Pre-Construction Phase Services
Thorough planning during the onset of any project assures the most cost-effective, efficient project completion. Our approach to providing reliable pre-construction services is comprised of proven procedures, an extensive system of checks and crosschecks, detailed accounting, careful selection and coordination of the best subcontractors, superior purchasing power and tightly managed contract administration to get any project started on the right track. SMCI offers clients pre-construction services inclusive of value engineering, constructability analyses, preliminary project scheduling, Budget cost models, estimating, purchasing, cost/accounting, equipment/system analysis, life cycle costing vs. first cost comparisons, insurance consultation, construction contract development and risk management analysis and other functions to support the Owner/project team during the design and pre-construction phases.
Construction Management and General Contracting
SMCI is a builder with a distinct perspective on the construction market. We have completed projects from the "ground up" as a General Contractor and from "vision to reality" as a Construction Manager.
We take a strategic and pragmatic approach to your construction project which emphases-
A commitment to TEAM building and Project Planning, early on, with all stake holders.
A long term industry and market focus emphasizing the communication of direct and honest project expectations relative to project cost models, schedule goals and milestones, project design and operational objectives.
A management strategy aligned with developers, building owners, property managers and user priorities by carefully evaluating all construction-related implications early on (design phase) with respect to functionality, constructability, maintenance, operating costs and long-term value.
A Pro-Active effort during the pre-construction phase to identify long lead time equipment, fabrication time, shipping durations, design reviews and related approvals, jurisdictional reviews and related approvals that can effect the overall delivery of the project . Also during this Phase, given appropriate involvement, our estimators, schedulers, and purchasing agents will, as a matter of process provides the following:
Design constructability reviews
Value engineering initiatives
Systems Analysis with alternate solutions with first cost/life cycle cost comparisons
Market analysis of commodities/materials such as steel and concrete and related fluctuations in
Availability and cost and related alternatives
Depending on owner parameters, delivery and contract SMCI will seek interest of qualified trade
sub-contractor firms, qualify, interview, negotiate fees and cost, contract, select and award
Design-Build
SMCI has provided design-build services for many clients, collaborating with the best architectural and engineering firms in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Our design-build team includes the Architect/Engineer partner, our in-house estimating professionals, project manager / design manager, support and accounting staff and, most importantly - the Owner. Design Build deliveries employee most the attributes listed above under the CM/GC description, but with some important benefits resulting in increased control, flexibility and risk mitigation for the owner.
Design Controls
The Design-Build delivery combines the best attributes of Design/Contract Document Reviews and Design Management fostering a pragmatic design delivery emphasizing dynamic cost and quality control, on board value engineering, and systems analysis minimizing fabrication, lead time, procurement and availability issues.
Construction efficiency
Tight design contract documents are the normal and expected result produced out of the Design-Build process. Conflicts between the Architectural and Engineering disciplines are reduced and absorbed in this delivery. Errors and omissions are only present between the Design Builder and his Design Sub Consultant and never seen by the Owner. Change orders only appear as a result of an Owner Program/Scope change or an unforeseen condition identified in the D/B contract. Overall the construction delivery process is more time and cost efficient with reduced general condition costs, increased schedule control and inherently provides more flexibility in the selection and procurement in trade sub-contractors, venders and material suppliers.
From design concept to delivery, we work with our clients to provide a quality product in the most efficient and cost-effective manner possible |
