Case Studies
CASE STUDY #1
Dream House Double Fault: Match Beyond Tennis
Dr. B is a good friend of mine, and we enjoy playing tennis together. One day, he told me that he was building his dream house and that he had contracted an engineer-contractor to build the project. I was happy for him and excited to see how it would turn out.
A few months later, I noticed that the work had slowed down. Dr. B seemed worried, and I asked him what was happening in his project. It was only then that he told me that his engineer contractor had suffered a stroke and could not work nor report on site anymore.
This started his problems. With the payments that he had made more than what had been accomplished, the contractor, through his accountant daughter, was asking for additional payments, claiming that the down payment was already consumed. When Dr. B made some clarifications, it was then that he was shown material receipts, payroll sheets, equipment rental bills that were all being charged to him.
Dr. B was at a loss and didn't know what to do. That's when he asked for my help to represent him in communicating with the contractor. We reviewed the contract, assessed the actual accomplishments, and discovered that the contractor had overcharged him.
After careful consideration, we advised Dr. B not to pay anything, but instead, negotiate the continuation of the project with another contractor. We also suggested that he should get the remaining unused materials, which he had already paid for, and use them for the continuation of the project.
We communicated our decision to the contractor and, after a few discussions, we finally reached an agreement. The contractor agreed to stop asking for additional payments, and Dr. B was able to get the remaining unused materials and make use of the temporary facilities that were installed by the contractor.
The project continued with a new contractor, and after eight months, it was finally finished. Dr. B was pleased with the outcome, and he thanked me for my help. He was able to save money and still have his dream house.
It was a challenging experience, but we were able to overcome it by working together and being diligent in our assessments and negotiations. Dr. B and I continued to play tennis, but this time, we had a new topic to talk about, his beautiful dream house.
And we still play tennis, hopefully... happily ever after.
Note: For client’s privacy, some specifics of the project may not be entirely disclosed.
CASE STUDY #2
Trade Offs and Risk Issues, While Scaling Up Production
In the heart of Laguna, a large factory faced the ambitious challenge of expansion. Their vision? Amplify production by 30% while augmenting product lines. However, a series of intricate hurdles emerged, demanding much experience and ingenuity to navigate.
CHALLENGES ADDRESSED:
1. Wedged between two large warehouses, the expansion project required meticulous integration without disrupting ongoing operations.
2. With 200+ employees and factory workers around the site, amid construction, safety measures was pivotal.
3. The expansion necessitated intricate connections between existing structures and the proposed build-out.
4. Coordinating construction with custom-made machinery’s overseas arrival demanded synchronicity to intertwine equipment and site seamlessly.
5. Amidst the unfavorable weather conditions and power supply issue, rectifying the property's drainage, installing power generators, and other essential systems without impeding operations was imperative for safety and functionality.
6. Internal cashflow problem of the builder at the time of project execution.
EXECUTION APPROACH:
- Comprehensive plans and specifications were crafted in alignment with the factory's stringent requirements.
- Three contractors were meticulously vetted through competitive bidding, with one aligning with both vision and budget.
- Due to the existing conditions and safety issues, an execution plan, designed with the contractor, prioritized risk mitigation and close coordination.
- Meticulous Oversight: Close monitoring, control systems, and relentless coordination mitigated challenges at every step.
- Despite schedule delays, the project culminated within budget, meeting the core objectives.
- Strict monitoring and take-over of the builder’s major procurement activities.
RESULT AND SATISFACTION:
The culmination of this endeavor resulted in an expanded, efficient, and integrated facility. The business owners, including foreign partners, were not just satisfied but invigorated by the accomplished milestones. Despite hurdles, the factory now stands as a testament to achievement of desired business expansion and increased productivity.
Trade-Off Considerations: Acknowledging potential schedule delays, the project focused on problem resolution to ensure long-term efficiency, accepting the trade-off for safety and effectiveness over expediency.
Through proper coordination, careful planning, and unwavering dedication to maintaining operations, the biscuit factory not only expanded its physical capacity but elevated its capabilities to meet the increased demands of the market.
Note: For client’s privacy, some specifics of the project may not be entirely disclosed.
CASE STUDY #3
Overcoming Challenges to Deliver a Corporate Headquarters
In the commercial center of Quezon City, a vision took shape—a national headquarters for an insurance company. Tasked as construction managers, our role was pivotal in overseeing the realization of a 7-story office building with a basement parking. However, this journey was marked by challenges from the outset.
Encountering Hurdles:
1. Boundary Blues: Encroachment issues with neighboring improvements. The building plan was prepared based on the land title. A relocation survey could have helped discover the lot boundary discrepancies.
2. Missing Surveys: Absence of a topographic survey forced early design changes to accommodate site elevation problems.
3. Community Concerns: Nearby residents raised complaints about construction noise, disturbance, and dust, causing disruptions.
