Property owners—whether business owners or investors—often struggle to find the time required to manage capital improvement projects. From repairing a waterlogged parking lot to upgrading an outdated HVAC system or installing an ADA-compliant elevator, these projects demand significant time and attention, particularly when the goal is to minimize costs and limit disruption to building operations.
That’s why Suntide provides clients with access to a dedicated Project Manager when it’s time to tackle major building improvement projects.
Project Manager Chris Neve brings a background in construction to his role at Suntide. As a Property Manager by trade, he is able to combine expertise from both disciplines and evaluate each project from multiple perspectives.
“Ideally my job is to oversee construction projects so that they get completed smoothly and efficiently,” says Neve.
Capital Improvement Projects
The need for a capital improvement project can arise from several sources. Suntide Property Managers routinely inspect properties and can make recommendations to an owner when they see a situation that may require attention, such as a cracked foundation, drainage issues or trip hazards due to failing asphalt and concrete.
Some projects—like HVAC upgrades—are planned and budgeted for in advance. Others result from unforeseen events, such as vehicle accidents or fire damage. Still others stem from an owner’s strategic goals, including energy-efficiency upgrades or exterior façade improvements.
Benefits of Project Management
There are several key benefits to having a Project Manager to oversee capital improvement projects:
Time Saving
Property owners often don’t have the time to contact multiple vendors, explain the scope of work, and compare bids. Suntide Project Managers handle this process, performing the necessary due diligence and providing a clear, informed recommendation.
Efficiency
A Project Manager streamlines communication by summarizing complex information in a clear and actionable way. Neve, for example, prepares a bid summary for each project that includes the trade type, vendor name, scope of work, proposal cost, key differences, and a final recommendation. This allows owners to quickly compare options and understand the pros and cons of each bid.
Network of Vendors
Suntide has a network of commonly used resources for every trade, including masonry, plumbing, and electrical. Suntide can compare these vendors based on the project’s city, size, building type, and more.
“There is value in having a long-term relationship with a vendor,” says Neve. “A vendor with whom we have a good relationship helps to ensure fair pricing and a thorough, trusted review of the scope of services or work provided. But we’re also not opposed to hiring a new vendor if the situation calls for it. That is why the bid summary is so important; we can compare new ideas and innovative solutions.”
Expertise
Before any contract is signed, Neve ensures that all aspects of the project have been thoroughly reviewed. He also prepares the site for construction, which may include protecting glass, flooring, or other finishes. If the property has tenants, it may mean communicating timelines, coordinating around noise, and minimizing disruption.
Equally important is evaluating the cost and necessity of each element of the project. Is there a better long-term investment? Would a lower-cost solution meet short-term needs? Can the project be phased to align with cash flow? Asking the right questions can save owners both time and money.
Project Management
For Neve, being a Project Manager is the hands-on side of Property Management.
“A Project Manager serves as the liaison between the construction company and the property owner, always acting in the best interest of the owner and their tenants.”
For more information about how Suntide can help owners and investors, contact Mitch Robertson at 651-209-9619.