I Build America Building With Purpose Digital Tour

BUILDING WITH PURPOSE

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BUILDING WITH PURPOSE

BUILDING WITH BUILDING PURPOSE WITH PURPOSE

Introduction: Building With Purpose Construction is a world of opportunity: with many different career paths focused on a variety of projects, there is always room for essential personnel.

Preconstruction: If You Dream It, You Can Build It The planning process is where the vision is honed, the team is gathered and the plans are made.

Site Work: Transforming the Terrain

The first shovel of dirt is uncovered when the team gets to work on the site, preparing, grading and leveling.

Foundation: On Solid Footing

The footprint starts with creating a solid base, imperative to maintaining the integrity of any structure.

Superstructure: Moving On Up

With the rise of the walls and roof, the building will start to take shape.

Interior Structure: The Inside Emerges

The floors, offices and common areas show the hint of what is to come.

Finishes: The Final Touches

The icing on the cake transforms the lives of the people who will work there.

Final Inspections and Turnover: Last But Not Least Safety is ensured before people are affected.

Conclusion: We’re All In This Together

It takes a team with a common goal to rise to the occasion.

INTRODUCTION:

BUILDING WITH PURPOSE

Building something new brings opportunity in many ways. A novel skyline at dusk. New office space for employees. Economic growth for the community. There is a lot of a value for those who will use it, but how did it get built? Or better yet – who built it?

The people range in skills from architecture and design to concrete to electrical, and represent a variety of roles, ages, genders and races.

They utilize a variety of skills from the physical to the technological to accomplish their goal. It’s a team effort.

If you’re interested in a career in construction (or just think you might be), you’ll learn about many different career opportunities just by turning the page. And that’s what I Build America is all about – sharing the greatness that is construction with people like you.

We’re going to walk you through a new project in Sugar Land, Texas, the third structure on the beautiful campus of HCSS. We’re looking forward to taking you on a personal tour of the building and I Build America is excited to introduce you to the people that built it.

This tour is organized into eight sections, with chapters following the chronological sequence of project development. Although each chapter builds on those that come before, you can travel freely between chapters to learn about the people, processes and equipment that made this possible.

If you want to go in chronological order, click on the arrow to the right. If you want to jump ahead or back, click on the home icon at the top and browse to the section you’re interested in. We are looking forward to your visit!

PRECONSTRUCTION:

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, YOU CAN BUILD IT

HCSS BUILDING 1

Before a single shovel of dirt is uncovered, the owner of the building has a vision and determines that one is needed. They might want to upgrade their facilities, move their company to a new location or expand their business.

For HCSS CEO Mike Rydin, the need was to support rapid growth. With two existing buildings on the company’s 12-acre campus accommodating more than 350 employees, a new structure was needed to house double that number who were expected to join the organization in the next two years.

“This expansion would allow us to double our employee base and hire up to an additional 350 people.”

Mike Rydin HCSS CEO

HCSS, a leader in software development for the construction industry, is focused on attracting and retaining top talent. They have been Best Place to Work in Texas for 13 years in a row, and the campus will help them compete in the highly competitive technology industry.

More parking was also needed, as the current structure only contained 238 spaces, not enough to support all employee vehicles at any given time. Luckily a nearby church graciously shared its parking lot, which was usually empty during the week. Employees unable to secure a spot would park there and walk the two blocks to the office, which could be problematic during bad weather.

Mike’s vision of the campus concept had come to life in 2008, when he purchased land and built the first structure. He imagined a casual setting for employees to collaborate and support customers while at the same time balancing work and life responsibilities and ensuring physical and mental well-being.

The current campus boasted a soccer field, walking track, weight room and basketball court offering daily fitness classes. Mike wanted to extend that wellness mentality while incorporating other perks such as a racquetball court and yoga studio and ensuring that every office has an outside view.

Mike and his team determined how much they wanted to spend on the overall design, land, construction costs and furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) and then purchased additional parcels of land.

Construction costs are covered in many different ways. Many building owners are able to pay cash for their projects, while others will seek the assistance of a bank to loan them the necessary funds. In a bank transaction, the funds are distributed in periodic payments called draws.

