If you are developing a large scale project, such as a mixed-use building or affordable housing complex, then you are likely well aware that this project will have a big economic, environmental and social impact on the area around it. Whether that impact is positive or negative is up to you, but you cannot be expected to understand all the factors at play in a given community on your own.
That is why a construction consultant in the Bay Area will often advise meeting with different local groups, so as to gain a fuller understanding of the different stakes and concerns. To that end, here are six types of groups you should meet with, from your construction consultant in Oakland:

• Local government: Nobody is going to have a better understanding of the different needs, concerns and tensions in a given community than the person who hears all about them as an officer at the monthly city council meetings. Meeting with the local government early on is an easy way to gain understanding of the area, and may give you a leg up with permits, codes and other regulatory needs. You also ought to meet with specific branches of government, such as the local sheriff or the sanitation department.
  
• Community safety groups: Communities often have neighborhood watch groups and safety committees, and it is now easier than ever for these groups to have effective organizing, influence and outreach thanks to the Internet. Meeting with these groups will give you a clear picture of crime concerns in the area, and will help you stay plugged in to local safety issues.
  
• Local businesses: Meeting with a local chamber of commerce chapter will show that you care about the economic vitality of the entire community, not just your shiny new development. It will also open the door to business collaborations in the future, which could be great for establishing your project in the community.
  
• Nonprofits: Local nonprofits can be involved in issues ranging from health and wellness to drug counseling and parental assistance. Meeting with these groups gives you the chance to do some real good in the community, as well as build mutually beneficial partnerships. This can be especially helpful if you are constructing housing for low income or high risk residents.
  
• Protestors: These days, it is difficult to find a major development in the Bay Area that is not being met with some pushback. Meeting with protestors and activists probably won’t solve everything, but it will at least show that you care, and that you are committed to finding compromise where it is possible.
  
• Local journalists: Finally, meeting with local journalists is an effective way to both get your project’s name out there and learn about the primary local concerns surrounding your building. Just make sure you are well prepared before meeting with them, as one bad story could have long-term negative effects on your project.
  

For more information on community outreach and much more, get in touch with KSD Group Inc., your local construction consultant in the Bay Area.

As a firm specializing in construction management in Concord, CA, we hear the word “sustainability” thrown around a lot in the media and in our meetings. But not everyone fully understands the term, or fully grasps the three different ways that it relates to construction planning.
Sustainability is about a lot more than “going green,” and we here at KSD Group Inc. are committed to pursuing sustainability in all its forms on each and every project. Here is a closer look at the three different factors to consider when planning a sustainable project, and how a team dedicated to construction management in Oakland, CA can help.
Economic sustainability
Whether you are building a high scale, mixed-use condo community or a low-income housing development, you must always look at the short- and long-term economic impact your project will have on the area around it. Rather than building something that will suck up resources and contribute to isolation or overcrowding in the area, you need to strive to build something that will function in financial harmony with its surroundings.
Sustainable construction planners do this by looking into local growth, taking meetings with local government and advocacy groups, and trying to create partnerships with local utilities, businesses and organizations.
Environmental sustainability
Environmental friendliness is usually what springs to mind when someone mentions sustainability these days, and for good reason: with limited resources and the threat of climate change looming large, builders are always looking for new ways to be more environmentally sustainable.
Much of that gets accomplished in the planning stage. Construction planners will look at three different factors: the possibility of treating and then reusing contaminated land; the potential of converting and reusing old buildings (but with more efficient materials); and the question of traveling and accessibility to food, public transportation, entertainment and other daily necessities.
Social sustainability
Finally, social sustainability refers to the usability, accessibility and overall positive impact a building will have on the people who live or work in or around the project site. These concerns often overlap with environmental and economic sustainability. For example, strong public transportation is both an environmental and a social benefit.
In addition to transportation access, construction managers will also look into economic impact, public spaces (such as parks, benches and courtyards), public need for housing and other social factors. Smart firms handling construction management in Berkeley, CA will also take the time to speak with local community members and organizations to learn more about that area’s social needs and wants.
Hitting all three points
As you can see, sustainable building encompasses many different features, factors and questions. If you want to build something that is not only architecturally impressive, but that also has a real positive impact on the surrounding community, then you ought to hire a Bay Area construction management business that has experience and expertise in all three areas.
Since 1979, the team at KSD Group Inc. has paid attention to the social, environmental and economic sustainability of each and every one of our projects. Get in touch today for more information.

