The carpenter’s adage, “measure twice, cut once,” nicely sums up our approach to providing both excellence and value. We take the time up front to understand your needs, your vision, and your budget. We make certain that you know what to expect, from initial bid through final clean up.
The Rusk 5-Step Process
Most projects follow a simple five-step process designed to create a smooth, efficient, and economical working relationship.
Each phase is critical to the success of the project. And all depend on straightforward, collegial communication among client, contractor, and architect.
1. Bid
We prepare detailed, yet clear bids. Before signing on the dotted line, you’ll know what to expect and what we’re proposing. We can provide either a competitive bid on a completed design, or a negotiated bid in which we work with you to develop the scope based on the amount you want to spend.
Our 20 years of experience enables us to ask the right questions in order to provide a comprehensive, no nonsense proposal. Both competitive and fixed fee bids include: — A walkthrough of the project phase by phase — Itemized cost proposal — Bios of the project team — An overview of our process and approach
2. Pre-Construction
In this critical phase we review drawings, develop meticulous schedules, and work with designers, architects, and clients to refine and define the scope. We nail down the design, materials, and costs…before any real nailing down begins.
Collaborating with client and architect, we flesh out the design and construction details, finding ways to provide the highest value while controlling cost. This phase includes: — Value engineering to refine the scope — A “Critical Path Method” schedule, which puts a timetable and deadline to every task — Ordering all materials to ensure that they are in place before work begins — Working with architects, subcontractors, and your building to coordinate roles, rules, and schedules — Create detailed shop drawings — Supply necessary documents for building approval and permits
3. Demolition
The most important part of demolition is not what we knock down…it’s what we don’t knock down. Protecting existing surfaces and spaces is our top task. This phase also is our opportunity to make a good first impression on your neighbors and your building management.
For many, demolition is an afterthought. For us, it’s the critical “first impression” in a new relationship. We are ever mindful of your neighbors, and of preserving those elements we’re not demolishing. This phase includes: — Safeguarding existing finishes — Installing dust barriers, filters, and other safeguards in the apartment, hallways, and public spaces — Working with Build It Green New York to recycle material when possible, and to dispose of debris responsibly
4. Construction
This is where we shine, thanks to crews and craftsmen committed to quality. A full-time project manager monitors all work; principal John Rusk is closely involved in all projects. Together they pay attention to the smallest details while not losing sight of the big picture.
Craftsmanship is key. Rusk’s “Best Practices” manual provides a roadmap for crews and subcontractors as we strive for quality while keeping a watchful eye on cost. In this phase you can expect: — State-of-the-art techniques, such as remote video to peer inside walls without having to tear them down and laser plumb lines to ensure precision — Supervision by a full-time project manager — Work crews trained in OSHA safety standards, expert in their crafts…and congenial to have in your home — Experienced and flexible sub-contractors who not only follow Rusk’s “Best Practices” guide, but often helped write it — Weekly site meetings to review progress, monitor the schedule, and catch concerns before they become problems
5. Punch List and Warrantee
Even when the work ends, our involvement doesn’t. Our cleaning crew is meticulous. And we not only provide a warrantee, we also employ a full time warrantee repairman. Our aim is to wrap up the project in such a way that you wouldn’t mind having us come back…but won’t need to.
As Yogi Berra might say, the project ain’t over ‘til it’s over. Our goal is not simply to do exquisite work, but to leave the apartment clean and the client smiling. We also try to minimize our environmental impact. This post-construction commitment includes: — Leaving the site spotless and free of eyebrow-raising chemicals or debris, including lead residue — A punch list that lets us review and resolve even the smallest finish details — A commitment to recycle as much construction debris as possible — A two-year warrantee on all work except lighting fixtures, appliances, and HVAC, which carry a one-year warrantee