THE ARCHITECT designs structures including office buildings, homes and bridges and provides aesthetic and technical advice during their construction. Using both paper and computer-based programs, their designs show the structure’s appearance and information about its construction. Architects normally work in an office where they interact with clients, general contractors and engineers, and earn an average of $73,000 per year. To become an architect, professionals must have a bachelor’s or masters degree from an accredited college or university and pass licensing exams.

The bank will usually assign an independent inspector to the project to ensure it is on task before releasing each draw. The inspector, who generally has significant construction background, also acts as a consultant to keep the project working smoothly.

Financing secured, HCSS next connected with StudioRed Architects in Houston to take the vision from a dream to paper. “StudioRed was chosen because of their ability to collaborate with us and think of out-of-the-box options while still keeping it economical,” said HCSS vice president Tom Webb.

The role of the architect is not just to design a building to their client’s specifications, but also to ensure that the structure is safe and completed to plan. They

“I was about 10 years old when I learned what an architect was and saw how my passion for drawing and building with Legos was directly related to how architects create buildings. From that point on, I knew that designing buildings is what I wanted to do for a living.”

Micah Simecek

StudioRed Architects Partner

create a detailed design and project description, as well as providing administration throughout the construction process, ensuring compliance with local building regulations, laws or restrictions.

Before the plan is finalized, the architect will not only hold periodic client meetings to discuss the proposal, but will consult with other professionals including engineers and land surveyors.

The land surveyor identifies locations of utilities, easements and building lines along with FEMA flood zone classification to create the site plan, so WindRose Land Surveying analyzed the preexisting as-built survey to recommend how to best fit the new structure on the site.

What is the ADA? The Americans with Disabilities Act ensures access to all facets of a public or commercial structure, and the ADA Standards are design requirements for construction. This ensures that hallways, rest rooms, parking lots, offices and common areas are all accessible to those with disabilities.

Civil engineering firm TAC Engineering provided notes and drawings to the architect regarding grading, sediment and erosion control and sanitary and storm water management. They also designed all exterior paving including driveways, sidewalks and ADA ramps, and any necessary access changes.

Geotechnical engineer Gorrondona Engineering Services, Inc. determined the type of soils, groundwater findings and recommendations for foundation and paving construction, while structural engineer LJB, Inc. designed the foundation system along with the structural steel needs and the tilt wall construction design based on StudioRed’s design criteria and recommendations from Gorrondona Engineering Services, Inc..

Plumbing engineer Elite Plumbing Corporation designed the connections to the sanitary and cold water mains, the fire sprinkler system and interior water supply for the kitchen, bathrooms and water fountains.

D&L Electric designed the electrical devices and equipment including the communication systems and electrical systems for the air conditioning, along with lighting and access control systems.

HCSS BUILDING 2

The STRUCTURAL ENGINEER designs, plans and oversees the construction of new buildings and bridges, or alterations and extensions to existing properties or other structures.

Structural engineers usually work in an office environment but will also work onsite when needed. They earn an average of $87,060 and must obtain a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.

To keep it cool in the summer and warm in the winter, engineers from GH Mechanical designed the mechanical machinery and climate control system including all condensing units, air handlers, ductwork, fans, vents, louvres and thermostat controls.

Landscape architect Wong and Associates planned the irrigation system, all trees and improved beds and other vegetation and the hardscaping to fulfill the owner’s vision on the outside, and StudioRed created the look and feel for the inside including colors, fixtures, finishes and millwork.

Once all plans are designed by the consultants, the architect will capture everything including the design budget into the final plan. This will be captured using technology such as CAD to visually “build” the structure including height, width, materials and feasibility.

Revisions are also made at this stage to incorporate any client changes, and the architect will create an initial budget so that all players can understand the order of magnitude of the project. Estimates are created using historical information, by reviewing the plans and calling to mind previous projects for various aspects of the job, such as HVAC and concrete tilt walls.

“Structural engineering allows you to bring together a background in mathematics with creativity and teamwork.

Building design requires knowledge of various structural components and environmental loads while working collaboratively with architects, other engineers and general contractors.”