You have nailed down a design, obtained permits and hired a top notch construction crew. Now all that’s left to do is have your final preconstruction meeting, and you are ready to finally break ground on your development. This is an exciting time for anybody, but you need to make sure you stay smart despite all the anticipation.
The preconstruction meeting is the last chance to address any last-minute changes or lingering concerns, so you have to cover a lot during that meeting. To that end, here is some advice on what to include in your preconstruction meeting, from your construction consultant in the Bay Area:

• Contracts: Once the construction crew gets to work, altering or negotiating contracts becomes a lot more difficult. At your preconstruction meeting, give everyone involved in the project one last chance to bring up any concerns, questions or issues they have with the existing contracts, and try to come up with a solution that works for everyone.
  
• Final design: You should already have the design figured out by now, but if there are multiple parties involved in this project, it is possible that not everyone has had ample opportunity to review and assess the plans. The preconstruction meeting is a good chance to make sure this happens, but try to discourage changes unless they are urgent or necessary.
  
• Job site concerns: What time will work begin on the job site each day? Who has ultimate authority? What safety and logistical concerns will your workers need to take into account? Are any parts of the job site off limits to certain workers? Do you have ample signage to ensure that pedestrians and drivers know about the construction site? All these concerns ought to be ironed out at the meeting.
  
• Remodeling logistics: If your project is a remodel rather than a new build, you will have your own set of challenges and questions to deal with. Existing residents or tenants of the space will likely need to know if and for how long they will need to find alternative accommodations. If they will remain onsite during construction, make sure everyone is on the same page when it comes to safety concerns.
  
• Communication throughout the job: It is inevitable that issues will come up during the construction process, and everyone involved will need a space to communicate them and solve problems together. Set up a schedule of weekly or biweekly meetings at a time when everyone will be able to attend.
  
• Establish the chain of command: Finally, people involved in the project will need to know whom they should turn to with those more pressing concerns that cannot wait for the scheduled meetings. Make sure the job hierarchy and chain of command is crystal clear so as to prevent any misunderstandings or mishandling of issues.
  

If you put some thought and preparation into your preconstruction meeting, it should go smoothly. For more advice, please contact KSD Group Inc., your construction consultant in the Bay Area.

As a highly experienced and prolific firm offering construction management in Oakland, CA, the team at KSD Group Inc. knows that a lot goes into the predesign phase of any development project. After all, this is the phase in which you will determine what the goals of a particular project will be, whether you have any constraints involving the property itself and generally how to best go about designing and then implementing the development.
With so much at stake, of course you are going to need a solid team helping you with predesign planning and construction management in Oakland, CA. That construction consultant should then take the time to speak with three core groups of people during the predesign phase: regulations experts, organizational representatives and you, the client. Here is a closer look at why and how we go about doing that.
Regulations experts
The predesign phase is your opportunity to ensure you are fully aware of any and all constraints you may have, so that you can plan the development accordingly. One of the biggest issues that plague many developments are various regulations, whether they are a matter of zoning, land use rules or obtaining building permits.
Fortunately, your construction consultant is here to help. We always take the time to consult experienced and highly respected regulations experts, to ensure that nothing is overlooked or misunderstood going into the design phase. Once you know what you can and cannot do, concrete planning becomes a lot easier.
Organization representatives
Another important factor to consider is the group of people who will actually be using the new development. For example, let’s say you are designing and building a new hospital. You will need to consult medical experts and professionals to learn about what design features are ideal for their needs. You might also want to conduct research into which design elements make sense for patients and help them feel at ease. Finally, you will want to be aware of the latest medical technology advancements, so that you might include them in your budget.
That is a lot of different information to obtain and keep track of. Fortunately, that is what your construction consultant is here to do. During the predesign phase, your construction consultant will work hard to find all the relevant information or advice, no matter what kind of development you are constructing.
The client
Once we are aware of the regulatory limits, as well as what the relevant organizational professionals think, we will turn our attention to you, the client. What are your hopes and goals with this development? Do luxury touches matter, or would you rather save money? Do you want the building constructed under strict sustainability standards? Are there certain materials or designs you especially like or dislike? Whatever you want and need, we will help figure out the best way to include it in your development.
For more information on predesign planning and construction management in Oakland, CA, please get in touch with KSD Group Inc. today. We look forward to hearing from you.

