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 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.
Sincerely,
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