Starting a Project and Understanding the Cost

1.       The Building Coordinator and the Planner Estimator meet to discuss the scope of the project.

2.       Once the project parameters are understood by the Planner Estimator, a document titled “Order of Magnitude” for the requesting department is prepared.  This document identifies key components of the project and produces a preliminary project estimate, which includes the cost of construction drawings.

3.       The “Order of Magnitude” is received and reviewed by the requesting department, who decides to either pursue the project or cancel the project.

4.       Once the requesting department approves the project, a Purchase Order is issued to the Planner Estimator for Contract Services or the said project.

5.       A work-order will be created in the computerized system to allow for billing and tracking purposes.

Design Services

1.       Design Services is provided when projects require construction drawings.  The design team consisting of in-house architects and engineers has the responsibility of meeting departmental representatives to refine the scope of work and construction goals.

2.       Once the design phase is complete, the in-house architect sends preliminary drawing to the CADD technicians.  The technicians turn your drawings into final Construction Documents.

3.       Construction Documents become the basis for cost estimation and the bid package.

Project Construction and the Bid Process

1.       The Planner Estimator can help you determine who can best build your project.  The options include: 

a.      Unit Price Contracting

Unit-price contracts subdivide the work or parts of the work into like items and state approximate quantities for each item. A price per unit of measurement (unit price) is quoted for each item. As the work is completed, actual quantities are measured, and the contractor is paid according to the contractor's quoted unit prices.

b.      General Contractor Construction Bids

Working with Purchasing, your project is bid out to pre-approved construction contractors for the best price.  All prices are based on final construction documents.

c.       Renovations Crew

State prevailing hourly wage trades personnel can be quickly assembled to build your time-sensitive project.

2.       Once the vendor has been selected, the Planner Estimator conducts an initial meeting with the selected vendor, reviews the project scope, schedule, parameters, and special needs, etc.

3.       Construction start date is established and construction begins.