When Julius Berman started Ruby Construction 50 years ago, “green” meant someone who was new to the trade. And when Dr. Burt Saunders hung out his veterinary shingle in Ramapo 50 years ago, “green” might have been the color he chose for the walls. Today, “green” for the two men”™s descendents who have followed in their career paths means less carbon, more fuel efficiency and a sustainable price.Â
Burt Saunders”™ daughter is Dr. Maureen Saunders, a veterinarian expanding her father”™s facility.
Peter Berman, Ruby Constuction”™s CEO, his father Martin and brother Howie represent the second and third generations of builders in the company started by Julius. The business started in New York City and moved to the Hudson Valley in 2001.Â
“Things have changed since the time my grandfather started this business,” said Berman.
Not only has “green” taken on new meaning, but for the construction industry, which has seen its worst decline since World War II, competition is fierce; many builders have added specialties to help enhance their business models. Ruby has done the same, adding what its owners call “value engineering” to its toolbox.
“Simply, it”™s a service we offer clients to help them best maximize their project and save them money while maintaining the project”™s integrity,” said Berman. “In today”™s climate, everyone wants to have the best possible outcome for the least possible expense; the days of going over budget are over. With ”˜value engineering,”™ they have the opportunity to explore options to get the job done and will either save them money upfront or over the long term.”
Ruby broke ground on an addition for Spring Valley Animal Hospital in the town of Ramapo in February. The original 1,200-square-foot veterinary office will have a new 4,200-square-foot addition offering a surgery suite, recovery room, examination rooms, office space as well as caretaker facilities.
Ruby says by conducting its value engineering survey, it saved the current owner, Dr. Maureen Saunders, whose father founded the practice, 5 percent on construction costs by reviewing the architect”™s plans and suggesting replacing steel with engineered lumber. “It is just as effective, friendlier to the environment and will not undermine the integrity of the construction,” said Berman.
Plans also called for the current heating system to be expanded by a duct system; Berman suggested Saunders keep her refurbished system, but add a new heating system to the addition rather than trying to make her current one more than quadruple its output. With the new heating system to complement the existing one, says Berman, Saunders will save on energy over the long term, despite the initial upfront cost.
“I did like the service Ruby offered when they looked over the plans for the addition,” said Saunders. “They were able to spot some things the architect missed that could be done differently and more cost effectively.” One thing Saunders didn”™t anticipate: change orders. “When they started doing the electrical work, I realized we needed additional outlets. I was shocked at how much it would cost ”“ but I guess, like everything else, building a new house or adding an addition, is a learning experience.
“Despite the initial shock of change orders ”“ I suppose they are inevitable when you embark on a project like this ”“ Ruby is doing a wonderful job,” Saunders said. “It”™s just those little extras you don”™t anticipate when you start out.” The nearly $900,000 renovation is expected to be completed by the fall, and Saunders will be able to offer nearly four times the space she had in her father”™s original office and examination room.
“We”™ve been doing more commercial work now given the state of the current residential market,” said Berman. “By offering ”˜value engineering,”™ we are showing the customer ways they can save money or to add extras for the same cost that will enhance their building or make it more energy-efficient. We had one customer that was able to use brick pavers for their sidewalk instead of poured concrete. It really gave the place a beautiful look and didn”™t cost any more than the cement, but it had the same longevity. If they decide to hire us to do the work, that”™s great, and we add back what they”™ve paid for the report to the cost. If not, they come away with some valuable ideas that will save them money or make their building more fuel efficient.”
Ruby expects to complete Spring Valley Animal Hospital by fall. For Dr. Saunders, she”™ll be glad when the construction is complete and her new offices ready to accommodate her four-legged patients (and perhaps those with wings as well) and their owners.
