Is it really “free”? The other day, I was out for a drive and noticed a large sign along the edge of the highway that pointed to various items ‘free for the taking’. This assemblage of discarded treasures included tires, plastic containers… and numerous other items easy to ignore. It got me to thinking about how often many of us are bombarded by product or service ‘deals’ too good to pass up (or perhaps in this case, pass by). After all, what could be better than ‘free’?

To be sure, once in a while we all stumble on a ‘real find’! There is immediate satisfaction in knowing that our newfound riches required little personal energy and cost. Later, in time and upon honest reflection, we are likely to understand that ‘free’ may not always mean without cost. In this case, a most benign cost. We may find ourselves overwhelmed by useless clutter!

In building construction, it is all too easy to find companies and individuals offering “too good to pass up” propositions. But as many an astute buyer of building services is aware, “cheap” can be very “costly” in the long run. Soon after the dust settles on a project, the owner may realize that purported project savings are being eaten up by unanticipated maintenance costs; a result of improper planning, project oversight or lack of commissioning. Readers of Constructive Images magazine are well aware of Trumbull-Nelson’s bias toward the Construction Management process and toward establishing solid client and Team relationships to help ensure Project success. It’s a system that incorporates effective management leadership, enhanced communication, and broad contract administration. Construction Managers, as industry professionals, have the experience, training and supervisory skill to handle all work aspects, from beginning to end, including design, scheduling, and construction. Early communication by all Team members helps to ensure good Project definition. And while this process may come with an associated cost, it also comes with the solid, personal commitment and contractual agreement to serve the best needs of the client. As with any professional-client relationship, this is standard fare.

So, despite the fact that we all intellectually recognize that ‘nothing in life is “free” (roadside tires aside) we may still need a reminder every now and then to give wide berth to suspiciously cheap treasures encountered on life’s highway. Those hard-to-pass-up gems should serve as caution. After all, “free” or “cheap” may be the unquestioned, exact value of the product or service.

Trumbull-Nelson is working on a number of commercial and residential projects through the winter months. We will soon complete our work at the Robert Mesropian Community Care Center, at Alice Peck Day Memorial Hospital, in Lebanon, NH. This project, like so many we have done for the Hospital, was enhanced by the participation and input of APD’s management and administrative personnel. Our thanks for all of their help toward creating project success. Elsewhere, Trumbull-Nelson continues its work on the Quechee Gorge Visitor Center, in Quechee, VT, and will soon finish the Stratton Mountain Fieldhouse building project, in Stratton Mountain, VT. (See cover article and miscellaneous photography within this issue of Constructive Images). A few Trumbull-Nelson local Projects include the Howe Library addition, Rugby Club facility, and renovation work to the Dartmouth College Church of Christ. Also, Jim Forcier, head of Trumbull-Nelson’s Small Projects Division, and his staff remains very busy with a number of residential projects located throughout the Upper Valley.

On behalf of everyone at Trumbull-Nelson Construction Company, I’d like to wish you all a very Happy Holiday Season. To past and present clients, thank you! We will continue to work hard in the year ahead to maintain your trust and patronage.