DCAR

Construction of the new David’s Certified Auto Repair (DCAR) in Waunakee should have been a straightforward job. Unfortunately, the owner and Friede project team faced a variety of challenges throughout the duration of the project. Plans called for the construction of an 8,000-square-foot pre-engineered metal building. The initial excavation revealed three to five feet of topsoil instead of the usual 6 to 12 inches. To provide site stability for the building, it was necessary to over excavate for footings and replace the poor soils with nonorganic material at an additional cost of $100,000. Friede also incorporated other plan changes midway, including a change from a wood-frame to steel-supported mezzanine to accommodate the owner’s request for office and additional storage space on the second level. Before construction began, Friede represented the owner during online meetings with the Waunakee Plan Commission and Village Board in the height of COVID-19. Friede shared imagery to show what the structure would look like and ultimately assisted with the approvals. The $1,678,000 project was completed in under six months.