Value Proposition

FirstService Project Management has established a reputation of service excellence by providing our clients with a uniquely holistic approach to project management. We are experts in the industry and improve the capital improvement experience for our clients by serving as an owner’s representative from the beginning. The initial steps we take, set us apart from other firms, simplifying the process for our boards and owners while eliminating the stress often associated with construction.

Initial Project Analysis

Initial Project Analysis is a critical first step, often overlooked by boards or owners – but necessary to determine the best course of action for a project. FirstService Project Management listens to your goals and analyses the existing conditions of the building or project site to properly define the scope of work, timing and project phasing. Our ability to provide ‘value engineering’ service can often reduce the scope of work and duration of a project.

Listening to you early on and conducting a thorough review of your financial condition allows us to better recommend financing solutions and professionals that fit within your budget.

 

Bidding and Contract Negotiations

We review all project specifications, plans, and drawings prepared by professional contractors. We interview potential contractors and send out Requests for Proposals (RFPs). After acceptance and review of submitted proposals, we prepare bid analysis spreadsheets for the owner’s review. During this phase, our ‘value engineering’ expertise is critical to the process as we look for areas to save you more money and remain within your budget. We serve as your advocate, discussing and negotiating with contractors regarding alternatives in methods, materials or other areas for savings.

As the liaison between the owner and various professionals who may be bidding on the project, we review and verify all compliance submissions for insurance, permits and bonding.

 

Project Supervision

With a dedicated project manager at your service, FirstService Project Management is able to continuously monitor your project’s progress via site visits, review of work schedules, payment requisitions and change orders. We attend all necessary project meetings on site, and continuously evaluate the status of subcontractors. Our project managers report to owners on a regular basis; they are fully involved and able to explain and/or advise on any issues requiring board actions or decisions. If there are any project-related conflicts, we will assist in resolution.

 

Resident and Staff Relations

We pride ourselves on resident communication, keeping residents aware what is happening in and around their homes by working with a building’s property manager to provide pertinent information to distribute in a timely fashion. We can set up a project-dedicated Telephone Hotline through which residents can receive current project information. Recorded messages inform of the location and type of work scheduled over the next few days and what residents can expect in terms of noise, dust, parking, and more. It is also crucial to coordinate and communicate with building staff regarding what their responsibilities may be during the project and what they can expect from the team. With staff involvement and interaction, we are better able to coordinate contractor access to common areas and individual apartments, minimizing inconvenience and discomfort to the community as a whole.

 

Project Completion

At the completion of your project, we present a comprehensive project report known as “The Book,” which includes thorough descriptions of the work, progress reports, financial updates, a chronological photo history of the project and a final summary.