Over the years the construction industry has seen rapid changes with innovation and alternative project delivery methods, requiring working with construction engineers. Most general contractors don’t provide engineering services, instead opting to outsource to third-party consultants. Curtis Bros., however, has an in-house engineering team, making their teams more efficient, flexible, and safety-conscious for complex construction projects. Keep reading to learn more on why choosing a construction firm with construction engineering services could be a great solution for your project.
This kitchen remodel by Curtis Bros. required significant structural engineering to create the open layout the client requested.
The In-House Construction Engineering Difference
If construction engineering is required for your project, you or your construction management firm will hire a separate engineering firm to design MEPS components and a subcontractor to install them. When a construction firm has its own engineers, the team can help fill in gaps and become a connecting point for you and the engineering firm. This allows for more streamlined information and effective problem solving throughout each step. Keep in mind, a construction firm’s engineering services does not take the place of an actual engineering firm. Rather, it is designed to complement the firm’s work and verify you are getting the most out of your budget.
Importance of Engineering for Construction Projects
Of course, you want your building to look nice, but you also want it to function properly to meet occupant needs. To do so, you will need the help of high-quality and experienced engineers. Think about everything that goes into your home. Everything from lighting, running water, cooling and air — are crucial components to making your renovation a functional space. A construction company with an in-house engineering team understands these systems and works with the pre-construction and construction teams to make sure that the systems are priced appropriately, any missing parts of the scope are identified and that systems are installed per the contract documents.
In-House Engineering and Accurate Estimating
Engineering firms can tell you exactly what you need in terms of mechanical, electrical, plumbing and structural components, but they often don’t develop estimates or provide detailed installation costs of those systems. When you’re building a budget for your project using a firm that doesn’t have this in-house expertise, they may have gaps or higher contingencies to make up for the future design. These systems usually range between 40-60 percent of your budget, meaning there may be a huge portion of your project subject to unknowns. Hiring a construction company with its own in-house engineering team means you will gain more insight into how much those components will cost. And, as a result, you have a more accurate estimate during pre-construction to help reduce any surprises down the line.
In-House Engineering Can Maximize Your Budget
Engineering firms focus on designing systems to meet your needs; but unlike your construction company, they may not be focused on long-term costs, maintenance or installation needs. A construction company with an in-house engineering team will focus on providing multiple options to show value in both the long and short term, allowing you to make the best decision for the project and maximizing your budget.
In-House Engineering and Project Oversight
Project oversight and communication occur simultaneously throughout the pursuit and project lifecycle. When determining whether to use a third-party consultant or to work with a construction company who has engineering services in-house, communication efficiency is a critical consideration. In-house resources allows for better project oversight control and efficient communication between operations, estimating, and field staff. Teams that are aligned and have a vested interest can lead to better communication, resulting in improved project control procedures and efficient task turnaround times.
Streamlined Pre- and Post-Construction
In-house engineering streamlines your project from start to finish. An accurate estimate helps you prepare for what’s to come, and while keeping room open for contingencies. During the pre-construction phase, companies with an in-house team can act as a bridge between design and construction by ensuring the design has the engineering capabilities and meets the client needs. As the construction process continues, you can count on constant oversight to ensure that each aspect of the project has been done correctly. Once the build is complete, the engineering services team is available to work with you on any issues that may arise once the building is being used.
In-House Engineering Final Takeaway
Engineering services can be the ultimate tool to maximize the success of your project. Our services at Curtis Bros. expand the reach of traditional companies by providing more accurate cost estimating earlier in the process, providing different cost-reducing options, delivering higher quality outcomes and promoting value above all. Regardless of project size, scope or budget, engineering services can help you streamline your project, bridge the gap between architects and engineers, and design a build that fits your needs with your budget.
Curtis Bros. maintains in-house engineering services to explore, analyze, and develop the most innovative, cost-effective, and safest construction means and methods to execute projects and drive down costs.
Benefits of using Curtis Bros. Engineering Services
As leaders in the construction industry, we have found the more resources we can offer our clients, the better we can serve them. Our goal is to create the best builds out there through specialty services that make our process even more efficient. Our team can help you understand how the engineering aspect of your build connects to your overall budget and create more accurate estimates. We are also on the lookout for any potential challenges that may arise with these complex systems. Identifying any potential issues early on and working to create solutions that are cost-effective and user-friendly helps to eliminate costly change orders and schedule hangups.
Work with Curtis Bros. Construction
We’ve created beautiful and efficient spaces for homes and commercial buildings in various industries, including healthcare sites, real estate developments, and office buildings. We’ve built our reputation on making the most out of the toughest jobs in the shortest amount of time. Our love for improving the world around us is what fuels our honesty, efficiency and willingness to communicate. When you choose Curtis, you choose commitment, quality and care. Contact us today for a quote, a reference, or just to say hi.
