Journey Journal
Posted on November 16, 2022
If you’re even a bit familiar with commercial construction, you’ve most likely heard the term CMAR (or CMR) construction. An alternative method/process that has become widely successful on construction projects over the last 15 years. Though it’s track record has proven success, some owners are hesitant.
We are here to set the story straight with an explanation of common misconceptions, overall benefits, and the successes Journey provides our customers.
A few of the common CMAR misconceptions we hear most often are:
- CMAR is more expensive
- CMAR presents obstacles when evaluating price points
- CMAR is only provided by general contractors
- CMAR causes communication issues
We find these misconceptions are a misunderstanding and a lack of truly learning what the process is really like. Over the last several years of utilizing CMAR, Journey has seen much success with this delivery method.
To start, here are a few pros in the CMAR process:
- CMAR reduces potential risks for both the client and the construction organization
- CMAR outlines the Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) ahead of time
- CMAR enables the budget to be more predictable
- CMAR clearly outlines qualifications for project leaders
- CMAR creates strong relationships between clients and project personnel
- CMAR can better adhere to project schedules
That’s why we’re here to set the story straight on CMAR.
Our vast CMAR experience has helped our company provide leadership at all stages of projects from conception to completion. In fact, Journey even played an instrumental part in getting CMAR approved and running for the State of South Dakota.
CMAR allows Journey to bring in a team of construction managers to oversee the project and ensure completion with a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP). CMAR allows Journey to truly show the Journey Difference by bringing our knowledge and experience to the table throughout every stage of the project’s life cycle.
This method fits our value proposition and gives value to our customers for the more complex projects. It also fits the Journey culture and client focus because:
- CMAR ties to our mission statement which is to “Positively Impact Lives by Building Community”
- CMAR allows Journey to educate our clients and projects on construction variables, which leverages our expertise and qualifications
- CMAR paints a big picture of who Journey is and what we stand for:
- Passion
- Ownership
- Follow-Through
- Expectations
- CMAR builds relationships, teamwork, and trust
The CMAR method pushes Journey to continuously be better by having to adjust the typical industry standards like understanding market resources, helping owners and clients better understand life cycle and quality, and diligently striving to provide competition in each bid package – a responsibility we take very seriously.
That responsibility also plays into Journey’s unique philosophy on cost analysis, tracking, and value management. As a good partner, we must be good at conceptually forecasting costs with anticipated design, in addition to securing confidence in the numbers based on analysis and experience. Additionally, we dive into the deep legwork on estimate details to bring forth accurate predictions.
Those predictions enable our customers to receive unique transparency through the CMAR process. Our customers personally understand:
- Design Changes vs. Design Developing
- How critical preconstruction assumptions play into final accuracy
- Short-term wins without sacrificing long-term value
When you build with Journey utilizing the CMAR process, you are guaranteed to experience the following:
- Project Team Unity – All partners are unified in Journey’s approach. Every single member of each team – Journey and the respected client – are in sync with decisions and communications. We understand the critical decisions that determine project success and yearn to achieve all project and client needs.
- Strengthened Teamwork – Journey’s team members break down barriers and work together to achieve success through teamwork, respect, and trust. The Owner and project team are informed at all stages of a project on the status of budgets, schedules, and decision points.
- Full Transparency - Journey also utilizes an open-book process for all estimates, budgets, bids, and project changes. Furthermore, we work with design teams to provide a health push-pull approach and a system of checks and balances, so that project program, scope, and design goals are optimally aligned with quality, cost, and schedule goals.
- Analyzed Project Approach – At Journey, we know every project is different, therefore we treat each project with a unique project approach. Whether it’s budget or design, Journey analyzes each step closely and thoroughly, while working hard to drive value into the project at ALL stages. Early analysis of potential options helps make big-picture decisions to align budget, program, and scope goals. Journey’s value approach is based on the project END cost.
- Leadership that Listens – Journey takes time to truly listen and provide a balance of leadership in every project. Our leadership team understands how to lead and guide teams through the project process to ensure both the process and end product meet or exceed the team’s goals. Additionally, Journey’s leadership team hosts “pull-planning” sessions to ensure project(s) have sound strategies and game plans for each project stage in which all parties understand and commit to.
- Strong Relationships – Journey knows that strong leadership is an admirable factor in any project. That’s why we strive to be a strong partner with all our clients in every step of project planning, design, and completion. We believe that the relationships we build in the field are what truly make us unique.
To learn more information about Journey’s CMAR processes, please visit the Journey website or call 605-332-5968.
