Dan Sulkoske - Agent to the Client

Lets Talk

LET’S TALK PROJECT ADVOCACY

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I have almost (30) years in the construction business. My project experience (more than one billion dollars) is primarily related to publicly bid projects. My career goal has been to be an independent advocate for the client. As your advocate I will ensure a clear representation of the project delivery process.

The project delivery terminology is familiar:

Design / Build
Design with Extended Services by Designer
Design with General Contractor
Design with Construction Manager
Testing Agency

Each claims that you are getting exactly what you are paying for. Kramer has documented case studies that show you are at a very high risk of over paying and receiving less quality under every one of these project delivery methods.

Think you have a handle on the process? Take a minute to answer a few questions:

1) Do you know the difference between modified proctor and standard proctor?
2) Do you know the difference between a W21 x 70 and a W21 x 50?
3) Do you know what is meant by a Standard of Care for design?
4) Do you know what Plastic Shrinkage Cracking is and what causes it?
5) Do you know if it is allowable for building service conductors and backup generator conductors to be installed in a common raceway? Do you know how to recognize it?
6) Do you know specifically what is required by the Architect under Contract Administration Services?
7) Do you know how many receptacles are allowed on a 20 amp breaker?
8) Do you know what it means when the architect certifies a pay application?
9) Do you know what it means when an architect certifies a contract deviation?
10) Do you know what the typical maximum length of flex duct is?

These 10 questions are actual case study issues flushed out by the advocacy role provided by Kramer.
And, you are not alone if you answered "NO" to one or more of these questions. Kramer scores a 100% passing grade on these questions and other very important components that you may not have considered. Because of the knowledge base Kramer brings to the project delivery process these professionals want us as far from your project as possible.

Does exposing these types of issues cause controversy? You bet! For those responsible, it's costly. It causes competency concerns and it's embarrassing.

Sometimes these deficiencies also cause a significant inconvenience to the client. They may even make front page news. That presents a question that is much easier to answer:

Do you sweep these issues under the rug
or
do you dig-in, hold their feet to the fire, and get what you paid for?

Daniel M. Sulkoske, Agent to the Client