The Bay Dimension - Edition 11

the newsletter of tbd consultants - edition 11, 3rd qtr 2008

Printable PDF version
Subscribe to our newsletter
In this Edition
Market Conditions Update
Preconstruction Services, Part 2
Green Concrete

Construction Management Specialists
111 Pine Street, Suite 1315
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 981-9430
www.TBDconsultants.com

Market Conditions Update
Gordon Beveridge
The markets are in flux, and the construction market is no different than the rest. In this article Gordon looks at what is happening in the different sectors of the construction market, and looks at what we might expect from construction cost escalation.

Preconstruction Services, Part 2
Matt Craske

In the previous edition of the Bay Dimension we looked at estimating and scheduling services. Now we are going to look at some other preconstruction services that may form part of the GMP delivery method.

Site Logistics

Working out the logistics of your construction site is vital and an experienced GC can provide invaluable insight with this subject. This effort should be undertaken as early as possible and reviewed regularly. The site logistics plan feeds the estimating process, the procurement process and can be a key tool in keeping neighbors and authorities informed and happy.

Constructability Review

Another area where an experienced GC can be invaluable is through constructability reviews. Each drawing package issue should be reviewed and commented upon for any constructability issues. These comments would include availability and cost of materials selected, difficulty of installation, long lead warnings and alternative recommendations.

Value Engineering

Value engineering is an analytical process to ensure that the project team is delivering the right scope for the right budget. Total cost of ownership, first cost, constructability and schedule should all be evaluated during this process. It is often seen as a way to cut costs once they get out of control, but it is actually a much more effective tool when used continuously throughout design. All major design decisions should be evaluated as they are made to ensure the team has chosen the most effective way of achieving the goals of the building owner.

Risk Management

Risk management helps reduce the value and amount of change orders during construction and also helps projects to maintain budget and schedule. It has also become a preferred method of contingency calculation through Monte Carlo Analysis. Through the cross functional discussion of a project’s risks and the entire project team gaining greater understanding of their effects, a mitigation plan can be created to minimize or eradicate the impact of the risks identified. It is recommended that any large or complex construction project should undertake a formal risk workshop at least once during the design process to identify, quantify and mitigate project risks. From these workshops a risk log can be created and updated monthly.

Cost Control & Monthly Reporting

When people talk about cost control and monthly reporting, they are usually referring to the activities undertaken during construction. However on larger projects these activities should also be undertaken during the design phase. For a large project the design phase can cost tens of millions of dollars, so it is important to keep track of the spend and progress each month to ensure that the design phase will be completed within budget and schedule.

Procurement

Having experienced individuals with knowledge of the local construction market to review and negotiate proposals and contracts is often neglected even on multi-million dollar projects. If a fee can be negotiated down by a fraction of a percent or the double checking of calculations discovers an error, it can save a large project millions of dollars.

Cost

Preconstruction services are not related to project value, but to the duration and level of service requested. The best way to budget for them correctly is to take the duration of design and assess the number of full time equivalents [FTE’s] needed to meet the level of services requested. Percentage calculations are inaccurate.

Contracting

Preconstruction services are normally contracted on a time and materials basis [T&M] or as a lump sum [LS]. With either method it is important to be clear about the scope of work and the schedule in the RFP documentation. It is also prudent to ensure that the preconstruction activities are contracted and invoiced separately from construction activities. If a T&M approach is taken it is wise to agree with the service provider a set multiplier or rate schedule by position at time of contact.

In the next edition we will start looking at the GMP negotiation process.

Green Concrete

Do you know how much carbon dioxide is produced from concrete production? Probably more than you suspected. In this article we look at some of the efforts being made to make concrete more environmentally friendly.

Design consultant: Katie Levine of Vallance, Inc.



the newsletter of tbd consultants - edition 11, 3rd qtr 2008


		Printable PDF version Subscribe to our newsletter In this Edition Market Conditions Update Preconstruction Services, Part 2 Green Concrete
	Construction Management Specialists 111 Pine Street, Suite 1315 San Francisco, CA 94111 (415) 981-9430 www.TBDconsultants.com


	Market Conditions Update Gordon Beveridge The markets are in flux, and the construction market is no different than the rest. In this article Gordon looks at what is happening in the different sectors of the construction market, and looks at what we might expect from construction cost escalation.




	Preconstruction Services, Part 2 Matt Craske In the previous edition of the Bay Dimension we looked at estimating and scheduling services. Now we are going to look at some other preconstruction services that may form part of the GMP delivery method. Site Logistics Working out the logistics of your construction site is vital and an experienced GC can provide invaluable insight with this subject. This effort should be undertaken as early as possible and reviewed regularly. The site logistics plan feeds the estimating process, the procurement process and can be a key tool in keeping neighbors and authorities informed and happy. Constructability Review Another area where an experienced GC can be invaluable is through constructability reviews. Each drawing package issue should be reviewed and commented upon for any constructability issues. These comments would include availability and cost of materials selected, difficulty of installation, long lead warnings and alternative recommendations. Value Engineering Value engineering is an analytical process to ensure that the project team is delivering the right scope for the right budget. Total cost of ownership, first cost, constructability and schedule should all be evaluated during this process. It is often seen as a way to cut costs once they get out of control, but it is actually a much more effective tool when used continuously throughout design. All major design decisions should be evaluated as they are made to ensure the team has chosen the most effective way of achieving the goals of the building owner. Risk Management Risk management helps reduce the value and amount of change orders during construction and also helps projects to maintain budget and schedule. It has also become a preferred method of contingency calculation through Monte Carlo Analysis. Through the cross functional discussion of a project’s risks and the entire project team gaining greater understanding of their effects, a mitigation plan can be created to minimize or eradicate the impact of the risks identified. It is recommended that any large or complex construction project should undertake a formal risk workshop at least once during the design process to identify, quantify and mitigate project risks. From these workshops a risk log can be created and updated monthly. Cost Control & Monthly Reporting When people talk about cost control and monthly reporting, they are usually referring to the activities undertaken during construction. However on larger projects these activities should also be undertaken during the design phase. For a large project the design phase can cost tens of millions of dollars, so it is important to keep track of the spend and progress each month to ensure that the design phase will be completed within budget and schedule. Procurement Having experienced individuals with knowledge of the local construction market to review and negotiate proposals and contracts is often neglected even on multi-million dollar projects. If a fee can be negotiated down by a fraction of a percent or the double checking of calculations discovers an error, it can save a large project millions of dollars. Cost Preconstruction services are not related to project value, but to the duration and level of service requested. The best way to budget for them correctly is to take the duration of design and assess the number of full time equivalents [FTE’s] needed to meet the level of services requested. Percentage calculations are inaccurate. Contracting Preconstruction services are normally contracted on a time and materials basis [T&M] or as a lump sum [LS]. With either method it is important to be clear about the scope of work and the schedule in the RFP documentation. It is also prudent to ensure that the preconstruction activities are contracted and invoiced separately from construction activities. If a T&M approach is taken it is wise to agree with the service provider a set multiplier or rate schedule by position at time of contact. In the next edition we will start looking at the GMP negotiation process.




	Green Concrete Do you know how much carbon dioxide is produced from concrete production? Probably more than you suspected. In this article we look at some of the efforts being made to make concrete more environmentally friendly.




	Design consultant: Katie Levine of Vallance, Inc.