, and other building partners to submit for an industry award in the DC Metro region. When looking for an industry award, start by investigating industry organizations where you are already a member.

Many national construction industry associations have local chapter awards for construction, design, real estate, and more. Locally recognized awards programs that Forrester Construction participates in include the Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington and Northern VA Excellence in Construction Awards, Associated General Contractors of DC Washington Contractor Awards, the Best of NAIOP Northern VA, and several more.

Read through all the instructions and the entire application before deciding to apply for an award to ensure your organization has projects that meet the criteria and requirements.

Choosing the Right Construction Project

When choosing which projects to submit for industry awards, read the submission guidelines and criteria thoroughly. Ensure the project fits into a category, is completed within the appropriate time frame, and was built within the assigned region.

A winning project will stand out to the judges! Things judges tend to look for include:

Unique/interesting features

High-quality finishes

Exemplary design

Technical excellence

Overcoming obstacles/challenges

Excellence in project management

Timeliness

Sustainability and LEED Certification (if applicable)

Community Engagement

Historic

Safety

Industry award programs judge submissions differently. Selecting a project based on the specified award criteria for that program is critical.

Gathering Information

The person responsible for turning in the award submission may not always be the person who worked on the project. If not, the submitter must communicate with the project team who completed the job to gather all the information needed to craft a winning award submission.

Most industry awards criteria describe in detail what the judges want to know and what they will be evaluating on each project. Use these criteria to develop targeted questions to ask the project team. Be sure to ask follow-up questions to be able to expand on interesting features or scopes, describe the project in-depth, and put together an engaging submission!

In addition, it is advantageous to try to gather information from your building partners. Speaking with your architect, engineer, or subcontractor partner could help you gain valuable insight into unique project elements such as the design, any unique installation challenges, quality of craftsmanship, historic elements or modern technology used, and more, all of which can be great additions to your awards submission.

Photography

While some awards programs send judges in person, other programs base their decision solely on the submitted package. In cases where the judges do not see projects in person, it is crucial to have good photographs of the project.

Some industry organizations who ask for photos generally like to see both progress photos and completed photos of the project. If you know which projects you may want to submit for awards early on, it’s beneficial to plan and gather information and photos while the project is still under construction.

If your organization has a budget to hire a professional construction photographer, utilizing professional photography ensures high-quality, well-positioned images that will help sell your submission to the judges.

Standing Out with Additional Attachments

Some award programs will allow you to submit additional attachments with your submission package. Including articles, videos, client letters, or other content that can help your company stand out. Footage or press releases related to your project, such as news clippings, drone videos, or time-lapses, are great to include if the submission allows. These bonus attachments provide the judges with additional information about your project and make your submission package more engaging overall.

Look out for Grammar and Spelling Mistakes

While most industry associations are focusing their evaluations on the project’s impact, the difficulty of the build, the design, or some other aspect of the project itself, it is still critical to read over all award submissions to ensure that your spelling and grammar are correct. Proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation make your company look more professional and make your award submission easier to read and understand for judging.

Take Advantage of Available Resources

Some industry associations have resources with helpful tips on how to make your award submission stand out. For example, The Associated Builders and Contractors has a page dedicated to Creating a Successful Entry. The page outlines how to achieve a higher score, what parts of the application to focus on, and reminders about required attachments.

Make sure to research whether the organization you are submitting an award with has any events, webinars, web pages, or videos that can provide more insight into how to pull together the submission to score the highest possible points.

Conclusion

Submitting your construction project for industry awards is an excellent way to promote and celebrate your company and team. Make sure to plan and compile as much information and content as possible to craft an engaging, thoughtful, and hopefully winning award submission!

Want to learn more about commercial construction? Check out more blog posts at www.forresterconstruction.net or https://www.forresterconstruction.org. Links to all blog posts can be found on http://www.forresterconstruction.com/blogs.

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What Is Value Engineering?

