Our Design/Build Philosophy
 
Form does not follow function and function does not follow form; form and function follow the budget. Fulcrum Associates Inc.'s design/build approach allows many design, engineering, construction, and permitting activities to occur simultaneously while final drawings are being completed. We form a team for the project, with you as a partner, to assure smooth channels of communication. The conventional method of building is a time-consuming exercise that often overlooks budgetary parameters. One phase must be completed before the next phase can begin. Lack of a team approach can create delays in permitting and gaps in communication that lead to cost overruns.

Typically, the design/build concept can save over four months in most new construction projects. Our four-phase design/build process allows you more control over costs. We provide alternate methods and regular project updates to assure you a competitive price.

Preliminary Phase

Your ideas and requirements are transformed into preliminary drawings. We prepare cost projections and construction work surveys based on these drawings. Our value engineering allows you to see how different design and construction methods affect costs and material selection.

Final Design Phase Your project manager prepares weekly status reports to make sure that you are satisfied with the progress. As each design section is completed, the necessary documents are submitted to government agencies, keeping permitting time to a minimum.

Preconstruction Phase When final drawings are complete, we negotiate with selected subcontractors and suppliers. Fulcrum Associates Inc. awards contracts to firms with a proven track record in quality of work and competitiveness of pricing. Meanwhile, permitting is constantly updated to ensure the quickest construction start time.

Construction Phase Fulcrum Associates Inc. uses the critical path method to ensure job control and resource efficiency. When construction begins, bi-weekly meetings between the project manager and subcontractors provide a system of accountability that results in strict adherence to the CPM schedule.

The end result is a quality project delivered on time and within budget while maintaining customer satisfaction.