Buric celebrates its 40th anniversary

What if you could control the risk of time and cost impacts on construction projects? Through critical path method scheduling, Robert V. Buric did just that, and in 1968, he turned the idea into a company. Now simply called Buric, the company is celebrating 40 years of bringing evolution and resolution to the world’s complex and diverse construction industry.
Despite the recent squeeze on the commercial real estate market, the company continues to grow because its services save time and money, explains William Zollinger, P.E., president and CEO. “When construction dollars are hard to come by, you need to invest them as safely and wisely as you can,” Zollinger says. “Buric helps clients do that.”

Critical Path Method scheduling
The longevity and popularity of CPM scheduling is a telling measure of its value in the design and construction process. Time-scaled CPM schedules are the most effective tools for conveying project work plans, ideas and options on any size or type of project.
“Utilizing our fully integrated CPM schedules, Buric can effectively assess the progress and performance of all the project participants in real time,” Zollinger says. Buric’s CPM schedules provide comprehensive, forward–thinking plans in an easy-to-understand format that can be used by any member of the project team.

Construction
claims resolution
Despite everyone’s best efforts, construction-related conflicts are inevitable and often expensive. Buric helps clients resolve – and potentially avoid – construction claims stemming from disputes.
“Combine vague contracts, poor communication and different viewpoints with project changes and time constraints and the exposure to construction claims increases for all parties,” Zollinger says. Successful dispute resolution requires a clear establishment of cause and effect. Buric has demonstrated expertise in analyzing the situation and facts, transforming data into useful information and presenting solutions in the most simplified manner possible.

Building diagnostics
Sometimes buildings don’t perform as expected and construction or design deficiencies cause components or systems to fail. Besides reducing the building’s performance, such problems can create structural failures or unhealthy environments. Buric can help.
“We have extensive experience in the diagnostic analysis of building problems,” Zollinger says. “We also provide services that support all diagnostic phases, from defining the problems through managing necessary repairs.”

Forensic architecture
The professional staff at Buric includes highly specialized forensic architects who analyze construction failures, deterioration, injuries, negligence and compliance issues. Their detailed examinations of “as planned” versus “as built” establishes responsibility, liability and damages. Buric then assists owners, attorneys, lenders and community associations in successfully completing litigation or alternative dispute resolution processes.
“By the time we’re done, our clients understand the specific causes and scope of building problems,” Zollinger says. “They also understand what it’s going to take to repair, restore or remodel existing buildings in a practical, timely and cost-effective manner.” Architecture, engineering and planning
Buric provides a wide range of professional design services, including project feasibility and needs analysis, schematic and design development, construction documentation and contract administration. The company has worked extensively in all segments–public, educational and corporate; single-family to large-scale multi-family residential; retail and mixed-use; health care and interior architecture; and building adaptive reuse and façade rehabilitation. “We also provide solid expertise in retrofitting existing buildings to incorporate new systems and technology,” Zollinger adds.

Surety contract management
Buric specializes in evaluating and addressing contract defaults and bond claim issues. When circumstances result in a contractor default or termination, Buric thoroughly investigates the often complex and contentious issues and leads the reactivation of the halted construction process.
Starting with the initial due-diligence investigation, working concurrently to resume the construction process, and finally monitoring the completion of the contractual commitments, Buric prides itself in customizing its services to meet the Surety’s needs. “Our comprehensive services provide a step-by-step transition from default to completion and protect the Surety’s interests by minimizing financial risk,” Zollinger says.

Expert witness
Despite careful steps to avoid it, conflict is part of the construction industry. Some disputes result in litigation. Buric works closely with attorneys, litigants and the courts to isolate the issues, identify the impacts and establish entitlement. As a result of the company’s education, experience and knowledge, Buric frequently serves as an expert witness. “Our knowledge of proper design practices, schedule analyses techniques, building practices, construction estimating, terminology and contracts qualifies our consultants as expert witnesses,” Zollinger says. “And Buric consultants often provide sworn testimony on their expert opinions.”

Project management
Today’s construction projects require effective program management to minimize risks and exposure for all involved parties. Buric can help clients optimize project controls. The company’s services help bring projects to a timely completion within budget, while taking a proactive approach to resolving disputes and preventing litigation.
“Relying on our knowledge of contracts, effective communication skills and data-management systems, Buric can help your management team implement a number of practical decision-making tools,” Zollinger says. Frequently clients seek help with project schedules; cost estimates and bids; customized cost engineering and cash flow analysis; change order, claims or claims avoidance programs; progress, performance and productivity measurement systems; contract evaluation; resource allocation evaluations and documentation programs.

Demonstrative graphics and exhibits
Advancing one’s contentions is most effective when documentary evidence and live testimony is supported by comprehensive and understandable demonstrative exhibits. When words aren’t enough to describe a project, problems or issues, Buric can provide customized demonstrative graphics that speak volumes. Buric designs and prepares high-impact visual aids that effectively illustrate and communicate facts, analyses and conclusions. “Ultimately, a client may have only a few hours to make his or her case before a judge, jury, panel or mediator,” Zollinger says. “Buric’s demonstrative graphics keep listeners focused on the client’s essential points.”
Forty years after its start, Buric continues to smooth out the imperfections of global construction. BXM