Our History…

The story of dcb Construction Company, Inc., a locally owned and operated Colorado builder since 1960, is one of Colorado history, the struggle for survival and loyalty to a business philosophy.

On September 24, 1960 a company by the name of Denver Commercial Builders, Inc. (dcb) was chartered in the State of Colorado by a group of local businessmen.  Perry C. Peine, a Kansas native, purchased the company from the original owners in 1964. He dissolved the corporation on June 26, 1964 and changed the company name to Peine Corporation. On September 2, 1966, the name was changed back to Denver Commercial Builders, Inc.

Operating out of a 6,000 square foot, white clapboard house on the same property that now houses its namesake 46 years later, dcb was primarily a metal building contractor. Having worked for Butler Manufacturing Company prior to purchasing the company, Mr. Peine maintained a strong relationship with Butler Manufacturing and developed an internal design department that ultimately formed the foundation of what is now known as the “design-build” philosophy. This unique philosophy guided dcb for most of its existence and by the early 1980s dcb was constructing mostly design-build projects, both conventional and pre-engineered.

In 1981, dcb opened an office in Rifle, Colorado to take advantage of the tremendous oil shale business that was developing on the Western Slope of Colorado. And on January 15, 1982, ten dcb employees entered into a leveraged buyout agreement with Mr. Peine. In January of 1986, controlling interest was transferred from Mr. Peine to all the shareholders. As of this date, two of the original ten shareholders remain.

But fate was about to play a hand in Colorado history. On May 2, 1982, the decision by Exxon Oil Company to retreat and abandon the development of shale oil caused the collapse of the entire construction market. By 1990, half of all Colorado construction companies had disappeared, taking with them more than 55,000 construction jobs. Colorado’s infamous “Black Sunday” was the demise of dcb’s Rifle, Colorado office and the cause of many lean years ahead for the new owners.

In business for just a few short months, they found themselves in a very precarious position. With little to no work and enormous note payments, their survival instincts kicked into gear and their relentless persistence proved successful. January of 1983 brought the completion of a building for Broadway Moving & Storage, one of dcb’s first clients. With renewed hope and much enthusiasm, owners and employees never looked back. They held fast to the fundamental belief of doing one thing exceptionally well and rode out the turbulent 1980s to ultimate success.

The company began concentrating on design-build projects and, with slow and steady leadership, built dcb into one of the premiere design-build firms in the State of Colorado. This core belief of working together is at the heart of the design-build philosophy and a proven method of construction that is now being embraced by the entire construction industry.

This philosophy of better serving the client’s interests with designer and contractor working together has garnered tremendous success for dcb Construction Company, Inc. Since its inception in 1960, they have completed more than 1,500 projects and are now celebrating their 46th year in business. dcb Construction Company, Inc., continues to be a pioneer of design-build construction and remains the leading design-build company in the Rocky Mountain region.

Our Process…

dcb Construction Company, Inc. specializes in design-build construction projects and is organized to provide the very best services associated with the design and build method of project delivery. Its fully staffed in-house Design Department works directly with other construction, estimating and management personnel to provide a single source of performance and responsibility.

The design-build method of construction has many advantages, but its essence is the idea that the interest of the Owner is best served when the designer and contractor work together under a single, accountable source of responsibility. Teamwork among the Owner, Designer and Contractor can streamline the design construction process and can provide important data early on so that the Owner can make informed decisions about the project before a substantial financial commitment is made.

In nearly every phase of modern industrial activity, a company not only designs its product but builds it as well. Automobiles, clothing, furniture, machinery, computers, space rockets,
satellites -- all are examples of design-build products provided by a single accountable source of responsibility.

Traditionally, it has been the belief that the cost of a construction project is determined via a bidding process. This is true only to a small degree because materials and labor have a definite cost basis. In actuality, the cost of a project is established during the planning and design stage, but it is often not known or confirmed until the traditional bidding process is complete.

The design-build method of project delivery provides a means by which a project can be developed to specific building requirements and budget. Armed with knowledge concerning initial cost, quality, operational expense, site development and maintenance requirements, project characteristics can be developed through the input of design-build team members that best reflect the Owner’s stated facility requirements and financial plans.

Our experience suggests a three-phased approach to a construction project: Design, Competitive Bidding and Construction.

1. Design Phase

The formal design phase of the project is by far the most important, as well as the most far-reaching and difficult phase to manage correctly. Our philosophy that every design consideration has a cost, quality and schedule implication associated with it mandates that all project team members work closely together, not only throughout the project, but during the design phase as well. Our experience has proven that when the design is approximately 20% complete, 80% of the project costs have been established, further verifying the importance of communication, teamwork and accountability.

Our building solution always considers the low total cost of a project rather than the low initial cost. There are many functions to a building, creating many options relative to operational and maintenance considerations. Life cycle costs are considered throughout the design and construction of the project. However, these considerations take place primarily in the initial schematic design phase when recommendations for insulation values, motor and ballast use in the building equipment, shading coefficients and other building characteristics can be considered, all of which can pay for the initial cost over time.

