Since the inception of the construction industry, it has been a manpower intensive business. It’s true, over the past few decades, our industry has evolved.

For example, tools have been developed to make certain functions and tasks easier for the layman, hydraulics have allowed us to lift heavier loads and materials have advanced to allow for better weatherproofing and improved conditioned environments.

However, at the end of the day, nothing would get built without MANPOWER. And this very important component could never be replaced by tools or technology.

While it may seem simple from the outside, construction to begin with is a very complex industry. It isn’t as simple as putting up a structure or digging a few holes. There are numerous moving parts and pieces.

To give you an idea, here’s a quick overview.

1. We start with soils studies, surveying, engineers, architects, bankers and developers.
2. Once a structure is designed, the project needs a Construction Management company to supervise the tasks required to go “vertical” with the structure.
3. These tasks include numerous contractors and suppliers. There’s excavators, concrete formers, water proofers, framers, flat workers, roofers, siding and trim carpenters, plumbers, electricians, mechanical workers, low voltage contractors, insulators, drywall hangers, drywall finishers, interior trim carpenters, overhead door installers and suppliers, window manufacturers, door manufacturers, security and alarm contractors, fireplace manufacturers; just to name a few.
4. By the time a project is complete, hundreds of people will have worked on a particular project, ensuring that each and every task is completed to specifications.

Managing this process requires a firm who can create a healthy project team and we pride ourselves in doing just that on each and every project we manage.

A successful project team requires attention to many details, including, but, not limited to:

• Open and clear channels of communication
• Technology
• Mutual dignity and respect of Supervision and Tradesmen
• Safety Management
• Meticulous Scheduling and Sequencing
• Clear Specifications
• Site Management
• Equipment Management
• Materials & Inventory Management
• Material Logistics and Handling
• Hoisting & Staging
• Utility Management

Over the years, technology has allowed us to consider pre-fabrication of many of the processes associated with constructing a structure, but nevertheless, these processes usually require additional manpower, up front, and may and/or may not reduce associated construction costs.

Inevitably, construction projects will remain manpower intensive endeavors forever!

Technology can’t adapt to topography, site obstacles, climb scaffold, shimmy up ladders, adapt to fluctuating climate and weather, walk steel, carefully install windows or make judgment calls, often required, spur of the moment.

Manpower is the heart of the construction business and it is imperative that projects and clients are treated with the dignity and respect they earn/deserve throughout the process.

So when you hear people talking about automation or technology taking over human jobs, know that construction will never fully fall into this bucket.

 

And, our team is here to ensure that it isn’t just manpower that is being supplied, but also a rock solid team that provides nothing less than the highest quality of work and exceptional communication to each and every client we work with.

If you have a question about a project or are interested in working with our team, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help!

It’s no surprise that people are choosing to build in Vail Valley. I mean who wouldn’t want to live in a beautiful area that provides awesome amenities and things to-do throughout the entire year?

In addition to the obvious reasons why one would want to live in Vail (or surrounding areas), real estate is also on the rise. According to recent analysis by Land Title Guarantee Company, 17 percent of Eagle County real estate was purchased by Front Range buyers during the 4th quarter of 2015.

In addition, there are also a large number of buyers coming into the area from other parts of the United States and other countries, making a great area for a second home – either to live in or use as an investment property.

The one challenge clients often encounter when they decide to make the wonderful decision of building in Vail and surrounding areas is lack of planning and guidance from professionals. It’s not uncommon for people to purchase a vacant lot before they actually crunch the numbers and consider what it will cost to build the home of their dreams.  

Todd Morrison, owner of PCW, summed it up perfectly, “People get very excited about the idea of building on a lot with amazing views, but they do not think about the extra added expenses that it involves. It could be up to 30 percent more expensive than a normal flat lot.

Over years PCW has worked on an endless number of custom home builds in Vail, and the mantra has always been to look out for their clients’ best interests from day one.

“When you buy a lot on a hillside or with long easements there is significantly more site work involved in preparing the lot to build.  That means that there is more manpower to complete the project, which equates to a higher price tag. This is why it’s extremely important to work with a professional who can educate the buyer prior to these decisions being made,” Todd explained. 

This is why it’s extremely important to work with a company that has extensive experience building in these types of areas. They can ultimately save you a large chunk of money and help you avoid not-so-happy surprises.

Kim Bradley, an experienced agent with Slifer Smith & Frampton Real Estate who specializes in working with clients looking to build custom homes explains, “There are many things that may look appealing at first to a buyer, like a long easement or the lot being situated on a hill. But these can drive-up the cost of a build, which some buyers don’t realize. Our job is to educate buyers before they are too far down the line in the process. It is important to consider how the lot will affect the resale value in the future.”

When Kim works with clients, she takes several proactive steps to ensure that costs and expectations are clear from day one.

• Request the buyer to narrow down their lot selection to three so that each can be analyzed from a build cost perspective.
• Plan for an architect in to look at the lots to discuss design plans and how the home could potentially be built to reap the most benefits (like taking in the views).
• Plan for a builder (like PCW) to visit the sites. Usually, at this step, the buyer is informed about costs and various options, which allows them to plan budget accordingly.  
• Finally, there is a process of elimination of three lots based on costs, benefits and time needed for completion of the home build.

Like Kim, Todd urges clients to work with someone who knows the area because they’ll know what they are looking at from a cost and time perspective from day one prior to the project commences. If something is too expensive, alternative decisions can then be made versus finding out in the midst of construction and it being too late to turn around.

Here at PCW, educating clients is a huge part of what we do. We don’t want there to be any surprises midway through a project. This is something our clients tell us time and time again that they’re very grateful for. The only thing better than a custom home is a custom home that is scoped out from day one with all factors considered. It definitely makes the process better for everyone involved. 

If you have any questions about a custom home build in Vail or a surrounding area, please don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re here to help and answer any questions you might have.

The construction industry in the Vail Valley continues to flourish, which has been great news for Precision Construction West (PCW). Without question, this is one of the best places to call home in the country, and we feel the same way about work thanks to our dedicated team of industry-leading construction professionals that we work with on a daily basis.  

There are a good number of companies out there that have a mission statement, and often, it’s simply words that sound good. At PCW, we live and breathe our mission statement each and every day. It’s who we are, and  it’s what makes us want to get out of bed in the morning and go to work.

To work diligently to improve the lives of our customers and colleagues through our steadfast commitment to personal and professional accountability, reliability, loyalty and transparency.

Working to achieve this  mission statement allows us to serve our unique client base, many of whom are high-profile clients. Every member of our team takes discretion, confidentiality and professionalism very seriously.

We work hard on every project to meet and exceed our client’s expectations, and we pride ourselves on personal and professional accountability, reliability, loyalty, and transparency. That’s the PCW way.  

These values have helped shape our work culture, and they trickle down to every project. Each one of PCW’s employees plays an important role in the execution of a project, and their contributions are not taken lightly.

Moving forward, we are excited to showcase each member of the PCW team with an employee spotlight. We believe this will help our existing clients get to know our team better, and also assist potential new clients who may be searching for assistance with a Vail Valley construction project.

From custom, high-end residential homes to commercial projects, the PCW team is comprised of true professionals. Our full-service company specializes in construction management and can help you with your project from inception to execution. Our portfolio continues to grow, and we love to share our past projects to help prospective clients gain ideas for their own builds.

To learn more about how Precision Construction West (PCW) can assist you with your commercial and residential construction projects throughout the Vail Valley, please contact us.

We would love to discuss your unique objectives and introduce you to our talented team of professionals.