Value engineering is the method of reviewing features, materials, or systems to reduce cost while maintaining the intent of the design. There are many ways for construction projects to use value engineering to improve the overall value of a project and save construction costs. Continue reading to discover how Value Engineering began and the various ways it can be used to achieve project objectives efficiently and affordably.

The History of Value Engineering

Value Engineering began as a concept by General Electric during the World War in the 1940s. At the time, there was a shortage of the essential materials needed for the war, so an engineer named Lawrence Miles began looking for substitutions for these necessary materials. Lawrence Miles and his counterparts found alternative materials that were usually more affordable than the original materials and performed the same or better than the original materials.

When Does Value Engineering Take Place?

Value engineering usually takes place during the design phase before construction begins. General contractors often offer value engineering in their preconstruction services. During the design review, the general contractor, in partnership with the architect and owner, use value engineering to increase the functionality and reduce costs, allowing the project to fit the owner’s budget.

In addition to reducing costs, value engineering can be an effective way to assist with schedules and deadlines. Though it is common to conduct value engineering during the design phase, sometimes value engineering can happen during construction, most often through change orders.

Value Engineering Process

There are generally six steps to value engineering:

Information Gathering

Function Analysis

Creative Speculation

Evaluation

Cost Analysis

Development

Substituting Materials to Reduce Cost

Value engineering allows those in charge of a project to substitute expensive materials with more affordable materials. A huge benefit of value engineering is that those inexpensive materials, if installed correctly, still function just as well as the more costly materials. A critical factor in value engineering is that, when choosing a product, material, or process to reduce costs, this change should never impact the quality and functionality of a project.

Substituting Materials to Meet Schedule Deadlines

Though value Engineering is mostly for reducing costs it is also an effective way to assist with schedules and deadlines. For example, right now the construction industry has been struggling with supply chain issues and material shortages. With many materials experiencing long lead times, some projects would not be able to be completed on schedule if they were to use the originally specified products.

As some materials are more easily accessible than others, suggesting different products that would be able to arrive more quickly can make sure a project is completed on time. Much like when you are substituting materials to reduce costs, any substitutions made to assist in meeting schedule deadlines should still meet the design specs, intention, and integrity of the project.

Things to Consider

There are many things to consider when deciding whether to change a design or process during value engineering. Some factors include the owner’s budget, coordination with other materials and trades, the overall design/vision, and more.

The Budget

Most of the time, general contractors implement value engineering to get the owner’s vision and overall design to fit within their construction budget. When value engineering, it is critical to know the desired budget. Knowing your owner’s financial situation allows you to figure out how much money must be trimmed from the original estimate, and consequently, how many changes need to be made to the original design.

Coordination

Ask yourself: Will other aspects of the design be impacted by this change?

If you change one material, you must keep in mind whether this will affect how the new product is installed, how long the new product will take to install, lead times, and whether nearby design elements will be affected by this change.

If switching out this material will increase the amount of time it takes to install or prevent other subcontractor partners from completing their work on schedule, it may not be beneficial or as cost-efficient in the long run.

If other materials will be affected by changing this aspect of the design, such as having to purchase additional materials to support this change, it may end up costing more money than it would save.

Overall Design

Owners and architects design buildings and draw blueprints with a vision in mind. Each choice an architect makes, including each material, is carefully chosen to reflect the owner’s vision. When deciding whether to switch out material to save cost, think about how important that aspect of the design or that material is to the owner’s dream and to the building function.

Example of Value Engineering

One example of value engineering was Forrester Construction’s Truluck’s Restaurant project in Washington, D.C. During this project, our team made and implemented several cost savings suggestions, including:

Replacing glass handrails with wood and powder-coated steel to reduce cost while maintaining aesthetic

Utilizing more affordable mechanical units while maintaining desired performance

Adding mullions to entry vestibule doors to allow for installation of smaller, less expensive windows

Redesigning the wine room from a curved area hugged along the stair to a square glass room decreasing price and complexity while retaining function and a unique, elegant aesthetic

Changing the storefront height to reduce material costs

Other alternatives to allow the project to be completed within budget

Our value engineering efforts, in total, saved our client hundreds of thousands of dollars in construction costs, and still produced a high quality, polished and successful project.

