Services
Construction Management
As a construction manager, McGrath & Associates brings strategic leadership to every project, guiding owners through schematic design development, budget planning, procurement, scheduling, and on-site execution. We prioritize communication, transparency, and quality, using our vast experience to ensure efficient workflow, reliable schedules, and informed decision-making every step of the way.
Our disciplined and meticulous approach results in safer, smoother, and more cost effective construction.
Early Partnerships for Better
Planning and Stronger Outcomes
When your project demands a construction management firm that provides early planning insight as well as disciplined on-site leadership, McGrath & Associates is the partner Midwest owners rely on. As a Construction Manager, we are often brought in during the earliest planning and design phases to help owners define the scope of the project, outline budgets, plan phasing, develop a project schedule, and reduce risks from day one.
Working with owners and architects, our construction managers provide collaborative leadership that connects vision, design, and execution. With over four decades of experience and a strong track record in Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) delivery, McGrath & Associates helps owners make informed decisions and maintain control of costs while delivering complex projects safely, efficiently, and on schedule.
Related Services
General Contracting
Construction Management
Design-Build
Architectural Design
Self-Perform Services
Preconstruction Planning
Superior, meticulous preconstruction is at the core of our construction management approach. We engage early with owners and design teams, sometimes before a designer is even selected, to ensure each project is constructable, efficient, and aligns with long-term goals. Some of the steps involved in our preconstruction planning are:
- Preliminary cost opinions and value engineering
- Development of a preliminary project schedule and phased construction strategies
- Early identification of long-lead equipment and procurement recommendations
- Consultation during design and material selection
- Constructability review and design document coordination
- Support with permits and authority approvals
This early involvement allows us to anticipate challenges, reduce risks, and create a clear, predictable path forward.
Capital Budget Development
One of the biggest advantages to bringing McGrath & Associates on early is our proactive, accurate, and transparent budgeting practices. We use a combination of deep market knowledge, extensive historical cost data, and specialized MEP estimating tools to:
- Establish realistic preliminary budgets
- Provide cost updates at key design milestones
- Identify cost-saving alternatives when estimates exceed target budgets
- Evaluate material availability, labor conditions, and long-lead item restrictions that could impact costs
We recognize that estimating and creating a budget is not a one-time event. As the design and construction evolve, we continuously provide updated cost options and recommendations that compare systems, materials, and methods to help you select solutions that best meet both performance and budget goals.
GMP Expertise
Over 80% of our annual projects are delivered using a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) model. We develop GMPs collaboratively, using side-by-side bid analysis, historical cost data, and market validation to establish transparent, reliable budgets.
Procurement of Materials and Equipment
Our construction management philosophy places a strong emphasis on strategic, direct procurement. We purchase key materials and equipment directly from vendors rather than through subcontractors, a strategy that:
- Reduces layers of markup
- Improves tracking and delivery reliability
- Protects against supply chain disruptions or delays through direct communication
- Ensures specification and quality requirements are met
Our team has successfully procured everything from mechanical/electrical machinery and steel to specialized laboratory equipment for healthcare and pharmaceutical facilities.
Quality Control and Assurance
Our quality control program is built around preparation, communication, and verification. We ensure that all work aligns with contract documents through:
- Detailed shop drawing and submittal reviews
- Preparatory meetings before each major activity or when changes are necessary
- Initial inspections to establish workmanship standards
- Daily follow-up inspections and documentation
- Third-party testing and verification as required
- Rapid identification and correction of non-conformances
McGrath & Associates views quality control as an ongoing effort to be monitored and upheld by every member of a project’s team. By planning it carefully and building it right the first time, we maintain our zero-incident safety culture, reduce the need to redo work, and keep projects moving efficiently.
Project Scheduling and Construction
Project scheduling is successful when paired with disciplined, proactive field execution, and McGrath & Associates strives to integrate both into one unified process. We develop firm, detailed schedules that incorporate owner requirements with design milestones, permitting, phased construction, long-lead procurement, and subcontractor activities, and we adhere to these schedules.
During project construction, our superintendents and project managers oversee:
- Three week lookahead schedules and weekly coordination meetings
- Daily monitoring of field activities
- Early identification of issues or delays
- Resequencing of work to maintain progress
- Coordination of equipment deliveries, inspections, and safety requirements
Our hands-on scheduling approach ensures that design and field operations stay aligned, risks are minimized, and critical deadlines are met.
Let’s Build
Smarter Path to Success
Great outcomes are established long before construction begins. Whether you are planning a renovation, expansion, or new facility, our team is ready to guide you every step of the way. Contact McGrath & Associates today to partner with a construction management team that anticipates challenges, protects your investment, and delivers excellence.