Dedication to a proactive approach is the foundation of Benchmark's preconstruction services philosophy. As an active and vested team member, Benchmark provides accurate and timely information to insure that both the design and the project are completed in the most efficient and cost-effective manner. Our attention to detail is matched only by our willingness to perform the hard work necessary to always exceed your expectations and insure your project's success. Proven success with this process gives us the confidence to guarantee commitments, then deliver as promised.

The following is an outline of the basic services provided during the preconstruction phase of the project.

Preconstruction Services

Understanding You and Your Needs

Benchmark's preconstruction services starts by getting to know you and your organization. In order to better understand your construction needs, we first need to understand the "how's" and "why's" that make the function of your organization unique. By committing the time and resources up front when it counts and getting to know "who" you are, we can insure a successful project in the end.

Managing Municipal Approvals

Benchmark's preconstruction staff has a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the governmental processes required to build your project. Because the "red tape" has become so cumbersome and crosses many design disciplines, Benchmark has taken a lead role in shepherding projects through the maze. Weather it's planning or zoning, D.O.T. or D.E.P., B.O.C.A., Labor and Industry, or any of the myriads of codes, which have jurisdiction over the project, we've got you covered. By understanding the process we can develop a schedule of milestones and assign tasks. We then monitor the progress and make sure all submissions are done on time. Making sure all approvals have been obtained will insure that construction will start on time and costly changes in design will be eliminated.

Facilitating the Design Team Effort

By taking a proactive approach to constructability, Benchmark can reduce construction costs and eliminate expensive redesign. A thorough review of the design documents as they develop will help to minimize construction problems and potential delays. We will make recommendations on the feasibility and availability of materials and labor based on "current market" conditions. Finally we will recommend new and innovative construction techniques to streamline the schedule and cut costs.

Timely and Accurate Estimating

During the course of design development, a "rolling" estimate will be maintained to keep the design team aware of the budget at all times. We will prepare formal construction cost estimates for all building and site development costs at the schematic, design development, 30%, 60% and 90% construction document completion levels. At any time during this process, when the design team feels confident that the direction of the final design is established, a Guaranteed Maximum Price can be set. Benchmark can provide this price with confidence because of our keen market awareness, honed in the public bid arena. Our extensive historical database as well as varied subcontractor input insures that pricing is accurate and current. Benchmark's professional estimating staff will "take-off" all elements of the project in detail. The estimating staff is fully computerized using a "state-of-the-art" Timberline system. With this system, our historical database, and input from selected subcontractors, pricing is accurate and "market current" from conceptual budget through final pricing.

Recommending Value Engineering and Alternate Building Systems

Benchmark will identify areas for value engineering study as the design progresses We will estimate the cost of these ideas as well as the cost of alternate building systems to finalize selection prior to preparation of design documents. All systems will be evaluated in a proactive manner reviewing construction feasibility, availability of material, equipment, and labor; and construction scheduling. All this done during the design process to prevent the additional cost of redesign.

Scheduling

Benchmark will develop a comprehensive project schedule including design, bidding, permitting, and construction phases. This schedule will be updated during the design process and will be reviewed for its impact on the project . This schedule will assist the team in controlling costs for all phases. Scheduling will also identify materials and equipment, which require long delivery times and are critical to the progress of the work so we can develop a strategy for purchasing these items early.

Final Documentation Review

Benchmark will review all construction documentation to insure its accuracy and that assumptions made during the design development have been included. We will review all plans for technical accuracy and coordination of all disciplines. Complete and comprehensive documentation is the key to obtaining the most competitive pricing the market will bear and will eliminate the potential for change orders.

Bidding and Contract Supervision

Benchmark will use its extensive 1500 subcontractor base to develop a comprehensive list of qualified firms, which match the needs of the project. We will manage the dissemination of all information to insure accurate and complete pricing. We will review all bids for completeness of scope and in accordance with the contract documents. We will prepare all subcontracts and monitor the proper distribution of all contract documentation.