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Issue link: https://ccr-mag.epubxp.com/i/190248
Looking up scenario. I get a phone call on a Tuesday from Starbucks saying they need tile on Thursday in Chicago. No problem. That's our greatest strength – having the fexibility to do that. The compressed construction schedule in the world of standard tile isn't really an area of concern for us. The shift has taken place in the world of porcelain, which has changed quite a bit. It's moving more into a solution-oriented environment, where there new solutions like antimicrobial solutions are being applied to porcelain tile. In case you haven't noticed, tile is getting bigger. Sukey: Yes, your foor preparation has to be perfect. Plan C. You have to keep it going. I have seven other projects going at the same time, so I am always traveling. What used to be three projects in a two-day time frame is now turning into a four- or fveday time frame. And the weather has delayed everything. Julie Thomas, Coldwater Creek: We are refreshing some of our older stores, which you need to do. With some of the larger stores, we're downsizing. We're also splitting locations. And we always have projects where we're trying to retroft the stores with the LED lighting. We're always trying to cut costs, so I try to fnd those self-performing contractors in whatever for each area where stores are located. "I'm hearing a recurring theme about compressed construction schedules, something we are very familiar with. As a domestic manufacturer, we're comfortable with that sort of scenario." – Heidi Vassalotti, Crossville Inc. Vassalotti: Yes. It's that sort of a challenge. We have to educate the market on how to install these types of products – what are the proper applications? Lu Sacharski, Chatham Lodging & Trust: For us, one of the challenges we have right now is working in an area like [Washington] D.C. Permitting. Getting things in on time. Time frames. Rain. Unloading in a small footprint and the hotel has to stay open so they can get deliveries. I have a renovation going on right now. I need my deliveries. And the lack of storage is a problem. The other thing is supply and demand, which is coming full circle right here. I'm placing orders and getting ready to sign off on a project signing next January on the East Coast. So you have to plan ahead. I'm always two months out. You have to have a Plan B and a 48 Lisa Carbone, Boss Facility Services: Our company just went through a software upgrade, so now it integrates with a lot of our clients' software. They talk to each other because communication is key to making sure we meet deliverables. If we can speak directly to our clients' software they can get their updates quicker. They can log into our system to check on a project status 24/7. We're constantly updating our systems. We found that software implementation has been a key component in building trust with our clients. We are coming down through our construction phase with our retailers. They're [done] with back to school and the holidays are coming up, so we re working with them on remodels and refreshes. Some retailers relocated spaces temporarily, so we're moving them back now, as they gear up for the holidays. CommerCial ConstruCtion & renovation — September : OctOber 2013