It is important to note that all projects must go through a design phase. The design-build method of project delivery provides an environment where all team members communicate openly and are accountable for their performance by virtue of the single source nature of the process. This leadership, experience and understanding of the design phase is the real value that dcb Construction Company, Inc. offers its clients. Since our staff is trained and experienced in the design-build method of project delivery and since each project is assigned a carefully selected team, the important questions, problems and solutions that must occur during the design phase are addressed. The project is enhanced by the advice of all disciplines involved, allowing the project team to meet very specific budget, quality and operational criteria.

Forty-six years of designing and building commercial and industrial projects have netted volumes of data concerning proven construction details. These details are available at no cost to our clients. The selection of quality material, their specified use and assembly are important aspects of our experience which we bring as team members.  We have created a library of building codes, commercial and industrial park covenants, development fees, use and sales tax schedules and bring experienced and knowledgeable of city and county planning, building and economic agency procedures.

2. Competitive Bidding Phase

Upon completion of the design phase of the project, dcb Construction Company, Inc. conducts competitive bidding for all materials, equipment and subcontract services required for completion of the project.

Bids will be solicited from pre-qualified subcontractors and suppliers. Pre-qualification includes determination of financial capability, experience on similar projects and scope of work, insurance coverage, bonding capacity, references and other appropriate criteria.

When bids have been received and analyzed, they will be reviewed with the Owner prior to issuing subcontracts or purchase orders. In this way, the Owner takes full advantage of the competitive bidding and the resulting savings under the provisions of the guaranteed maximum price type contract suggested for use on the project. At the option of the Owner, a lump sum price type of contract may be utilized.

3. Construction Phase

Once the design phase and competitive bidding phase are complete and the full scope of work is established, the building permit will be obtained and the construction phase begins. The construction phase of a project will be managed by dcb's experienced project management staff. The entire construction process will be closely supervised from start to finish, assuring only the highest standards of workmanship. Testing and inspection programs for adherence to material specifications will be maintained and documented.

Upon completion of the construction of a new building and during the start-up of the new facility, dcb will closely monitor the building and all associated equipment in order to assure proper operation. During the close-out of the construction process, dcb will provide copies of as-built drawings and complete operation and maintenance manuals which document all materials and equipment, their source and detail of the installation. All certificates, warranties, guarantees and operating instructions for the facility and equipment will be provided. Following the Owner's acceptance of the completed facility, dcb will maintain continuing communication in order to assure the successful operation of the facility during the warranty period, which normally extends from the date of the Certificate of Occupancy.

Our Benefits…

When you select dcb Construction Company, Inc. for construction of your project, the following features and benefits are available to our clients:

Established in 1960
This year, dcb celebrates its 46th year of providing construction services to our customers.

Employee Owned
A dedicated group of employees own and operate dcb. As business owners they have a vested interest in the success of each project.

Front Range Office
dcb is a Colorado-based company. Our original trade area, the Denver Metro area, is greatly served by having our office located in Denver. We believe that construction is a local business and is best served by local companies. Additionally, because of our centralized location, we are capable of providing competitive and dependable service virtually anywhere.

Financial Stability
dcb is financially sound as evidenced by our 2005 audited financial statement and Dunn and Bradstreet rating. Our current working bonding line is extensive. Our 46-year history is testimony to our reliability.

Design-Build
dcb is a design-build specialist. The design-build process is a dynamic, involving special experience, training, support and organization. Our long history of success translates into real value to our customers in the form of cost controls, desired building characteristics and timely occupancy dates. Our in-house staff of architects provide exceptional support and service which is unequaled in Colorado design-build construction.

Our experience in design-build construction projects is unrivaled in the Colorado Front Range area of Colorado. Because our employees are involved in the design-build process every day, they are trained and experienced in fast-track construction, building code analysis, alternative construction methods, teamwork, value engineering and customer service. Our in-house ability to utilize computer-aided design and drafting (CADD) techniques gives us the opportunity to explore numerous design alternatives with respect to the Owner's needs and budget considerations. Because of this, design changes can be quickly implemented when necessary.

Site Cast Tilt-Up Concrete
dcb is unique in that we have traditionally designed, poured, finished and erected our own site-cast concrete wall systems. While most general contractors subcontract this trade, dcb has committed to a higher level of quality control and efficiency by performing this trade with our own experienced personnel. This provides exceptional quality at a cost savings to our customers.

