| I’ve been involved with several renovations during my career as a golf course architect. Some included simple refinements while others involved every course component. Nonetheless, each project was unique with its own challenges and opportunities. The superintendent’s role, though, was the most important factor in the success of the renovation. Why is this role so important? For starters, the superintendent is intimately familiar with the course as well as its members or users. The superintendent is on the property every day and can monitor/manage the construction and keep things moving. The superintendent coordinates communication and is the lead contact person between the architect, golf course contractor and the ownership/membership. From a architect’s perspective, here is a list of responsibilities superintendents should manage during a renovation project. 1. During the planning of the renovation project, assist the architect or owner with the selection of grass species, sod farm location, bunker sand, sand capping material, drainage and irrigation products, green and tee mixes and cart path material. The superintendent, with the assistance of the architect and industry experts, should specify all components of the construction project. 2. Prior to construction, delineate and mark all property boundaries and underground utilities. Having an understanding of what exists beneath the soil – whether public utilities, irrigation or drainage – is so important for the schedule and progress of the project. 3. Research and determine what local, county or state permits or approvals are needed to begin the renovation project. A meeting should be scheduled with the government officials to present the project and get their feedback for proceeding with the project. Renovation projects don’t receive much government scrutiny, but the project delays that I have encountered were, for the most part, always centered on a delay in a permit or a surprise approval that was needed in the final hour. Plan your work, and work your plan. 4. Conduct a pre-construction meeting with the architect and contractor. Every person associated with the project needs to be on the same page. Who is responsible for what? What are the expectations? How will the billing and payment for construction services be handled? What about change orders? Delays? 5. Request a construction schedule from the contractor at the project’s beginning. The construction schedule should highlight the beginning and end dates of all major renovation activities. The construction schedule should be managed on a weekly basis by the superintendent and architect. The construction progress and delays should be communicated to all parties associated with the project. 6. Be present for all meetings and site visits with the architect and owner. The superintendent should be on time and participate and remain attentive for the entire meeting, which includes turning off cell phones. 7. Take notes during all project meetings and architect and owner construction visits. Document all construction work with photos. The notes and photographs can be used to communicate with the owner or members and also document the entire process from start to finish. 8. Ensure the following items are available for use by the owner and golf course architect during the renovation construction site visits: golf course renovation plans and specifications, past site visit notes, a golf cart or maintenance vehicle, a paint gun with ample supply of highly-visible paint, pin flags, surveying tape, a probe for measuring gravel, sand and mix depths and a smart tool (or equal) digital level for measuring tee and green surface slopes. 9. Conduct weekly progress meetings with the contractor, architect and owner. These meetings should include reviewing and updating the construction schedule and the cost estimates. Discuss concerns, as well as any opportunities to improve the project. 10. Maintain regular communication with everyone involved, especially the owner and/or members. Prepare a weekly progress report for review. I have seen newsletters, blogs and even YouTube videos explaining what has happened and what to expect next during a renovation project. People in general are more accepting and agreeable to change if they understand what is happening and are part of the process. 11. Conduct monthly on-site tours of the construction renovation work. The tours should be open to anyone associated with the project. This allows all interested parties to see first-hand the progress. This goodwill gesture goes a long way in keeping everyone excited and anticipating the finished product. 12. Lastly, exercise patience. The renovation process is unpredictable and many factors affect the project’s momentum and completion. Yes, there will be delays. The point is to be patient and have fun. Keep an open mind and allow for the unexpected. |
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