The preconstruction phase of a development is often one of the most crucial steps of the whole process. It is often at this point when a project can be made or broken, depending on how accurate, comprehensive and feasible the preconstruction planning turns out to be.
With that in mind, it is very important that you hire a construction consultant in Berkeley, CA that is very experienced with preconstruction and all that it entails, from the scheduling to the logistics to the budget analysis. Here is a closer look at how a qualified construction consultant can help with your development’s preconstruction phase:

• Scheduling and time management: Once you have your design figured out, it is time to nail down a realistic yet efficient schedule. Beyond simply setting an end date and different intermediate goals, an experienced preconstruction consultant will also make sure that time management is employed as effectively as possible, meaning that each and every person working on the job site will always be working on projects that make the most sense at that time.
• Coordinating logistics: In addition to time management, a strong construction project also needs firm and solid logistics. Logistics essentially involves coordinating all the different moving parts and making sure that none of them interfere with each other or slow each other down. For example, if you have a large construction site on which more than one project is happening at a time, the preconstruction consultant will make plans to ensure each subproject has plenty of space while working simultaneously.
• Initial budget analysis: By this point in the development process, you will likely already have a fairly firm budget nailed down. But the preconstruction phase is when each facet of the budget is evaluated from a strong cost-benefit perspective, and when different avenues for saving money are explored. For example, if proposed granite countertops can be replaced with a less expensive yet equally durable quartz option, your construction consultant in Berkeley, CA will bring that to your attention.
• Reviewing feasibility: During the predesign phase, your construction consultant will determine what the constraints and opportunities for design will be. This analysis will be subject to review during the preconstruction phase, when feasibility will be the core goal. Everything from design integrity to time limits to budget will be thoroughly examined to ensure it is realistic.
• Confirm availability: Finally, a construction project relies on many different factors to go smoothly, including availability of materials, supplies and professionals. During the preconstruction phase, your consultant will make sure all these different factors will be fully available during the entire construction phase, so that no unpleasant surprises pop up further down the line.

In the long and complicated process of developing a property, the preconstruction phase is often considered one of the most crucial early steps. To learn more about this phase, and what a quality construction consultant in Berkeley, CA can do for you, please get in touch with KSD Group Inc. today. We look forward to hearing from you.

As a full-service construction management company in San Francisco, CA, the team here at KSD Group Inc. is proud to offer comprehensive construction management, from the predesign phase all the way to the finishing touches of construction. But many of our clients find themselves wondering: what exactly goes into the predesign phase, and why is it necessary?

