Streamlining Construction: Three Easy Design Review Checks to Save Time and Money

At The Douglas Company, with nearly 50 years of expertise as commercial general contractors in Ohio, Florida, and beyond, we understand that the success of a construction project hinges not just on the build itself but also on the meticulous planning and review that precedes it. A well-executed design review can prevent costly changes and delays down the line. Here’s a glimpse into our design review process and three essential checks we use to ensure your project runs smoothly from start to finish.

1. Review Utilities: Aligning the Essentials

Utilities are the backbone of any construction project. During our design review, we meticulously check the alignment of utility locations across civil, architectural, and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) drawings. It’s not uncommon to find discrepancies, such as water lines shown entering and emerging through the concrete slab in different locations across various drawings.

Our team also verifies that the specifications for natural gas,...

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The Douglas Company Expands Affordable Housing in South Bend, Indiana

South Bend, IN, November 5, 2024 – The Douglas Company, a general contractor leader in senior living and multifamily housing, is excited to announce the groundbreaking of AHEPA 100 Phase II Apartments in South Bend, Indiana. This HUD-assisted project will expand affordable housing in the area, with 72 new units for residents that qualify for the Section 202 program.

The groundbreaking ceremony held onsite October 10th marked the start of our first project with non-profit AHEPA Senior Living. It was well-attended and had a speaking program that featured Indiana State Senator Linda Rogers, U.S. Senator Todd Young, U.S. Representative Rudy Yakym, HUD Account Executive Jessica Duarte, AHEPA Senior Living President and CEO Steve Beck. The event earned news coverage from  WNDU16 News NowABC57Inside INdiana BusinessSenior Housing News, and McKnights Senior Living.

“I applaud AHEPA for what they’re doing and adding on with the second building...

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The Importance of Hiring a Solid Earthwork and Utility Contractor for Your Next Construction Project

When planning a construction project, especially in multifamily housing or senior living facilities, the significance of a strong foundation cannot be overstated. At The Douglas Company, a prominent name among general contractors in Ohio and construction companies in Orlando, we understand that selecting a reliable earthwork and utility contractor is crucial for laying the groundwork for a successful build. Based in Toledo, Ohio, with an office in Orlando, Florida, and serving clients across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida, our experience highlights the indispensable role that these contractors play in ensuring a smooth and efficient construction process.

Why a Solid Earthwork and Utility Contractor Matters

1. Ensuring Proper Site Preparation

In the timeline of a construction project, site-work and utilities are one of the first steps to occur. Your earthwork and utility subcontractors are the first ones on-site. The initial stages of a construction project involve crucial site preparation tasks, including grading, mass excavation,...

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AHEPA 100 Phase II Apartments – Coming Fourth Quarter of 2025

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Introducing AHEPA 100 Phase II Apartments

AHEPA 100 Phase II Apartments, an upcoming South Bend, Indiana Affordable Senior Apartments development, is the first partnership between The Douglas Company and non-profit owner AHEPA Senior Living

Designed by Columbus, Ohio-based architecture firm Berardi + Partners, LLC, the project will be a three-story, 72-unit, HUD-assisted affordable senior living community located on 3.86 acres. In total, the building will span 69,197 square feet and feature amenities such as a community room, a multipurpose room, multiple sitting common areas, an exercise room, a wellness room, ADA & sensory impaired units, a canopy, and a back patio. Construction on the $14.4 million development is expected to be completed in November 2025. It will be the second affordable senior housing community administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 202 Program and managed by AHEPA Senior Living...

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Optimizing Construction Management: The Importance of Flow of Trades in Project Scheduling

 

In the world of construction, the success of any project hinges on a multitude of factors, with the flow of trades being one of the most critical components. A well-orchestrated flow can mean the difference between completing a project ahead of schedule and falling significantly behind. Today, we will delve into how effective scheduling and management of trades can streamline the construction process, reduce delays, and ultimately lead to a successful project completion.

Establishing a Strong Foundation

At the heart of effective construction management lies the importance of creating a detailed and well-thought-out schedule from the outset. This involves more than just outlining tasks; it requires engaging all relevant trades early in the process. By involving subcontractors in the planning stages, project managers can set realistic time frames and expectations. This collaborative approach not only fosters buy-in from the trades but also ensures that both parties understand the manpower requirements necessary to...

