DIGGING DEEP: Ep 2 - Preconstruction & Sitework
Callahan Construction Managers
We’re a full service construction management firm with strong partnerships and great people.
Our Industry: From a Builder’s Perspective
In this edition of DIGGING DEEP, Tim Callahan, VP of Callahan, Inc. & head of Callahan’s Site Division sits with Bob Sanda, VP of Engineering & Sitework, to dive into the portion of construction that often times gets overlooked. Plus, find out more about the construction of 440 Bedford and how the team was able to turn a complicated site into a success story!
TOP NEWS
Industry Analysis: Preconstruction & Sitework
Tim Callahan & Bob Sanda explain the intricacies of sitework and the capabilities Callahan has in that realm.
Project Spotlight: 440 Bedford
A brand new and highly amenitized, high rise lab building in Lexington, MA.
INDUSTRY ANALYSIS
When you’re looking to develop a plot of land, do you know what goes into getting that site ready for construction to take place? All too often, there can be many unforeseen issues with the existing conditions that need to be addressed before a shovel can even hit the ground... Watch as we Dig Deeper into what these issues are and how Callahan’s In-House Civil Engineering Team and Site Division can help!
Preconstruction and Sitework
What is Sitework?
Sitework is the first and often the most critical phase of the construction process that sets up the project for success. It is the most unknown portion of the project and if not managed properly, is often the riskiest portion as well in regards to schedule, safety, logistics, and budget. Sitework typically involves activities such as excavation, grading and utility installation but can also require specialty contractors for certain tasks.
Why is it Important?
Careful sitework preconstruction is paramount in reducing risk to the project in regard to schedule, cost and safety. Understanding the logistical challenges of the site and developing solutions early are critical to a successful project. The In-House Resources within Callahan’s preconstruction team are an invaluable asset and are instrumental in better managing or eliminating these risks to avoid cost over runs and schedule impacts. Properly understanding the cut/fill requirements, reviewing the subsurface geotechnical conditions to support the building loads, and reviewing all environment impacts are crucial to providing developers with an informed budget and schedule for the project.
What Challenges Arise?
Without a careful inspection of the existing site conditions, the site contractor may run into unexpected challenges that would derail the progression of the project.
These challenges include:
A deep understanding of the site conditions is necessary in order to develop strategies and solutions that not only solve these challenges, but are efficient and can save the developer time and money on the project. Callahan’s In-House Resources are a major advantage over other GC’s because our Civil Engineering team work in cohesion with our self-performing Site Division and the vertical team to provide both useful and beneficial support to everyone involved on the job, from conception to completion.
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT
440 Bedford - Lexington, MA
Owner: Trammell Crow
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Architect: DiMella Shaffer
Work is Concluding at 440 Bedford St in Lexington, MA.
The Callahan team constructed a new 6-story, 335,000 SF, speculative laboratory and office building for owner Trammell Crow. The building will be home to incubator and graduator lab-ready spaces with the following amenities:
During the preconstruction phase, the team discovered site deficiencies that, if left alone, would cause substantial delays to the project schedule and significant costs to the budget. The preconstruction team and Callahan’s Site Division were able to find solutions to the problem that kept the project on schedule, saved money for the client, and strengthened trust between all parties on the project.
“A significant challenge in the construction of 440 Bedford Street was the extremely high water table that had to be addressed,” said Senior Superintendent Wayne Wendell. “Callahan’s site services team developed a strategy and led the de-watering and mass excavation operation, allowing construction to start on time and move ahead of schedule. This work also ensured our trade partners started on time. The communications between the project team, Callahan’s site team, and the trades ensured the project met its aggressive production schedule.”
Wendell added, “When building large commercial projects in suburban communities, it is important to establish trust from the beginning. Callahan has a positive, long-standing relationship with the Town of Lexington and its key officials. That positive working relationship transitioned into the project at 440 Bedford Street, allowing us to deliver a top-quality project on time and within budget.”
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