Erik Spicker

Regional manager of LJB, INC.

With the final plan from StudioRed in hand, HCSS turned to Rosenberger Construction, recognized in the industry since 1991 for their quality of execution, years of experience and understanding of the industry.

They were also well-known to HCSS, as Rosenberger constructed the 45,000 square foot building 1 and the 15,300 square foot building 2 on the HCSS campus.

Rosenberger began the process of selecting the subcontractors needed to complete the job, and asked each to supply an estimate. This enabled Rosenberger to determine exactly how much each task will cost, so they can put their own package together and present the budget and timeline to the architect and the owner.

This package will include the general contractor’s markup and necessary contingency plans.

For over 25 years, ROSENBERGER CONSTRUCTION has been known as one of the premier general contractors focusing on industrial and commercial construction throughout southeast Texas. Their expertise and experience ranges from manufacturing and distribution projects, healthcare facilities and office buildings to religious and retail projects, as well as corporate interiors. Since 1991, they’ve constructed over 26 million square feet of building projects, including 116,300 square feet for HCSS.

There are many people who will support the general contractor. The project manager is the key point person between the jobsite and the office, while the superintendent coordinates all jobsite activities and schedules. The contract administrator manages key contract details while the field engineer investigates the site to determine if any steps need to be taken prior to construction.

Once the owner has approved the final general contractor’s estimate, the team moves into the permit process. Building permits are necessary for all new construction and guidelines and restrictions vary by location.

Since this building is located in the City of Sugar Land, municipal policies govern what is needed, but generally environmental, site and building permits are secured prior to earthwork. Other permits are procured throughout the construction process.

Once the general contractor has secured the proper permits, it’s time to start the site work.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STUDIORED ARCHITECTS

SITE WORK:

TRANSFORMING THE TERRAIN

The general contractor and the project team are challenged with taking an unimproved site – an empty field covered with slowly waving grass, a dale with hundreds of rolling hills or a snake-infested, craggy swamp – and converting it to the blank canvas that any artist needs before they can begin their work.

This makeover is called site work, which is everything involved in preparing the site for construction. It includes a variety of different preparatory tasks such as clearing, grading and excavating, and may vary depending on the environmental conditions of the site and the goals of the project.

Before the site work can commence, the superintendent officially kicks off the project with all parties involved, reiterating the schedule, the safety requirements and general expectations of the job. Like any project, it’s important that everyone involved knows who is doing what and when so that they can collaborate and cooperate and work together as a cohesive team.

To keep the site secure, Sav-On Fence installs chain link fencing around the site. This keeps the workers and equipment safe while keeping passersby separate.

Excavator operators from MSC Earthwork clear, grub and excavate the site. They will grade it based on the elevations provided by the civil engineer for proper drainage and development of the building pad.

The EQUIPMENT OPERATOR controls construction equipment including excavators, dump trucks and graders for construction projects including roads, bridges and buildings. They use these machines to dig and lift earth or sand, spread concrete or asphalt or hammer heavy piles into the ground. An apprenticeship or licensure is required, depending on location, and the median salary is $58,680.

MSC Earthwork grades the site according to the designed elevations provided by the civil engineer for proper drainage and development of the building pad.

The soil is prepared by compaction and mixing in of the soil and lime mixture. The mixture levels were recommended by Gorrondona Engineering Services, Inc. and designed by civil engineer TAC Engineering.

What is Lime?

On construction sites, wet, weak and fine grain soil can be a major challenge.

Muddy sites make working conditions much more difficult, as vehicles can’t get through and the project slows down, losing time and money. To stabilize the soil, lime is added to react with the soil’s silica and alumina materials to better compact the soil and make it stronger and more workable. The amount of lime added is determined by an engineer, based on soil type and environmental factors. Lime is extracted from limestone, a naturally occurring rock found in quarries or mines.

Land surveyor Windrose stakes the building pad location including all corners before fill dirt is brought to site to construct the pad and achieve designed elevation. The surveyor will then verify that the pad elevation is correct according to plan.

