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- Estimating
- Our estimating experience encompasses both new and renovation work on a wide range of projects primarily in the U.S. We have also worked on a number of projects in Canada and overseas in such countries as the UK, Germany, China, Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Poland, India, The United Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Nigeria. We have provided cost control services on over 500 projects with a total value in excess of $1 billion. Our staff are cost experts on all types of buildings and structures; including, but not limited to stadiums, shopping centers, piers, hotels, prisons, refineries, processing plants, office buildings, theaters, airports, housing, people movers, rail systems, hospitals, embassies, biotech facilities, waste water treatment plants and parking structures.
- Our estimating method is based on the formal techniques of quantity surveying, employing an element cost control system that is now accepted as the industry standard for reviewing and breaking down the construction cost of a building [Into building component element costs]. Using this system enables us to develop realistic accurate costs at the early conceptual or schematic design stage of a project. Using this breakdown of costs allows cost comparison with similar and like building types and establishes a cost estimate plan [budget] for the project. This estimate cost plan assists the design team in making design decisions by fully understanding where the costs are and how these costs apply to and affect the design. When the information is available, and as the design develops, quantities are established and priced using appropriate rates. This system gives the client the proper tools for planning, monitoring and measuring project cost and schedule with the objective of optimizing total value and performance.
- We can assist the design team in making design decisions by advising on construction methods, building designs and usage efficiencies, and alternative design solutions and materials.
- Project Management
- Hiring an expert early in the design phase to oversee and lead the project ensures that the owners’ interests are paramount. Keeping in mind that a construction project is a team effort, his or her duty is to optimize and coordinate the team members’ input. We work closely with the design team from inception through all the design phases and then also with the contractor through to the completion of the project. We utilize our in-depth experience to optimize efficiency of design and construction and deliver a functional, well built building that is on budget and meets or exceeds the owner expectations. We believe in no surprises and employ our cost management philosophy on the project from day one through to completion, thus assuring that the owner is continually aware of his financial commitment both in the design phase and during construction. We believe in keeping all players well informed by promoting and using good communications and wise decision making.
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- Scheduling
- We can assist an owner or design team with project scheduling employing our construction and contractor knowledge. We use a complete scheduling control system which includes: development of a master schedule [level 1] to highlight the significant elements of the project and important milestones to be achieved; a detailed project schedule [level 2] for each major element of the project, identifying the various design disciplines and their specific task for each of the design phases; and a construction schedule to assist in identifying any potential construction schedule problems and long lead times, and highlighting critical areas of activity. During construction we carefully monitor the contractor’s progress and accordingly update the schedule and advise the owner on how change orders will effect the overall advancement and completion of the project. We generally use Microsoft Project, but if required can use Primavera.
- Construction Monitoring
- Lenders or investors involved in construction projects can help safeguard their investment by using our expertise. First, we analyze the feasibility of the project to ensure that assumptions are realistic and tie in with market conditions and construction costs. We then monitor the project by checking costs against actual work performed and evaluating change order requests. Clients are kept informed with monthly cost and progress reports showing current financial commitments and anticipated costs for completing the project, together with payment recommendations.
- Risk & Value Management
- As the design develops it is important to know where the vulnerable and hazardous areas are in a project. We can assist the design team in establishing where these problem areas are and also where they will most likely occur. Concentrating on these and other unknowns will help to lower the risks and assist the owner and design team in making educated design decisions. Identifying and understanding the risks early before major design decisions are made will help to safeguard against major problems later.
- Value Analysis
- Through our association with a SAVE consultant we can either lead a Value Analysis study or be a member of the team performing cost estimating and constructability reviews. We have worked on a number of value engineering studies ranging from light rail projects to K-12 schools. Our approach to value engineering is that it is not a cost cutting exercise, but a true analysis of the components of a building, their cost, and the value they contribute to the owner and the overall project.
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- Life Cycle and Cost in Use [Capital Costs]
- Sophisticated building owners are now requesting not only the construction cost of a building, but also the cost for its’ use over time i.e. best value. Life cycle cost is the cost of using the building over its life span or over a given period. This requires calculating the capital replacement and maintenance cost of the building over a set period and transferring these costs to present day values. For a more detailed analysis, the usage and future cost of energy is also included in the calculations. Life cycle costing can be used not only for the whole building design, but also for comparing the cost of different building components in a design, for example, two different HVAC systems. We have extensive experience in life cycle cost analysis and have recently completed a study for a large utility company’s new headquarters, comparing different design solutions and systems.
- Constructability Review
- With our direct link to contracting and our pre-design experience of reading documents and drawings, we can assist the design team in document presentation that will alleviate later problems at bid time and during construction, plus assist in attracting better bid coverage. Far too often costly problems are caused in a project that could have simply been avoided if the design team had incorporated the knowledge and services of a person with practical construction experience.
- Owners Construction Representative
- More and more building owners and developers are recognizing that persons with our contracting cost management experience are invaluable in safeguarding and looking after their interests in a construction project. Our knowledge of construction, procedures, cost, and documentation make us the ideal candidate for this role. We act on behalf of the owner to ensure that the contractor and design team are giving the best possible value to the owner for the dollars invested. Our job is to ensure timely completion of projects, on budget and with the quality of workmanship that is required and expected.
- Cost Management through Construction
- Far too often the information gained and used for estimating at the design phase is put aside and forgotten during construction. We advocate that this valuable information should be taken advantage of and used to assist in bid analysis and cost managing construction. This will assist in evaluating the schedule of value and the contractor’s pay request schedule to make sure it is not front loaded and represents the true stated cost of the values of the work categories or trade sections. The estimate will also, if the circumstances dictate, help in negotiating with the contractor to reflect true values. We will assist in monitoring progress through construction, making sure that payment requests are correct and are only for work that has been completed correctly and is in accordance with contract requirements. All change order requests will be reviewed first for authenticity and if valid, the value will be ascertained and evaluated in accordance with the procedure outlined in the contract. Knowing the true cost of a change order is critical when negotiating with the contractor to establish a fair price for the work. By producing independent monthly cost and progress reports we will provide the owner with a true picture of the construction progress, highlighting the overall financial obligations and commitments, current and for completion of the project. This report will include the listing and value of approved change orders together with the value of future or potential change orders and other direct and indirect costs applicable to the project.
- Claims and Dispute Resolution
- Our knowledge of potential project problems allows us to minimize our client’s exposure to risks. Our experience with project claims analysis and litigation allows us to guide our clients away from these potential problems. We have experience in providing expert witness and construction litigation services, including claims analysis, negotiation and settlement services on all forms of construction.
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