Know What You Are Planning Before You Commit to Building It
One of the most important questions on any commercial project is also one of the first:
What is this actually going to cost?
At Rye General Contractors, we help owners develop realistic construction budgets early in the planning process and refine those budgets as the project develops.
A useful construction estimate should be based on more than square footage alone. Building use, site conditions, finishes, structural systems, mechanical requirements, electrical service, plumbing, accessibility, existing conditions, and many other factors can significantly affect the final cost.
Our goal is to give the owner better information before major decisions are made.
Conceptual Construction Budgets
Many projects begin before complete construction drawings are available.
An owner may have a preliminary floor plan, rendering, proposed site, existing building, or simply an idea of what they want to accomplish.
At this stage, we can develop a conceptual budget using the information available.
This may include:
- Building size
- Proposed use
- General level of finishes
- Site conditions
- Existing building conditions
- Structural requirements
- Mechanical and electrical needs
- Plumbing requirements
- Exterior improvements
- Parking and site work
A conceptual estimate is not intended to replace final subcontractor pricing. Its purpose is to determine whether the project and available budget are reasonably aligned.
Refining the Budget as the Design Develops
Construction budgets should become more accurate as more information becomes available.
As plans and specifications develop, we can update the estimate to reflect the actual scope of work.
This allows the owner and design team to see how decisions made during design affect the construction budget.
If costs begin moving beyond the owner's target, there is still an opportunity to evaluate alternatives before the drawings are complete.
Subcontractor and Supplier Pricing
When the project has developed far enough, we begin obtaining input from qualified subcontractors and suppliers who specialize in their individual trades.
Depending on the project, this can include:
- Site work
- Concrete
- Structural steel
- Framing
- Roofing
- Glass and storefront
- HVAC
- Plumbing
- Electrical
- Fire protection
- Cabinets and millwork
- Flooring
- Painting
- Specialty equipment
Actual trade pricing provides a much stronger basis for a construction budget than broad allowances alone.