In conjunction with pad development, the underground storm system including all underground pipe and inlets are installed by civil contractors Elite Plumbing and RL Utilities.

DID YOU KNOW? When excavating a site, construction crews often come across things usually found in a time capsule. While expanding the Oregon State football stadium, crews found 10,000 woolly mammoth bones, and in Alexandria, Virginia, crews found a Revolutionary War-era ship that had been buried underground after being sunk between 1775 and 1778.

FOUNDATION:

ON SOLID FOOTING

The strength of a building lies in its foundation, keeping the structure upright and its occupants safe and secure.

Once the site work is completed and the building pad corners set, the foundation work can begin. The foundation is critical to the safety of the structure as it will distribute the weight of the building over a broader area and then transfer it to the earth underneath.

Piers are drilled systematically to engineered locations to support the tilt wall sections and structural steel. They leverage the strength of the surrounding soil and further distribute the weight of the building to the ground beneath.

After the shafts are drilled for the piers, steel reinforcement cages are sunk into the holes and concrete poured. Concrete is usually poured by a pump truck with a long tube to place it directly at the bottom of the hole, displacing any water.

Electrical contractor D&L Electric installs the underground electrical conduit and Elite Plumbing installs underground water and sanitary systems. Both are inspected by the City of Sugar Land before concrete is poured.

Plastic vapor barrier is installed by Texas A&M Concrete to prevent moisture from seeping through the foundation into the building.

Why is vapor barrier important?

In hot, humid climates like Texas, keeping dampness out of the building and allowing accumulated moisture to drain is key to preventing mold growth. Mold spores can cause chronic sinus problems, asthma, headaches and allergy attacks, and once they are discovered in a building, it is very expensive to fix. Installing a barrier will put yet another obstacle between water vapor and walls, ceilings, floors and attics, where it will condense and mold can grow.

Once the vapor barrier is installed, the outer edges of the building start to take shape.

Concrete subcontractor Texas A&M Concrete sets the forms according to the architect’s plan. Forms are usually made of soft woods like fir or pine but they can also be made of metal. They provide a casing for the fluid concrete, and hold it in shape until it dries and hardens.

Forms are tightly jointed together to prevent the viscous concrete from leaking through. They must be heavy duty to prevent the concrete from pushing the forms out and must be strong enough to hold the concrete in place.

Reinforcement steel is installed in grids inside the forms before concrete is poured. This is designed to increase the tensile strength of the concrete and will help it to resist breaking and cracking.

Concrete is mixed at a batch plant and then transported to the jobsite via a truck mixer or agitator truck. The type of truck is determined by the distance to the jobsite, the weather conditions and type and parts of the concrete mix. If the truck takes too long to arrive at the site, the concrete could honeycomb, which can cause a coarse or stony surface.

There are many reasons why concrete pouring is usually conducted in the early morning hours. Moisture from concrete that cures at high temperatures can evaporate too quickly, causing unwelcome cracks and imperfections. It’s also better for foundation workers, as spreading and screeding concrete is very labor-intensive, and it’s cooler in the morning.

It is often challenging for concrete trucks to park directly next to the site so a pump truck is often used. Concrete is pumped from the truck to the site via a boom that can be controlled by the operator to ensure precise placement.

The Texas A&M finishing crew guides the fluid concrete into place from the pump truck, while simultaneously spreading it inside the forms to provide a smooth finished surface. This ensures no honeycombing or air pockets exist which could compromise foundation system strength in the future.

Maneuvering a PUMP TRUCK or other heavy mobile crane is serious business. Like a video game joystick, it’s controlled by state-of-the-art technology to move materials, like concrete, or other machines or products. Training can come from community colleges, trade schools or apprentice programs, and the MEDIAN SALARY IS $73,680.

What arE you wearing?

Concrete is a messy job. Whether mixing it, pouring it or spreading it, it’s bound to splash and everyone is guaranteed to head home wearing some of it. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recommends everyone working in concrete wear goggles, gloves and long sleeves, and rinse off any concrete dust that comes into contact with skin. What workers wear depends on the job they’re doing, from jeans and boots with a hardhat to waders that keep the legs dry to a full-coverage Tyvek suit with hardhat and face shield.

