Sharp & Robbins Construction LLC

Since 1991 Sharp & Robbins Construction LLC (S&R) has been bringing new life to damaged properties, focusing on disaster restoration, emergency response services and capital improvement projects. The Tennessee-based company has earned numerous awards for its turnaround projects, including the Restoration Industry Association’s (RIA) Phoenix Award and a spot on the Big 50 list of top restoration contractors in Remodel Magazine.

“We thrive on complex and challenging projects that other companies back away from,” says Dave Robbins, co-owner and vice president of S&R.

The basis for S&R originated in 1991 with Reggie Crawford and Ben Smith’s Crawford-Smith Construction. “In 1994, my partner, Dale Sharp, came on board with Crawford-Smith as the Nashville branch manager and became a partner in 1997,” recounts Robbins.

Roots in restoration

Robbins, who spent the early part of his career as senior project manager and president of his grandfather’s firm, joined Sharp in 2005. “My grandfather founded the first disaster restoration company of its kind in Memphis in 1962, AAA Construction Inc.,” recalls Robbins.

When Sharp purchased Crawford-Smith in 2009, he offered Robbins the opportunity to buy in and the pair formed S&R. “Our focus has always been on large commercial, multifamily and health care related projects,” explains Robbins.

Now from offices in Memphis and Nashville, S&R works primarily with property owners and management companies helping to reposition facilities for sale, either by bringing it out of distress or helping catch up on long-deferred maintenance. “We’ve established our niche in the restoration and renovation markets,” says Robbins.

Emergency service experts

When the pressure of the recession forced commercial property owners to tighten their belts, S&R diversified, adding six more states to the eight southeastern states it already held licenses in. “We’re now licensed in 14 states throughout the southeast and we employ 40 individuals,” shares Robbins. “Our staff is comprised of one of the most diverse and talented construction teams in the country.”

Several of S&R’s project managers have either engineering or construction management degrees. In addition, three of the project managers have attained the coveted Certified Restorer designation, as presented by RIA. Companywide, there are more than 75 industry-specific certifications and designations. The more-than-qualified S&R team works with a network of insurance companies to provide, quality and value-added solutions to fit a range of disasters and coverage.

In 2011, Robbins was one of 25 contractors to earn the certified mold professional (CMP) designation from the RIA, the highest achievement awarded to mold remediation professionals in the cleaning and restoration industry. Certification is earned through an advanced course of study tailored by the RIA. Participants must complete three levels of advanced training centered on the interrelation of building systems and the factors and contaminants that affect indoor environmental quality.

A total turnaround

Such specialization is critical when S&R tackles complete turnaround jobs, such as the City House Condominiums (City House) in Memphis. When a 200-foot section of the brick façade fell off the second floor of the center unit, it was just a peak at the damage yet to be discovered. Constructed in 2007, the 36-unit, five-story residential property also includes three retail spaces.

S&R was contacted shortly after the brick façade crumbled. “Most buildings experience some type of water intrusion in their lifetime, from gutters, windows, doors and other openings, but the City House property experienced all forms,” reveals Sharp. “The building’s flashing and finishes were compromised and there was water at almost every point of intrusion. City House was well on its way to being condemned as a life-safety concern.”

But then S&R stepped in to work its magic. Over the course of the repairs, S&R’s crew discovered a near absence of masonry wall ties and the exposed shelf angle was improperly flashed. Further investigation uncovered a number of various construction defects on the property and significant deflection and settlement in elevated walkways.

Over the course of 18 months, S&R went to work on the occupied space in the densely populated metropolitan area offering limited parking lay-down areas for equipment and materials. “The building had to be jacked up, structurally repaired and then lowered into place,” recounts Sharp.

To add yet another layer of complexity, S&R also had to coordinate with the site attorney, property management firm and two structural engineers. The original plan of action would relocate residents with repairs estimated at $2.6 million, but S&R facilitated a plan that would cost just over $1.1 million without having to move residents. “We performed the complete overhaul without displacing a single resident,” compares Robbins.

For more than two decades, Sharp & Robbins Construction LLC has used its in-house expertise in restoration contracting to revitalize properties and deliver total turnarounds with minimal disruption.