Running head: FOUNDATION CONTRACTOR
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Foundation Contractor Justification Report
Joel J. Gonzalez
ENG 315 – Professional Communications
Dr. Kasraie, Mary Rose
22 November 2015
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Brian Cochran
Owner
Fox Custom Homes
6704 Tacoma Blvd #109
Tacoma, WA 98409
November 22, 2015
Joel J. Gonzalez
Superintendent
9722 183rd Street Court E.
Puyallup, WA 98375
Mr. Cochran:
I am pleased on presenting the report regarding the possible contractor builders for Mr. Watson’s
house foundation.
An analysis of both J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C and Robbins and Co. found that
both companies offers great service, J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C. fully meets our cost,
quality, and time criteria. It is therefore my recommendation that we utilize J&J Concrete
Construction L.L.C. for our upcoming construction projects.
Thank you for allowing me with the opportunity to do the research for potential
contractors. I truly appreciate your consideration and my recommendation. Should you have any
questions regarding this report, please do not hesitate to contact me at (909) 555-5555.
Sincerely,
Joel J. Gonzalez
Superintendent
Enclosure: Justification Report
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
Problem Statement……………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Terminology…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
Report Overview………………………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Overview of Alternatives…………………………………………………………………………………………………..6
Criteria……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Research Methods…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….6
Evaluation of Alternatives…………………………………………………………………………………………………7
Findings and Analysis……………………………………………………………………………………………………….7
Recommendation……………………………………………………………………………………………………………..8
References……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….9
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Executive Summary
This report examines the feasibility of two potential contractors for the upcoming
construction project. Methods of analysis include calls to each contractor as well as Internet
research to evaluate service delivery times review customer satisfaction ratings, and quality. The
results of the data show that both contractors are quality alternatives.
However the report finds that, while both analyzed alternatives provide similar products
and services, J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C most closely meets the criteria presented in terms
of overall cost effectiveness, time to finish the project and quality. It is therefore recommended
that Alternative B, J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C, be chosen as the contractor for our next
construction project.
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Foundation Contractor
With a short summer and raining season coming soon to Washington area, our company
needs to find a reliable sub-contractor for our future constructions projects.
The Justification Report presents the need to determine a suitable contractor for our next
construction project and future projects. It presents the scope of the problem, presents two
potential vendor choices, and evaluates them utilizing five criteria to best decide which
contractor meets the unique needs of Fox Custom Home. The report does not consider alternate
contractors but instead focuses on two local business alternatives that have been recommended
by other companies. Internet research was conducted as well as personal interviews, and a final
recommendation is provided.
Problem Statement
After a rough beginning in this year’s construction projects, we have found it very
challenging to find contractors and sub-contractors to hire and finish the last few ongoing
projects. To find contractors that delivers good quality service at a good price and in a timely
matter has been extremely difficult, especially in the last few months. Most of the companies that
we have worked with in the past are in the lookout for big projects that will generate them more
money; rather than committing to a few small contracts. Fox Custom Homes needs to find a
concrete company to build the foundations of all the new houses in a timely matter while staying
within or below the assigned budget in order to maximize profit.
Terminology
“Turn-key” – relating to, or resulting from an arrangement, under which a private
contractor designs and constructs a project, building, etc., for sale when completely ready for
occupancy or operation providing all material.
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Report Overview
This report was created to help the indecisive owner choose the best contractor for the
next construction project. Fox Custom Homes tasked this group to investigate two alternatives
to determine the best contractor recommendation for the project. The two contractor researched
were Alternative A (Robbins and Co.) and Alternative B (J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C.).
Fox Custom Homes’ criteria by which to judge the alternatives were as follows: cost, experience,
time to finish the project, warranties, and quality. Research methods included calls, Internet
research, and in-person interviews. An evaluation of the two alternatives revealed that
Alternative B, J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C, should be recommended, since it offered three
advantages that Robbins and Co.: Cost, time to finish the project and warranties.
