Building Cincinnati | February 2022
Collaborative Contracting on the Rise
Commercial and industrial projects across the Greater Cincinnati region are benefitting from an industry-wide shift to a more collaborative project model. As a community partner for over 65 years, Universal Contracting Corporation has grown and evolved alongside our clients, subcontractors, and Cincinnati. We have formed strong partnerships with developers, architects, and subcontractors to deliver the best collaborative approach for our clients.
What exactly is “collaboration”?
In a few words: a team effort. When we come together with architects and owners and work together as a team from the start, it makes for smooth and efficient project execution. In the past, clients would complete a design independently from the contractor, which could sometimes lead to problems. Now, we are often hired at the same time as the architect and work with them from design all the way through, which effectively utilizes everyone’s strengths.
What problems are solved with a collaborative project model?
Identify and address issues early. With a collaborative approach, we are reviewing with the architect at the onset. This means reviewing for constructibility, tracking budget so when the design is complete there are no surprises, scheduling, pre-purchasing equipment like HVAC and roof (which lately are 9 months to a year out!) so we are able to streamline and reduce supply chain issues. The equipment is often purchased before the drawings are even done, so stakeholders know the equipment they will need will be delivered on time. Working through all these issues early on is the key to the success of a collaborative project.
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