The 278-space, three-story garage will add significant parking to the campus. Supportive footings are excavated, then made up and poured onsite. Strong footings are important to the construction of any structure as they support the foundation and prevent settling.

The double tee panel garage floors are ready-made and installed onsite with the precast concrete stairwells by Legacy Precast.

Named for its shape, precast double tee panels are used mainly as floor and roof deck components for any type of building.

Concrete needs massages too!

If air pockets are trapped in concrete while it’s curing, it will honeycomb, becoming brittle and weak, and won’t bond with the reinforcement steel. The concrete vibrator forces the trapped air out of the mixture, leaving a more compact and level slab. The vibrating tool looks like the telescoping wand on a vacuum cleaner, and is inserted straight into the concrete and allowed to sink to the bottom on its own.

After five seconds, it should be lifted out vertically and slowly to avoid creating new air pockets. Many foundation workers prefer to mount their vibrating tools in backpacks to free their hands and reduce stress on their backs.

DID YOU KNOW? When pouring concrete, the trowel is necessary to level, spread and shape. A hand trowel is fine for small jobs, but with a 28,000 square foot foundation, a little more muscle is needed.

Enter the power trowel, a ride-on machine that looks like an upside-down fan that travels over the top of the concrete, ensuring it is smooth and level. With larger projects, multiple trowels will be spinning at once like overactive Zamboni machines, providing both entertainment and a smooth foundation.

The concrete cast-in-place columns were made up and poured, and the precast flooring panels were set in place. A finished floor layer is then poured on top of the precast panels to smooth the joints between the precast sections. Precast concrete is soaring in popularity for standard structures such as parking garages, because it is readily available and less expensive than a team of skilled workers pouring it onsite.

To assess the strength of the concrete, test cylinders were created on site by licensed inspection engineer Gorrondona Engineering Services, Inc.. Concrete was poured into a cylinder mold and left onsite to expose it to identical environmental conditions as the foundation. Later the molds are collected and taken to a material testing lab for compaction, shearing and brittleness break limits tests.

SUPERSTRUCTURE: MOVING ON UP

With a strong foundation intact, the structure will start to take shape with the walls, windows and roof installed on the outside, and door frames, stair cases and elevators installed on the inside.

The HCSS structure is tilt wall construction, which is a cost-effective technique that forms the concrete elements onsite and “tilted� to the proper vertical position with a crane. In this process, the walls are formed and poured directly on top of the foundation, utilizing every inch of space to create every wall needed for the structure.

Tilt wall production requires the skills of multiple people possessing a variety of skills. The process is very precise and requires detailed attention to safety, equipment and each other.

Forms are laid down according to the plan, ensuring that all door and window openings are incorporated along with any design elements.

The forms and foundation are sprayed with a water-based bondbreaker and tilt-up cure to prevent the cast concrete from bonding with the slab. This allows the wall element to separate from the casting surface once it has cured. This step is critical, as incorrect application will allow the wall to adhere to the foundation, preventing the lifting of the panels and requiring costly demolition and rework.

A grid of reinforcing steel is placed inside the forms to add strength, and then the concrete can be poured.

Once the concrete has cured, steel column erection and steel bracket assemblies are installed into the tilt wall panels by Steel Masters. This will allow the bracing to easily connect to the walls.

The panels are lifted off the slab vertically by Steel Masters crane operators, with iron workers putting them into place by hand. The largest wall weighed 104,000 pounds, as most are engineered to work with the roof and floor structures to function as load-bearing walls.

The tilt wall bracing is installed by Steel Masters to hold the walls until the structural steel and roof is in place.

Roof joists are horizontal beams that run across an open space. Welders ensure that the joists are securely attached to the walls and beams to ensure the structure is safe and solid.

The second floor steel deck and roof deck are installed by Steel Masters. The steel deck is a corrugated steel sheet supported by steel joists and is desired for its longevity and structural soundness.

The steel staircases are delivered in pieces and installed by Steel Masters. Steel is preferred because it doesn’t expand, rot or corrode over time and it’s extremely sturdy.

