Rose PAVING CO.

This week’s post will address the fourth and final step in the four-step program to successful parking lot management. 

The final step of the project should include a Post-Job Inspection.  During this time, all of the work is thoroughly reviewed by the project manager.  Signage, barricades, and any remaining equipment and debris are removed from the job site.  If possible, the property or facility manager should be present for the post-job inspection so that any questions can be addressed on site.  If this is not feasible, the project manager can take pictures and document any final comments.  These will be submitted to the property or facility manager for further review.  The goal of a post-job inspection is to monitor quality control and verify complete satisfaction.  Be wary of a contractor if this service is not offered.

Whether a facility manager is responsible for one parking lot or thousands of parking lots across the country, teaming up with an experienced contractor with national management capabilities will help ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and according to specifications.  Ultimately, by following the proper S.T.E.P.s, maintaining a parking lot can be a simple procedure.  In the end, the benefits are well worth the investment.  A properly maintained parking lot helps to project a positive image, attract customers, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.     

This excerpt is from an article written by David Rivers, Director of National Operations for Rose Paving Company.  First published in Retail Facility Business in May 2009.

This week’s post will address the third step in the four-step program to successful parking lot management; please check back next week for the fourth and final step.

After timetable, the third step is Execution. It is extremely helpful to have on-site project management once work commences.  The same project manager who facilitated the setup, mapping, phasing, scheduling and signage needs should also be on hand to ensure that the project is executed as planned and according to specifications set forth in the bid.

Supervising a project not only requires careful monitoring of work, inspecting materials and application methods, taking photos and monitoring traffic flow, but also documenting any concerns as necessary.  Of course, there may be some uncontrollable factors that set back a project, regardless of on-site management.  These delays may be weather related, equipment related, or even site related.  Site delays may happen if workers encounter structural problems beneath the sub base that occurred during original construction.  In these instances, a change-order may be necessary to perform the right repair.  More materials might be needed and a different procedure might even be warranted.  Hiring a trustworthy contractor with project management capabilities to report on these issues as they occur can help save time, money and additional delays.

This week’s post will address the second step in the four-step program to successful parking lot management; please check back next week for the third step.

After set-up, the second step is Timetable.  A seasoned project manager will be able to schedule pavement maintenance during whatever days of the week are preferred for the client. Retail clientele, for example, often prefer parking lot maintenance to be performed during off-peak and/or lower-volume days, such as Monday through Thursday. This helps ensure that business can continue as usual, with minimal interruptions. Convenience-minded contractors should also be willing to perform certain service lines at night if necessary.

Depending on the time of year, an experienced contractor will also factor unfavorable weather into a schedule and allot additional or alternative “rain” days so that repairs can still be completed in a timely fashion as soon as conditions are favorable.

Timing is one of the most important considerations when selecting a contractor.  After all, the price may be right, but if your contractor cannot perform around your schedule, the resulting inconvenience to your business may outweigh the initial savings.

This excerpt is from an article written by David Rivers, Director of National Operations for Rose Paving Company.  First published in Retail Facility Business in May 2009.

This week’s post will focus on the first step; please check back each week throughout the month of April for information on all four steps. 

Step 1 is Set-up.  Prior to beginning most paving projects, a map of the area in need of repair should be created and reviewed.  This document should include the number and location of entranceways, drive lanes, crosswalks, fire lanes, as well as ADA parking stalls.  Once created, a skilled project manager should review the map with the property or facility manager to make certain that all areas are properly addressed and to answer any questions or concerns.  He or she should also review this documentation internally so that the crew completely understands the project prior to arriving on site. 

This picture was taken during the "set-up" phase of a paving project. The picture depicts an on-site meeting where the project manager is reviewing a site map in detail.

Next, the number of project phases are determined.  An experienced project manager will phase the project around entrances and accessible parking to maintain clear and definable access throughout the project.  Whenever possible, some handicapped-accessible parking spots should be available during all phases.  Traffic control goes hand-in-hand with how a project is phased and its importance cannot be emphasized enough.  Barricades, flagmen, and signage are all instruments to aid in the process of directing traffic when work is in progress.  It should be determined well in advance how many of each should be utilized.  Proper signage serves to notify motorists and pedestrians of work areas and alternate routes that should be taken to avoid the construction.  Barricades may also be used to block areas that will be off limits (if barricades will remain in place during the evening hours, they should be equipped with lights).  Read more…