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The Douglas Company Finishes $23.9 Million Premier Senior Living Community, Arya at DeBary

DeBary, Florida, October 28th, 2024 - The Douglas Company, an industry-leading general contractor, is proud to announce the completion of Arya at DeBary, a $23.9-million senior living community that brings luxury and comfort to the heart of suburban Volusia County. A collaborative project between owners Nied Capital and Kimaya, LLC, this state-of-the-art community redefines senior living by offering a full spectrum of care and amenities tailored to support an enriching lifestyle.

Arya at DeBary is a hidden gem providing high-quality living options at a competitive price point, comparable to top-tier facilities in nearby Orlando. Designed by Rabits & Romano Architecture, the community offers an array of care options, including Independent Living for active seniors, Assisted Living for those seeking a supportive and social environment, and Memory Care for individuals needing specialized attention.

“We’re thrilled to have been a part of bringing this exceptional senior living community to the...

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The Importance of Complete and Coordinated Construction Plans

 

The success of a construction project relies on a combination of multiple factors that create a domino effect. At the heart of this process lies the most crucial element: a complete and coordinated set of construction plans. Unfortunately, there’s a troubling trend in the construction industry: approximately 90% of the completed construction plans submitted by project owners or architects are found to be incomplete and uncoordinated.

We've seen numerous instances where construction plans arrive missing schedules, critical details, essential notes, and specifications, lacking proper coordination among disciplines like MEP, structural, interior design, and architecture. Often, project owners lack the time or the construction expertise to identify these deficiencies. When they make the final payment to architectural firms, they expect the plans to be comprehensive—yet this is rarely the case. The consequences of incomplete and uncoordinated plans are significant, leading to poor subcontractor coverage, inflated costs, and delays in project timelines.

The Role...

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Are Multi-Disciplinary General Contractors Real? 5 Considerations to Think About in Making a Contractor Selection

Construction has to be one of the vaguest industries when it comes to understanding what the businesses in it actually do. What is a Contractor versus a Construction Manager? Can all commercial construction companies build everything? What does mean if you're "Multi-disciplinary" versus "Specialized"? It's not as straightforward as we'd all like, and can be confusing when you're trying to decide who to talk for a construction project. Here are 5 things to think about in the context of selecting on contractor to figure out if they can truly handle your project:

1. General Contractor or Construction Manager

These terms seem to get used interchangeably, to the point where just asking the question alone might not get you what you want to know. Typically, a General Contractor actually carries the licenses to work on the project, and takes on the risk of hiring out all of the work directly and managing the...

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What Does Being a “100% Employee Owned” Company Mean?

 

At The Douglas Company, we’re proudly 100% employee-owned. But, when we tell people that aren’t familiar with the concept, they often have a lot of questions. They wonder how employees “own” their company. Is everyone in charge? How does employee-ownership work? 

We think being an employee-owned company is a huge advantage to both our employees and our business. As we enter October – Employee Ownership Month – we want to spread the word about the way we do business and the benefits that come with it.

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Mastering Construction Risk Management: A General Contractor’s Perspective

 

When embarking on a new construction project, developers face a myriad of risks—financial uncertainties, scheduling delays, quality control issues, and much more. At The Douglas Company, we understand these challenges deeply. With nearly 50 years in the industry, we’ve refined a comprehensive approach to construction risk management. Our proprietary Integri-D Process is designed to guide you through every phase of your project, ensuring peace of mind and successful outcomes. Here’s a detailed look at how we manage construction risk from a general contractor’s perspective.

1. Risk Management in the Preconstruction Phase

Preconstruction Meetings

Early involvement on the project allows us to be involved early and help direct decisions in the best interest of the project. Additionally, it helps us as the General Contractor to be able to have a finger on the pulse when it comes to drawings and plans.

Detailed Plan Review

Managing risk begins long before the first shovel hits the ground. At...

