We recently visited an active APEX Walls Builders Inc. jobsite to get a firsthand look at a commercial construction project and the work taking place in the field.
The project involves new commercial space at a shopping mall, allowing us to see how APEX Walls manages its scope of work while coordinating with other contractors and keeping the project moving on schedule.
A Look Inside the APEX Walls Project
During our walkthrough, we met with Daniel Pelaez, Project Owner/Supervisor, who showed us around the jobsite and explained APEX Walls’ role in the project.
APEX is responsible for a portion of the building’s exterior and shell construction. Their work includes shell framing, DensGlass, and the division of the building into three separate commercial spaces.
Once this phase is completed, future tenants will be able to begin their individual interior buildouts.
This project is different from some of the multifamily and apartment projects we’ve visited in the past. Commercial construction comes with its own set of responsibilities, schedules, subcontractor coordination, and potential risks.
Why Scheduling Matters on Commercial Projects
One of the topics we discussed with Daniel was the importance of staying on schedule.
On a commercial construction project, several contractors and subcontractors may be working alongside one another or waiting for another trade to complete its portion of the project. Falling behind in one area can affect the overall construction timeline.
According to Daniel, change orders, Requests for Information (RFIs), and waiting for approvals from engineers are some of the issues that can cause delays.
When changes arise, contractors may need to submit additional information and wait for approval before moving forward. If those decisions aren’t made promptly, the delay can affect other parts of the project as well.
Observing Safety on the Jobsite
Safety was another important part of our walkthrough.
With multiple trades and active construction taking place, contractors need to remain aware of both their own operations and the work happening around them. During our visit, we were able to observe the crew using appropriate personal protective equipment and see how the team was working around other jobsite activities.
These are the kinds of details that are valuable to see firsthand when evaluating construction risk.
Why CRS Conducts Jobsite Visits
For us, understanding a contractor goes beyond reviewing an insurance policy.
Jobsite visits allow our team to see the actual work our clients perform, understand their scope of operations, observe potential exposures, and learn about the challenges they encounter in the field.
That firsthand knowledge supports the broader risk management services we provide, including risk assessments, insurance program analysis, audits, and claims management.
The more we understand about how our clients operate, the better equipped we are to help identify potential risks and provide insurance and risk management guidance that reflects their actual business.
Building Better Through Risk Management
We appreciate APEX Walls Builders Inc. and Daniel for welcoming us to the jobsite and giving us an inside look at this commercial project.
Every construction project presents different challenges. From jobsite safety and subcontractor coordination to change orders and scheduling, understanding those exposures is an important part of managing risk.
Have questions about your construction insurance program or risk management strategy? Contact Contractors Risk Solutions to learn how we can help protect your business and keep you building results.