Overview of Alternatives
The following two alternatives considered in this report meet Fox Custom Homes’
criteria:
Alternative A – Robbins and Co.: This is a full-service general contractor providing
foundation repair services in the greater Seattle area for residential and commercial locations.
They started business in 1952 relocating buildings for the construction of I5 and for the
development of the Denny Regrade project.
Alternative B – J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C: This is a young established
company provider of superior concrete services. They pledge incomparable workmanship and
services, professional integrity, aggressive and timely performance at an affordable rate, to
consistently improve the quality of their product, to establish a long term relationship with their
clients through anticipation of the customers needs, to synchronize with the industry’s
innovations, and safe business practices.
Criteria
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Fox Custom Homes stressed that following five criteria would be used to judge the
feasibility of each alternative:
Cost – How much will the project cost? Fox Custom Homes prefers to not spend more
than $15,000 in the entire project.
Experience – How long they have been in business? The time that a business has been
in operations shows the experience and knowledge to contact the project.
Time – How quickly can they finish the project? How long would it take them to
finish the project so that we can continue with the rest of the house
Warranties – What warranties do they offer? If there is an issue with the construction,
how long will their warranty last and what last minute services regarding repairs do they provide.
Quality – What is the quality of the final product? A finish product that will pass
inspection 100% first time
Research Methods
Research methods include interviewing each company to determine the availability and
willingness to take over the project. Reviews found in the Internet for both companies are taken
into consideration from previous satisfies or dissatisfied customers (personal references). A
recommendation from other construction companies i.e. a drywall company recommending a
painting company.
Evaluation of Alternatives
Cost
Alternative A – Robbins and Co. – charged $16,000 for labor to build the entire
foundation footing and foundations walls with Fox Custom Homes providing the materials.
Alternative B – J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C. – charged $15,000 for the entire
project “turn-key.”
Experience
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Alternative A – Robbins and Co. – Robbins and Co. started business in 1952 with over
20,000 projects completed and a 97% customer satisfaction.
Alternative B – J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C. – J&J Concrete Construction
L.L.C. started business in 2004 with over 2,000 projects completed and 97% customer
satisfaction.
Time
Alternative A – Robbins and Co. – can start the project four days after signing the
contract and promise to finish within 10 days; as long as all materials are on site.
Alternative B – J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C. – has crews standing by, willing to
start the project upon contract signature and will “turn-key” in seven days.
Warranties
Alternative A – Robbins and Co. – provided full warranties and insurance in all
projects.
Alternative B – J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C. – provided full warranties and
insurance in all projects.
Quality
Alternative A – Robbins and Co. – met 100% county and city standards for concrete
quality.
Alternative B – J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C. – met 100% county and city
standards for concrete quality.
Findings and Analysis
While both Alternatives A and B offers warranties and the same quality of concrete and
service, Alternative B provides better price for the project and a sooner completion date.
Even than Alternative B, hasn’t been in a business for a long time compared to
Alternative A, the “turn-key” was a big factor along with the price.
For a graphic depiction of the findings and analysis, see Figure 1 below:
Criterion
Cost
Experience
Time
Warranties
Quality
Total Feasibility
Alternative A
More expensive
63 years in business
10 days
Full warranties
100% county and city
standards
Low-Moderate
Alternative B
Cheaper
11 years in business
“Turn-key” in 7 days
Full warranties
100% county and city
standards
High
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Figure 1: Graphic Analysis of Findings
Recommendation
It is recommended that Fox Custom Home chose J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C. to
conduct the next project for the company and future projects.
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References
Customer Reviews: Robbins and Co. (2015). Retrieved from
http://robbinsfoundationsystems.com/category/blog/
Customer Reviews: J&J Concrete Construction L.L.C. (2015). Retrieved from
http://www.jjconcreteseattle.com/jj-concrete-seattle-testimonials/
