As a Construction Manager at Risk, we are fully accountable to our clients for the on-schedule, on-budget performance of our subcontractor team. We provide a comprehensive range of services to assist clients from the programming phase to the post-construction phase. Here we highlight just a few of the services we typically provide to clients that separate us from the competition. For more information on the full range of services we provide, please contact us.
Conceptual estimating
Our estimators are particularly skilled at conceptual estimating. They bring the building knowledge to "fill in the gaps" on preliminary drawings with detailed assumptions and relevant cost data. This allows our estimating team to develop a cost/benefit analysis on various design options as well as highlight the most efficient alternatives. We provide detailed information on issues such as durability, operating costs, installation methods, and market availability. This information often helps to support schools in making smart, long-term facility decisions.
In-house M/E/P expertise
We have in-house M/E/P experts to advise our pre-construction and construction teams on all aspects of M/E/P design peer review, procurement, installation, and commissioning. Our in-house M/E/P estimators have extensive experience with science and research projects, climate controlled environments, green building practices, and are qualified to provide valuable insight regarding costs and trends.
Outside the construction fence
We strive to instill a real sense of respect and campus sensitivity with all the workers on the site. We have developed successful “Respect this Campus” and “Think Like a Parent” campaigns for all of our academic projects which are implemented by our project superintendents for all the trades on the site. Through custom signage, on-going meetings, and constant team reinforcement, we want the entire building team to recognize the sensitivity of working among students of all ages within an operational campus environment.
Range of experience
Over the years, we have earned a reputation as the construction manager who is capable of performing campus renovation projects on challenging fast-track schedules. While we are proud of that reputation, as campus construction experts we can build any project your school requires. We have experience with new construction as well as both large and small renovations. We have completed projects on fast-track summer schedules and on 12-month schedules while school was in session. We have proven experience with projects involving residential life, academic buildings, labs, dining halls, athletic and performance facilities, and President’s Houses.
Campus scheduling
We are particularly skilled in the area of campus scheduling, having completed hundreds of projects on academic campuses throughout New England and never missing a deadline. We routinely complete projects requiring an advanced level of scheduling expertise to sequence construction activities around an operating campus. Our Master Project Schedule is based on the input of the entire team, which highlights decision-making milestones along with critical path activities in the construction phase. The schedule also includes key milestones in the campus calendar such as examination periods, breaks, and religious holidays to implement the project with the highest level of respect for the daily campus life on campus. We also develop Three-Week Look-Ahead Schedules to ensure that all trades understand their weekly deadlines and the interrelationship between the scope of work and the other trades.
Campus logistics and safety
We have tackled some of the toughest projects on academic campuses throughout the region. We understand the importance of safety when building on an occupied, academic campus. Throughout pre-construction, we troubleshoot all aspects of the project to ensure a smooth job site mobilization. During site mobilization, our Director of Safety Operations works with each of our site superintendents to make sure the area is isolated, signed, and safe. We work to establish and maintain safe pedestrian access around the perimeter of the site and to the existing parking areas. Lay-down areas, crane locations, and staging areas are selected, as is parking for required construction vehicles, after thoroughly discussing with all team members aspects of safety, access, noise, and constructability.
Campus communications
We consider ourselves guests on your campus and have developed innovative communication techniques to keep your students and the surrounding community informed on all aspects of the project. We have developed student events, bulletin boards, web links, and newsletters that have not only made the construction process tolerable, but actually educational and rewarding for all involved.
Commitment to Green Building initiatives
With LEED® Certified Professionals on staff, Shawmut is committed to exploring and implementing corporate-wide “green” initiatives from the office to the job sites. We maintain an internal ‘Green Building Committee’ which has initiated low or no cost programs such as recycling of all office materials, implementing recycling on every job site, alternative methods for energy efficiency, and sponsoring ongoing training sessions. Our LEED Certified Professionals can assist our clients in all aspects of “Green Building” and Sustainable Design, including preparing documentation in support of a LEED certification.
Subcontractor relationships
We are one of the only major Construction Managers in New England that does not have “pay if paid” or “pay when paid” clauses in our subcontracts. We have a long-standing corporate policy of paying our subcontractors within 30 days regardless of whether or not we have been paid by the client.
Project Services Division
Prior to the completion of any project, we send in a crew from our Project Services Division to audit the progress of the project and identify any potential “red flag” items that could impede the seamless turnover of the project. This internal preliminary job site audit is followed up with review to monitor the status of any items discovered. Additionally, the entire team is given a progress report on priority items that need to be resolved prior to the final completion date. As the turnover date approaches, the entire project team meets to conduct a “Pre-punch Review” to ensure that the punch-list is all-inclusive and as short as possible.
Extended three-year warranty
We offer our clients an unprecedented Three-Year Warranty Program, which is above and beyond the industry standard of a one-year warranty.
