Who We Are and What We Do
1.
Construction Consulting
2.
Property Inspection, Testing, Assessment & Analysis
3.
Construction Cost Estimating & Budgeting
4. Construction Management & General Contracting
5. Training, Education & System Development
6. Expert Witness, Mediation
& Testimony
We often serve as the interpreters of technical data related to buildings and the processes of construction. We create information that non-technical professionals can understand and use to make informed, intelligent decisions.
In all of the work
that we perform:
1.
Construction Consulting
We assist attorneys, insurance companies, independent adjusters, property owners, homeowner associations, property managers, construction contractors and construction professionals when they are faced with buildings or projects suffering distress, involved in litigation or involved in real property insurance claims. We have a unique system of project analysis whereby we:
∑ Collect all pertinent data,
∑ Analyze the data to create useful information and
∑ Present solutions that best serve the interests of our clients
In
the capacity of Construction Consultant, we know what our job is, and we know
what it is not: Our job is to create solutions that get our clients out of
unpleasant construction-related situations as quickly and as inexpensively as
possible, while maintaining our unwavering professional integrity.
When
the analysis of building and construction problems needs to be shared or when
the issues are complicated, we compile our investigation, documentation,
research, analysis, recommendations and opinions in our detailed, best-in-class
reports. These reports are often our final word on complex problems, and may
make reference to the actions and opinions of many interested parties. We make
our perspective clear and understandable, even for non-technical parties.
Detailed reports often include the summary of other services including
Inspections, Testing, and Construction Cost Estimating.
In addition to the evaluation of building and construction process problems, we
offer recommendations for remedial action, supervision of repairs, and testing
of repaired construction assemblies. For problem projects we can aid in
planning to get projects back on-track or assist in the complex task of
contractor removal. In addition, we consult regarding the major components of
construction risk management using contracts and insurance.
2. Property Inspection,
Testing, Assessment & Analysis
With
heightened sensitivity to exposure for non-disclosure of material defects,
rapid increases in the value of buildings and property, and the sky-rocketing
cost of building repairs, current and prospective property owners need to know
where they stand and what they can expect from the performance of buildings and
property. Our Property Assessments give information that exceeds typical
property inspection & reporting in value, ease of use, utility,
professionalism and completeness.
Our observation and documentation of construction assemblies and conditions is collected and processed in such a way that it can be shared easily and rapidly among interested parties. We have established processes and procedures for the best possible collection of information on the physical attributes and condition of properties, their components and assemblies. Our inspectors and analysts are experienced, certified, licensed and educated far beyond industry standards, so much so, that they commonly serve as expert witnesses in legal disputes. We train all staff members in time-tested processes so that all pertinent data will be collected and maintained for easy reference and efficient use. We commonly share our experience through our best-in-class reports, including Property Condition Assessments in conformance with ASTM Standard E 2018.
Beyond
visual inspections, we perform invasive investigations and create documentation
of existing assemblies and conditions, showing exactly how disparate components
were installed and how they interoperate with one another. Water testing &
leak-detection (in conformance with ASTM Standard E 2128), and other
investigative procedures are used to diagnose problems and enable us to develop
practical repairs for construction assemblies that are not performing as
expected.
3. Construction Cost
Estimating & Budgeting
Our staff is educated, experienced and certified in the field of construction cost estimating. We prepare construction estimates from concept level to detailed estimates that are ready for construction. We develop estimates for a variety of building projects including new structures and reconstruction projects due to catastrophes such as earthquakes or defects. We perform construction cost analyses for forensic, insurance or litigation purposes. We often compare our estimates to those of other parties to find and explore the reasons for differences of opinion. We offer training in Understanding Cost Estimating because many of our clients need to know where the costs for construction come from.
Construction Cost Estimating can be difficult to understand
because there are so many components that must come together. It becomes
overwhelming, like trying to understand a foreign language. Excellence in
estimating requires unceasing attention to detail. We begin by deciding on the level
of detail required, and then decide how the estimate will be organized and what
components will be included. Even our detailed estimates are presented in a way
that all of the data is comprehensible to the non-technical professionals who
will use the information to make good decisions.
Our process includes defining the Scope of work,
documenting Method of construction, and applying Costs to create
a comprehensive and realistic estimate. Components of our Detailed Estimates
(Bid Estimates) often include Summary, Quantity Take Off documentation, Labor
and Crew Rates, Material Prices, Equipment Costs, Subcontract Costs, detailed
listing of Indirect Costs and General Conditions, Contractorís Overhead and
Profit, Other Project Costs including design, engineering, project management
and relocation.
4. Construction Management
& General Contracting
Our primary concern is always for client and project success. Construction and large-scale property maintenance projects are complicated. Enormous sums of money are either well-spent, ensuring long-term project performance, or wasted on the wrong scope of work, the wrong contractors, and the wrong construction techniques.
Our staff members are educated, experienced, certified and recognized nationally as experts in their field. Our mix of experience makes us uniquely qualified to assist property owners and managers in the construction or maintenance project decision-making process. Our staff's construction & property related experience includes contracting, cost estimating, construction management, defect consulting, construction and real estate dispute resolution, mold consulting and repairs, insurance claim consulting, coverage analysis and consulting, and contract development.
We believe that success in construction or property maintenance projects is based on professionalism and communication. For communication to be meaningful, information is critical. The first step in the process is to get a complete understanding of the ownerís intentions for the project, and a professional assessment of the current condition of the property. Once we know where we are, PFCS can communicate with the owners to make informed decisions about where we are going, and then plan how to get there.
We deliver value with our time-tested process-driven professionalism. Our system creates a loop that generates and maintains accurate budgets and schedules, and then coordinates the activities of all parties, making explicit the responsibilities of each. Breaking the project into logical components and delegating the responsibility to contractors and professional service providers gives the owner efficiency as well as long-term effectiveness. Throughout the project we verify the physical work compared to plan, and make adjustments as necessary. Professionalism and communication is the key.
We use the same basic methodology to achieve success in any type of building project. We first Define the scope of work, which may include a design phase with architects and engineers. Then we generate a Budget or estimate to communicate project costs. Next we produce a Schedule that will impact all parties as well as total project cost. Identifying and sharing when the construction will take place helps all stakeholders prepare for success. We then develop complete Contract documents that clearly identify ìwho is doing whatî. Then we Coordinate the construction, and the numerous parties involved. Finally we Verify that all parties in the process are doing what they should, requiring our professionalism, communication and continuous re-alignment of the process, adjusting for unforeseen events and inevitable changes.
5. Training, Education &
System Development
We deliver training and continuing education related to construction to attorneys and legal professionals, construction professionals, property managers and insurance industry professionals. Our application is currently pending for approval as a State Bar of California approved MCLE provider.
From
inception,
Our list of training course offerings has become impressive and the courses are of great utility to construction professionals, attorneys, insurance companies, independent adjusters, property owners, and property managers. Like all of the work we do, we have created a process to ensure the development and delivery of the highest quality training content and collateral materials possible.
6. Expert Witness, Mediation
& Testimony
In virtually all of the roles we play as construction
professionals, we are called upon to make decisions and recommendations that
balance perfection, practicality, cost, and performance. In mediation and in
all of the work that we do, we know what our job is: Create a solution that
gets our clients out of an unpleasant construction-related situation as quickly
and inexpensively as possible, while maintaining our unwavering professional
integrity.
All of our work is performed in such a way that a professional delivery of our findings, and scrutiny of their veracity is expected. We
have experience in delivering sworn testimony, and when necessary, look forward
to the presentation of our professional opinions.