From Cost Center to a Savings Center: Proving the ROI of Facility Management
Facility management is often dismissed as an expense to control, but it is a critical area for efficiency, cost savings, and long-term value creation. To…
CapEx vs. OpEx in Facility Management: Why the Distinction Matters
One of the most critical decisions in facility management involves whether an expense should be classified as a capital expenditure (CapEx) or an operational expenditure…
Tenants – Simplify Your Office Construction & Move: Expert Budget Tips (with Free Template)
Relocating your office can be exciting but financially complex. Creating a realistic tenant improvement project budget is the first and most critical step in avoiding…
How Many Ethernet & Fiber Cables Fit Inside a Conduit? Updated
I originally wrote a blog article here back in 2011 on conduit sizing for Ethernet Cat6 cables. And to this day, it still remains the…
Guardians of Performance: The Role of Building Commissioning and Envelope Consultants
In the world of construction, ensuring that a building performs efficiently, safely, and sustainably from day one is paramount. Two key players in achieving this…
The Detective Work of Asset Management & Capital Planning
Let’s put on our detective hats because we’re diving into your assets—those valuable players that keep your facility up and running. Think of them as…
Unlocking the Secrets to Swift and Smooth Construction Permits: The Vital Role of Expeditors
Imagine the excitement of embarking on a new construction project, only to be confronted with the daunting maze of permits, approvals, and regulations that can…
Contractors and Change Orders: What You Need to Know
When you’ve signed a contract with a general contractor and receive a change order, you might wonder if they are entitled to charge you extra….
SD’s to CD’s, Navigating the Design & Construction Acronym Salad
Turning a new space or building idea into a tangible reality involves a comprehensive and structured process encompassing various phases. In the world of architecture…
Let Your Employees Shine In Your New Office Planning
Selecting the right building and layout for your new office space requires careful consideration during the early due diligence stages. While brokers and architects play…
What is the difference between a “Union Shop” and “Open Shop” in Construction?
“Open Shop” and “Union” are two construction industry employment structures. And choosing between them is an important decision for business owners, contractors, construction workers, and…
Unleashing the Power of Architectural and Engineering Design Teams: How They Supercharge Your Project!
You may have wondered who are all the engineers and consultants working on a project, and why are they needed. Construction design teams are groups…
Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part 6 – Logistics, Owner/Vendor Coordination
In this final part, I cover logistics and coordination between the GC/CM and your vendors along with my recommendation. Pros of General Contractor…
Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part 5 – Construction, Scheduling & Payments
There are several types of contracts that a General Contractor or Construction Manager (GC/CM) use: Lump Sum Contract: Under this contract, the GC/CM agrees to…
Construction Manager vs. General Contractor – Part 4 – Contract, Design & Cost
A GC contract is a fixed-price contract and is considered a transfer of risk to the contractor. The GC assumes the risk of cost overruns…