Tag Archives: engineering company

  • -
Heavy Civil Engineering Projects on The Rise Post Pandemic

Heavy Civil Engineering Projects on The Rise Post Pandemic

Tags : 

COVID had a dramatic impact on construction throughout 2020 and into early 2021. And while projects never completely halted, they were often derailed or delayed, at least momentarily. However, President Biden’s nearly $2 trillion plan to improve infrastructure by repairing or upgrading roads, highways, bridges, and more is a promising development for the construction industry, especially for heavy civil engineering projects. With more government funding and better-paying jobs to boost manpower, civil engineering firms are the ideal choice for municipalities.

Why Heavy Civil Engineering Projects Are on the Rise Post-COVID

With the availability of vaccinations, most Americans plan on getting vaccinated or already are. While this will lead to a boost in entertainment, shopping, and dining, it also has a profound effect on heavy civil engineering. Workers and employers aren’t as concerned about the spread of disease, leading to an all-hands-on-deck approach to projects that have been delayed due to COVID.

Furthermore, many local governments and municipalities can take advantage of Biden’s infrastructure bill to reduce overall costs or prevent increased taxes. Through this funding, more projects can be planned and executed on time and, hopefully, under budget.

How To Select a Heavy Civil Engineering Firm for Your Next Project

Not all civil engineering firms are created equal. With a high degree of complexity, engineering projects require a company that has the know-how and resources to get the job done right. Here are some things you should look for when you’re collecting bids or searching for a company to hire.

Manpower

Due to COVID, manpower has been significantly depleted within the heavy construction industry. Whether workers are too scared to show up or companies lay off workers to cut costs, having the right people isn’t as easy as it once was.

However, a top-notch heavy civil engineering firm always brings on the best staff to ensure the project fits the timeline and budget. With a team of workers with knowledge and a strong work ethic, projects can get off the ground more easily and finish without delay.

Machinery

Heavy machinery is a quintessential component of any civil engineering project. As a result, you’ll want to search for companies that own their own equipment. These companies may be able to significantly lower their overhead because owning is often less expensive over time than renting. Moreover, these companies can use depreciation tax breaks to their advantage, which also makes owning the equipment a source of cost reduction that they pass onto customers.

Experience and Expertise

Experience and expertise is a tandem that you can’t afford to overlook. The more experience a heavy civil engineering firm has, the more likely that they’re able to adhere to guidelines and get the job done quickly and efficiently.

Don’t Skimp on Costs by Hiring the Wrong Company

Although a reputable heavy civil engineering firm may come with a higher price tag, that money is well spent. With the manpower, machinery, and experience to deliver a project within your budget and timeline, you’re actually saving money over other firms that may cause the project to lag behind schedule. In other words, you get what you pay for. So don’t hire the cheapest contractor just to save a bit of money. You’ll actually end up spending more in the long run. EPS Inc. dba Express Plumbing has been serving the Bay Area with underground and heavy construction services for multiple decades.  Our crew is the most experienced, and our fleet of equipment is state-of-the-art.  There is no project too big, too small, or too complicated for our crew to handle.  We’d love to share our portfolio of previous projects with you and are here to assist you with any upcoming projects.  Book a private meeting with us today.


  • -
How Civil Engineering Projects Continue During Covid-19

How Civil Engineering Projects Continue During Covid-19

Tags : 

Civil engineering is a profession that typically comes with onsite responsibilities. Overseeing a construction project, monitoring its success, and adhering to goals and budgets require constant attention. But with the rise of COVID-19, many civil engineers have been forced to work at home. So how do civil engineering projects continue during COVID-19? Read on to find out.

“We want to begin by thanking all the emergency response teams, the EPS Express Plumbing technicians, plumbers, engineers, and project managers for their continued dedication while serving our Bay Area Community.  EPS Engineering has been serving the Bay Area for multiple decades and you can continue to depend on us during these difficult times as we complete projects and proceed with caution following the recommended guidelines.”

Protection During Onsite Visits

Although many civil engineers have started to telecommute, the job still necessitates visits to various job sites. Whether these engineers have to monitor a construction project or put together an overall assessment of a project, they must eventually venture out of the home office to keep projects running smoothly.