4. Unstated Green Goals: The project owner’s desire of a "green design" wasn’t communicated clearly at the project's outset and planning stage.
5. Parking Predicaments: Struggles arose due to non-compliance with parking space requirements as mandated by the city council ordinance.
6. Pandemic Perils: COVID-related regulations caused restrictions and work stoppages, further impacting timelines.
7. Scope Shifts: Several major changes in design and scope led to multiple change orders, claims, and disputes.
8. Permit Predicaments: Issues surrounding building permits added complexity and delays.
Navigating the Journey:
Our scope of work was vast—overseeing execution, managing procurement, administering bids and contracts, monitoring progress, and ensuring quality. We tackled issues head-on:
- Adaptive Solutions: Swift adaptation to evolving circumstances, mitigating complaints and resolving disputes.
- Client Collaboration: Close communication ensured aligning expectations and resolving compliance issues.
- Strategic Oversight: Constant monitoring and control of builders, trades, and stakeholders to address changing regulations and requirements.
- Risk Mitigation: Careful review and management of change orders, compliance, and design alterations.
Result and Satisfaction:
Despite the challenges and delays incurred, our perseverance bore fruit. After settling claims, addressing issues, and navigating through uncertainties, the office building finally stood tall as the national headquarters of the business organization.
The lessons learned were profound—diligence in planning, thorough studies, and robust risk management are indispensable. Through adaptability and perseverance, what began as a project fraught with hurdles culminated in a successful delivery—an office building serving as a testament to resilience and determination.
Note: For client’s privacy, some specifics of the project may not be entirely disclosed.
CASE STUDY #4
Scope Creep Challenges: A Construction Project Tale
Around the year 2005, our construction company embarked on a residential project in a flush village Muntinlupa City. Despite incomplete plans, we began construction, receiving additional hand-drawn details and instructions from the project architect as we progressed.
Determined to maximize time and information, we executed supplemental plans based on verbal instructions and owner approval. The expanded scope included basement expansion and modifications, built-in furniture, kitchen installations, window frames, wall treatments, and outdoor features. The progress billing followed the original plans, but costs eventually soared with the augmented scope.
At 95% completion, change orders were billed, surprising the owner. Despite providing a detailed statement, the owner contested and refused payment. Operations were suspended, workers withdrawn, and minimal staff left to secure the site. The owner seized control that lead to a prolonged litigation. It ended to a compromise agreement with us paying for our much painful experience.
Key lessons learned:
1. Comprehensive Initial Agreements: Ensure detailed plans and specifications before initiating construction.
2. Transparent Communication: Clearly document and communicate changes, securing formal approvals.
3. Real-time Cost Monitoring: Implement robust cost-tracking systems to prevent billing surprises.
4. Legal Safeguards in Contracts: Include mechanisms for dispute resolution to avoid protracted litigation.
5. Client Collaboration: Educate clients on the repercussions of scope changes on costs and timelines.
6. Timely Billing for Changes: Invoice promptly for additional work to prevent financial disputes.
This case emphasizes the significance of meticulous planning, transparent communication, and legal safeguards in effective construction contracting and project management.
Note: For client’s privacy, some specifics of the project may not be entirely disclosed.
CASE STUDY #5
Impeccable Project Documentations, Our Saving Grace
In the heart of Pasig City, we undertook the challenge of taking over the complete renovation of a high-end condominium unit that was abandoned by its previous fit-out contractor. The initial survey revealed a chaotic scene, akin to the aftermath of a typhoon. Save for the plans graciously provided by the original architect and interior designer, no records existed.
Once our proposal gained approval, the first order of business was to declutter and salvage usable materials. Mobilizing promptly, we executed the planned improvements, encountering only minor hiccups and communication glitches until the submission of one of our penultimate progress billings.
To meticulously document this critical phase, we crafted a Progress Accomplishment Report. The site architect verified actual accomplishments, the owner's representative recommended approval, and all necessary signatures were secured. However, payment became a sticking point, with the owner inexplicably refusing to honor the accomplishment report’s recommendation.
Undeterred, we initiated a series of follow-up letters, escalating the matter through registered mail. Copy furnishing the design architect and interior designer, our communications remained unanswered. A final warning letter, sent and furnished to the Condominium Admin office and the design architect’s office, notified the owner of our intent to suspend operations until payment was received. Unsurprisingly, silence persisted, prompting us to withdraw our workforce and equipment.
Two weeks later, a court subpoena arrived, courtesy of the disgruntled owner. With no recourse but to engage in a legal battle, we filed our answers. The protracted litigation spanned five years, concluding with the plaintiff dropping the case and settling the outstanding dues.
While victory remained elusive in the courtroom, our lawyer emerged triumphant. The lesson learned: meticulous documentation proved to be our saving grace. Thanks to stringent record-keeping, we navigated the legal process and ultimately secured the compensation rightfully owed to us.
Note: For client’s privacy, some specifics of the project may not be entirely disclosed.