Conclusion

Whether the design is over budget or you’re simply looking to make the most of your resources, value engineering is a great way to keep your vision while reducing the overall cost. When long lead materials could delay your project schedule, value engineering can also help save you time. Make sure to talk to a general contractor that has value engineering experience, like Forrester Construction, if you need assistance building your vision on time and on budget.

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Commercial Construction’s Role in Sustainable Building

Commercial construction’s role in a sustainable building is all-encompassing. Though residential buildings are starting to feature eco-friendly amenities and solutions, commercial buildings hold the promise of making the largest impact. According to a study from Supply Chain Sustainability School, construction sites can use between 25% to 40% of total energy, making sustainable building efforts more crucial than ever.

What is a Sustainable Building?

A sustainable building, or green building, is a building that is designed, constructed, and operated in a way that reduces negative impacts on the environment. Green building practices aim to preserve resources and improve individuals’ and communities’ overall quality of life.

Goals of Sustainable Building

There are many green building organizations and certification programs that ensure projects are built sustainably. Though their points systems vary in what features are scored, most green building organizations and initiatives have the same or similar goals including:

Reducing impact on climate change

Protecting and restoring water resources

Protecting biodiversity and ecosystems

Promoting regenerative material cycles

Improving the quality of air, water, and light

Enhancing community and individual quality of life

Benefits of Sustainable Building

Buildings designed, constructed, and operated using sustainable materials and practices reap many benefits surrounding the health of our community and environment.

Human Health

Green buildings lend to individual and community wellbeing. Employees, residents, and patrons of buildings constructed and operated with sustainable materials and practices are generally healthier and happier. Green buildings have cleaner air and water quality, promote health and comfort, and lower our exposure to toxins and hazardous substances.

The interior climates of green buildings are also better controlled for people and products. The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) says, “By improving energy efficiency, green buildings also help reduce indoor air pollutants related to serious health issues.”

Ecosystem Health

Sustainable buildings help reduce water and energy usage and overall support our ecosystem’s health through supply chain management and restorative practices. For example:

Choosing low-flow or dual-flush toilets can help bring down water usage.

Installing green roofs, LED lights, and lights that turn off when motion has not been detected can lower a building’s overall energy usage.

Green roofs and bioretention areas can also help with stormwater management and pollution.

Because operations of sustainable buildings require less energy and water, one of the long-term benefits of a green building is saving money on utilities.

Climate Health

The amount of CO2 and greenhouse gasses produced during construction can be greatly reduced by limiting the amount of embodied carbon in our building materials. What are the worst offenders? Concrete, steel, aluminum, and plastic have some of the highest levels of embodied carbon.

More sustainable building materials that contribute to better climate health include wood, mudbricks, and recycled materials. Incorporating more sustainable materials reduces the carbon footprint a construction site creates.

Circular Economy

Using reusable and recycled materials during construction and designing buildings for adaptability and reuse potential support a circular economy. Choosing to renovate instead of demolishing and/or building a construction project from the ground up helps reduce waste by reusing and improving upon structures that are already in place.

Green Building Certifications and Organizations

There are many programs that contractors can follow when looking to embrace sustainable building. Certifications that buildings can receive for their sustainability efforts include:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications are issued by the U.S. Green Buildings Council (USGB), one of the most recognizable green building organizations in the United States. The USGB has nine certification programs, including commercial, new construction, and retail. The number of sustainable features your project incorporates determines whether your project is LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, or LEED Platinum.

WELL certification programs are a roadmap for improving light, air, and water quality. The number of points earned across 108 features and 10 concepts determines whether your building achieves one of four certification levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum.

