Consulting Services
Site Selection: The success of a site selection program can be directly attributed to diligent project preparation, along with an objective, methodical, and detailed process for the location evaluation. Based on our experience drawn from working with clients of all sizes, industries, and functions, we have found that successful projects begin with a checklist of issues and factors, appropriately weighted and prioritized for the client's specific situation and needs - and the best checklists emanate from strong initial project planning and team organization.
Developing the project-specific plan and checklist is usually a relatively short step in relation to the full location evaluation process; yet, it has proven time and again to be among the most important determinates of overall project success.
Typical issues to consider are:
● Availability
● Fit
● Zoning
● Expandability
● Flexibility
● Access
● Supporting infrastructure
● Environmental Risks
● Nature risks
● Terms
● Timing
Developing the project-specific plan and checklist is usually a relatively short step in relation to the full location evaluation process; yet, it has proven time and again to be among the most important determinates of overall project success.
Typical issues to consider are:
● Availability
● Fit
● Zoning
● Expandability
● Flexibility
● Access
● Supporting infrastructure
● Environmental Risks
● Nature risks
● Terms
● Timing
Due Diligence: Today’s executives face major challenges when confronting the opportunities and risks associated with major projects. Many have become skeptical that the project’s final outcome will be anything like the cost estimate or schedule being presented to them. Decision-makers need a good understanding of a project’s predictability. Unfortunately, this is something they seldom have; in many cases, optimism and overconfidence characterize project proposals, making fact-based decisions difficult.
The history of major project cost overruns, schedule delays, and lost economic value clearly indicates the importance of an unbiased, external expert’s perspective. Executives and boards have come to rely on CCA's due diligence services to provide an independent expert view they can incorporate into strategic decisions.
CCA's Due Diligence process takes into consideration many factors that could affect the project as indicated below:
● Project permits evaluation
● Conceptual project budget
● Preliminary Engineering assessment
● Preliminary Market Study
● Legal Issues Review
● Zoning review
● Preliminary Project Proforma
● Preliminary Project Schedule
● Execution Risks Assessment
● Project Organization Risk Assessment
● Recommendations
The history of major project cost overruns, schedule delays, and lost economic value clearly indicates the importance of an unbiased, external expert’s perspective. Executives and boards have come to rely on CCA's due diligence services to provide an independent expert view they can incorporate into strategic decisions.
CCA's Due Diligence process takes into consideration many factors that could affect the project as indicated below:
● Project permits evaluation
● Conceptual project budget
● Preliminary Engineering assessment
● Preliminary Market Study
● Legal Issues Review
● Zoning review
● Preliminary Project Proforma
● Preliminary Project Schedule
● Execution Risks Assessment
● Project Organization Risk Assessment
● Recommendations
Budgeting/Cost Estimates: The cost component of a project is the most visible, if not the most important aspect of a construction program. For a credible and successful project, budget compliance is a basic necessity. CCA's estimators work closely with the design team to develop complete, accurate budgets. Since any established budget is a meaningless number if it is not accompanied by a project scope definition, it is our specific responsibility to identify the project scope upon which the budget is based. When the project scope is defined, the budget is established based on current market pricing. With our daily experience in local market prices, our input into the budgeting process can be invaluable. On a regular basis, CCA updates the status of the project budget and provides the owner with a monthly updated cash flow report.
At the end of each phase of design, CCA can provide an independent cost estimate or verification of the architect's cost estimate. A written report detailing the estimate and delineating all variances with the original budget will be submitted to the owner.
1. Conceptual Estimate
A conceptual estimate is utilized during the master planning, programming or budgeting stage of new facilities construction. For the master planning, programming phase, estimators review the program, site conditions and use the cost models, construction cost of similar facilities, to prepare the estimate. Estimate level is general and based on cost per building square foot.
For budgeting, estimators use the available sketches, site plan, floor plan, elevation section, and outline specification to prepare the estimate. Estimate level is somehow detailed with some quantities defined and some cost per square foot units.
2. Schematic Design Estimate
A schematic design estimate is prepared from schematic documents and is more detailed and quantitative than conceptual estimates. Most of the quantities are developed from plans and specifications. The rest of the quantities are based on the estimator's assumptions. Based on the level of documents, estimate/design contingencies will be revised.
3. Design Development Estimate
The design development estimate is prepared from design development documents. Plans and specifications should be detailed enough that all of the quantities can be developed from them. Therefore the estimate is more detailed and quantitative than the schematic design estimate. Use of cost per unit should be minimum and detailed material, labor, equipment unit costs can be used for most items. Based on the level of documents, estimate/design contingencies should be reduced.
