DAI General Contracting names Dave Bird chief operating officer

DAI General Contracting has hired industry veteran Dave Bird as chief operating officer to expand its construction services and pre-construction capabilities in California's self-storage market. The move brings more than 20 years of development experience to a firm that says the role will help speed up plan check, improve navigation of city requirements and strengthen delivery for clients.

Why it matters: - DAI General Contracting is adding a seasoned development executive as it looks to sharpen operations in California's self-storage market. - The hire is aimed at improving pre-construction services, speeding project timelines and helping clients navigate complex city rules. - The company says Bird's experience could put projects up to six months ahead of competitors.

What happened: - DAI General Contracting appointed Dave Bird as chief operating officer. - Bird joins the San Juan Capistrano, California-based commercial general contractor with more than 20 years of development experience. - Bird has worked as a contractor, architect and developer representative. - Laurence H. Damato, principal of DAI General Contracting, said Bird's product knowledge and understanding of city requirements will help the firm manage development activity more efficiently.

The details: - Bird has managed development projects from inception through certificate of occupancy nationwide. - Bird previously held roles with William Warren and Go Store It. - DAI General Contracting works with a wide roster of more than 20 clients, including Public Storage and Extra Space Storage. - DAI General Contracting said Bird's background expands the firm's knowledge base of independent contractors that build non-exclusively for multiple clients. - The company said Bird's knowledge of strict city regulations, including California water requirements, can help projects move through plan check and construction faster. - DAI General Contracting said Bird's addition strengthens its operational capabilities and pre-construction services. - Since 2003, DAI General Contracting has focused on commercial construction. - The firm says it generates more than $100 million in annual volume. - DAI General Contracting specializes in multi-story self-storage facilities with technology features. - Over the past decade, the firm says it has completed more than 5 million square feet of storage. - The company also works in office buildings, retail, concrete tilt and tenant improvements. - DAI General Contracting said it delivers projects through comprehensive pre-construction services. - Bird said he is excited to join a company with a presence across California, from San Francisco to Baja. - Bird said DAI's experience creates opportunities to provide a range of pre-construction services and work with its subcontractor network and staff.

Between the lines: - The hire signals that DAI General Contracting is betting on deeper pre-construction expertise as a competitive advantage. - The emphasis on city approvals, water requirements and early project planning suggests the company sees schedule risk as a major pain point in development. - Bird's background with national developers may help DAI compete for larger and more complex self-storage work.

What's next: - DAI General Contracting plans to use Bird's expertise to advance negotiated work opportunities and pre-construction services. - The company said Bird will help deliver quality, timely projects for clients across its construction pipeline. - More information is available in DAI General Contracting's announcement.