Situation:
Focus Logistics Inc, a transportation solutions provider, hired Krusinski Construction Company to build a 26,000-square-foot distribution center in West Chicago, Ill.

Challenge:
The contract was signed in early fall, and construction could not be completed before temperatures dropped. Winter construction would burden the client’s limited budget with an additional $30,000 in potential expenditures to cover the cost of snow removal, concrete protection and schedule delays related to excessively cold temperatures. Additionally, a large amount of topsoil on the site -- an old, industrial lot in West Chicago -- had to be hauled away before foundation work could begin.

Solution:
To accommodate the client and keep costs down, Krusinski split the construction into two phases. In October, crews removed the topsoil and laid the foundation. The remainder of the project was completed in the spring when weather conditions improved. In the interim, Krusinski Superintendent Tim Bereza was able to work on another client’s project.

Results:
Careful planning resulted in a split construction schedule that worked out well for everyone. Focus Logistics was able to avoid pricey winter-related expenses, and the project was completed in August.