Our Approach

Our approach follows the construction management model, where construction managers use their experience in the industry to act as representatives of the owners. We use our knowledge of the construction business to help make projects flow smoothly, keep costs to a minimum, and attend to all project details.

Though there are a variety of ways the relationships on a project may flow, Vero always acts on behalf of our client, the business owner. The following links depict a number of common construction management project structure scenarios.

• Design/build construction management
  Vero functions as the construction manager and designer. Read more »
• Agency construction management
  Vero functions as the construction manager, performing all project management roles. Read more»
• Agency program management
  Vero functions as the project manager, utilizing a general contractor. Read more»
• Construction management at risk
  Vero functions as the construction manager at risk as the general contractor. Read more»

Why consider Vero Construction Management over a general contractor?

1. Vero Construction Management is a professional services firm acting as your agent for the development, design, and construction of your facilities. This means:

• Our interests are completely aligned with yours.
• We have no fiduciary responsibility to subcontractors or vendors.
• We are not predisposed to “build something” no matter what.

2. We offer valuable construction experience during the pre-construction phase, without the need to hire a contractor too early.

3. We have special expertise in conceptual estimating and scheduling. This know-how extends to effective handling of the planning design and procurement phases of your project, not just the construction phase.

4. We are deeply experienced in all phases of project control. Our people are experts in evaluating schedules, progress, pay applications, change-order proposals, and all other kinds of project documentation. We evaluate budget, schedule, safety, and quality from your standpoint, because we have no ulterior financial motive.

5. We believe that our services can apply to almost any project, and that our fees will be more than offset by the value you receive during a project. In addition, many times we can offer field supervisory services that will eliminate your need for a general contractor, resulting in substantial cost savings for your project.

We utilize a five-phase method for a complete construction management program.
Read more about our process »

How does Vero Construction Management stack up to general contracting?

The answer is twofold. Our clients have the benefit of cost savings through our construction management model, as well as incentives to work with us.

Cost savings

There is no secret to the cost savings that you should expect when using an experienced construction management firm like Vero. It boils down to this: Our overall fees are typically half of those charged by general contractors for the same level of services. The reason is simple. Construction management firms carry a fraction of the overhead of a typical general contracting firm.

Our company is structured around three fundamental components: our people, our project equipment (including software), and a modest overhead. It’s a business model based on other professions that you may encounter in your day-to-day business, such as attorneys, accountants, and other consultants.

Conversely, general contractors must charge higher fees because most general contractors incorporate more than the three fundamental operating components. In addition to people, equipment, and overhead costs, the general contractor typically also has added expenses associated with:

• A large accounts payable and receivable department
• Additional markup on all pass-through purchases
• A complex payroll and benefits department
• Rolling stock and an equipment inventory
• A larger management and IT group

Most of these additional costs are the result of the sheer size of the organization. As a professional service, Vero operates on a much smaller scale. Because of this, Vero does not have the larger overhead costs associated with a large organization.

Advocacy

There is an inherent conflict of interest between the owner and the general contractor in most fixed-price project agreements. On one side of the fence is the owner, whose motivation for the project is to buy the best product for the least amount of money. On the other side is the general contractor, who is motivated to deliver the most minimally compliant product because this will enable them to make the most amount of money. In most owner/general contractor relationships, the objectives of each participant are not in alignment.

Another disadvantage to the owner in most types of fixed-fee contracts is an overall lack of control. The addition of Vero Construction Management does not lessen your control over the project, it enhances it. Vero is an advocate who will help you make informed and timely decisions during the evolution of your project. By retaining the control that normally would be contracted away with most fixed-cost agreements, you’re in a better position to enjoy the best possible balance between quality and cost.

More advantages

Here are additional reasons why we’re an attractive alternative to lump-sum arrangements with a general contractor.

• Our fees are negotiated up front and are independent from the cost of work.
• There are no added fees for changes to the work. Vero does not add any markup for changes, whether or not they are owner-directed.
• Insurance fees and data processing charges can be substantially less with Vero, when compared to those of a general contractor.