As a business owner, you've likely created a hurricane plan for your business and your family, but did you overlook your construction project? Don't worry, you're not alone. Most people don't even think about preparing their construction site because it's not written into their "construction timeline." But when a hurricane threatens, general contractors usually get panicked phone calls asking about potential damage, delays and cost.
You can save time and frustration by contacting your general contractor to discuss their plan before a hurricane strikes. You've invested a lot of resources into your construction project, so insist that your contractor safeguard it the same way that you safeguard your home. Here is a guide on what to expect from your general contractor's hurricane preparation plan:
1. Preparation Timing ? A construction site has infinitely more hazards than a completed building, so it is reasonable to assume that the site won't be properly secured in one day. Depending on the size of the project, your general contractor should start preparing your site three to five days in advance of the storm.
2. Actual Building Preparation ? Your general contractor should complete a structural analysis of your building to assess its weaknesses in the days prior to the storm. Is the roof up? Are any of the frames or trusses exposed? Are the exterior openings exposed? Any work that will help the structural integrity of the building should continue if it can be completed in time (this might include concrete or roofing). At the same time, any work that is highly vulnerable to damage (like landscaping or exterior painting), should be put on hold until after the storm.
3. Exterior Site Preparation ? Any lose material like 2x4's, rebar, scaffolding, and roofing tile could become a dangerous projectile. Your general contractor should secure all of these items to protect your building and to protect surrounding businesses and homes. Larger jobsites might require an engineering consultation to properly secure materials. Additionally, your general contractor should verify any onsite construction trailers are securely tied down, dumpsters should be emptied or removed, portable toilettes should be removed and any deliveries of non-essential materials should be placed on hold.
4. Construction Documents ? The same way that you would want to protect insurance documents or a mortgage, your general contractor should be protecting the jobsite documentation in a waterproof container, or relocating it to the contractor's main office.
5. Builders Risk Insurance ? This is a policy that the general contractor purchases on your behalf. It is your policy to protect your investment, so make sure that you read it thoroughly and understand it. Specifically, you should be aware the following:
a. Last year, there were several disputes over who paid the insurance deductible for damage. Since then, some insurance companies have already written that clarification into the policy. If the insurance policy doesn't mention it, your contract with the general contractor should stipulate whether you or the general contractor is responsible for the deductible.
b. Several buildings that were damaged last year were under-insured, so make sure that your insurance covers the full value of the building.
c. If your project will be completed during hurricane season, consider purchasing a policy that covers an extra month or two so that you are locked into a lower premium rate if your project is delayed. Most insurance companies will allow you to drop the policy if the project is completed early.
d. Builders Risk Insurance does NOT cover flooding or mold. However, you can purchase separate policies.
You've prepared for everything else when the storm strikes, don't forget to plan for your construction project too.
Cyndee Woolley is the Marketing Coordinator for Professional Building Systems. http://www.pbscontractors.com/
For many consumers and producers, MSP is an acronym for... Read More
Is there really anything as a problem? Does chaos or... Read More
There is a story, about a business owner who wasn't... Read More
One of the quintessential parts to any business is your... Read More
Growing your own small business can be one of the... Read More
If you own the mid-size business and actively work in... Read More
Are you frustrated by the lack of growth in your... Read More
Note to Northwest Airlines ? It's not about fuel costsFor... Read More
The new check cashing instant clearing will take some time... Read More
Ask a small business owner about their strategic plan and... Read More
1. Largest Selection -One way that you can make your... Read More
You have invested a lot of time and energy on... Read More
There is so much small business information available today that... Read More
Why cut costs now? Efforts are multiplying to cut costs... Read More
Is your business growing as fast and effectively as it... Read More
Does your overall business strategy include the recruitment of college... Read More
If you own a mobile car wash business or auto... Read More
I am surprised how few sales professionals, independent consultants, and... Read More
A strategic alliance is when two or more businesses join... Read More
If you are in the parking business and own or... Read More
Canada's lean leaders need to look beyond the horizon and... Read More
Before becoming a netpreneaur, I was an entrepreneur. First, I... Read More
If you own a mobile franchise business and wish to... Read More
Does the competition drive you crazy?Are they relentless about taking... Read More
Many movies have been made about the tragic story of... Read More
Scenario OneDuring a recent presentation, a business owner was given... Read More
When in doubt, cut that out! Yeah, yea, doubting Thomas... Read More
A focus group is a group of employees or current... Read More
To Grow (Catapult) Your Business That's Why.When it's in your... Read More
In today's rapidly changing and highly competitive markets, many privately... Read More
Much of what we heard in the mass media about... Read More
If you're a solo professional like I am, you know... Read More
If ever there were an industry where we want zero... Read More
What do Mark Victor Hansen, Robert Allen, Anthony Robbins, Andrew... Read More
It doesn't take a Terrorist Act, Tsunami or Earthquake to... Read More
We all know that nothing runs without a plan, and... Read More
Remember Chux? The disposable diaper that took the market by... Read More
The first step in starting a restaurant is proper planning.... Read More
The time when a website was just a simple set... Read More
Can you imagine going on a road trip without knowing... Read More
It is always said "If you Fail to Plan, you... Read More
This week I coached a wonderfully lovely woman I'll call... Read More
Here's a really simple way to make sure your plans... Read More
Canada's lean leaders need to look beyond the horizon and... Read More
1. Attempt Succession Planning Without Other Strategic Plans. Succession plans... Read More
If you are looking for a partner, funding, angle investor... Read More
One Research Scientist at the Hewlett-Packard (HP) Imaging Systems laboratory... Read More
Making money doesn't make your reputation... your reputation makes you... Read More
I. INTRODUCTIONThe term resilience, which is of frequent use in... Read More
One of the key challenges for any business is to... Read More
Here is an abstract thought on studying nature and the... Read More
In this small article we'll concentrate on farmers associations and... Read More
It's easy to lose sight of what needs to be... Read More
We have been spending many hours surveying the market for... Read More
Why cut costs now? Efforts are multiplying to cut costs... Read More
If you are a manufacturer wanting to use your business... Read More
As a business owner, you've likely created a hurricane plan... Read More
A menu is the foundation of any restaurant; Guests will... Read More
If you own the mid-size business and actively work in... Read More
With the help of balanced scorecard strategy map, it is... Read More
By cranking up others development to meet your business needs,... Read More
As fast as you can say business disaster, your business... Read More
I am surprised how few sales professionals, independent consultants, and... Read More
You know you need a business plan. You probably realize... Read More
"Begin with the end in mind," says Stephen Covey in... Read More
Business seems to drop, slow or even stop during the... Read More
Strategic Planning |