During these onsite journeys, self-care and protection are essential. The wearing of masks to stop the spread of COVID-19, as well as the use of hand sanitizer are integral to the health of our engineers. In addition, adhering to social-distancing protocols and avoiding large groups of people are mandatory. By sticking to these rules, our employees can complete their job without the threat of infection or spread, especially with the high percentage of infected persons who don’t experience any symptoms.

Diverse Teams

Because civil engineers must visit sites routinely, some municipalities have started a rotating schedule of diverse teams. Each team has an expert in a particular field, such as asbestos removal, sewer systems, and other specialties.  Where in the past all may show up at the same time, now the schedule is well thought out and planned accordingly.

On a given day, one team will head out into the field, while others remain home on their virtual workstation. As a result, this process limits exposure to COVID-19 while also allowing our experts to monitor certain projects. The uncertainty of the current pandemic will inhibit teams from their normal work routine. However, it will not hinder the progress that we have on our current projects.  No matter how big or small, above ground or below ground, we always deliver excellence.

Remote-Friendly Technology

Perhaps the most striking aspect of civil engineers completing their jobs during the pandemic is their ability to work from home. Thanks to the advent of collaborative, file-sharing, and video-conferencing technology, many civil engineers can still do certain parts of jobs much in the same way as before.  Nick Bechwati, if you know him well, you know that he is a hands-on leader.  He still has boots on the ground and on-site anytime he gets the opportunity.

By using popular platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Slack, communication is just as easy as it is in the field, and perhaps even more convenient than ever. Instant messaging, on-the-fly video chats, and other types of cooperative software provides access to all important parties, as well as files that are integral to the success of a given project.

Our willingness to adapt, upgrade, and invest in technology, latest modern equipment, and most experienced employees are a few of the reasons we are a successful underground engineering contractor in the Bay Area you can always rely on.

Clear Expectations

Like many other professions, the transition to telecommuting requires clear expectations and guidelines. As such, we have put together plans for workers in the field. With these carefully managed and organized plans, projects can stay on track.

Uncertainty and fear remain part of the COVID-19 world. But with the efforts of civil engineers and builders, others can sustain a quality and comfort of life similar to before the pandemic. That’s an amazing feat, and one that hopefully will continue as the country and the world continues its trek towards normalcy.

Contact us to discuss any civil engineering projects above or underground anywhere in the Bay Area.  We serve the residential, commercial and municipal sector.


  • -

What is Heavy Construction?

Tags : 

Heavy construction is a subset of the construction industry geared toward larger structures. Because of the amount of engineering and project management that goes into heavy construction, specialized equipment and highly experienced individuals are part of the successful completion of a project. In many cases, these are municipal and government projects. So how should companies and government entities plan for large-scale heavy construction? Read on to find out.

Heavy Construction Planning: The First Step of a Successful Project

Before starting any heavy construction project, planning is essential. This multistep process starts with a project initiation document or PID. This preliminary document estimates the cost of the project (budget), the necessary materials to complete the project, and how many workers are required. Without this document, construction firms cannot conduct a feasibility test of whether the project is profitable or doable.

EPS Inc. has been serving our municipal, commercial and residential clients for multiple decades. Our experience, manpower and equipment availability gives us the ability to be price when planning a heavy construction project. We are the Bay Area heavy construction company of choice for many municipality projects due to our commitment to quality and excellence.

Once the construction company drafts a PID, it moves on to more specific estimates of the resources required, as well as technical portions of the project. Using the PID, a more accurate and specific plan comes together, as well as a strategy to complete the project under these rubrics. Many times, construction software eases this complex step and crunches numbers to provide the information for a proposal or presentation.

Equipment and Manpower for Heavy Construction

Determining the equipment and manpower for a heavy construction project isn’t always easy. Volatility in economic conditions and other situations can cause variability. In this regard, estimates may change.

However, the initial step of project planning can provide a solid estimate for the amount of equipment and manpower. A formulaic approach can help determine this number, as well as past projects. The idea is that a company with more experience in municipal and large-scale construction projects is more apt to provide a concrete idea for these numbers.