Energy Star certifications are obtained through the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Another globally recognized certification is BREEAM. This environmental assessment method determines a building’s environmental impact. For example, does the building leak energy? Does the project have a method of recycling rainwater? Is the building able to utilize and store solar power efficiently?

International standards, such as ISO 104001, establish a set of best practices for commercial construction companies to manage their resources in cost-effective and sustainable ways.

Achieving a green building certification shows that construction companies are not only aware of their role in sustainable building but are actively working toward a more sustainable future. Architecture Daily has a more extensive list of green building certifications, including some international organizations.

Highlighting Commercial Construction’s Progress

Although Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) is not a certification, it does show potential clients and partners that a construction company is working across all fronts to encourage sustainability. Materials are green, workers are treated fairly, historically underrepresented people are represented at all stages of the project, and cultural and socioeconomic considerations were made before building.

Many government entities and private companies are actively seeking intentionally proactive commercial construction companies in all aspects of our shared global environment.

Example of a Green Building

The Kensington of Falls Church is a high-end assisted living community designed by Moseley Architects and constructed to LEED Silver standards. This 100,000 SF building earned it’s LEED Silver Certification by implementing several sustainable and high-performance features.

The implemented strategies and solutions include:

Sustainable site development

Water savings

Energy efficiency

Materials selection

Indoor environmental quality

After its initial year of operation, Moseley Architects reported the following operational savings:

Energy savings approx. $ 33,500 / yr.

Water savings of approx. $ 8,300 / yr.

Total utility savings of $ 41,800 / yr.

Conclusion

The sustainable building movement continues to grow in popularity, and many businesses are already benefiting from owning or renting a green building. With commercial construction undoubtedly playing a role in our environment, sustainable building practices offer ways to minimize our impact and improve our overall quality of life.

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Internships in Commercial Construction

Internships in commercial construction are vital to the future of the construction industry. The United States is currently experiencing a shortage of construction workers, and this lack of experienced professionals in the industry is expected to get worse. Construction companies must provide well-rounded, thoughtful internships to inspire and confirm young students’ interest in construction, provide them with real-world experience and training, and provide useful help to construction teams in the field.

The Need for Young Talent in the Construction Industry

There are not enough construction professionals to go around. The lack of access to adequate training programs during the COVID-19 pandemic has caused the industry to lose talent.  In addition, the pandemic-related safety concerns that led to the suspension or alteration of training programs have also made it harder to attract and retain workers. Construction companies will need to increase the pace of hiring exponentially in 2022 if they are expected to keep up with construction demands.

The construction industry is also expected to face increased challenges with labor shortages. It is, therefore, important that companies take immediate action to address this issue. One of the most effective ways to improve the industry’s talent pool is by reaching out to a younger demographic, implementing construction internships, and engaging with high schools and universities to attract students to the construction industry and properly prepare the next generation of great builders.

Construction Talent

Many construction companies, like Forrester Construction, are thinking toward the future to address the need for talent in the construction industry. Partnering with educational institutions is one of the ways that commercial construction companies can adopt a long-term, educational approach to solving the talent issue. This can help students decide what kind of construction company they want to work for, develop skills in real-world construction settings, and gain experience that will jump-start their careers when they enter the construction industry after graduation. 

When encouraging students to consider construction as a career, focusing on increasing the number of women in construction is vital. In 2019, only 9 out of every 100 people who worked in construction were women. That means there is a huge potential for many more talented, educated construction professionals if more women seek construction as a valid, attainable career path.

In addition to the many benefits that students gain from developing a relationship with construction companies before graduation, construction companies benefit from university engagement by developing a strong and diverse talent pool, gaining strong relationships with clients who may have projects at colleges or high schools, and developing early connections with future industry contacts.

Though not all companies within the commercial construction industry have internships. Another avenue to support the need for talent in the construction industry is by developing apprenticeship programs. Apprenticeships that provide opportunities for learning, career development, and professional growth help attract and retain talent in the construction company and increase the overall number of workers in the industry by providing young talent for many subcontractors. This skills-based approach is an effective way to build talent and worker capabilities through experience and training. 

