I’m not ready to commit to building a parking garage yet. Will you provide just the consulting services without me committing to the construction contract?
Absolutely. We’re happy to assist with feasibility studies, traffic planning and layout and site evaluation. Our expertise in designing garages gives us proficient knowledge of building codes, local ordinances and the ability to do statutory law investigation. In fact, it is our construction knowledge that allows us to be the only parking consultant that can guarantee a construction price, as part of our consulting services, which gives you critical information you need to make the decision about building structured parking.
What is the meaning of D-M-C I see associated with the Finfrock name?
That refers to Design-Manufacture-Construct which pretty much explains what we do – designing precast structures, manufacturing precast concrete used for the structural elements of the building and constructing projects. Finfrock also offers parking consulting and maintenance and repair services. While that seems to be only a benefit for Finfrock it’s actually a benefit to you too. It is by combining the knowledge of how the precast product is manufactured with the best design for that product so that it can be easily, efficiently and cost effectively constructed that you benefit with early knowledge of project costs and a project completed faster and more economically. This know-how makes us one of the most well respected parking consultants in the industry as well as an expert on maintenance and repair issues.
What is the difference between Design-Build and Design-BID-Build?
The most significant difference is that in a Bid situation the Owner warrants the architect’s plans and specifications to the Contractor. In this case, all change order requests for things necessary to the functionality of your building that were incorrect or missing from the plans when your contractor bid them are your responsibility. When negotiating a Design-Build project with Finfrock, however, it is Finfrock who warrants the accuracy of our plans and specifications. Simply put, we are responsible, not you. This eliminates a huge measure of risk. For a greater explanation of limiting owner risk view our white paper entitled REDUCE RISK – Place Responsibility Where it Belongs.
Why is negotiating a design-build contract with Finfrock better than relying on the traditional design-BID-build process?
Early cost information, greatly reduced risk, improved building efficiency, buying direct from the manufacturer and a VALUE added relationship are just few reasons why negotiating with Finfrock is the better answer. For a more in-depth analysis of benefits you receive by negotiating with Finfrock view our white paper entitled OF PRICE AND VALUE - Benefits of Negotiating with Finfrock.
You call yourself the “Leader in Integrated Parking Solutions”. Are parking structures all you build?
No! Due to the vast demand for combining parking with other uses, Finfrock is now designing mixed-use projects, multi-unit residential buildings and offices. Mixed-use has become an especially popular option for owners looking to develop on sites in established, space-constrained urban settings.
I already have an architectural firm I’m working with on the rest of my project. Will you work with them?
Of course! We have a successful track record of working as a parking consultant, engineer of record, precast manufacturer and erector on design-build teams in addition to the single source role we assume in turnkey projects. Further, we have also worked on projects with Program Architects who help influence the overall aesthetics of the structure.
How much does a parking structure cost?
As with most anything you purchase certain factors like size, appearance and features dictate the cost. The same is true in parking structures. Location, dimensions of the land, code restrictions, aesthetic expectations and, most particularly, geometry will influence the cost of a parking structure. For more information on costs and cost factors view our white paper entitled COST - Variables and Determinates or our journal Winning the Numbers Game – The economics of Geometry and Cost (Vol 10 #3)
How long does it take to build a precast concrete parking structure?
Many factors contribute to the duration of the schedule, but consider this; Finfrock can give you a firm price and also begin precast manufacturing before final plans are complete. In addition, construction can begin before all precast manufacturing is finished. This overlapping of certain items contributes to significantly compressing the schedule. No one does it faster!
Why is precast preferable to cast in place concrete?
Precast concrete is produced in a controlled, extremely precise manufacturing environment that raises the quality of the product. Cast in place concrete is produced on site in a lesser-controlled setting, which frequently contributes to a decline in the quality. For more information on these differences please see our journal Making Concrete Decisions – Why Gamble? (Vol 10 #1)
How can you cost effectively ship precast concrete outside the state of Florida?
We can’t. We have, however, developed strategic alliances with other precasters throughout the country whose quality and professionalism we trust.
Do you use a standard AIA contract?
We typically use the Design-Build Institute of America’s standard contract, which distributes responsibility to the most appropriate party. However, when owners prefer the AIA contract we have used it with minor modifications. For a detailed explanation of how the owner benefits and a comparison between the AIA & DBIA contracts, view our white paper entitled CONTRACTS – In the Owner’s Best Interest.
Can Finfrock provide a bond for my project?
Yes, since Finfrock is the owner of a large manufacturing facility, we have assets that far exceed most architects and general contractors of comparable size. This superior financial strength gives us a bonding capacity of several hundred million dollars.