4. Construction Documents Estimate
Construction documents estimate is the final estimate before the project is submitted for bids. This estimate could be prepared at different levels of completion of construction documents (i.e., 50%, 75% etc.). Plans and specifications should be complete and all of the quantities should be developed from them. Detailed material, labor, equipment unit costs should be utilized. Estimate/design contingencies should be deleted or reduced to a minimum.
If construction documents being revised before bid or addendum being issued during the bidding phase, an estimate update or review of the changes, with potential cost impact, is recommended.
At the end of each phase of design, CCA can provide an independent cost estimate or verification of the architect's cost estimate. A written report detailing the estimate and delineating all variances with the original budget will be submitted to the owner.
1. Conceptual Estimate
A conceptual estimate is utilized during the master planning, programming or budgeting stage of new facilities construction. For the master planning, programming phase, estimators review the program, site conditions and use the cost models, construction cost of similar facilities, to prepare the estimate. Estimate level is general and based on cost per building square foot.
For budgeting, estimators use the available sketches, site plan, floor plan, elevation section, and outline specification to prepare the estimate. Estimate level is somehow detailed with some quantities defined and some cost per square foot units.
2. Schematic Design Estimate
A schematic design estimate is prepared from schematic documents and is more detailed and quantitative than conceptual estimates. Most of the quantities are developed from plans and specifications. The rest of the quantities are based on the estimator's assumptions. Based on the level of documents, estimate/design contingencies will be revised.
3. Design Development Estimate
The design development estimate is prepared from design development documents. Plans and specifications should be detailed enough that all of the quantities can be developed from them. Therefore the estimate is more detailed and quantitative than the schematic design estimate. Use of cost per unit should be minimum and detailed material, labor, equipment unit costs can be used for most items. Based on the level of documents, estimate/design contingencies should be reduced.
4. Construction Documents Estimate
Construction documents estimate is the final estimate before the project is submitted for bids. This estimate could be prepared at different levels of completion of construction documents (i.e., 50%, 75% etc.). Plans and specifications should be complete and all of the quantities should be developed from them. Detailed material, labor, equipment unit costs should be utilized. Estimate/design contingencies should be deleted or reduced to a minimum.
If construction documents being revised before bid or addendum being issued during the bidding phase, an estimate update or review of the changes, with potential cost impact, is recommended.
Feasibility Studies: are preliminary studies undertaken in the very early stage of a project. They tend to be carried out when a project is large or complex, or where there is some doubt or controversy regarding the proposed development. Whilst they may include diagrams for the purpose of assessment, they do not involve design as such.
The purpose of feasibility studies is to:
● Establish whether the project is viable
● Help identify feasible option
● Assist in the development of the business case, project execution plan and strategic brief
Feasibility Studies typically consider:
● Planning issues
● Assessing the likelihood that an environmental impact assessment will be required
● Assessing Legal & statutory approvals
● Analysis of the budget relative to client requirements
● Assessment of the potential to re-use existing facilities or doing nothing rather than building new facilities
● Assessment of any site information provided by the client
● Site review, including, geotechnical studies, infrastructure availability, assessment of any contamination, availability of services, uses of adjoining land, easement and restrictive covenants among others.
● Consider different solutions to accessing potential sites
● Assessing operation and maintenance issues
● Program Considerations
● Procurement options
Various stakeholders, statutory authorities and other third parties may need to be consulted in the preparation of the feasibility study.
The assessment will be carried out and presented in a structured way so that client can decide whether or not to proceed to the next stage, which will typically be; reviewing options, preparing a business case and project execution plan for the preferred option and then preparing a project brief.
The purpose of feasibility studies is to:
● Establish whether the project is viable
● Help identify feasible option
● Assist in the development of the business case, project execution plan and strategic brief
Feasibility Studies typically consider:
● Planning issues
● Assessing the likelihood that an environmental impact assessment will be required
● Assessing Legal & statutory approvals
● Analysis of the budget relative to client requirements
● Assessment of the potential to re-use existing facilities or doing nothing rather than building new facilities
● Assessment of any site information provided by the client
● Site review, including, geotechnical studies, infrastructure availability, assessment of any contamination, availability of services, uses of adjoining land, easement and restrictive covenants among others.
● Consider different solutions to accessing potential sites
● Assessing operation and maintenance issues
● Program Considerations
● Procurement options
Various stakeholders, statutory authorities and other third parties may need to be consulted in the preparation of the feasibility study.
