‘90% of project management occurs in the first 10% of the project’
Varcon Construction is a quality managed organization. We are continuously developing our processes and procedures to deliver the most professional construction solutions with ever-increasing client satisfaction.
Our Senior Management team possesses broad leadership experience in quality driven business environments. From leading a mid-size construction company through the process of attaining ISO 9002 designation to leading one of Canada’s largest project management firms in achieving Ford Motor Company Q1 certification (the first non-manufacturing company anywhere in the world) our leadership team’s experience drives quality throughout the organization.
At Varcon we take great pride in our work, the finished product is a representation of us for many years to come. Upon contract award to subcontractors the requirement for quality workmanship is distinctly communicated, as it is when personnel arrive on site to commence work. To understand quality requires a level of experience in all facets of construction. Varcon’s experienced team, from foreman to President, is engaged in quality awareness throughout the entire life of every project. This includes pre-construction reviews and risk identification (See Construction Process Map or view the diagram below).
Selection of key sub-contractors and suppliers
The primary selection criteria are the direct experiences we have had with the subcontractor and /or supplier. Varcon has an extensive range of experienced sub-trades and suppliers. These successful working relationships have been developed over many years of cooperative project execution. If we need to select an organization with whom we have not previously engaged there is an extensive review process
Construction Coordination
For any Varcon project there is at least 1 dedicated Project Coordinator who works hand-in-hand with the Project Manager(s), Superintendent, General Superintendent, subcontractors, and suppliers. The coordinator(s) ensures all relevant information (Timetables, specifications, critical paths, shop drawings, etc.) is updated weekly and shared between all parties. The coordinator ensures the consultant is an integral part of the construction team, not an adversary. The superintendent ensures all on-site personnel receive all updated information and working schedules are coordinated.
Schedule and Schedule Monitoring
All of Varcon’s projects are managed to an initial baseline schedule which is updated on a weekly basis. All project personnel are accountable for the expedited delivery of any project and schedules are reviewed in detail in our weekly internal project review meetings. Updated schedules are therefore easily provided to any party at any time and will be reviewed at all progress/site meetings. We also utilize a ‘Two Week Look Ahead’ micro schedule, developed by the site superintendent, to more closely manage all forces and project elements.
Avoidance of Delays
(Please see our ‘Quality Controlled Construction Management’ document or view the diagram below)
Varcon utilizes a proactive approach to work with the entire project team (owners, consultants, subcontractors) to identify all possible areas of risk and opportunities for improvement. Any issues that arise throughout the project are tracked on our ‘Change Log’ which is provided and reviewed at each progress/site meeting. Any possible delays are kept front-of-mind with all parties and distinct accountability is maintained.
Site Security
Varcon’s site superintendent is held accountable for all site activities. Prior to mobilization we view every site and determine the specific security requirements for each project. Fence boundaries are determined, sensible storage locations are mapped, and all possible security issues are concerns are identified. All concerns and possible are then raised in the pre-construction meeting so the entire team can cooperatively develop final security solutions that work for all parties.
Site Safety
Please see Health and Safety
Processing Shop Drawings
All shop drawings are expedited at the commencement of the project. Varcon maintains a detailed ‘Shop Drawing and Submittals Status Report’ (see attachment) which is immediately updated and provided for review at all progress/site meetings.
Processing Changes
Any and all situations or issues that may cause change to the project are recorded in a detailed ‘Change Log’ indicating and tracking any possible effect on the project. This is immediately updated and provided for review at all progress/site meetings. Any and all RFI’s are tracked in a separate log which is provided for review at all progress/site meetings.
Processing Billings
After completing the project schedule Varcon produces a forecast billing schedule, by division, for the entire length of the project. This billing forecast is updated monthly based upon progress and any changes to the project. Varcon will work with the project consultant / Town to provide them with progress billing documentation that meets their system requirements. At the pre-construction meeting we will determine the cut-off date for monthly progress billing and Varcon will promptly provide the aforementioned documentation.
Inspection of Work, Deficiency Clean up, and Turnover to Owner
Along with daily project team inspections regular site inspections are performed by all members of our senior management team. We ensure all forces are reaching the desired level of craftsmanship and that the engineers’ direction is being followed accurately.
Varcon policy is to proactively identify any and all possible deficiencies as early as possible, allowing for their repair while the particular sub-trade is still on site.
As early as possible Varcon’s project team assembles the commissioning and training schedule for all project elements. O&M manuals are prepared and submitted long before the sub-trades leave site and as-built drawings are delivered as the work is completed. We will perform owner satisfaction surveys to ensure all elements of the project are being delivered beyond expectations. Turnover to the owner is a celebration, not an arduous task.
Labour Harmony on Site
Proactive, integrated project management ensures continuity at all levels in the Varcon project team. The office and site work in unison to ensure that all sub-contractors workforces clearly understand the project, the sequence of critical path elements, and the division of work. Our site superintendents are well versed in dispute resolution.