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Mastering the Preconstruction Turnover Process: Key to Project Success

 

In the realm of construction, the preconstruction turnover process is more than just a transition—it's a critical phase that can set the stage for a project's success. At The Douglas Company, a leading general contractor with nearly 50 years of experience, we believe that mastering this phase is essential in ensuring seamless project execution and maintaining high client satisfaction.

Understanding the Preconstruction Turnover

The preconstruction turnover, or the transition from preconstruction to operations, involves transferring all crucial project details from the planning phase to the operations team. This phase is pivotal for ensuring that the operations team has everything needed to execute the project efficiently and effectively. The Douglas Company, with its extensive experience in senior living and multi-family housing projects, knows that a smooth preconstruction turnover is fundamental to project success.

Key Elements of a Successful Preconstruction Turnover

Effective Communication

Effective communication is the cornerstone of a successful preconstruction turnover. It ensures that the...

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Maximizing Project Efficiency with Procore: A Key Tool for TDC

 

At The Douglas Company, we've been harnessing the power of Procore Project Management Software for nearly eight years, and it's become an indispensable part of our project management toolkit. As general contractors with nearly 50 years of experience, specializing in senior living and multi-family housing projects across Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, and Florida, Procore has proven crucial in streamlining our processes and ensuring project success. Here’s how Procore's features enhance our operations and benefit our clients.

Centralized Project Information

Procore serves as a centralized hub for all project-related information. This is especially vital for us, given the scale and complexity of our projects across diverse locations including Toledo, Columbus, and Orlando. With Procore, our entire project team—whether they're based in our Toledo headquarters or our Orlando office—can access up-to-date project data from anywhere. This remote accessibility ensures that everyone, including subcontractors, architects, engineers, and owners, is always on the same page, leading...

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Ohio General Contractor, The Douglas Company, Completes First Phase of Affordable Housing Development Thatcher Flats

Cincinnati, OH, August 29, 2024 – The Douglas Company, industry-leading Ohio General Contractor, proudly announces the completion of the first phase of construction on affordable housing development Thatcher Flats.

Designed by Cincinnati-based architectural firm New Republic Architecture, Thatcher Flats has a modern look with excellent amenities including a workout room, laundry room, on-site management, a community room, a homework nook, and parking. Beautiful murals from ArtWorks Cincinnati adorn the exterior of one building, with references to the culture of the neighborhood. The development spans 51,847-square-feet and features 50 affordable housing units for individuals and families, with one, two, and three-bedroom units. The three-bedroom units also feature in-unit laundry. It is The Douglas Company’s third project with owner Pennrose Properties, LLC.

This $11.7 million project is located in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati. The name, Thatcher Flats, comes from Thatcher’s Fish and Poultry, which was a prominent...

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Construction Scheduled to Begin on $20.8 Million Florida Build-to-Rent Multifamily Project

Zephyrhills, FL, July 25, 2024 – Industry-leading General Contractor, The Douglas Company, is honored to announce the start of construction on The Cottages at Abbott Station, a $20.8 million build-to-rent multifamily community in Zephyrhills, Florida. The project aims to create quality, attainable, market-rate build-to-rent housing for the ‘missing middle’ market. It seeks to serve residents who make too much to qualify for subsidies, but not enough to afford the sky-high cost of housing. This will be the first partnership between Owner Goodwin Knight Florida and The Douglas Company.

This project is unique in that the owner, Goodwin Knight Florida, will be performing all of the sitework and site amenities with their own subcontractors. Starting in November, The Douglas Company will begin their portion of work, coordinating closely with Goodwin Knight’s contractors in order to construct all of the 84 separate cottage structures, 7 garage structures, and clubhouse structure. The project’s placement...

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Construction is Underway on Luxury Multifamily Development in Ann Arbor, Michigan

Holland, OH, August 13, 2024 – General Contractor, The Douglas Company, continues to make progress on the construction of Woodview Commons, a multifamily housing project at 7405 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan. The development will redefine the concept of upscale apartment living, hosting a clubhouse, 90 single-story ranch homes, 100 two-story townhomes, and 266 flats. The Douglas Company is honored to be a part of the project, building just the ranch homes and townhomes in their first partnership with developer Jackson Road SOBI LLC.