Using concrete masonry units (CMU), masonry subcontractor Paul Yeatts Enterprises created the shaft for the Otis elevator that will be installed later in the garage.

Do you love working with your hands? MASONRY WORKERS use bricks, concrete and concrete blocks along with natural and man-made stones to build a variety of structures.

Training can come from trade schools or apprentice programs, and the median salary is $46,500.

INTERIOR STRUCTURE: THE INSIDE EMERGES

With the superstructure completed, the interior buildout begins. The second floor is crafted, and offices, conference rooms and common areas are starting to fall into place. Electricity, plumbing and HVAC are installed, and with the roof and windows intact, the structure is “dried in� and no longer at the mercy of the Texas weather.

While the steel structure was already installed, the second story needs concrete to complete the floor. Professionals from Texas A&M Concrete ensured the floor was poured to plan, including the proper grade and thickness.

The offices, conference rooms and common spaces start to take shape when Young and Sons Drywall frames out the areas.

Homebuilders typically use wood to frame out houses, but most commercial buildings utilize metal, as it is generally stronger, lightweight and not flammable.

Fire rated plastic laminate faced wood doors crafted by Houston Builders Hardware are installed throughout the structure. These and the exterior-facing steel doors are generally chosen because they are unbreakable, water resistant and fireproof.

DID YOU KNOW? “Rough-in� refers to the stage of construction when mechanical, electrical and plumbing lines are brought in. This occurs after the basic framing is completed but before the walls and ceilings are closed up with drywall, making it easier for the building inspector to review the progress. Since inspector changes require an additional inspection, it is imperative that the rough-in stage be as complete as possible before the initial inspection.

GH Mechanical and Services installs the HVAC system, including ductwork. Ductwork should be installed first, as it is significant in size and cannot have electrical or plumbing blocking its path.

Contractor Southeast Fire Protection works on the fire sprinkler line.

After HVAC and plumbing, electrical lines are laid out by D&L Electric. Junction boxes are mounted, wires are pulled and the electrical panel is set up, along with grounding and overhead service wire. Electrical is the last step in the rough-in as it is the easiest to work around ductwork and plumbing.

Fire alarm wiring is installed by PRMM Fire & Alarm. A key safety feature, alarms include smoke and heat detectors, manually operated pull stations and sprinkler water flow sensors.

Wiring for the security alarm is installed by ADT. Security alarms are imperative for commercial businesses to protect their assets, including customer data, inventory, equipment and employees.

To ensure the office has adequate internet and telephone lines, AlexJer Communications installs the proper wiring for all telecom and data services.

Once the roof drains and HVAC sleeves are installed, roofing contractor Kirtley Roofing & Sheet Metal installs the TPO membrane on the roof. Thermoplastic polyolefin is a single-ply roofing membrane made up of different types of rubber and sold in sheets. They are mechanically fastened or glued to the cover board and sealed. It is less expensive than traditional roofing methods and its bright white color reflects the sun, cutting down energy costs for the building owner.

Using the HVAC roof curbs, the HVAC rooftop units (RTUs) and vents are installed by GH Mechanical and Services.

Do you love controlling the weather?

HEATING, VENTILATION and AIR CONDITIONING TECHNICIANS install, maintain and repair motors, compressors, fans and thermostats in office buildings, homes, schools and factories. Their worksites may be very hot or cold because the heating and cooling systems they must repair may not be working properly.

Because HVAC systems have become increasingly complex, applicants with postsecondary education at a local trade school or those with an apprenticeship are preferred. The median salary is $48,730.

Windows are installed by the Theut Company, in effect “drying in� the structure and protecting the interior from the weather.

Everyone has a window office To ensure that every employee had a window office, owner Mike Rydin specified that all windows line up from the interior offices, across the hallway and into the exterior offices and out the windows. This alignment gives all offices a view of the outside world.

FINISHES:

THE FINAL TOUCHES

The basic structure completed, it’s time to add the touches to the structure that represent the culture and dynamic of the people who will be using it. From paint and carpet to interior windows and trims, talented artisans and technicians will apply their expertise to creating a final product that everyone can be proud of.

