Early Packages and Estimates
Early pricing packages are crucial for cost-sensitive projects.
They help assess feasibility, prevent unnecessary costs, secure bank funding and potential contractors before clients commit to significant engineering expenses.
What We
Offer
01
Early Design Packages
To best prepare for cost-sensitive projects, we highly recommend conducting a site study and developing a preliminary cost package. This involves gathering essential information from our clients and creating a comprehensive package that a third-party estimator can use for detailed take-offs.
03
Review and Value Engineering
Value engineering involves evaluating different design, materials, and construction methods to find cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality or functionality.
We will review the estimates and make suggestions to help align the project with the expected cost.
05
Contractor Feedback
Collaborating with contractors during the early planning stages of a new building design is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it provides valuable insights into the practical aspects of the proposed design, such as identifying opportunities for cost savings, improving construction efficiency, and mitigating potential constraints. Contractors bring a wealth of on-the-ground experience that can help refine the design to be more buildable and efficient, ultimately leading to a smoother construction process.
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​Furthermore, early contractor involvement allows for better coordination and communication among all stakeholders. This ensures that any potential issues are addressed promptly, reducing the likelihood of costly redesigns or delays later in the project.
02
Third Party Estimates
The use of third-party construction estimates proved to be crucial in navigating market uncertainties. These estimates provide a comprehensive line item breakdown, detailing where funding is allocated. This granularity helps identify cost drivers and areas for potential savings, enabling informed value engineering decisions.
04
Solicited Engineering Proposals
An early design package can significantly improve the quality of proposals from engineers. By providing a clear and detailed understanding of the project scope, these packages help engineers to better grasp the requirements and complexities involved. As a result, engineers are often able to refine and tighten their bids, leading to more accurate and competitive proposals.
06
City Review & Feedback
Our early design package serves as an essential communication instrument for official reviews, including consultations with fire marshals, planning committees, and homeowners associations. This is particularly critical for projects located in highly visible areas. By providing a clear and detailed overview of the project's scope and design, the package helps facilitate approvals and ensures that all regulatory and community requirements are met. This proactive approach not only streamlines the review process but also builds confidence among stakeholders, contributing to the project's successful and timely progression.
Architects specialize in design, but accurate cost estimation requires the expertise of dedicated professionals.
That's why we rely on their feedback to ensure precise and reliable financial planning for our projects.
Architects and engineers frequently collaborate with construction cost estimators to make informed design decisions that align with clients' project goals and expectations. Cost estimators provide crucial insights by sharing information about the project based on current construction market trends and their experience with similar projects. This collaboration ensures that design plans are realistic and feasible within the given financial constraints, helping to avoid costly redesigns and delays.
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Estimates are not only valuable for the design team but also serve as a useful tool for clients. They can be used to verify contractor bids and ensure competitive pricing. Additionally, accurate estimates are instrumental in securing funding from investors and banks, as they provide a clear financial picture of the project. This financial transparency is essential for gaining the confidence of stakeholders and facilitating the smooth progression of the project from planning to execution.
Given that architects typically create designs based on initial client needs, they often lack access to the latest construction data that contractors have. This limitation makes it challenging to suggest precise project costs or guarantee that the project will stay within budget.
Therefore, obtaining early feedback from construction estimators is critical. It helps determine project feasibility before significant investments are made in land procurement, engineering fees, and other business decisions. This proactive approach ensures that projects are grounded in financial reality from the outset, minimizing risks and maximizing the likelihood of success.
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We collaborate with numerous cost estimators who have extensive experience both within Texas and beyond. Their proposals are addressed directly to our clients, ensuring that you receive unbiased and objective feedback.