Conceptual Budgeting:

When Diversified Builders is engaged early in the design process (i.e. design build or design assist) I will work with the architect and owner to develop a budget based on conceptual drawings.  This provides feedback to the team whether or not the design is compatible with the budget.  If adjustments need to be made to either, budget or design, it is much easier and cost effective to do at the conceptual stage versus the bid stage when the design is complete.

Feasibility Reviews:

Feasibility reviews can be performed at any or many stages during the development of the plans.  This allows Diversified Builders to review the plans from a constructability perspective versus the design perspective.  The various components of the project are reviewed to make sure that each accomplishes its function in the most cost effective manner.  If we believe that we can accomplish the same or similar result with a similar method, we will make suggestions for the design team to consider.  Examples areas for review are:  Foundations/Footings/Slab on Grade, Raised Floors, Wall and Roof Framing, Flashing/Waterproofing Details, Roofing Materials, Exterior Wall Material/Finishes, Connections w/Existing Structures, etc.  This method allows for a collaborative effort between design and construction, producing in the best results for the owner.

Value Engineering

Value Engineering is an industry term used to describe the process of finding ways to cut cost from a over budget project.  This method is normally associated with projects that are competitively bid, and all bids come back more expensive than the anticipated budget.  Generally the owner will decide which contractor it would like to work with and ask that contractor to propose areas of potential savings.  These tie back to the feasibility reviews.  At this point in the design there may be some structural modifications that could be made, but generally it is the finish selections (i.e. flooring, countertops, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, appliances, etc) that are modified to less expensive types.

Project Management

Project management is the industry term used to summarize all the coordination and task management on an individual project.  In order to produce a project that maintains its budget and schedule requirements it is imperative that it be managed correctly. This would include;

• Purchasing all subcontract agreement
• Reviewing all project material for approval
• Asking questions to the design team (RFI’s)
• Timely ordering /tracking of all material. Especially long lead time items
• Maintaining jobsite safety.
• Maintaining quality control for installed work
• Verifying insurance for each subcontractor
• Maintaining/updating the project schedule
• Tracking the line item budgets
• Prepare/Process change orders (if required)
• Prepare owner billings
• Daily management of on-site activities
• Weekly owner and/or architect meetings

Scheduling

Scheduling is one of the most important parts of the project because it is a plan that is equivalent to a road map.  It shows the team how we intend to get from the starting point to the finish point.  It identifies the flow of the work, who will be onsite when and before or after which trades.  Diversified Builders will prepare a schedule that will be a part of every contract.  This is our commitment to perform, and every subcontractor will be held accountable to it as well.  However, no schedule is perfect.  There are always changes to the schedule, generally with sequencing.  The schedule will only be extended for reasons beyond the control of the contractor.  Reasons such as, but not limited to, weather or other Acts of God, material shortages, availability of labor, design delays or changes, owner delays or changes, governmental delays, etc.