Once the plumbing, electrical and mechanical rough-ins are installed and approved, insulation is placed into the framed-out walls and ceilings prior to drywall. The insulation, from Certified Fireproofing, retards the heat from the outside to the inside, helping to maintain a constant temperature.

INSULATION WORKERS install and replace the materials used to insulate buildings or mechanical systems.

They work both indoors and outdoors and often in extreme temperatures.

Training typically comes on the job, and insulators may complete an apprenticeship program after earning their high school diploma. The median salary is $44,180.

Drywall are gypsum panels enclosed in paper backing that is used to create walls and ceilings. It was installed by Young and Sons Drywall directly over the roughed-out plumbing, electrical and mechanical conduit to deliver a smooth, paintable surface.

The Otis Elevator Company installs the elevator into the steel shaft built during superstructure construction. Otis is one of the oldest elevator companies in the world, with its first lift introduced in 1853.

There are several conference rooms included in the design that will need to support a variety of group sizes and activities.

Partitions installed by Hufcor Texas enable office workers to easily change the room size into smaller units based on need.

Acoustical ceiling grids are installed by Laser Acoustics to finish out the drop ceilings. Drop, or suspended, ceilings are beneficial in office environments because they reduce sound, are cost- and energy-efficient and fire-retardant.

Painters from LMI Painting stripe the outside of the building according to the owner’s vision, using the HCSS corporate colors. Prior to painting, the building façade was waterproofed by Hervey-Balrow Specialty to prevent excess moisture from entering the building and putting additional strain on the HVAC system.

LMI Painting uses a telescoping paint roller to cover the drywall in a first-floor office.

Do you have an eye for color?

PAINTERS apply paint, stain and coatings to walls and ceilings, buildings, large machinery and equipment and bridges and other structures. They are both indoors and out, and the work is often physically demanding with a lot of bending, kneeling and reaching. Painters typically learn on the job and no formal education is required. The median salary is $40,280.

The steel staircases are painted in the company’s corporate colors to reinforce their brand image. LMI Painting professionals were responsible for painting all surfaces on this project, both inside and out.

Interior windows and doors are installed by Young and Sons Drywall and Theut Glass. Interior doors include those to offices, rest rooms and closets, and internal windows are generally found between hallways and offices.

Tile setters from Set Floors install the tile in the men’s and women’s locker rooms. Tile can also be found in the water closets and janitorial supply areas.

Cabinets, vanities and other millwork is installed by BPM Millwork. In this project, millwork is placed in offices, common areas, the gym, the rest rooms and the kitchen.

A worker from BPM Millwork installs the countertops in the men’s restroom. Countertops were also placed in the kitchen and some common areas.

Final plumbing trims including sinks, water closets, water heaters and water fountains are installed, along with privacy partitions from Fast Track Specialties.

DID YOU KNOW? Water refill stations located throughout the building provide cold, filtered tap water and provide an alternative to plastic water bottle waste. Every time a cup is refilled, the counter on the front of the machine lets the user know how many plastic bottles have been eliminated from the environment due to their company’s efforts.

Final electrical trims are set including light fixtures, wall receptacles, light switches, exit and emergency lighting and alarm horns.

Thermostats, ceiling grills and other HVAC trims are installed by GH Mechanical Services.

Office carpet and hallway vinyl composition tile (VCT) is installed by Set Floors. It is preferred in high traffic areas as it is low cost, durable and easy to maintain.

DID YOU KNOW? While walking the building during construction, HCSS CEO Mike Rydin noticed that the hallways needed a little pizzazz. He asked Rosenberger superintendent Travis Todd if they could use leftover VCT tiles from the kitchen to add some color to the otherwise gray floor.

External logo signage is installed along with any internal directional, ADA or informational signage by 4D SignWorx.

Landscaping company Earthfirst conducts the final grading and installs the landscaping and irrigation system.

Canopies are installed on the roof of the parking garage and across the employee walkway by Avdek. Steel canopies are beneficial as they provide protection from the elements at a reasonable price.

