Construction and Advisory Questions
We can manage construction or represent you while another contractor builds. Contact us to discuss which role fits your project.
Engagement and Authority
How do general contracting and owner’s representation differ?
As general contractor, we manage construction and coordinate the trades. As owner’s representative, we manage the project for you, coordinate design professionals and expediters, and oversee the contractor’s contractual work. That contractor directs daily construction. The engagement agreement defines our authority and the decisions you retain.
Can Bau join a project already underway?
Yes. We review the existing work and available drawings, identify repairs, unfinished construction, and outstanding approvals, and discuss how we can help.
What authority should an owner’s representation agreement define?
It should define our scope and which decisions you delegate to us, including approval limits for costs, changes, and payments. It also identifies decisions you retain and the responsibilities of the contractor and design team.
Who does Bau work with on professional projects?
We work with owners and their design, development, and management teams, as well as commercial occupiers. Our projects include residential and commercial renovations, capital improvements, tenant improvements, and building conversions.
Budgets and Procurement
Can Bau estimate from early drawings?
Yes. We review the available drawings and develop a preliminary estimate with stated assumptions, allowances, and exclusions. We explain which missing details need to be confirmed before pricing is finalized.
How does Bau evaluate value engineering options?
We compare construction costs, then check performance, availability, and schedule impact. We also consider installation and maintenance requirements so you can evaluate the tradeoffs before approving a change.
What information is needed before ordering long-lead items?
The item’s specifications, dimensions, and quantity need to be confirmed, along with any required approvals. We coordinate who places the order and when delivery is needed for the construction schedule.
How are owner purchases and exclusions coordinated?
We agree on who supplies each item, who checks its compatibility, and when it is needed. We coordinate owner purchases with the construction, even when the item’s cost is outside our price.
Design and Approvals
Who handles design documents and permit applications?
As general contractor, we coordinate documents with licensed design professionals, submit permit applications, and work with reviewing agencies. As owner’s representative, we coordinate the design professionals and expediters responsible for those submissions. The licensed professionals remain responsible for their design work.
Can construction start before every approval is complete?
Only work with the required approvals can begin. We review which portions are authorized and plan the construction around any approvals still outstanding.
Who issues final signoffs or a certificate of occupancy?
The relevant authority issues them. We coordinate the required inspections and follow up with the responsible parties on signoffs and occupancy documents. Our role depends on whether we are engaged as general contractor or owner’s representative.
Occupancy and Turnover
Can Bau work in occupied properties?
Yes. We plan access, protection, and required shutdowns with the owner and management team. This can include dust and noise protection, phased access, and notices to occupants and building staff. We review which areas can remain in use before construction.
What needs to be settled for phased construction?
We agree on the areas included in each phase, access routes, utility shutdowns, and occupant protections. We coordinate deliveries and trades, then confirm what must be completed before each area is returned to use.
How should turnover milestones be defined?
Each milestone should identify the work, inspections, approvals, and documents needed to use the space. We track those requirements alongside construction progress and flag anything still outstanding.
Reporting and Closeout
How are progress and schedule risks reported?
We send regular photo updates showing completed work and what remains. We update or review the schedule according to our role and flag issues that could affect milestones.
How does Bau review change orders?
As general contractor, we explain the proposed work and its cost and schedule impact for your approval before it proceeds. As owner’s representative, we review the contractor’s change order and recommend a decision to you.
Is Bau licensed and insured?
Yes. We are licensed and insured, with general liability, auto, and workers’ compensation coverage. We review project insurance requirements with our broker to arrange applicable coverage and endorsements. Contact us to discuss current documentation and the requirements for your project.
What is reviewed at closeout?
As general contractor, we resolve any requested punch-list changes, coordinate inspections and signoffs, and organize closeout documents. As owner’s representative, we follow through with the contractor and design team on punch lists, final payments, approvals, and records.