Pre-Construction is the best time for Owners and Developers to have an advocate working with the design team to collaborate best construction practices and Owner Project Requirements (OPR’s). Developers can have different or multiple metrics that drive their overall decision making process including but not limited to time, cost, environment, efficiency and aesthetics amongst others. Consideration should be made to all with an emphasis placed on the Owner’s main objectives while meeting franchise standards (when applicable) and applicable codes. As a CM Agent, SSC can either work with selected designers and/or help developers put together a team to assist in that process value engineering and collaborating during design. This process reduces changes to the plans at a later date and costly revisions to due unforeseen or unrecognized budgetary overages. Construction is not a perfect science but a collaborative approach with a seasoned CM Agent will benefit your project. Scheduling and understanding liquidity outlays in a draw down schedule can also help Owners understand what financial impacts will occur during the early phases of construction. On projects that are front end loaded due to fast construction timelines this is an extremely important and necessary fundamental to not delay or slow down progress. Some key items that are typically considered during the basis of design and planning stage from a constructability approach are as follows:
- Structural Approach
- MEP Systems
- Site Logistics
- Laydown
- Lead Times
- Conceptual Budgeting
- Construction Schedule
- Permitting
- Design Discipline Coordination
The CM Agent can also remain in place during construction as an advocate for the Owner. This is typically an alacarte option and if the Owner should so choose additional representation to monitor and act impartially on their behalf during the actual construction development.