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Getting Started:
Reduce the Consultant’s Time
and Cost?
Documents of Record:
The client can facilitate the process by providing the following:
Plat (Plot) Maps: This
document is a legal property description that's prepared for public records. The
Plat contains
identifying information including: easements of record,
survey data, property lines and improvements. These can
be located by the property's parcel number at the County
Recorder's office, and are available for a small fee.
Historical Data: Property
owners may have copies of old plans, drawings and/or early photos of their property
in
storage or in their files. These documents could be helpful in
identifying previously unknown conditions.
County Archives: This
data is usually stored in microfish files and is often incomplete. This
consultant only tackles
the archives when specific information is unavailable and if
found, would be helpful to the assignment at hand.
Developing Ideas-Forming Priorities:
The client usually has their objectives, or ideas they want to see realized.
However, the site itself will present limitations and opportunities and the
consultant, as facilitator, will provide his or hers experience and training
while forming the proposal of work. This document provides an overview of
conversations between parties, while outlining the path of the project itself.
As the planning-design
process unfolds
and objectives become clearer, this is the time to review priorities,
i.e. (1) what is essential? (2) what would be nice if the budget can squeeze
it in? (3) and what can we do without? Of course there are variations to
these, but coming to terms with ones priorities, often helps in the decision making
process. The Consultant can then proceed with his or her work with a phased
plan in mind.
Example:
On a hillside setting, Barry developed conditions designed for the client's
small children: a secure yard, with a serpentine lawn that dropped down to a
tree house. He also anticipated Phase 2 access, and by installing the infrastructure
required for a pool and hillside decks, ...one day, when their kids are older.
Estimating
Cost:
General: The process: cost of materials and the time required to
achieve results and the site itself, will shape the development. The more
information we have the closer we are to identifying cost.
Preliminary Drawings:
Once the preliminary plans and supporting details are in hand, we then have specifics,
quantities and a handle on process, enough information is available for a Preliminary Estimate.
Final Documents:
After reviewing preliminaries, these may be updated to reflect current
decisions.
This is when we form the specifications (specs), the document that spells out
contractor qualifications, quality of work, materials and process. We now have
the means to find hard cost information.
Public Projects:
Or commercial projects open to bid: these are solicited
from qualified general contractors, using a
Request for Bid process.
Private Projects:
Although bids are often solicited, private projects can be less formal. An
experienced consultant
can
achieve good results by contacting contractors, known for quality work and fair
pricing, for their input on
unusual conditions and up to date cost data.
Once Bids are Received: The cost of materials, equipment, sub-contractors and specialty jobbers
is up to date.
Clouding
the process could include: last minute directives from reviewing agencies and
emerging, unknown site conditions that require additional time and/or original
work.
Scheduling: With larger or
complicated projects, scheduling is important. The bid confirms that materials
have
been located and available at the best price, and that that
special trades will be on site when they're needed.
Drawings Cost: Anywhere between $ 500 to $ 8,500
on up, depending on project size and level
of complexity. Smaller projects might fit on one
(1) sheet. A modest neighborhood park may require seven (7) or more sheets and a Regional
Park could take as many as twenty-five (25) or more sheets.
Sheet size can vary from 11x17 inches to as much as 3 x 6 ft or more in length,
...depending on the
application.
About: Village on man made island, designed on
three
levels.
Upper Level: above the plaza...
Includes hotel
and apartment units,
with connecting walkways
and landscaped terraces.
Bridge Level: 12 feet above the lake...
Bridge from the parking area continues
over the
promenade, past the water
feature, to the upper
bridge and water park. Note:
footprint of the
proposed buildings, beer garden,
theater,
Theater Point Restaurant and shoreline walk.
Eastside Reservoir Conceptual Site Plan: West Village, Hemet, CA
Lake Level Promenade: 2 feet above
the lake, with trees, planters and
gathering spots. Level includes restaurants,
shops and pubs fronting
the
lake. Children arcades and theaters occupy interior, below the village.
Interactive
fountain
is
experienced at both the Bridge and Lower Levels.
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