- PRE-CONSTRUCTION
We believe that pre-planning with the entire project team is essential to identify and analyze all feasible aspects of the project before any construction begins. We can provide stand alone services, or incorporate the pre-construction as part of our general contracting services. These services include:
- Site evaluation
- Architect / Engineer Selection
- Design Review and Analysis
- Conceptual Budgets / Estimates
- Schedule Development
- Subcontractor Pre-Qualification
- Constructability Review
- Utility Company Analysis
- Permitting and Regulatory Approvals
- Value Engineering
- CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT
In a Construction Management scenario, we are excited to collaborate with our client to ensue efficient, effective, and comprehensive management of a given project. We will act as your liaison in contracting, procurement, management and close out of your construction project, coordinating and overseeing the entire scope of work as a confident and capable member of your team. These services include:
-Plan Review and Permit Expediting
-Conceptual Estimating
-Value Engineering
-Master Project Budgeting
-Schedule and Phase Planning
-Procurement of Materials
-Contract Administration
-Management Procedures and Reporting
-Cost Control / Monitoring Billing
-Quality Control
-Close Out
- GROUND UP CONSTRUCTION
In our role as general contractor, Laser Services typically joins the project team during the design phase. Working together with architects and engineers, we guarantee solid construction from beginning to end, providing tight budget control, trustworthy deadlines and a superior experience for everyone involved.
Pre-Construction
•Building / Site Analysis
•Constructability Reviews
•Sub-contractor / Supplier Pre-Qualification
•Cost Estimates / Budget Studies
•Value Engineering
•Regulatory Approvals
•Program Scheduling
•MBE / WBE Programs
•LEED Certification
Construction
•Construction Administration
•Self-Performance of Work
•Procurement
•Cost Control
•Quality Control Program
•Scheduling
Post-Construction
•Warranty Administration
- DESIGN/BUILD
Coordination of the design and construction teams and defining their specific obligations to your project is paramount. The design-build delivery method does just that by spanning all phases of construction. Your project is “value engineered” throughout the entire process – from the initial design concept and preliminary budgeting through all phases of construction to final occupancy. The design-build approach means tighter schedules, a competitive, cost-efficient facility, and a fully-informed owner throughout the entire construction and development process.
- VALUE ENGINEERING
“Value Analysis (VA) and Value Engineering (VE) are specific value methodologies aimed at improving existing products or developing new products. Products can include both goods and services.”
This is not a new process. Can we do it better? Can we do it for less?
We at Laser Services are experts at cost reductions or value engineering.
An effective strategy looks for cost-effective alternatives in processes, schedules and purchasing. Can you run two crews at the same time to minimize a floors downtime? If you double the crew, does it double the cost? What is the lowest occupancy time? What is the impact to your guests?
Laser Services develops estimates using labor, material and equipment required to provide an accurate cost that can be easily updated as labor/equipment rates or material costs change. Once the estimate is completed, it is compared to the budget and a schedule may be developed, along with any potential value engineering considerations. As in any value engineering package there are going to be tradeoffs - particularly in your larger projects. You might create a material savings but add material lead-times. These are just a few considerations that we employ during our VE analysis.
What are the benefits with Value Engineering your project?
Generally the owner will hire a designer to help create a specific look or package that will become the basis for the renovation package. Designers are a great source for your new look and feel, but they seldom look to save you money. Are your best interests being served? Or are the designers interests simply being fulfilled?
What are the impacts of changing out a toilet or a faucet? Granite or tile? Or a light fixture? What are the long term maintenance issues? Can you easily service these products? Are the parts readily available? Does the item provide the look and feel you are trying to achieve? What is the lead-time impact? Do the savings justify the change?
WITH ANY RENOVATION PROJECT, there are opportunities to keep budgets in check through value engineering. By taking a hard look at individual project components, we can zero in on more cost-effective alternatives. Typically, value engineering produces economies through different materials, warehousing and logistics, changes in the design or more efficient construction methods; the cumulative effect of which can have a dramatic impact on the bottom line and schedule thus providing a savings.
Financially speaking; value engineering can mean the difference between whether your project gets built or continues to remain on the drawing board.
It is highly recommended that you have a specific “design” or a “look” in mind. Once this has been achieved, we can then VE the specifications for alternate methods and materials should your initial budget not support the renovation design.
Does that mean the architect or designer went overboard on the materials? Not necessarily. The designers were doing what the owner requested in looking to utilize quality materials for a distinctive finish. The key to realizing the ultimate savings is to bring lower cost options to the table that would not compromise the quality and aesthetics of the design intent.
Larger renovation projects often involve creating Sample Rooms that might better define the original and oftentimes alternate specifications. This is a great opportunity to discover any “hidden construction or permitting/inspection issues” that may not have been identified during your initial budgeting efforts. This process will also afford you the opportunity to see and touch your new look and has been very productive in developing a successful marketing tool as well.
Lastly, be sure to look at the schedule impacts with any added material lead-times and availability of the VE efforts, especially if you are using overseas resources. Also take a hard look at the product warranties. Are there any concerns with the installation? Just because the material costs less, doesn't necessarily mean that it will save you money. You might very well save a few dollars on the material, but pick up another fee on added labor for assembly or installation. Look at the maintenance and serviceability of the items. Can you readily procure replacement parts, or does it require a specialist to service it? All of these items need to be taken into consideration before you make a committed decision. If material is procured from overseas, you might be looking at a hefty material deposit up-front.
