What is your primary focus-Industrial/Commercial or Residential?
At JICI our focus is equally dispersed between the two areas of construction. We manage our industrial/commercial with the companies general superindentent, Bob Brady. Bob devotes his time and talent to organizing our internal manpower and subcontractors that specialize in industrial/commercial construction.
Our residential arm is managed by our residential superindentent, Phil Roberts. Phil contracts with our internal work forces and subcontractors that are accustomed to residential construction. We do not subscribe to the theory of "one size fits", we utilize the resources available to us for each distinct area within our company.
What is a Custom Home Builder?
A custom home builder is a general contractor that works very closely with a home owner during the entire process from the conception of a dream to the final completion of reality. It is allowing the home owner to have input on the entire process because we are building more than a house, we are building a major part of their lives. JICI is a custom home builder.
What are important qualities for a general contractor you are considering to hire?
The contractor must have an excellent reputation within the community, similar project experience, qualified personnel and the financial strength to promptly pay all of its vendors and subcontractors.
What do we look for in an owner?
We expect the same things you do in selecting a general contractor. We want an owner who wants to work as a partner with us to complete this project. Honesty is an absolute must. When both parties are second guessing the other, it is very distracting and unnecessary. When changes are requested or need to be made that benefit the owner, we need the owner to quickly accept the financial responsibility or accept the fact the change will not occur. Promptly make payment when the invoices come due. Our subcontractors, as well as ourselves, rely on those payments when due to keep our business operation successful. Finally, communication is the single biggest problem and the easiest to correct.
Does JICI have design services?
If your design process has not been started, then JICI would welcome the opportunity to assist you with the design. JICI works very closely with several different architectural & engineering firms. We will select the firm(s) with the expertise that is best suited for your project. You should note, some projects do not require any outside design services.
Can JICI help me find property to build on?
We do work closely with several different real estate offices and real estate agents and can direct you to the agent that will fit your specific needs. Once a property is located, we can help you to determine whether your project can be built per the local planning & zoning laws.
How long does it take to receive a quote for my project?
Depending on the size and complexity of the project, within two weeks. Other factors that affect the time line are; commercial or residential, design build or completed design, negotiated or hard bid.
Does JICI have any references that would support your experience?
We can supply you a list of past owners. This will allow you to visually see past projects as well as talk to the owners to discuss just how JICI interacted with them during the entire process. We can also supply you a list of our subcontractors & vendors so you can hear from another perspective on how our projects are run and especially how timely we pay our obligations.
Does JICI use subcontractors?
As with all general contractors, we do use subcontractors to perform the work we do not specialize in and when the scheduling of our work force warrants the use. JICI does have an internal work force of +/- 20 workers who directly perform many phases of the project, especially all rough & finish carpentry and concrete.
How does JICI maintain a construction schedule?
We put a tremendous amount of effort into making sure we maintain the schedule we commit to our owners. We conduct weekly progress meetings in which we discuss all projects. This allows the opportunity for all key personnel to have input in the success of all projects. Additionally, we monitor all projects on a computerized scheduling program.
How long does it take to start a project?
For commercial & industrial projects it depends on where you currently are in the overall process. The approximate time frames are as follows:
- design process 2 wks to 8 wks (depends on complexity)
- cost determination 1 wk to 4 wks (depends on contract terms)
- permit process 1 wk to 8 wks (depends on requirements)
For residential projects the process is more streamlined. The approximate time frames are as follows:
- design process 1 wk to 4 wks (depends on complexity)
- cost determination 1 wk to 2 wks (depends on contract terms)
- permit process 1 wk to 8 wks (depends on requirements)
(Homes with a well and septic systems can take a considerable amount of time to permit)
What is your warranty policy?
All of us at JICI feel very strongly that we are substantially better than our competitions because we focus so much on quality. Therefore, we warrant all labor and materials for a period of 1 year from the substantial completion of the project. Furthermore, if there is a structural defect within 10 years we will stand by our workmanship, whether performed by a subcontractor or our own internal labors.
How far does JICI travel?
Our primary trading area is Northeast Indiana and more specifically the following counties; Steuben, Dekalb, Lagrange and Noble.
Who is responsible for the permits?
For industrial/commercial projects, the permit applications are usually completed by the party performing the design work. The design and permit process work very closely together. The residential permits can be obtained by the owner. However, when the process includes, variances, zoning changes, wells and septic designs, you will need to bring in the assistance of your general contractor.
Does JICI provide any financing options?
We have many facilities throughout Steuben County that we have built for customers in which we then leased back with an option to purchase at terms acceptable to both parties.
What is a Hard Bid Contract?
The owner solicits bidders and awards to contract to the contractor with the lowest price.
Are there any disadvantages to a Hard Bid?
Yes, when price is the only criteria in determining who is awarded the contract, the owner usually suffers in quality and or & time. The owner has just created an adversary relationship. Furthermore, the contractor has already discounted his price to get the job and now he must find ways to recoup the amount of money previously discounted to make the margins they need to stay in business.
What is a Negotiated Contract?
The owner selects a contractor based on their needs as an owner and the overall criteria of the project. Then the terms of the contract are negotiated which typically would include some of the following; function of facility, schedule, understanding of types materials used, specific scopes of work and the overall cost of the project.
Are there advantages to a Negotiated Contract?
Absolutely, when the owner and contractor trust each other completely, then they are working for the same common goal. The owner will always receive a benefit.
What type of contracts does JICI have to offer?
- Fixed cost: a specific dollar amount for a specific scope of work
- Fixed cost w/ allowances: a specific dollar amount with some items subject to change based on owners selections of materials
- Time & material - Not to Exceed: customer pays the contractor only for the cost of the materials and labor spent on the project plus a fee for overhead & profit, but no more than the predetermined dollar amount (guaranteed maximum - Gmax) providing the scope of work does not change
- Time & material: customer pays the contractor for only the materials & labor spent on the project plus a fee for overhead & profit
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