Construction Observation

The success of a project depends on great installation as much as great design. During construction, it is often beneficial to retain the services of a construction observer to oversee that the installation meets the intent and quality of the approved plans. To be an efficient construction observer, one must be familiar with the requirements of the construction documents, perform necessary checks and tests, practice good public relations, and maintain a good working relationship with the Owner and the contractor. By following a clearly defined process, there is less confusion and a better chance for a happy ending:

• Construction Process Checklist
• Pre-Construction Conference
• Permits
• Submittal Review
• Final Inspection
• As-built Submittals

Construction Process Checklist

The construction checklist makes it easy for the Owner, the contractor, manufacturer, etc. to know what is required and when. Provided by the construction observer, the checklist identifies items during the construction that the Owner and the contractor will be required to provide to keep the project running smoothing until the end. By creating a checklist upfront, it keeps the construction observer from looking unfair when enforcing the process.  The checklist can also be utilized as a schedule, identifying critical dates to ensure the work does not lag. It is also useful to identify inspection requirements, permits, meeting duties/responsibilities and outstanding issues.

Pre-Construction Conference

The pre-construction conference or project kick-off is attended by the Owner, the construction observer (landscape architect), and the contractor. Depending on the project, it may be beneficial to have the design engineer, sub-contractors and manufacturer’s present. During this meeting, staging and access is a primary conversation. Those present will walk the site to evaluate the existing conditions, taking time to point out the limits of work and the scope of the project. Site and tree protection measures will be discussed, as well as those items to be preserved, demolished or re-used. Finally, it is helpful to review the Construction Checklist, identifying responsibilities and important dates.

Permits

The receipt of permits from the building department is usually obtained during the construction period. Often, it is beneficial to have the construction observer coordinate with the City since there are often revisions to plans and construction direction offered by the City officials. Check with the local jurisdiction for exact requirements. Generally, landscape related permits are needed for walls over 36”, fences, arbors/pergolas, pools/spa and irrigation- anything that threatens public health and safety. Permit fees vary depending on review times and are usually paid by the Owner.

Submittal Requirements

Either the construction observer or the contractor is responsible to submit various items for review and approval by the Owner. If submitted by the contractor, the construction observer will review and make recommendations based on the design and previous discussions with the Owner. Material samples, shop drawings and product cut sheets can be expected during this task.

Final Inspection

It is beneficial to have the construction observer review the installation, cross referencing the approved plans with the installed work. Findings are summarized on a field report, denoting improvements that need to occur prior to final acceptance. A date of final acceptance is an important item needed for start date on warrantees and maintenance.

As-built Submittals

The construction observer and the contractor will work together to provide the Owner with as-built submittals, including: revised drawings, irrigation plans, warrantees, and Operations and Maintenance Manuals (O&M Manual). This important step is often overlooked at the detriment to the Owner. These close-out documents provide valuable information on the installation of the work and become the Owner’s guide to caring for their investment.

Construction observation services are a great way Owners can relieve themselves of some of the stress and confusion that comes with construction projects. Taking care of all the loose ends, the construction observer is a representative of the Owner and keeps the contractor in-check, eliminating short cutting and poor construction. By hiring a construction observer, a project can go from a A project to an A+ project.

A big bear on Little Bear

Having succeeded in summiting Colorado’s toughest 14er, Little Bear, we were jazzed to celebrate at our Lake Como backcountry camp. We returned to find our bear bag had been felled, limb and all. A veritable feast for the local wildlife, every food item with two exceptions was devoured, leaving only scraps of colorful wrappers. Thankfully, the remaining items were uncooked pasta and Heinz canned sauce which we salvaged and dinned on that evening.

Carefully cleaning up after dinner, we gathered the remains of our food and walked to the old shelter nearby. Thinking it could be used as a food cache, we were disappointed to find an absence of glass in the windows and a large space under the door. Continuing our sunset walk around Lake Como, we decided to temporarily hang our small day-pack of rations in a nearby tree. We returned an hour later to find just one orange under the tree with no signs of our pack and remaining food. “There is some Blair Witch sh*t going on now.” Sleeping that night was uneasy and restless, especially since I was sleeping outdoors. Pepper spray in hand, I curled in my down bag with finger on the trigger. Throughout the night, I had repeated visions of climbing the hourglass alternated with Hollywood style bear attacks.

Morning couldn’t come too soon. We quickly shared the orange and rationed the Cliff Block three ways for the long hike to the truck. With one eye out for bears, we were not shy about eating raspberries along the route. Even this was sketchy, as a fresh belly pit had been dug in the immediate vicinity of the berry patch. As we drudgingly made our way to the vehicle, we were excited to eat our remaining road trip food- home cooked organic popcorn. It seems the little bear had caught a scent of that as well. As we approached the big black truck, we noticed random items strewn about. Destroying the coping surrounding all four windows, the bear was able to get claws into a slightly cracked window, shattering the glass and gaining access. Hungry, we were disappointed to find only one kernel and an untouched honey jar. Not satisfied, the little bear showed his true colors, ripping and tearing every seat, handle, lever and wheel. Interestingly, the bear removed a Frisbee, a floor mat and two coffee mugs from the front out the back window.

Having informed the Division of Wildlife, the representative mentioned repeated bear occurrences in the Lake Como basin. The bears are hungry this year and are finding easy food sources surrounding human activity. Unfortunately, this repeat offender has crossed a line he knows nothing about. He will likely be shot for the safety of backcountry enthusiasts like me. I feel we were very close to a more dangerous encounter, one that included a mauling perhaps. I learned a lot about this interaction. I wish we’d been more careful. I wish we’d been more respectful.I wish we’d hung food high from two trees rather than one.

I wish there was a backcountry food cache.

In the Mind of a Biker

Bike riding through twisting trails at Marshall Mesa, I am thinking about all the things I love about south Boulder. Certainly, the quick access to single-track is one of them. It is so nice avoiding the load-up process and hassle of traffic just to bike somewhere else. As I pedal past prickly pear, many thoughts come to mind. The Sumacs blooming, the yucca flowering; what is not to like about this place. Both near and far, my senses are stimulated. Bear Mountain floats high in the sky as I approach Eldorado Canyon in the distance.

Tweet-tweet go the Meadow Lark who quickly flutter off the trail. Squawk-squawk go the Magpies arguing over squatters rights. They are obviously fans of this south Boulder paradise. I love this wooded valley as well. Perhaps it’s the upland meadow mix of Pine, Sumac and Juniper that provides them both food and cover.

As I continue my long-loop, I’m pleased to know that my pondering on south Boulder has helped release my mind from the ride. Now, I cruise along without much thought, without much effort. This kind of freedom happens to those who venture out. Letting it all hang out creates space for more of the good stuff. Out with the old, in with the new.

As I hit Doudy Gulch, the ride eases as I consider my favorite beers. Luckily, the Southern Sun is waiting for me. Last time there I was drenched from an afternoon thunderstorm that slowly made its way from Eldo across Boulder County. I remember smiling as a friend stepped onto tile as water literally oozed from his Five Tens.

I wonder if they will let me in?