News

As construction continues to increase in complexity, the need for clear communication, realistic expectations, and trustworthy project partners have become all the more important. Recently, Mike Weber chatted with Kim Slowey of ConstructionDive.com and shared insight on the above-mentioned topics. Click here to read the full article.

Senior Project Manager Brian Demore recently provided insight for United Rentals’ Project Uptime series covering the daily life of a construction Project Manager – the demands, challenges, and tips for success. Click here to read the full article.

Gaston Electrical BIM

Gaston’s Top 5 Benefits of BIM Practices for Subcontractors.
By David Fiorini – BIM/VDC Manager

Looking forward to 2018, we begin to take stock of the recent months, and set plans for continuous improvement in the new year. Our goal, as always, is to be proactive in identifying then implementing best practices for all aspects of our business. This applies to everything from field equipment to new software. Recent years have proven that the construction industry is accelerating the adoption of new technology like no other time in history. For a company or project to achieve true success in this era, all members of the team must be knowledgeable, skilled, and highly-connected through open communication. Project delivery methods and expectations from Construction Managers have evolved as well, and it is imperative for subcontractors to operate at the leading-edge to meet demand and differentiate themselves from the pack.

Gaston Electrical embraces Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies and practices as part of our commitment to continuous improvement. In an accelerated and digital environment, we utilize industry-leading software programs and pre-fabrication practices to deliver increased accuracy and efficiencies on all projects. Autodesk defines BIM as “an intelligent 3D model-based process that gives architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) professionals the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure”. We are proud of our commitment to operate at the forefront of BIM adoption/utilization – and to be viewed as a valued and sophisticated project partner. BIM plays an important role in our daily practices, and its many benefits are evident to our team, and clients alike.

Gaston Electrical BIM

The following are Gaston’s Top 5 Benefits of BIM practices for subcontractors.

1. Increased quality of drawings and project workflow – The digital model allows for highly-accurate plans and workflow models to be developed. Teams can then create electrical drawings for shop prefabrication and field installation utilizing the latest Autodesk Software.
2. Reduced requests for information (RFIs) and task rework – By utilizing BIM during coordination phases with the General Contractor, Design Team and other Trades; we can review design flaws in real time and resolve problems without going through the RFI process (which can be costly and timely) – let alone having to revisit a task or phase once the project has begun. Coordinating ahead of time and running clash detection reduces field errors and the likelihood of costly coordination delays once a project is underway.
3. Reduced waste and overall project cost – Coordination and pre-planning allows our prefabrication department to manufacture and prep materials for installation with added accuracy. This high level of coordination significantly reduces waste on the jobsite – often resulting in savings for materials and man-hours alike.
4. Increased accuracy with virtual inspection – Intense review of digital models (with all involved parties) prior to pre-fabrication and construction is key. All stakeholders must coordinate and run clash detection against other project trades and building structures to ensure the most efficient jobsite and task/phase delivery. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of costly issues on the jobsite.
5. Increased job collaboration – As projects become more complex, and deadlines/expectations are accelerated, teams must establish, and maintain clear lines of communication and collaboration. The role of the electrical contractor is important throughout the entire pre-planning and construction process. It is essential to have a skilled digital design team in place to coordinate with the general contractor and other trades at every step. This will improve decision making processes and overall performance across the lifecycle of the construction delivery process.

Gaston Electrical BIM

Gaston’s Corporate Safety Director Rick Coakley recently contributed to a feature on the importance or Safety Leadership Training in EHS Today. Click here to read the full article.

Pre-fabrication continues to gain popularity in the marketplace. Recently, Kim Slowey of ConstructionDive.com reached out to Gaston Electrical for commentary on the increased importance and benefits of this practice, and in particular, how to safely transfer pre-fabricated materials/components from the warehouse to the jobsite. Bill Weber and DJ Murray provided some useful insight – click here to read the entire article.

Recently, GastonElectrical was ranked by Banker & Tradesman as one of the leading companies on their “Best of 2017” list.

Via Banker & Tradesman: Every year, we ask our readers to vote for the best real estate, banking, and financial services providers.Winners are peer-selected and come together to celebrate their accomplishments and success.

We are proud to be recognized among other leading firms in the Boston Market – many of whom are our clients and project partners.

Gaston Electrical

On Wednesday, August 30th and Thursday, August 31st (from 12pm-1pm), Gaston Electrical will be running a Diapers & Wipes Drive in support of the City of Boston’s #HelpForHouston effort. We’re accepting unopened packages of baby diapers and/or baby wipes at our Norwood Office – 85 Morse Street. Thanks!

All donations will be delivered to the City of Boston.

Recently, ENR New England named Harvard’s Pagliuca Life Lab to its list of 2017 Best Projects in the Higher Education category. The Gaston Electrical Team worked closely with General Contractor Shawmut Design and Construction and other project team members (including Shepley Bulfinch, Reed Hilderbrand, R.G. Vanderwell Engineers, NRB Modular, and Triumph Modular) on this innovative project. Access the full article here.

Learn more about the project here.

At Gaston Electrical, we work tirelessly to maintain and continuously improve safety practices in all aspects of our business. To support this mission, our team members receive regular training on equipment and tools. Recently, Rick Coakley – Corporate Safety Director, attended a three-day Mobile Elevated Work Platform (MEWP) training session called JLG University. The event was held at JLG’s training center in McConnellsburg, PA. As one of the largest manufacturers of boom and scissor lifts in the country, JLG University provides advanced classroom and hands-on training for safe operation of their equipment. With the training completed, Rick will include new practices into Gaston’s training curriculum – ensuring an even safer work environment for our team members and project partners going forward.

Learn more about JLG Products here. www.jlg.com

Learn more about JLG University here. www.jlg.com

Gaston Electrical

In Spring of 2017, Gaston Principals Bill and Mike Weber had the pleasure of visiting with current Boston College Carroll School of Management students to provide construction insight relating to their semester project. The students were tasked with the development of a plan to restore the long-closed Everett Square Theatre in Boston’s Hyde Park Neighborhood. Bill and Mike provided met with the students and discussed real-world examples of similar large-scale theater renovations. The info they shared helped the students to present a realistic proposal to their professor, and to building ownership.

To learn more about the class and project, click on the links below.

Boston Globe – 1/27/2017
Boston College students look to revitalize historic Hyde Park Theater

BC Carroll School Newsletter / Carroll Collection – 6/30/2017
“A Great Hope”: Students Offer Plan to Revive Historic Theater

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