[caption id="attachment_4205" align="alignnone" width="300"] Townhome Rendering[/caption] [caption id="attachment_4204" align="alignnone" width="300"] Ranch Home Rendering[/caption]

Designed by architect Hobbs + Black, each of the townhome and ranch-style units will feature their own personal garage and electric vehicle charger prep. Each of the townhomes will be approximately 2085 square feet, totaling 208,500 square...

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The Importance of Choosing A Strong Architect for your Next Construction Project

In the commercial construction space, especially when focusing on multifamily housing and senior living projects, the path to a successful and profitable project is paved with careful planning, strategic partnerships, and meticulous execution. Working for a General Contractor with nearly 50 years of experience specializing in these sectors, you learn very quickly what components can make or break the profitability of a project. In this series of blog posts, we’ll delve into the five crucial staples of a profitable project that can ensure success and efficiency with your next build. When starting a new construction project, whether it’s a multifamily housing development or a senior living community, one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is selecting the right architect. 

At The Douglas Company, a leading name among general contractors in Ohio, we understand that the architect you choose plays a pivotal role in the success of your project. Based...

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The Cottages at Abbott Station – Coming Second Quarter of 2026

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Introducing The Cottages at Abbott Station 

The Cottages at Abbott Station, an upcoming Zephyrhills multifamily housing development, is the first partnership between The Douglas Company and owner Goodwin Knight Florida. The project aims to create attainable and quality housing for the often-ignored middle market. It seeks to serve residents who make too much to qualify for subsidies, but not enough to afford the sky-high cost of housing. “We’re looking forward to collaborating with Goodwin Knight Florida on this exciting addition to the City of Zephyrhills. We really resonate with their mission of making life better by serving an often-ignored part of the market,” TDC Chief Estimator Kevin Green said.

Designed by Colorado-based architecture firm Design Edge, the project will be comprised of 176 units in 84 residential cottages, 28 garages in 7 garage structures, and a Clubhouse. The residential cottages will be a...

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3 Ways to Promote Safety on the Construction Jobsite

Recently, the Occupations Safety and Health Administration (more commonly known as OSHA) posted its top 10 most frequently cited standards for 2023. Looking it over, I was unsurprised to see fall protection in the top spot as it has been leading this list for over a decade. I also was not surprised to see ladders come in at number three and scaffolding next in the fourth spot. All of these issues are common throughout the course of construction. In my many years of experience in the construction industry, I’ve witnessed a trend of subcontractors constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to safety while giving very little thought to possible ramifications. However, at The Douglas Company, safety is incredibly important to us. As such, we use three very important methods to promote safety on the construction jobsite

SUBCONTRACTOR PREQUALIFICATION PROCESS

Promoting safety on the jobsite starts before we even step...

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Employee POV: Working in Construction is Worth the Stress

I think it is a fair statement to say construction is a uniquely stressful career no matter which side of it you are on. Whether it be in the field performing the work, on the General Contractor side, or Ownership and Development side, there will always be numerous hurdles and challenges that you will face day to day, ones that you wouldn’t in any other field. What makes it all worth it? For me, the people I’ve met along the way and experiences I’ve had at The Douglas Company have made working in construction worth every stressful moment.

On a construction site, there’s the potential to meet all different kinds of people and personalities from all walks of life. You’ll meet skilled tradesmen all offering very different views, bringing new solutions to the table, and pointing out issues that you may not have noticed before. I think that is what makes...

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Client Surveys: How Our Process Leads to Client Satisfaction

As a general contractor, client satisfaction is a top priority for us at The Douglas Company. Rightfully so, as happy clients turn into 5-star reviews and strong referrals. But how do we know that our clients are happy? How do we measure customer feedback in a straightforward way that encourages honesty and helps identify areas of improvements? At The Douglas Company, we utilize client surveys on a regular basis to fully understand each client’s individual experience.

REGULAR CLIENT SURVEYS

Each month, our Business Development team reaches out to our clients to get their feedback in the form of a survey and a rating on a scale of one to five. On occasion, we don’t hear anything back.

I don’t know about you, but I get asked to fill out surveys several times a week, in every aspect of my life. With every errand, I’m hit with another customer service survey request at...

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