August 2016 — Multifamily Properties Quarterly —
Page 29
A
s we sit smack-dab in the
middle of another paving
season, many customers
ponder – sometimes with
frustration and disdain –
why parking lot maintenance ser-
vice providers can’t perform projects
within a 15- to 20-day timeframe
from the signed contract. Let me
help explain and assist in simplify-
ing the process.
Anyone who is responsible for
maintaining a
facility, of any size,
knows there are
specific responsi-
bilities that have
to be taken care of
at certain times of
the year. Parking lot
season typically is
April to November,
at the very lat-
est, depending on
Mother Nature’s
temperament.
It is crucial to
begin planning for
a successful park-
ing lot upgrade,
trip-hazard repair, seal coat or a com-
plete over haul, by starting the pro-
cess in the winter months. Meeting
with your estimator a few months
before the season begins gives you
an opportunity to culminate a project
that is the most advantageous for
everyone involved.
Some of the factors to take into
consideration that affect scheduling,
which typically are behind the scene
in the asphalt and concrete industry,
are as follows:
• Carryover from last year’s work-
load tops the list. Projects that
couldn’t be completed due to weath-
er will be scheduled for the next sea-
son and take precedence over new
projects.
• There is a shortage in the con-
struction labor pool, which is a direct
result of the housing market plum-
meting in 2008. Since an innumerable
number of folks lost their jobs in the
industry, a large quantity of them
found jobs in other arenas, which left
the construction industry tapped. In
addition, very few seasoned employ-
ees were left to teach the invaluable
lessons and industry knowledge that
needs to be taught to the greenhorns.
• There are only so many week-
ends in the season, and copious
companies rely on their work being
performed on a specific weekend to
accommodate their schedule.
• If there are many decision makers
– board members, owners, regional
directors, etc. – in the process, there
will be many questions for the esti-
mator. If those questions are fielded
in the winter months, sufficient time
and consideration will be given and
a quick turnaround is ensured. If the
questions are presented in the heat
of the season, it is much more likely
that the turnaround timeframe for
answers will span two to four weeks
due to the volume of requested pro-
posals.
So, the moral of the story goes
back to the old adage: The early bird
really does get the worm. Plan your
parking lot needs way before they
become emergencies; request pro-
posals from your estimators early in
the new year; and once the decision
to go with a specific company has
been made, turn in the signed pro-
posal to ensure your project gets on
the schedule.
s
Natalie Ulven
Sales and project
management,
Brown Brothers
Asphalt &
Concrete LLC,
Centennial
Maintenance
The removal and replacement of a concrete drain pan and an asphalt patch – shown here at a Century Link in Colorado Spring – are
extremely common maintenance tasks in Colorado due to the climate.
