For all of us at Talisen Construction Corp, the holiday season means giving back to those who support us all year long. For Talisen, this includes the great community where we live and work, as well as all of our loyal clients who help to make us one of the top construction companies in NYC.

As in years prior, our NYC general contracting company chose to make donations to two charitable organizations that are very near and dear to us: Autism Speaks and the Diabetes Research Institute. Both organizations have touched our hearts and have lent tremendous support to our families throughout the years. Though we are committed to giving back to our community all year long, it is during this time of year – the season of giving – that we are especially thankful.

If you’d like to join us by donating to these organizations, please visit our website.

We thought long and hard this year about how we could possibly show our clients how much we value the relationships we’ve built and how truly grateful we are that they’ve chosen Talisen for their NYC general contracting needs. The only way we could think to do this was by sharing with them the beauty of the city which unites us all. We poured over countless photos of some of the most beloved building projects in NYC. We spent late nights uncovering little-known facts about the structures that make up the NYC skyline – one that is unlike any other city skyline in the world. Finally, we produced a coffee table book of our favorite historic and current building projects in NYC that we hope our clients enjoy as much as we enjoyed putting it together.

To each and every one of you, we’d like to wish you happy holidays and a healthy, prosperous New Year. We look forward to working with you in 2012 and once again want to thank you for making us one of the top construction companies in NYC.

The PLaNYC Law & Value Engineering

In September, NYC celebrated Climate Week. This is a time to celebrate the achievements the city has made in reducing greenhouse gases. The recently enacted PLaNYC law was designed to facilitate a significant reduction in greenhouse gases. The goal is to achieve a 30 percent reduction by 2017.

If you’re a developer, property owner, or site manager, PLaNYC affects you. Reducing the city’s greenhouse gas levels is a task being put squarely on the NYC construction industry’s shoulders. Existing structures contribute an estimated 75% of New York’s carbon emissions, and it is these buildings that make up over 80 percent of all available NYC real estate.

Any construction or renovation to an existing structure must now be in compliance with PLaNYC standards. This means that tenant fit outs, new interior construction, and all other renovations must meet new, stringent environmental standards. During Climate Week celebrations, NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg noted that loopholes developers and building owners had been using to skirt around energy efficiency requirements were now closed.

Is it possible to have a complex NYC construction management project come in on time, on budget, and in compliance with all environmental regulations?

The answer is yes – but only if you work with an experienced NYC construction management firm that has familiarity and expertise in LEED building and Value Engineering.

Building Green, On A Budget

The top construction companies in NYC started changing their operations to incorporate green building technology long before PLaNYC came into effect. It was clear that greener buildings, including LEED compliant projects, offered the greatest client satisfaction. Building owners and property managers benefitted from the lower operating costs of LEED certified buildings. Over time, going green offered a greater return on investment for property owners than more traditional construction methods.

It is the combination of NYC specific green building expertise and value engineering that results in what property owners want the most: high value, top quality, desirable rental spaces built in compliance with all environmental regulation, on time and on budget.

Value Engineering is the art and science of strategically leveraging your NYC construction management company’s existing network of resources, connections, and expertise. As this pertains to green building, value engineering has several benefits, including working with a company that has access to multiple sourcing streams for LEED-certified materials, established working relationship with contractors expert in green building practices, and a thorough knowledge of relevant PLaNYC requirements to streamline the permitting and approval process.

NYC has made remarkable progress toward meeting ambitious goals. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from existing buildings will lower the city’s carbon footprint, ultimately benefitting all of us. Property owners and building managers who bring their buildings into compliance while enjoying the aggressive cost containment strategies of value engineering will enjoy increased profitability. You can have a green building, built on a budget, in NYC!

There are many challenges inherent in NYC construction management. The greatest city in the world has developed an unbelievable web of bureaucracy and regulation. Logistical obstacles abound, from sourcing specialty materials to ensuring materials loss prevention. There is continually increasing pressure to build green, sustainable buildings. It can be difficult to get builds completed on time. It’s even tougher to bring them in on budget.

The Role of Value Engineering

If you’re a property owner, building manager, or project manager, you know the pressure to bring projects in on budget. One of the best ways to keep a build on budget and maximize project profitability is to make significant and strategic use of your NYC construction management company’s expertise, resources, and connections. This is known as Value Engineering.

