Design Phase Management

After determining your needs and resources, Fulcrum will work with the architectural and engineering team to develop the project design within the limits of your budget. The designers provide input regarding the form, function and aesthetic of the facility. Fulcrum provides cost, availability and constructability feedback to the designers as the design evolves.


Value Engineering Analysis

Fulcrum Associates will identify, both internally and through the input of major subcontractors and suppliers, value engineering alternatives to reduce construction costs without reducing the project function. First dollar costs are weighed against whole life cycle costs to determine the payback period for enhanced envelope components; mechanical/electrical systems and interior finish components. A value analysis and constructability review will be provided to compare proposed systems to alternate construction systems, methods and designs.


Estimating

Once the design reaches 75% completion, Fulcrum will perform an in-depth cost analysis. All work elements have a cost associated with them -- labor costs, material costs, equipment usage, and a number of other possibilities. These component costs form the basis for tracking overall project cost. Fulcrum will prepare an initial Control Estimate, which will serve as the baseline for all project expenses.


Budgeting

Once costs are estimated, they must be budgeted over time in order to monitor the progress of the project against the original plan. To accomplish this, costs are assigned to the specific activities in the schedule and allocated for the point in time when the funds should be expended for them.


Risk Management

As a project takes shape and work begins, problems will inevitably arise. During the planning stage, the project management team will attempt to identify every possible contingency and make adequate preparations.


Scheduling

All elements of the project are broken down into activities that can be reasonably monitored by one responsible party. The time, budget and resources needed to accomplish each task are calculated based on this work breakdown structure, as well as the relationships that exist between the tasks. When completed, this schedule should define the earliest possible completion date and the critical tasks or the longest path of activities through the entire project.


Documentation

Proper documentationof the construction phase is essential to demonstrate compliance with codes and ordinances as well as the project specifications. Accurate as-built drawings will aid in future renovation and maintenance projects. Thorough and accurate financial records can be invaluable in negotiating favorable property and corporate tax rate.