Imagine that a construction project is like a dinner party. Before you can start planning the menu for your dinner party, you need to know how much space and time you will have, how many people will be attending and whether there are any allergies or dietary restrictions you should know about. Predesign covers similar planning purposes for a construction project, including the following factors:

• Site analysis: Before you can build something, you need to know what kind of foundation you are working with. For example, if there are municipal power lines running underneath the property, they might limit what kind of excavation work you can do. Typically, site analysis involves hiring a professional, certified land surveyor to determine what the land characteristics are, as well as what your exact boundaries are. Knowing these important factors will help start your design and construction project off on firm footing.
• Identifying constraints: A constraint is, essentially, any limit that will need to be put on the design of your development. For example, if you are building along the coast, the California Coastal Commission will likely impose restraints on how tall your building can be. The sooner you know what all your constraints are, the easier it will be to adjust any preliminary design plans.
• Finding opportunities: As any quality construction management company in San Francisco, CA knows, the best developments are the ones that use their constraints to find exciting new opportunities. Just as any given property will come with limits, it will likely also come with prime selling features, such as a fantastic view, easy excavation or an empty adjacent lot that can open the door to new design and construction features. The key is finding the opportunities that work for you, and then running with them.
• Determining costs: Chances are, you will already have some sort of preliminary budget in place before the predesign phase begins. But it is at this point that you will get an idea of whether that budget is truly feasible, and which features or ideas are worth pursuing from a cost-benefit standpoint. Once you have a strong idea of how much your project will cost, you can start searching for new avenues of funding if need be.
• Planning a schedule: Finally, once the predesign phase is complete, you will have a fairly good idea of how long the rest of the design and development process ought to take. You can put this knowledge to good use by developing a firm schedule, and imploring your collaborators to stay true to it.

For more information about predesign planning services, please feel free to get in touch with KSD Group Inc. anytime. As a construction management company in San Francisco, CA, we are committed to helping you throughout every phase of your project.

When the time comes to embark on a new development project, you need the peace of mind that comes with knowing you have the best possible people and collaborators on your team. One major factor involved with that is hiring the right construction manager.
In a time when construction is booming here in the Bay, it takes a special construction management service to rise above the rest, but with a little research, you can find that service. Here are seven tips for how to find the best construction manager:

• Experience matters: These days, it seems that everyone is throwing their hat into the ring of Bay Area construction, which means that experience is more elusive—and more valuable—than ever before. A construction manager who has seen it all before will be able to keep your project on track.
• Seek trustworthy recommendations: Whom do you trust more: an anonymous online stranger, or a close and respected friend or neighbor? When it comes to seeking recommendations, make sure you put real thought into whose opinion you take stock in.
• Ask about previous work: A construction manager might claim to be versatile, but in reality they might only have meaningful experience in residential construction, which will not be helpful if you are creating an urban mixed-use development. Ask for concrete details about what a potential construction management service has tackled before.
• Check credentials: Even in the very code- and regulation-heavy world of construction and development, it can sometimes be easy for a construction manager to lie or be misleading about their credentials and qualifications. Take the necessary steps to make sure your potential manager is who they say they are.
• Ask detailed questions: When hiring a construction manager, you certainly do not want there to be any misunderstandings on either side about what will be expected. Instigate a long, detailed conversation to ensure you both are on the exact same page.
• Do your own research: If this is one of your first developments, you might still be unclear as to what a construction manager is and what they can be counted on to do. Do some research on the field and have a strong idea of what you want and need before beginning your search.
• Consider hiring local: Here in the Bay Area, the real estate boom is so big that it is attracting major developers from all over the world. But still, it pays to go with a local company that will have the strong connections and intimate understanding necessary to make sure your development project goes off without a hitch. What’s more, you will be doing your part to support the local economy.

