Our process is both simple and sophisticated…
Construction can often be a complex and confusing process. ABC’s aim is to ensure that it the steps are explained and executed clearly and efficiently.
Aligning your ideas, concerns and goals is the first step towards a mutually successful relationship.
Second, we review the contract options. The Owner’s comfort with our contract and our contracts with the trades is essential.
Third, ABC reviews critical details such as contingency amounts allowed for, required deposits, and costs per square foot.
Bottom line: we sweat the details so you don’t have to.
• Consultant Selection
ABC can advise you as to who is best suited to the project (architectural, structural, geotechnical, landscape, etc.)
• Building Permit (BP) vs Issued for Construction (IFC) drawings
While a Building Permit is without question a key milestone, and ABC will help obtain one for you. We strongly encourage our clients to think beyond the Building Permit. It may require more than a year to obtain the BP, and in the interim, ABC and the project team will prepare all construction documentation to be ready once the Building Permit is issued.
ABC’s work during this period is critical because the Building Permit drawings only address minimum life/safety and code requirements. Building Permit drawings will not address the conflicts that can, (and unfortunately often do, ) exist between consultants. Nor will they address the need for coordinated Interior Design drawings and specifications, which are particularly essential for both custom single family home and multi family construction.
A thorough review of the BP drawings, along with preparation of detailed scopes specifically drafted for the project, will be the core of a detailed tender package to ensure accurate an accurate budget.
• Budgeting
Transparency and integrity are the hallmarks of ABC’s budget preparation. By extension, ABC works closely with the Owner to ensure that the project budget is both realistic and flexible.
ABC first creates a “first round Class C” budget, based on a combination of Building Permit drawings, historical info, quantity take-offs, and one quote per major budget division.
A “second round Class B” budget is then prepared, based on minimum of IFT drawings, 3 quotes per major division. ABC will review all quotes with you to ensure that you are made aware of all Subcontractor recommendations.
As the pre-construction process proceeds, a “Final Class A Budget” is prepared, based on actual trade awarded contracts pre-approved by the Owner.
• Site Supervision
On multi-family residential projects, a Site Superintendent is a mandatory team member, whereas they are sometimes viewed as an unnecessary luxury on custom single family homes.
However, due to the complex nature of most projects, ABC recommends site supervision for all high end custom homes.
• Sophisticated Visualisation Tools
ABC works with 3-D Modeling professionals to provide the Owner the best preview experience possible. Not only does this provide the Owner with a conceptual visual reference prior to commencement of construction, it also allows for the design and construction team to avoid potential construction conflicts.
• Shop Drawing Review
Trades’ Shop Drawings are a key construction component as they represent what will actually be constructed, delivered to the site and installed. ABC will coordinate the process between the trades and consultants to ensure that what is delivered is what was ordered and will fit with the other project components.
• Scheduling
ABC creates a master schedule in conjunction with key trades and then provides monthly updates to the Owner. Specific “cut off” dates for Owner-supplied information to be provided will be clearly identified in order to remain on schedule.
• Reporting
Trust is established by providing detailed, concise and regular progress project reports. This includes a progress report, complete with an updated budget, Monthly Cash Flow Projection, schedule, progress claims, photos (ground and aerial), major tasks to be completed, major trades on site, client decisions required, time sheets, and more.
• Quality Control
ABC takes quality control seriously because we care about the project, whether it is a residential personal home or condominium development. Simply put, quality is a “before” thought not an “after” thought.
• Safety
Any construction project must make safety a priority. Thus, ABC ensures that safety is rigorously enforced throughout the duration of the project.,
• Security
ABC ensures that all of its projects are safe and secure during both working and non-working hours, by tracking of all labour going in and out of the site, installing sturdy fencing/hoarding. If required, an on-site security guard is retained, accompanied by live cameras strategically installed throughout the site.
• Post-Construction
ABC is committed to carrying the entire project past occupancy and providing the owner with a Final Construction Cost Report and Post-Construction Occupancy Review.
• Provision of Standard 2-5-10 Warranty
In its partnership with SCC Construction, ABC provides a warranty covering 2 years for materials and labour, 5 years for the envelope (ie: roof and exterior walls) and 10 years for the structure.