- SUSTAINABLE BUILDING METHODS
As green building practices become the norm, Laser Companies is proud to be a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. We are making every effort to not only address and adhere to current practices, but are also planning for the future by being ahead of the curve in education, management techniques, and practical applications.
Laser is committed to providing the benefits of sustainable construction services and concepts to all of our clients.
- HURRICANE DISASTER
A disaster is a sudden event bringing great damage, loss or destruction usually caused by some hostile weather event. It can mean different things to different people depending upon the disaster. We will do everything possible to help you through this trying time.
Most insurance companies state that "the insured is responsible for taking any reasonable and prudent steps necessary to preserve, protect and secure the structure and contents from further damage." Our initial efforts will be to "contain" the damage; protect and secure your property and possessions from any further damage or exposure to hazards, weather or vandals. This may need to be accomplished even before an adjuster has the opportunity to survey the damage.
Should you need assistance with properties damaged by fire, smoke, water, wind, or other perils, please call. We will be more than happy to meet with you and/or your insured at any time.
- ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION
Mold Remediation
Most mold remediation projects are the result of excessive humidity levels, improper water damage remediation, poor air circulation, or water occurrence. Mold growth can begin within 72 hours of water contact, if the water comes into contact with building materials and is not noticed or extracted properly. The mold growth may or may not be visible from inside the infected area. Mold contamination may stay hidden within the walls, under the floor, or above the ceiling.
Mold contamination can cause headaches, drowsiness, muscle aches, upper respiratory problems, nose bleeds, or even coughing up blood. This can result in transmitting further illness to people occupying the infected area. Signs that you may have a mold infestation include:
•Visible growth of mold or mildew
•Musty odors
•Discoloration on carpets, walls, floors, ceiling and windowsills
•Building material deterioration
•Health complaints, such as allergic reactions, respiratory problems or other mold-related symptoms
Laser Services Construction Group removes mold only after an independent industrial hygienist or consultant has completed his inspection, reviewed sampling test results and recommended remediation.
Then, Laser Services Construction Group...
•Reviews the clean-up protocol provided by the industrial hygienist or consultant
•Develops a customized plan incorporating a removal strategy that
(a) locates the moisture source
(b) corrects the problem
(c) removes mold by cleaning and disposal
all with minimal disruption of occupant routines
•Reviews the removal plan with the remediation crew and discusses work procedures with occupant(s)
•Builds the appropriate containment chambers and incorporates negative air pressure techniques to limit cross-contamination (via airborne spores) during cleaning and removal
•Seals porous materials in double-thick polyethylene plastic bags and loads them for disposal
•Cleans non-porous materials, dries them thoroughly, and uses high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuums to remove 99.97% of all airborne particles
•Dries wet, non-moldy materials to prevent mold growth
•Runs air scrubbers (to filter air) to ensure remediation effectiveness
After the remediation, Laser Services Construction Group requests the industrial hygienist or consultant to repeat his tests. If the cleaning and removal has been successful, indoor mold levels will be lower than outside levels and clearance will be granted.
- BUILDING SYSTEMS EVALUATIONS
As a rapidly growing number of hotels, including many high-end and luxury properties, are forced into bankruptcy or foreclosure in the coming months owners, lenders, operators and service providers will face difficult decisions.
Responding to this challenge, Laser Services has created a Distressed Asset Evaluation Program. We are prepared to assist owners, lenders, operators and special service providers by offering the following specialty services:
•Perform Due Diligence through site visit, physical asset overview and evaluation
•PIP (Product Improvement Program) in order to meet Brand Quality and Standards
•MEP and Structural Analysis
•Pre-Construction estimates and timelines
Please consider Laser Services as a partner for your renovation needs: Take advantage of our extensive knowledge, proven success and particular expertise in the renovation of operating hotels and resorts nationwide.
- TROUBLED PROJECT TURNAROUND
Laser Services is committed to successful project completion and client satisfaction, so when a construction project is in trouble from internal or external causes, defaulting the project can be the worst solution. Often, if a systematic "gap analysis" is performed, recommendations can be made to turn the project around.
Laser Services is fully prepared with detailed procedures to address a troubled project. What follows is an outline of the actions and resources you can expect from us.
In-depth problem analysis:
•inspect work in progress
•analyze past performance
•review contract documents
•solicit input from client
Laser Services will further examine schedule options before outlining recommendations with a written recovery plan and recovery work procedures. If the project can be recovered, Laser Services generates all appropriate plans needed to support the project:
•resource-loaded, time-scaled schedules
•detailed, short-interval work plans
•equipment and craft utilization schedules
•cash flow projections and staffing requirements
When recovering a troubled project, Laser Services places great emphasis on developing a detailed work plan. This work plan is a comprehensive narrative of the proposed work, citing:
•methods of construction
•resource requirements
•schedule duration
•interface with other trades
•sequencing of activities
Sequencing activities will identify those that minimize or eliminate adverse impact on the project. Detailed work plans with a clear schedule are the foundation for converting a troubled project into a successful project.
Resource schedules can also be a key factor in turning a project around. Careful review material delivery schedules and rescheduling work activities are all-important aspects in the development of an effective resource utilization schedule and ultimately, an integrated recovery plan.
To default is rarely the best answer to a troubled project. Let Laser Construction Services, with our proper planning and attention to detail, help you achieve the successful project you deserve.