If you are looking for a qualified, experienced, versatile and locally owned and operated construction manager in or the greater Bay Area, we hope you will consider trusting KSD Group Inc with the job.
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Whatever type of construction project you will soon be embarking on, it is fair to say that your budget will need to be very clear and well thought out, while also including some wiggle room. After all, there are many costly factors in construction that can be unpredictable, including foundation problems, workplace accidents and even natural disasters. But one time when you should always be able to count on predictable and fair prices is when buying construction materials. From your construction consultant, here is a guide to making sure you receive fair prices for construction materials:

• Get several quotes: If you were going to buy a new piece of furniture or appliance for your home, chances are you would at least check out a few different websites to see what your money can get you. Although shopping for affordable construction materials is not quite so easy, it is possible. Most material suppliers will be happy to give you a quote, so do not hesitate to contact at least three of them before making your decision.
• Buy efficient materials: When working within a tight budget, many people are compelled to skimp on the quality of their materials. Buying highly efficient and durable materials can certainly be more expensive upfront, but in the long run, it pays off in increased building value and longevity. Always remember that quality should never be sacrificed for short-term savings.
• Purchase from reputable sources: Buying materials from an anonymous or unaccredited source is almost always going to be cheaper, but it is seldom worth it in the long run. For one thing, these materials are not going to be backed with any kind of quality guarantee. Even worse, you could potentially be buying stolen goods, which could get you into legal trouble and will certainly stall construction. If a deal feels too good to be true, that is probably because there is a significant catch.
• Do your homework: As any construction consultant will tell you, the price of construction materials is always shifting, especially with the construction and real estate boom we are currently experiencing. What sounds like a good deal this month could be way overpriced the next month, and vice versa. Do some research before negotiation to make sure you can make a well-informed and confident decision.
• Trust a professional: Following all of the above steps is a great start, but when it comes down to the nitty gritty details of negotiation, it helps to have an experienced and effective professional on your side. That is why we recommend working with a construction consultant in to ensure you get the best deal possible.

If you need a trustworthy and experienced construction consultant in to help you make the most out of your construction materials purchases, we hope you will get in touch with KSD Group Inc. We look forward to hearing from you, and to helping make your vision a reality.

Anyone who has ever worked in construction has some understanding of building codes and their importance, and if you have ever heard the dreaded phrase “this isn’t up to code,” then you know how frustrating and difficult dealing with codes can be. However, as long as you understand how the code works, take the time to read it for yourself, and have an experienced and trustworthy advisor by your side, you should be able to navigate this sometimes difficult topic.
From your construction management company in California, here is an overview of some key aspects of the California Building Code.
Recent change
The most recent change to California building standards occurred in 2014, when the 2013 California Building Standards Code (Title 24) went into effect. The code covers different regulations and requirements for residential, commercial and historical buildings, including both existing buildings and new construction.
Because this change is relatively recent, it is important for anybody involved in a construction project in California to be well versed in these changes. Fortunately, the code is available in two convenient, readable volumes, which you can find on the California Building Standards Commission’s website.
Key factors
We have already mentioned that the building code in California covers all types of existing buildings and current construction projects, but what are some of the key factors and changes in the new code?
One of the most notable updated in the code has to do with an increased focus on efficiency and sustainability. The code requires builders to offer concrete explanations for how they choose their HVAC systems, appliances and building materials. The code also includes strict efficiency standards for many features and fixtures, including toilets, lighting, showerheads and more. Essentially, the California Building Standards Commission is aiming to make every construction project a sustainable one.
Who should read it?
Obviously, anyone who is involved in construction should familiarize themselves with their state’s building code, especially developers and contractors. Beyond this, as a construction management company in California, we encourage all citizens to be at least loosely familiar with the code, and feel comfortable looking through it should they encounter something on their property that they feel may not be up to code.
Specifically, landlords, tenants, building maintenance workers and others can all benefit greatly by understanding Title 24.
Here to help
We know that when you start an exciting new construction project, it can be difficult to always be fully on top of recent changes to the building code. That’s why the team here at KSD Group Inc is happy to help. With nearly 40 years of experience and very strict quality standards, we are the construction management company in California that you need to help you stay on schedule, within the restrictions of your budget and up to code.
If you plan to start a construction project soon but cannot wrap your head around the new code regulations, please get in touch with us anytime. We look forward to hearing from you soon!
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