State Building Group believes that the efforts put forth in the time leading up to the start of construction are critical to the success of a project. When preconstruction services are implemented, the decisions made during this phase can significantly save clients time and money.
Throughout the preconstruction services phase, State Building Group staff provide guidance on selection of materials, building systems, equipment and methods of project delivery. We evaluate and make recommendations on the availability of materials and labor, time requirements for procurement, installation and factors related to cost, including but not limited to, the cost of alternative designs or materials.
During preconstruction, the project is fully programmed from all aspects of budgeting and pricing to schedule and project execution. Key services provided during preconstruction include:
Cost Estimating Detailed estimates will be generated throughout the design phase; typically at schematic design, design development, 50% drawings, 90% drawings, and 100% drawings. These estimates and our subcontractor pricing are entirely ‘open-book’ to our clients and architects.
Value Engineering State Building Group will continuously review the construction documents and provide system cost analysis to help determine the best value for our clients. We will make recommendations on ways to save on costs, without affecting the quality or look of the design. State Building Group will also provide advice on life-cycle costing of systems and alternative systems. State Building Group will present our value engineering ideas and the associated savings at the weekly design meetings with the entire team. Additionally we will work with the architect to develop alternates to be priced out at the same time as the base bid, in order to take advantage of the competitive bid market for both the base bid and alternates. We are on the cutting edge of the best products and systems with the most economical value.
Constructability Reviews State Building Group will perform constructability reviews continuously during the design phase. We will review the plans from a builder’s perspective and identify areas that could cause risks, affect the progress of the project, or save the owner money. Constructability reviews will be done by the estimators, project manager, superintendent, and we ask our subcontractors for their feedback as well. Issues that arise will be discussed and resolved in the weekly design meetings.
Preconstruction Scheduling State Building Group will meet with the owner and design team to put together a preliminary schedule utilizing P6 by Primavera Systems, Inc. The preliminary schedule utilized during the design phase will be expanded upon interaction with each of our subcontractors as well as input from our own work force to create a manageable schedule to ensure that the project is completed on time. This schedule will incorporate critical dates for decision making, permit procurement, bid packages, shop drawings, procurement of long lead items, phasing, and owner occupancy requirements.
LEED & Green Construction Planning As a member of the USGBC, State Building Group assists its clients in achieving their targeted levels of LEED certification, or just good sustainable practices, by guiding them through design considerations, construction materials selection, building systems and operational procedures. With the most experienced LEED Administrator in the area, State Building Group assists in ensuring that your project achieves the targeted certification in the most economically efficient and expeditious route possible.
Sustainable construction practices provide a variety of materials, systems and design ideas that can improve water and energy efficiency, reduce the environmental impact of construction and improve the quality of life for tenants. Not every option is the right fit for every project, but owners and tenants can incorporate select systems and materials that fit with both their budget and overall goals—producing a building or space that is more environmentally friendly both in sustainability and construction practice.
We work to understand our client’s goals and facilitate close collaboration and communication to ensure that all opportunities are maximized. There are inherent challenges associated with the implementation of green building techniques in construction and members of our staff have successfully met these challenges on prior projects.
State Building Group is committed to demonstrating industry leadership and social responsibility by incorporating the principle of sustainability into our everyday work practices. For a project incorporating LEED components we document all debris: what can or will be recycled, what can be reused and what needs to be taken to a landfill. Also, we are conscious of the materials being used selecting durable, rapidly-renewable, or recycled products.
State Building Group has been incorporating the principles of sustainability into our everyday work practices, thereby creating greater value for our clients and communities.
Cost Control State Building Group will establish a detailed and accurate GMPs early in the design phase. On average, the variance between our GMP and final construction cost is under 1.5%, with the majority of the change due to Owner added scope. Our teams successful history is the result of our thorough preconstruction approach and active involvement in the design process.
Quality Control For State Building Group, quality control starts in preconstruction. We make sure that the systems and details on the plans will result in a quality project. If there is a question regarding specified scope, State Building Group will bring the issue up in the design meeting to be resolved. Quality control also involves proper subcontractor selection. We prequalify subcontractors and make sure that they have a successful project history and are financially capable to complete the scope of work.
Market Analysis Our preconstruction team keeps a close watch on construction materials and labor costs. We analyze the market and look for materials and systems that will get the best value for our client’s money. State Building Group has several procurement strategies to mitigate cost escalation of materials and labor
- Early identification of volatile materials and long lead materials
- Watching the market and analyzing pricing and trends of volatile materials (copper, steel, etc.)
- Utilizing subcontractor/supplier knowledge of the market
- Locking in pricing early (material pricing typically increases the first of the year)
- Purchasing materials early and storing them off -site if necessary