Every construction project begins with a vision. Before that vision can be realized, it goes to a team of architects and designers. They develop a set of plans and specifications. Value Engineering is the art and science of implementing those plans in the most cost-effective, efficient way possible.

How Does Value Engineering Work

To be among the top construction companies in NYC, you have to develop an extensive network of resources and connections. These connections include highly qualified subcontractors, materials suppliers, procurement specialists, and more. Additionally, you must have significant expertise in building code regulation compliance.

This combination of resources, connections, and expertise comes into play the moment your project manager begins reviewing the architect and design team’s plans. At this point, the value engineering process involves pinpointing any potential problematic areas in the plan, from sourcing desired building materials to local codes and regulations that are in conflict with the existing plans. An emphasis is placed on discovering what can be done to effect maximum cost-containment. This can involve making optimum use of existing sourcing relationships, navigating logistics to minimize contractor downtime, and proactive site oversight to avoid costly, needless code violations.

Value Engineering During the Build

The focus on cost containment does not override the commitment to deliver a top quality successful space. A good manager of the top construction companies in NYC maintains a two-week look-ahead period during the active build in order to identify problems before they occur and ensure rapid, real time responsiveness to challenges as they arise. Bringing projects to completion on time and budget means having the ability and resources to make smart, strategic sourcing choices. When a desired specialty finish material or lighting fixture isn’t available within the appropriate time frame, the firm that practices value engineering will have access to appropriate, cost effective substitutions.

When Value Engineering Works Best

Value Engineering works best when it is a strategy wholly embraced by client and contractor alike. Understanding what defines a “successful space” in the client’s eyes – and delivering absolutely nothing less than that — is paramount. Value Engineering realizes a designer’s vision while practicing aggressive cost containment. Under this formula, the end space is one that is delivered on time, on budget, and in accordance with the client’s vision.

At the same time, we’re seeing unprecedented instability in the banking industry.  At least one national bank has slashed the number of branches they have nationwide. We’re seeing some regional chains stepping up to fill the newly-opening gaps emerging in the retail banking industry.  Credit unions are also experiencing a boom. As a result, prime retail banking space will be highly desirable.

As a property manager, what can you do to attract the retail banking tenant? To best answer that question, you’ll need two things: an understanding of the trends in retail bank construction today and the ability to embrace value engineering.

Trends in Retail Bank Construction Today

We cannot look at trends in retail bank construction today without acknowledging the pressures of the difficult economic environment.  While establishing and maintaining a distinct brand identity of course remains a paramount concern, strategic cost-saving has become a priority. The best locations are now the locations that offer the lowest operating costs. This is the force driving the trend toward sustainable construction and energy efficient builds.  The drive to contain costs is also behind the increased industry wide shift toward value engineering.

What Is Value Engineering?

Staying on budget has always been one of the greatest challenges in construction management. To counter this challenge, property owners and managers, along with leading contractors, have been turning to value engineering. Value engineering makes strategic use of your contractor’s expertise, procurement resources and relationships, and established professional connections in order to deliver your desired result while significantly containing costs on pre and post construction services.

The Value Engineering process begins with your designer’s plans.  Your contractor will thoroughly examine this plan, leveraging their expertise and experience to identify cost saving opportunities.  The goal is to deliver an ultimately successful space, fulfilling the wants and needs of the retail bank client, while making the best use of value opportunities in sourcing materials and labor.

After changes to the plan have been reviewed and approved, the build goes forward. An emphasis on Value Engineering makes keeping a job on schedule a top priority. Significant savings can be realized by comprehensive site supervision, especially scrupulous attention to the schedule: expensive sub-contractor downtime is minimized.  Outsourcing specific tasks such as demolition can also have a positive impact on the project budget.

Value Engineering the Retail Bank Environment

To create an atmosphere that is warm, welcoming, and offers superior security for bank customers and employees while creating cost savings during building construction and operation, value engineering dictates that we look toward sustainable building options.  Making the most of existing natural light, passive heating and cooling opportunities, and LEED certified green building techniques are only a few examples of how retail bank locations can become more cost-effective spaces: attractive to property owners and prospective tenants alike!