What is a Construction Internship?

Construction internships are the best way for students to get a taste of the industry, receive training, and develop real-world experience without making long-term professional commitments. Construction internships generally take place in the summer and allow students to work for companies in the construction industry to help identify their ideal company’s size, type of work, culture, and values before they graduate and decide on their career direction.

Although an internship doesn’t provide a formal industry qualification, it can still set students apart from other candidates, prepare them for an entry-level position, and allow individuals to explore and learn about various construction paths. An added benefit to getting a construction internship is that they can usually help secure a higher starting wage since you are coming to a company with real-world experience.

How to Get a Construction Internship

Most commercial construction companies, like Forrester Construction, start hiring their summer interns in the fall. The company website generally has a location where students can apply online or contact the organization for more information about the internship program. Construction companies attend many college and university career fairs, especially at schools that have larger or more established construction or engineering programs. Some of the construction industry career fairs Forrester generally visits include the University of Maryland Chi Epsilon Civil and Construction Management Career Fair, the Architectural Engineering Career Fair at Penn State, Virginia Tech’s Myers Lawson School of Construction Career Fair, and more! Visit our website to see a full list of career fairs we are visiting this fall!

Typical Construction Internship Programs

Many construction internships for general contractors take place in the summer while college students are on summer break, though some construction internships can take place in the summer or occur part-time during the school year. Many general contractors that provide internships allow  to be on a real construction project for the summer, working with the team, and performing real tasks that are integral to the construction project’s progress and completion. Construction internships will train students on the various tasks they will complete over the summer, as well as provide networking opportunities, educational resources, and a well-rounded learning experience. Construction internships also allow college students to see what it’s like to work in construction and allow them to grow professionally. Construction internships should aim to be innovative, provide hands-on training, and engage students in the decision-making process.

Other Ways to Engage with Students

Sparking students’ interest in construction at a young age can inspire and encourage individuals, who may have never considered construction as a profession, to pursue it as a career. 

Engaging with High School Students

If you are a general contractor, architect, or subcontractor working in the private or public education market, like Forrester Construction, there are many ways that you can impact students and help encourage more interest in the construction industry. Attending career days at high schools you have built or are building near and giving tours or informational sessions at schools you are building, can provide a new perspective on all the benefits of working in the construction industry.

Engaging with College Students 

Engaging with colleges and universities outside of career fairs by inviting groups for construction site tours, hosting or attending learning sessions or panels, or encouraging your team members to become peer mentors are all ways that your construction company can support the next generation of commercial construction workers. During the pandemic, Forrester found ways to connect with college students by offering virtual site tours and Q&As with engineering classes.

Conclusion

The construction industry is expected to play a vital role in the country’s economic recovery. It is, therefore, important that the industry’s various stakeholders come together to address the talent issues that are hindering its growth. To succeed, the construction industry must adopt multiple strategies and approaches to help it create better jobs and improve efficiency, including building great internship programs to encourage and prepare current students, and our future in the construction industry.

[forresterconstruction]

Wrapping up a multi-phased construction project at the Superior Court of the District of Columbia. A great team for a unique, complex project! 

#DCConstruction #Construction #DC #WashingtonDC #Team

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Honored to have been a part of building this impactful memorial.

Memorial to Holodomor, the Man Made Famine Genocide in Ukraine, in Washington DC. It was designed by Larysa Kurylas and has the honor of being only one of 3 memorials in DC that were designed or co-designed by a woman.

On October 3, 2018, the U.S. Senate unanimously approved legislation that explicitly “resolves”  that the Holodomor is genocide. Prior to this, it was accepted generally that it was a man made famine, but the US gov’t had shied from the word genocide until October 2018.

The memorial was approved in 2006 however, and was erected in 2015.