Reasons 4 & 5

#4 - A feasibility study, before you waste money and time.

Have you ever heard the phrase, “Slow down, to speed up?” Rushing into a project because you have an immediate need without a strategic plan combined with the necessary data is a recipe for setbacks. Due Diligence combined with a feasibility study is a vital process of a capital project that owners often overlook, or their DP does not complete early enough in the process.

A feasibility study plays a crucial role in a project’s construction process. This helps an owner or a company complete proper planning and decide whether desired outcomes are in line with reality. Due diligence is the process of investigating a project to assess the risks involved before continuing.

#5 - A professional to help with the due diligence:

Due Diligence starts with researching the proposed site or building from a logistical and governmental approval standpoint. Obtaining crucial information is necessary, such as existing utilities, right of ways, soil conditions, wetland, and other environmental challenges. An Owners Rep (OR), with a design background, will review the local zoning, planning, environmental and building codes to provide you with the knowledge needed to decide on whether to alter this project or press on. The OR should meet with local officials to review the project to understand any concerns that they have prior to public meetings. Combining this research with a preliminary design, and a review of the budget provides a solid outline to move forward.

Confused? Why do I need this, isn’t this what the DP does?

Unfortunately for owners, this is not the case. Many DP exclude this service from their contract. Some DP omit this step at the start of a project or do a poor job because they are too concerned with completing your project within their budgeted hours. The information that would have been gathered with upfront due diligence by an independent OR, which has your exclusive interest in mind, will surface when the DP submits your project for approvals.

Have you ever heard this statement? “The building department or some other agency made us do it”

If so, a warning light should appear in your head. Codes and regulations are black and white, (and published.) It becomes clear, the DP did not complete the upfront work. Learning of requirements when the project is submitted for approval will undoubtedly come with an increase in the budget, time delays, and a series of change orders from your DP.