Our company’s principals are aware of the range of disorders on the autistic spectrum and the impact they have on individuals and their families; this familiarity has guided us to be passionate and active supporters of Autism Speaks.  We enthusiastically act on the behalf of team “John’s Journey” in honor of one of our principal’s sons who has a disorder on the autistic spectrum.  This cause is important to us, so we strive to lend our support in any way we can; we are actively involved on the Autism Speaks’ NYC Walk Committee and currently hold the chair for the NYC Corporate Sponsorships.

We are proud to have contributed to Autism Speaks’ 2011 Walk Now event. We have been humbled by the amount of support and donations we have received. We wholeheartedly believe that, together with your help, we truly can continue to make a difference.

Every 15 minutes, another family receives the devastating news that their child has a disorder that falls on the autistic spectrum. Autism affects 1 in 110 children, with 1 in 70 boys being diagnosed today. Even though it is the fastest-growing developmental disability today, there is still no known cause for Autism. Help us change that! Get involved. Be proactive.

Be aware that Autism Speaks, and it’s time to listen.

There’s a common misconception that Fast Track build outs may necessarily require large budgets. However, short time frame projects can actually cost you less money than similar build outs with more generous schedules – if you have a project manager who knows how to navigate the challenges of a compressed schedule.

Here are 5 Keys to Fast Track Build Out Project Success.

1. Success Starts With The Schedule
   Strong organizational skills are an essential element of any successful construction project. When you’re planning a Fast Track build out, operating on a short or accelerated time frame, then organization becomes even more critical. The compressed schedule means there’s no time for anything to be overlooked or miscalculated. At the same time, you need to make sure that budgetary resources are being used appropriately and the space constraints of the site are taken into account. Smart scheduling avoids bringing in more sub-contractors than can work on the build out at any one time, reducing costly downtime.

Managing Fast Track build outs requires an almost maniacal focus on the timeline. Making sure the job is done on time and on budget becomes easier when a two-week look ahead period is implemented. This allows potential problems to be identified and resolved before they occur. Special focus is needed on the critical path items because any delays here can significantly impact the entire project. Back up and contingency plans for every critical path item need to be crafted during the planning stage to allow for immediate implementation if needed. 

Long lead items, such as standard or special finishes, lighting or mechanical fixtures, or custom built cabinetry, can wreak havoc on a Fast Track build. It is not at all unusual for special orders to take longer than promised – and when you don’t have days to wait, that’s a problem! Explore options: pre-purchasing long lead items or taking advantage of expedited shipping can solve problems before they start!

Monitoring progress on long lead items, particularly as they become relevant to the critical path, is essential. Contingency plans, including alternative suppliers and materials, should be crafted during the planning stage. This way, if changes need to be made in order to have the build completed on time, all of the time consuming leg work and approvals have already been done.

Make sure your entire team understands how rapid procurement procedures will lead to Fast Track build success.

Having the project architects and engineers commit to a 24-48 hour turnaround time on all procurement submittals, while the contractor pushes submittals from the sub contractors, can make a vast difference in delivering a Fast Track project on time. 

During the selection process, keep the requirements of the Fast Track build out in mind when making your choices. Assess potential sub contractors critically and objectively. They must be capable and available. All other considerations are secondary. 

As the project moves forward, weekly meetings should be held with those sub contractors currently working on critical path items. The two-week look ahead concept should play a pivotal role in these meetings. Discuss and assess not only what is happening on the build now, but what the situation is likely to be in two weeks.

The goal is always to be thinking ahead, in order to identify opportunities to save time. For example, addressing obvious punch list items well ahead of completion will limit the number of tasks left to be done at substantial completion. When every day matters, this can be a significant differentiator. The ability to anticipate and prepare for challenges before they occur is one of the defining qualities that separates successful Fast Track build outs from jobs that don’t finish on time or budget.

Documentation is also critical, both to provide a record of events in case of difficulties and to serve as reference to guide future projects of a similar size or scope. For this reason, minutes should be taken at all meetings. 

Sub contractors get into trouble when they fail to supply enough skilled workers to get the job done right. Check the situation on your Fast Track build out daily. Are your sub-contractors providing enough man power to get the job done within the project’s tight time frame? Any shortage or misalignments should be addressed and rectified immediately.

In honor of Autism Awareness Month, Talisen is taking part in helping spread awareness of Autism Speaks.