Electric charging station installation Electric vehicles are becoming more prevalent on today’s roads, as they are less expensive to maintain and operate than traditional gas-powered automobiles.

Companies who install electric vehicle charging stations show the community that they are taking sustainable actions while supporting environmentally friendly drivers.

During the final paint and punch, Elite Window Coverings installs window blinds and drapes and Manna Distributors ensure the kitchen appliances are connected and ready for use.

Once everything is installed, Rosenberger will have the structure cleaned top to bottom to prepare for the final inspections.

FINAL INSPECTION AND TURNOVER: LAST BUT NOT LEAST

The foundation was poured, the walls raised, the roof lowered. The rooms were formed, the carpet laid, the tile set.

With the structure completely built and ready for move-in, the last of many inspections take place to ensure safety and security of the occupants.

Before the governmental inspectors make their final observation, the superintendent and project manager from general contractor Rosenberger Construction walk the property one final time.

One of the last steps of the process is from the local fire marshal, who conducts a Life Safety inspection. This verifies compliance with local regulations to safeguard employee safety once the building is occupied.

FIRE INSPECTORS examine buildings in order to detect fire hazards and ensure that federal, state and local fire codes are met. They work in offices and in the field, and usually work during regular business hours, but sometimes work evenings and weekends as fires occur. They typically have previous experience as a firefighter and need at least a high school diploma. They will also receive on-the-job training, and the median salary is $60,230.

Once all inspections are conducted, the City of Sugar Land awards the Certificate of Occupancy to HCSS, who can now officially move in.

Even though HCSS is officially “in” the building, additional small fixes may be performed. This final punch list might include paint touchups, window fixes or HVAC adjustments.

CONCLUSION:

WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER

Building a structure demands planning, expertise, commitment and teamwork. As you’ve read through this tour, you’ve learned about some of the professionals involved in the process, including the work that they do and the training they go through.

Construction is a valuable, essential industry that positively affects the lives of every American. The buildings, like this one, in which we work, play and live, as well as the roads and bridges that enable us and our goods to get to our destinations, depend on the development and empowerment of the construction industry workforce.

Construction helps provide the water that we drink, the roads that we drive on, the hospitals and schools we visit, the shopping centers we frequent, the cell phone towers that power our connectivity, the home our family sleeps in and so much more.

Construction is a vital contributor to economic growth, providing employment opportunities and economic value to the chain of relevant suppliers and service providers. Without construction, we would not enjoy many modern comforts and necessities.

DID YOU KNOW? What is I Build America?

Three years ago, in talking to HCSS heavy civil construction customers, CEO Mike Rydin heard repeatedly that they were having difficulty attracting the next generation of construction professional. There was plenty of work to go around and many older employees to do the work. What they didn’t have was younger employees coming in.

So Mike and his team created I Build America to start a conversation to instill a sense of desire to join the industry. We do this by communicating the benefits of the construction industry to the next generation and imparting pride in current professionals for the awesome work that they do every day.

We at I Build America are thrilled to be able to bring projects like this to young people considering construction careers.

But like any construction project, we couldn’t do this alone.

We’d like to thank the following people and organizations for their expertise, time and commitment to create this building and our tour through it.

JACOB ASWAD Senior Vice President JUSTIN HENDERSON Senior Project Manager GUILLERMO MENDOZA Superintendent BRANDON SEEBERGER Assistant Project Manager TRAVIS TODD Superintendent

FEMI ARIYO Director CHRIS HENRY Senior Vice President SARA MCPHERSON Marketing ANTHONY MORRISON Marketing KEVIN MURPHREE Manager MIKE RYDIN CEO

MICAH SIMECEK Partner

HUE SAENZ Creative DAVEN STANLEY Marketing TOM WEBB Vice President

ERIK SPICKER Regional Manager

JOHN JAKUBIK Consultant

RAY ZANON Manager

JOSE BARBOZA Video STEPHEN CLARK Video TRACY HOWARD Social Media

JOHN KENNEDY Development

ANDRES INZUNZA Video SUSANNA JAKUBIK Manager PACO MONTOYA Graphic Design & Photography

YVONNE PHU Business Development

www.ibuildamerica.com