Working with the Developer and Architect during the Design Development phase, also gives Voeller Construction the ability to work on Value Engineering (VE) for the project. Selected key subcontractors are brought in during this phase to help ensure that the building can be built as efficiently and cost effectively as possible.
Meetings and Preliminary Budgeting:
- Attend design meetings with the Architect
- Prepare comprehensive initial bid and bid request work
- Prepare preliminary list of key trades
- VE and design meetings with the Structural Engineer and the selected Subcontractor
- Design meetings with the HVAC Engineer and the selected Subcontractor
- Design meetings with the Plumbing Engineer and the selected Subcontractor
- Design meetings with the Electrical Engineer and the selected Subcontractor
- Design meetings with the Civil Engineer and the selected Site Subcontractor
- Prepare a preliminary budget to include all site work
Value Management:
- Based on the documents provided by the Architects, prepare a standard 16 division detailed cost estimate and constructability review with supporting data for the
Developer and Architect to review. With the Developer and Architect, determine
aspects of the project appropriate for Value Engineering (VE) analysis, perform the
VE study and provide a written report with recommendations
- Prepare a preliminary construction schedule
- Provide a list of possible and recommended subcontractors and suppliers
Bidding:
- Develop a list of potential bidders in agreement with the Developer and Architect
- Make recommendations to the Developer in regard to awarding the trade contracts
- After the VE process, re-estimate the project and prepare a construction contract for Owner’s review and approval
Benefits of Design-Build
It is important to note that the design-build method often saves the owner money on the overall project. The combined effects of carrying a construction loan (which typically carries a higher interest rate than permanent financing) and an earlier useful on-line date usually yields considerable overall profitability to the project and may make seemingly unfeasible projects into genuine opportunities.
The compression is an important aspect of the implementation of this system. Other attributes include:
- Enhanced communication between the service provider and the client,
- Increased accountability by the service provider,
- Single source project delivery, and a Value based project feedback system
Enhanced communication
Because the design parameters of a project are being developed along with the budgetary goals, construction methodologies and budget conditions being weighed simultaneously, a project is more likely to be realized than with a pure design approach. The owner has greater access to the "team" working on project development as the project is being developed. This efficiency is not a negative "short cut" as a rule, but rather the keystone to the success of the Design& Build model.
Accountability
Rather than a parceled level of responsibility of the classic design-bid-build, design-build provides an integrated solution for the owner or client. This moves projects away from the "finger-pointing" that is often commonplace in contemporary construction projects, and allows the owner to look to one entity with any questions or concerns.
Single Source
Instead of having several contractors and consultants, an owner has just one entity to deal with. Design revisions, project feedback, budgeting, permitting, construction issues, change orders, and billing can all be routed through the design-build firm. This single point of contact allows a certain degree of flexibility for the owner. Most design-builders will leverage that flexibility for the owner's benefit by continually refining the construction program to maximize the owner's value at the completion of the project.
Value-based project feedback
Typically, in order for a contractor to bid on a project, very specific details relating to the methods and materials must be given to avoid any ambiguity and to make an "apples to apples" comparison of bids. In a design-build context, the owner, the owner's other consultants, and the design-builder can work together to determine what methods and materials will maximize the owner's value. In instances where marginally more expensive materials, designs, or construction methods might yield a higher return on investment for the owner than those of lower cost, the owner is free to adjust the project's program without having to re-bid the entire project.
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Voeller Construction’s approach is a comprehensive, fully integrated process that ensures successful results. As your independent, unbiased and objective “Single Source Provider”, we offer technical expertise, flexibility and project control within a collaborative environment; delivering projects completed on time, on budget and most importantly, consistent with our client’s goals and objectives