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Paradigm Shift Needed for Small Projects

“I thought the architect we hired was supposed to take care of that.”

“Doesn’t the engineer usually provide those services?”

“The General Contractor charged us for things that I thought were included in the contract.”

“It seems like we have wasted a lot of time trying to get the information required to start this project.”

Have you ever found yourself saying any of the above items, or would you like to avoid saying such things? It is possible, but it requires a Paradigm Shift…a change in the way things are normally done.

Most large projects (public projects - schools, roads, and major capital projects) and large commercial projects usually require some form of Construction Management before the first design professional is even hired. This is due to the complicated due diligence process usually associated with multi-discipline and phased construction projects. What the large developers know, that small smaller developers and individual owners don’t realize, is that proper Construction Management will save both time and money…and in today’s ‘fast-track’ construction world, time and money means ‘money and money.’

Many smaller developers (for the purposes of this article a small developer means not only the single person land developer, but also the individual business person or owner wishing to build or develop any project) skip the first and most important step in the development process - performing project due diligence or “doing their homework.”

Due Diligence includes, but is not limited to, the following:

  1. Determining Planning/Zoning requirements
  2. Geotechnical Investigation(s)
  3. Land Use Requirements
  4. Determining Environmental Issues and Mitigation Requirements
  5. Coordination of Design Consultants
  6. Definition of Project Scope
  7. Development of Preliminary Plans, Budgets, and Schedules
  8. Determination of Type(s) of Contract(s)

All of the above listed items are a vital part of any project - large and small. Due to the complexity of large projects, these items are usually handled by the Owner or an Owner’s Representative, and the information gathered is coordinated with the design team. This is where many small developers go wrong…they think that all these items will be handled and, most critical, COORDINATED by someone in the design team. The driving factors for skipping this step are either ignorance or initial cost.

Ignorance is somewhat understandable, but still costly.

Avoidance due to initial cost demonstrates a lack of understanding of the industry and the process. What many small developers do not know, is that whether the Owner performs this due diligence or hires a representative to perform, this is a vital step at the beginning of any project. If this step is not performed and COORDINATED on behalf of the Owner, it will most likely cost more once the project is underway.

THE PARADIGM SHIFT:

Many small developers (as defined above) and large developers, too, think, “I need to find a good architect,” or, “I need to find a good contractor.” Once they accomplish that, mentally they have done their homework…now it’s time to get going. But even the best architects and contractors cannot predict what they don’t know or read minds…especially the minds of government officials.

Instead of seeking out an architect to perform project due diligence, small developers should consider hiring a Construction Manager or performing due diligence themselves. Any “good” architect or engineer performs due diligence as part of the design process, but this due diligence is usually not for the project as a whole. Real estate issues, environmental concerns, schedules, budgets, and contract formats are all items that need to be considered when planning even the smallest of projects. And without a person to oversee and COORDINATE these items with the entire project and the Owners interests in mind, many critical items will fall through the cracks. Unfortunately, these “cracks” usually surface during construction…the most expensive time of any project to solve knowable issues.

Consider seeking the advice of a qualified professional, prior to beginning any project. This professional may be an architect, engineer, contractor, or Construction Manager. But without a plan for the planning, many Owners suffer economic stress that can be usually avoided.

REDBUD Construction Services, LLC offers many Paradigm Shifting services and would enjoy the opportunity to help you plan your project. E-mail RCS for more information…and e-mailing is FREE!

September 16, 2007 | Filed Under Construction Management 

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