Teamwork is critical to any successful construction project. Clear communication throughout the process is essential to achieving better craftsmanship and improved value overall. Our approach to management is one of inclusion. Including specialists, vendors, suppliers and others into the process adds value that results in planning that is strategically comprehensive and construction that is more effectively executed.
In the earliest stages of concept development, design options are numerous which can make choosing a direction challenging. Knowing the availability of materials and labor in a region can help direct the design process. We can work with the client and design professionals early on to vet design concepts for constructability and budget feasibility.
As designs are developed, we can periodically review documents for the notations and details needed for accurate pricing and construction. This service can help to reduce the risk of miscalculated bids and the number of costly change orders requested during construction.
Understanding material and labor costs is critical to determining the feasibility of a building and/or site design. Design Principles can provide cost information to the client as needed. The scope of some projects requires that we work closely with design professionals to reduce or eliminate costly and time consuming design revisions. We retrieve data from qualified contractors, vendors, and leading suppliers of construction cost data localized to the project’s market.
In order to meet budgetary constraints, it may become necessary to look for ways to reduce construction costs. Design Principles can identify and submit cost saving opportunities to the client and design team for consideration. As a design oriented group, we know the importance of maintaining the integrity of a design. So, we work with the team to understand the design intent and the elements critical to its conveyance prior to suggesting cost-cutting measures. A positive collaborative approach to value engineering gives the project the best chance to maintain the team’s aesthetic and system goals while staying within the client’s budget.
Many projects involve the use of third-party service and equipment vendors that are integral to the project’s operation and must be a part of the planning process. Design Principles can coordinate with the client’s third-party vendors to determine utility service needs, space requirements, equipment options, available alternates, and lead times for scheduling.
Identifying and sequencing key design and construction milestones is critical to the timely completion of any construction project. Comprehensive scheduling allows for better construction control and accountability. Preliminary scheduling enables the team to estimate target dates and make adjustments to lead time orders earlier. We coordinate with the client and project team to develop achievable schedules that include contingencies for the unexpected delays.
Design Principles can oversee the entire bidding process for the client. This service includes prequalifying general and subcontractors, setting up the bid review process, coordinating document clarifications, and defining the award process.
Design Principles can provide permit expediting services as a part of the pre-construction process. Project permitting is a step in the process that can derail construction schedules if not properly managed and prepared for. We have the expertise to work with local authorities to resolve conflicts with local codes and ordinances. Our goal is to build positive relationships with local building officials. This starts with the submission of well prepared thoroughly reviewed documents. It’s followed up by a good understanding of the local requirements, a spirit of cooperation, and effective negotiations. Proper handling of this step can be crucial to starting construction on schedule.
The success of any construction project is contingent on good construction logistics. Efficient logistics will result in the development of action plans that reduce material waste and lower resource usages. We coordinate with the construction team to determine site constraints, operation times, traffic controls, delivery locations, staging areas, etc.
Once established, a safety plan is developed that identifies project specific safety policies and procedures. In conjunction with the safety plan, a construction work plan is developed that identifies the rules and policies that will govern construction and outlines methods of procedure to ensure compliance. Life safety is the highest priority on a construction site. We incorporate safety into logistics to ensure consideration for life safety is ever present onsite.
This aspect of our service includes conducting project status meetings including subcontractor meetings, safety assurance meetings, vendor coordination, and client progress meetings. Other aspects of this service include process and component coordination with the superintendent to ensure quality control measures are maintained.
Design Principles will provide periodic reports as needed to keep track of a project’s status including cost reports, weekly meeting minutes, cash flow projections, and revision logs. Reporting schedules and forms are tailored to the client’s needs.
All shop drawings and submittals are reviewed and then forwarded to the design professionals for their approval. Submittal logs are maintained and monitored. Submittal monitoring helps avoid untimely construction delays due to slow A&E review and response times.
The construction manager will establish the payment application submittal process which will include a detailed schedule of values and all required lien waivers for review and approval. Upon
Our construction manager will coordinate final inspections with the superintendent. All final inspection reports, test reports, certifications, and final affidavits are retrieved in preparation for applying for a Certificate of Occupancy. Record documents are archived for client records.
During the final stages on construction, all systems are tested and balanced, products and wares are delivered and installed, and staff training is scheduled. Our construction manager works with the superintendent to ensure all final stage processes are accounted for and completed.
As a part of construction close-out, the construction manager will coordinate project walkthroughs with the client and design professionals to inspect construction craftsmanship. Punch lists are created and corrections are made based on them. Once corrections are done, the work is scheduled for a final walk-through. Operations manuals and maintenance manuals are prepared including warrantee information.
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