In addition, heavy construction firms must make seemingly smaller decisions that have a huge impact on a project. This includes aspects such as:

  • Whether to lease, buy, or use already purchased equipment
  • What subcontractors to hire
  • Whether to hire temporary personnel to meet the demand of the project
  • Where to buy wholesale materials
  • Other logistical considerations

By determining these needs, a heavy construction project can move forward without any hiccups. In this regard, trade magazines and journals are a vital resource to limit the amount of overhead and get the best workers for the job. Experienced firms may already have a team of suppliers and workers assembled to limit the chances for sunk costs.

Beyond these vital aspects, heavy construction companies must also devote a portion of their efforts to contingency plans. Few projects of this scale will proceed without a hitch. Therefore, a contingency or emergency plan can prevent a bleeding of resources and cash flow.

By choosing a company that has the necessary manpower, machinery, and expertise to finish a heavy construction project, governmental organizations and private builders can avoid any headaches during the process. With a well-constructed building delivered on time and under budget, all parties can enjoy the result of planning and project management.

When you rely on our EPS team, you’re in good hands. From manpower to equipment availability and experience. We get the job done! Contact us with any heavy construction project you’re planning, and we’ll be glad to assist you from start to finish.


  • -

Local Infrastructure and Municipal Underground Projects Continue During the Covid-19 Shelter in Place

Tags : 

Businesses across the country have suspended their operations due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and many more have cut their staff to all but essential workers. However, local infrastructure and municipal underground projects can’t slow or stop as a result.

Residents of these areas need the infrastructure and underground utilities during shelter-in-place orders, and municipalities are forced to continue their workload in the face of danger and adversity. Thanks to the selfless work of these individuals and government planning, none of the essential services that people need will halt as a result of Covid-19.

Underground Sewer

Underground sewer systems are among the most important services to residents during the Covid-19 pandemic, especially as these services come under strain due to more usage. Fortunately, underground sewer repair and other projects will continue during the outbreak to ensure that these services continue uninterrupted.

Although there’s little evidence to support that Covid-19 can spread through sewer systems, protecting against sewage backups remains crucial. Many residents may find that a sewage overflow may cause problems, specifically because of the lack of cleaning supplies as a result of panic buying.

Therefore, municipal workers will continue to monitor sewer systems, build new lines when necessary, and conduct repairs. These projects will also follow all current mandates and safety procedures to keep workers and residents safe.

Utilities

Although utilities supply the power necessary to curb cabin fever and reduce boredom, they also play a vital role in the everyday lives of citizens, especially during the Covid-19 outbreak. Without gas, power, internet, and telephone lines, the ability for people to cook, work remotely, or contact family members and emergency services becomes compromised.

During the Covid-19 shelter-in-place requirement, municipal crews continue their normal routines. This will include the inspection of all above-ground and underground utility lines, as well as any repairs necessary due to weather, wear and tear, or any other type of issue. Like other businesses, these workers will apply social distancing guidelines and other protocols designed to minimize the spread of Covid-19 to coworkers or other members of the general public.

Emergency Pipe Replacements

Pipe repair and pipe replacement are two essential services that homeowners and renters need to survive and maintain their quality of life during the coronavirus pandemic. Without fully functioning pipes, water systems, and other utilities can be rendered useless. When pipes fail, it can create a catastrophic scenario, especially for customers who are confined to their home for the near future.

Municipalities understand the importance and maintenance of pipes. As a result, they continue to put crews to work, albeit with safety guidelines in place. Thanks to the efforts of these workers, everyone affected by Covid-19 can enjoy uninterrupted services and maintain their way of life as long as possible, despite the challenges posed by coronavirus.

Through planning and strict safety guidelines imposed by municipalities, residents can enjoy the services they need to make life easier during the Covid-19 pandemic. In these times of uncertainty, having these services will at least provide a bit of consolation and reassurance.

EPS Inc. has been a partner of Bay Area municipalities for multiple decades, we want to honor those that continue to serve during these difficult times facing our nation and are proud to support their efforts on municipal infrastructure projects whenever and wherever they need us.


EPS, Inc. is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace for our employees and customers. Read More

Express Plumbing
307 N. Amphlett Blvd San Mateo, CA 94401
Phone: (800) 246-6425 $246 - $6425
Folllow Us!