Autism is a general term used to describe a group of complex developmental brain disorders known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). Today, it is estimated that autism affects 1 in every 110 children, with 70 boys being diagnosed every day, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined. An estimated 1.5 million individuals in the US and tens of millions worldwide are affected by autism.

Yet even though it is the fastest-growing developmental disability today, there is still no known cause for autism. But we believe that with enough public attention, funding and devoted research, a better awareness and understanding can and will make a difference for the futures of our children.

This year, Autism Speaks is celebrating its fourth-annual World Autism Awareness Day with their Light It Up Blue campaign, an initiative for prominent buildings across the country to turn their lights blue to raise awareness and commemorate World Autism Day. Buildings like the Empire State Building, The White House and the CN Tower in Toronto have committed to turning their lights blue on April 1st and 2nd, and Talisen urges building owners, restaurants, retailers and property managers to do the same!

How can you help? Here are some ideas we’re doing:

• Put up blue string lights in your NYC office or home
• Wear blue clothing or an Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin and encourage your coworkers to do the same
• Raise awareness for Autism online or spread the word about Light It Up Blue on your business’s website, newsletter or Facebook page

To learn more about how you can give back to help promote Autism Awareness, click here.

Utilizing corporate interior space wisely creates an environment that fosters concentration, creativity, learning, communication and collaboration – the building blocks of productivity. Architects take this into careful consideration when designing the space initially, but as businesses grow and change, maintaining this healthy, productive work environment sometimes requires making physical changes to your interior office space.

This presents the challenge of altering within an occupied space. How do you keep your office running and your employees comfortable while the space undergoes renovation?

Increased noise, mechanical shut downs, construction debris and dust, changes in egress, and safety and fire hazards are some concerns when corporate office interior renovations are announced. But with the proper plan in place, a corporate interior construction project can be successful and stress-free for employees, adjacent tenants, building staff and management.

Work in Phases.

When building in an occupied space, coordination is key. An experienced construction manager will know how to correctly stage your project for minimal disruption. Creating and adhering to a detailed phasing schedule for operations that works around the office’s working schedule will ensure smooth, successful operations for all those affected. When you work in stages as a cohesive team, your interior renovation will be a success, and office employees won’t be disrupted of their daily routine.

For example, when banks undergo construction, most of the work is done after normal working hours and on weekends. This ensures that the bank can still run smoothly while getting the proper renovations it needs to improve.

However, many jobs can be completed more cost effectively if given the room to stage the project in multiple phases through normal working hours. A good, experienced contractor will know how to coordinate and accomplish this.

Open the Channels of Communication.

Proper communication with your employees is crucial in creating a healthy, stress-free and productive professional atmosphere. When planning a project, open the floor to employee ideas. By allowing them to voice their concerns, concepts or needs and integrating them into your renovation plans, you will start the project off right and ensure employee collaboration.

As the office building renovation gets underway, keep the lines of communication open:

• Let employees know of any high-traffic area egress changes
• Alert employees ahead of time when mechanical work will take place or affect their daily operations
• Ensure them that construction debris will be kept at a minimum with proper protection (barriers) and increased cleaning services
• Keep employees up to date on the interior renovation’s progress schedule, especially when entering a new phase of the project

Create Your Own Formula for Success.

Construction projects don’t all fit one traditional mold – sometimes, unconventional working relationships are necessary to get a project done quickly and successfully while keeping a staff on-board. Personalized plans of action can help both sides of the project work to their strengths and be most effective.

Talisen Construction Corp recently completed a construction project that didn’t follow the traditional GC/CM relationship. CBI-Connect, a fast-growing IT services company, needed to add both office and data center space with minimal disruption and within a tight schedule.

CBI president Craig A. Bueker, being an engineer, was able to take on a larger role in the design and build process. Talisen came on initially in a limited trade scope but after working closely with Mr. Bueker, the relationship quickly evolved to Talisen as GC and consultant and Mr. Bueker as CM.

Talisen provided insight, advice and coaching so Mr. Bueker could anticipate issues, keep costs low, cut down construction time and keep employee disruption to a minimum. The relationship, while unconventional, was the right one to get the job done while keeping CBI a productive, positive professional environment.

To learn more about how Talisen Construction Corp can help transform your office space into a productive work environment, click here or request a proposal for your next project today.