Vermeulens Beyond Estimation to Ideas

Cost Control

We have developed a cost control process to enable us to provide clients with the most detailed and accurate information to assist them to make major project decisions.  Our team performs several quality control processes to ensure our estimate was developed using the correct criteria and assumptions before the draft estimate is delivered.  As part of our estimating process, we build a comprehensive value engineering list for your consideration.  Once the draft estimate is released and reviewed, we can provide value management and reconciliation services as needed.

Beyond Estimation to Ideas

For thirty years we have been reporting on the state and direction of the construction market. Our guiding philosophy in forecasting is that inflation targets will propel monetary policy and subsequently construction prices. This approach has been successful in forecasting price movements through the last recession, and current recovery. Our quarterly publication of construction cost trends in our Market Outlook guides construction forecasting for our cost control process in real time. Vermeulens, beyond estimation to Ideas


About Us

Since our inception in 1972, Vermeulens has been a leader and an innovator in our specialty of pre-construction cost control.  We developed the elemental estimating systems, line item estimate computer reports, and computer graphic take-off processes that have become standard throughout the industry. 

We estimate over 150 new/renovation projects every year, which translates into $10 billion worth of construction.  Extensive bid and reconciliation data enable us to benchmark institutional buildings at appropriate current levels. 
Learn more here  


Buster and Monica Celebrating
Slide
Get to know our Principals

Where did you start in the company?

My first task with the company involved cleaning out the storage room, sifting through files & blueprints and organizing them. I was eventually trained how to use the company software and haven’t looked back since.
 

Goals you have for the company?

Sustainable growth to an 80 person firm, with further infiltration to new (to us) markets.
- how do you measure success? When I see a new hire, a junior person take the knowledge that we’re trying to pass on and surpass our expectations by listening and successfully applying that Vermeulens University training.

 

 

How can I make sure I’m adding value to an organization?

Understanding that I can always be better and that we as a company can always do better – continued self-evaluation and improvement.
 

What is your management style?

I prefer to coach and help people arrive at the correct answer on their own, with persuasive nudges along their journey.
 

What three important things or experiences that have brought you to where you are today?

I could not have been successful without being willing to be taught and accept that I needed to learn, and still do. In different but very important ways I’ve been lucky to have our senior principals make the effort to teach.
 

What motivates you? gets you out of bed every morning?

I’m a morning person by nature, there is nothing better than seeing the sun rise while I plan my day.
 

We encourage an active listening culture – everyone has a voice and can be heard.

Our team.

 

Learn more about Rivlyn Manning

Where did you start in the company?

I began work at Vermeulens as project manager after 15 years working as a construction manager.
 

Goals you have for the company?

I’d love to see Vermeulens build on the value it has created for its clients. Admittedly, the future of Vermeulens has big shoes to fill, but I believe we’re up to the task. As we move forward, we need to future proof and continue to serve the industry with the best team of people in construction.
 

How do you measure success?

Success to me is measured in two ways: 1. Finding joy in our projects and interactions; of course we want to add value to the project at large, but why not have a little fun at the same time and 2. Build relationships that are repetitive and constitute referrals.
 

How can I make sure I’m adding value to an organization?

To me, it’s about finding the overlap with the pieces of the business I’m truly passionate about and ensuring that said pieces are being served doggedly.
 

What is your management style?

I get to work everyday with people I truly admire, respect and who continually ‘wow’ me with their efforts. I want to give those I have the benefit of managing the support they need to pursue work their passionate to deliver.
 

What three important things or experiences that have brought you to where you are today?

I’ve been fortunate to have a few mentors that have given me the following that I try to share with my work: 1. Add value: whether it be as simple as connecting two people I just happen to know in the industry or as rich as helping a project save millions. 2. Have fun: we’re all just trying to get through each day, I find it’s always better if we can share a laugh or just enjoy each other’s company as we solve complex issues. 3. Take pride: taking a moment to say ‘I got to work on that project that will help (fill in the blank),’ is something we all need to do more of in my opinion.
 

What motivates you? gets you out of bed every morning?

Getting to work with a team, for clients and on projects that add value to the masses, is incredibly rewarding.
 

What are you most proud of regarding Vermeulens?

My father used to drive me around as a kid and point at all the buildings or homes he got to work on as he took tremendous pride in his efforts and what it meant to our family. Similarly, I take pride in what Vermeulens helps build: the sick who are getting proper care, the young minds being educated, the research being performed that will change lives, etc…this is made possible by the role we play as a team.

 

Learn more about Zachary Bergeron

Team
Buster
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Beyond Estimation to Ideas

A better Built Environment through Measured Values

Science + Technology


Last 10 years...
 

341 projects

57 million sf

$24 billion







Healthcare


Last 10 years...
 

122 projects

34.2 million sf

$14.2 billion







Higher Education


Last 10 years...
 

723 projects

134.6 million sf

$41.4 billion







Cultural


Last 10 years...
 

79 projects

12.9 million sf

$6.3 billion







Exemplary


Last 10 years...
 

100 projects

39.7 million sf

$19.4 billion







Science + Technology


Last 10 years...
 

341 projects

57 million sf

$24 billion







Healthcare


Last 10 years...
 

122 projects

34.2 million sf

$14.2 billion







Higher Education


Last 10 years...
 

723 projects

134.6 million sf

$41.4 billion







Cultural


Last 10 years...
 

79 projects

12.9 million sf

$6.3 billion







Exemplary


Last 10 years...
 

100 projects

39.7 million sf

$19.4 billion







Accuracy, a holistic approach that measures benefits and savings.

Accuracy

Our data-based cost advice measures complex construction cost interactions and reconciles agendas.

We have strong “all-in” partnerships with each other and our clients.

Collaboration

We have strong “all-in” partnerships with each other and our clients.

Learn more ⟶
Through Transparency, we freely show our methodology and data.

Transparency

We freely show our methodology and data. We have clarity about what we do and how we do it. We tell each other the truth, even if it is difficult to reconcile.

Construction Economists