The assessment will be carried out and presented in a structured way so that client can decide whether or not to proceed to the next stage, which will typically be; reviewing options, preparing a business case and project execution plan for the preferred option and then preparing a project brief.
Project Planning: Successful project planning involves assembling a common understanding of project objectives, including quality, cost, and schedule criteria, and culminates in a project plan that documents this understanding. Available reports, schedules and budgets are assessed against the projects criteria for success.
Environmental Review:
An environmental review is a critical process that helps to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with a proposed project, development, or land use change. Conducting an environmental review can provide a range of benefits, including:
An environmental review is a critical process that helps to identify and evaluate potential environmental impacts associated with a proposed project, development, or land use change. Conducting an environmental review can provide a range of benefits, including:
- Identifying environmental risks: An environmental review can help to identify potential environmental risks and liabilities associated with a project or development. This can help project proponents to address potential issues and implement measures to mitigate risks, protecting both the environment and public health.
- Ensuring regulatory compliance: Environmental reviews are often required by local, state, or federal regulations. Conducting a thorough environmental review can help to ensure that the project complies with these regulations, minimizing the risk of costly fines or legal action.
- Promoting sustainable development: Environmental reviews can help to promote sustainable development by identifying ways to minimize the environmental footprint of a project. This may include measures such as energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction, which can benefit both the environment and the project's bottom line.
- Enhancing stakeholder engagement: Environmental reviews can provide a platform for stakeholder engagement, allowing interested parties to provide input and feedback on the project. This can help to build trust and transparency and ensure that the project is aligned with community needs and values.
- Supporting responsible business practices: Conducting an environmental review is a sign of responsible business practices, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. This can enhance a company's reputation, attract customers who value sustainability, and improve relationships with regulators and the community.
Permit Strategies:
Permitting for real estate development projects can be a complex and time-consuming process. Successful permit strategies involve understanding the relevant regulations and requirements, developing a comprehensive plan, and engaging with stakeholders throughout the process. The following are some key permit strategies for real estate development projects:
Work with experienced consultants: Working with experienced consultants, including engineers, attorneys, and environmental consultants, can help to navigate the permitting process and ensure that all requirements are met. Consultants can also provide valuable expertise and guidance throughout the process.
Permitting for real estate development projects can be a complex and time-consuming process. Successful permit strategies involve understanding the relevant regulations and requirements, developing a comprehensive plan, and engaging with stakeholders throughout the process. The following are some key permit strategies for real estate development projects:
- Understand regulatory requirements: Understanding the regulations and requirements that govern the project is critical to developing a successful permit strategy. This may include zoning regulations, building codes, environmental regulations, and other local, state, or federal requirements.
- Develop a comprehensive plan: Developing a comprehensive plan that includes all necessary permits and approvals can help to streamline the permitting process. This may include a project timeline, a list of required permits and approvals, and a plan for engaging with regulators and stakeholders.
- Engage stakeholders: Engaging with stakeholders, including community members, local officials, and regulatory agencies, is critical to building support and addressing concerns throughout the permitting process. This may involve public meetings, outreach campaigns, and other forms of communication.
- Prioritize permits: Prioritizing permits based on their relative importance and potential impact on the project can help to ensure that the project moves forward efficiently. This may involve identifying critical path permits and focusing efforts on obtaining those permits first.
- Be proactive and responsive: Being proactive and responsive throughout the permitting process can help to build trust and credibility with regulators and stakeholders. This may involve addressing concerns and questions in a timely and transparent manner and proactively seeking feedback and input throughout the process.
Work with experienced consultants: Working with experienced consultants, including engineers, attorneys, and environmental consultants, can help to navigate the permitting process and ensure that all requirements are met. Consultants can also provide valuable expertise and guidance throughout the process.
Claims Consulting:
Risk Management: Project risk exists in all projects. Risk management is the systematic process of identifying, analyzing and respond to project risk. When required, formal risk management plans are developed to ensure that the level, type and visibility of risk management are commensurate with the risk and importance of the project.
Value Engineering Review: Examine constructability, alternative solutions and value engineering options with the client and project team to determine where it is possible to achieve better time, cost and quality outcomes. Project Closeout & Management: Projects and facilities often suffer from incomplete project closeout. MHPM manages closeout to ensure that operating and maintenance costs do not increase because staff failed to identify and correct problems during the warranty period.
Constructability Analysis: Systematic evaluation by experienced construction professionals reduce risk and unnecessary construction complexity and improve project bidability.
Project Oversight and Monitoring: Independent periodic review of project progress identifies problems early on and throughout the project.