We have heard a lot of differing opinions about the best way to approach the construction process. What is the simplest, quickest and most cost effective way to approach the process?
There are actually two proven methods. The first is the traditional method where the owner hires a design team to develop detailed plans and assist in product and finish selections. These completed plans are then presented to two or three contractors to price. Once the contractors’ proposals are received, they are reviewed and discussed with each contractor to insure they are in accordance with the design documents, and a contractor is selected to construct the project, based on either a “lump sum” or “cost-plus” basis. The owner may or may not contract with the design team to assist them during the construction phase. A drawback of the traditional method is that the designed project often comes in over budget. Once the prices are received, and the overage realized, the owner must choose between selecting a contractor and working out the details of the overage, or redesigning portions of the project and sending it back out to the contractors for revised pricing. Depending on the factor