Community Involvement
dcb continues to be an active supporter of the communities in which it does business. Doing business with dcb means doing business with the community. A list of recent activities of dcb's personnel includes:

      Greater Denver Chamber of Commerce
      North Metro Chamber of Commerce
      Fort Collins Chamber of Commerce
      Alameda West Kiwanis
      Leadership Denver Program
      Colorado Uplift
      Colorado "I Have a Dream" Foundation
      Fort Collins Sertoma Club
      Mile High United Way
      Boy Scouts of America
      Shiloh House

Construction Team
Each project constructed by dcb involves a construction team consisting of a business development representative, a project coordinator, a project manager, design professionals and a project superintendent. This team, through its experience and organization, allows for a check and balance system based upon customer needs including the construction budget, economical implication of changes, decisions affecting the schedule, working drawings and permit considerations.

Cost Control
Like most contemporary businesses, our company's accounting functions are fully automated. We have a completely computerized accounting and job cost tracking system utilizing Timberline software.  Our current PC network is state-of-the-art and is our fourth complete computer system since we became automated in 1978.

Although knowledge and control of the purchasing phase of construction is important, we believe the greatest value of our cost control system is associated with our style of design-build construction. We further believe that the project design will establish the construction cost. Our experience and organization allows for budget controls based on informative economic and scheduling considerations.

Schedule Control
The success of any project is ultimately measured by and centers around the ability of the contractor and its subcontractors and material suppliers to meet the construction schedule.

It is a difficult task to coordinate the many project participants without communication and commitment by all. To that end, our project manager and superintendent, in conjunction with the subcontractors and suppliers, will create and commit to a CPM schedule prior to start of construction. The project schedule is monitored by the project manager during its creation and is reviewed, revised and approved to meet the project requirements.

Since subcontractors and suppliers participate and contribute to the CPM schedule, communication is enhanced and a commitment is understood. Subcontracts are written based on committed schedules. The detailed schedule is then posted and monitored daily.

Quality Control
Assuring that the in-place construction is of a superior quality level requires special discipline, organization and commitment. We believe that since most trades are performed by specialized subcontractors, the screening and selection of each subcontractor on the basis of their skill, reputation, experience, financial strength, insurance coverage, bonding capacity and organization will greatly enhance the final in-place construction quality. Material suppliers are selected in much the same manner due to similar influence on the quality of the work. Guidelines are established with each material supplier prior to delivery. Inspection policies and procedures are defined and adhered to. Finally, formal weekly job site meetings that include safety, schedule and quality control are mandatory. Weekly formal inspections of the on-going construction are conducted which include the entire design-build team.

Safety Program
Our company has been a member-at-large of the Associated Builders and Contractors since 1972. As a founding member of The Rocky Mountain Chapter of ABC, we have endorsed and adopted the organization's “Construction Site Safety Program”. dcb has been recognized by the Associated Building Contractors for its leadership in the area of safety and has been the recipient of the S.T.E.P. Award each year since 1993. We are extremely proud of our safety record and continue to be vigilant in our efforts to provide the safest possible conditions on our projects.

Warranty
Warranty and call-backs are part of any service company. dcb takes pride in our record of prompt service when our customers call with a problem, often long after traditional warranty periods have expired.

Our Markets…

dcb Construction Company, Inc. has been serving a diverse Colorado market since 1960. Our 46-year history has given us the opportunity to work with a wide range of markets that include:

      Aviation
      Education/Schools
      Energy
      Environmental
      Financial Institutions
      Government
      High Tech / Manufacturing
      Industrial / Manufacturing
      Lumber / Products
      Moving & Storage
      Multi-Family / Mixed Use
      Office / Laboratory / Medical
      Real Estate Developers
      Recreation / Leisure
      Refrigeration / Food Distribution
      Religious Institutions
      Restaurants
      Retail Sales
      Sales & Service
      Storage Facilities
      Transportation
      Warehouse & Distribution

Our References…

      Wong Strauch Architects
      Don Strauch, Principal
      303-293-9206

      Gateway Park
      Paul Powers, President
      303-371-9000

      V3 Consultants
      Chris Pangburn, Vice President
      303-989-8588

      Peak Engineering, Inc.
      Donald L. Berry, President
      303-279-0707

      Butler Manufacturing Company
      Doyle Evans, Credit Manager
      816-968-3329

      MATO, Inc.
      Roger Stewart, Credit Manager
      303-320-6615

      Brundage Bone Concrete Pumping
      Casey Mendenhall, Sales Manager
      303-289-4444

      Total Plumbing
      Roger Rayfield, President
      303-393-7271

      Denver Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc.
      Dave Milhan, President
      303-937-9402

Our Affiliations…

      American Institute of Architects
      www.aia.org

      Associated Builders & Contractors
      www.abc.org

      Colorado Association of Commerce & Industry
      www.cochamber.com

      Denver Chamber of Commerce
      www.denverchamber.org

      Aurora Chamber of Commerce
      www.aurorachamber.com

      Metro North Chamber of Commerce
      www.metronorthchamber.com
     
      Metal Building Contractors & Erectors Association
      www.mbcea.org

      Tilt-Up Concrete Association
      www.tilt-up.org