Stories

Now that you own a geothermal/geoexchange energy system in your home or agricultural building we need to address maintenance. As with most mechanical systems and equipment, preventative maintenance not only avoids potential system shutdowns but can also save money on unneeded service calls. Here are a few tips you can use before calling your service contractor.

Are you considering a project?

Comparison of GC,CM, and O&R Models

The General Contractor, Construction Manager and Owner’s Representative are the three main functions an owner / developer can utilize to get a project built. They are, however, very different in their approach to a project.

The Owner - General Contractor - Subcontractor model is the most conventional or orthodox method for building projects as evidenced by the following diagram:

Traditional General Contractor Model

^{**A/E (Design Consultants, typically Architects & Engineers)}

In this model the owner assumes the least amount of risk, given that it is usually a fixed lump sum agreed upon price.  The owner gives up the potential project savings, as profits to the General Contractor. This is a good model for inexperienced developers. This model does however also increase the risk of a competitive relationship between GC and owner, since the GC competes for profits within the fixed contract price.

The Owner - Construction

Constantly looking for ways to differentiate ourselves and enhance the offerings we provide to our clients, in 2013 kc&b implemented a project management software platform.

What this has enabled us to do is bring together the many different tools (software, paper based, processes, etc.) that we formerly used to manage a construction project under one umbrella so that all aspects of your project could be monitored and managed through one portal much more efficiently.

The product allows us to increase mobility, efficiency and profitability. A secure cloud based solution allows for accessibility across all platforms and locations. Your project information is not restricted to a certain file in the office but rather, our staff have access as needed to this information wherever they happen to be.

Tailored specifically for.....

Construction process. 

Rigid Frame Columns – Girts - Rigid Frame Rafters - Cable Brace – Purlins - Eave Strut
Framed opening for roll-up doors - Endwall Column - Endwall Rafter - Wall Insulation
Metal Wall Panels - Roof Insulation - Metal Roof Panels – Trim - Complete metal building

Click on the picture below to see a Steel Building being erected.

Typically thought of as an option for new custom home building only, advances and changes to technology and methods, adding the geothermal heat pump option to a major (or minor) home renovation is a good choice. Heating and cooling remains one of the top considerations for comfort and utility costs.

A detailed explanation of what geothermal energy is and how it works can be found here and in this short article we can see the cost benefits in a typical residential geothermal installation. Operational costs are undeniable, increased comfort levels proven, technology advancements ongoing with real value added to the home in which it is installed.

If your home is 20 years old or older you may be at the stage where consideration needs to be given to upgrade or even replace your current heating and cooling system. An experienced dealer can assess the viability of upgrading. Given the efficiency of geothermal heat pumps and the significant operational costs to maintain and/or replace an