Design/Build
Weifield Group’s design-build approach includes our ability to effectively team with vendors and work hard to deliver added value/arrive at a higher-end product, while saving money and meeting the schedule. The Weifield Group approaches the design-build process logically, beginning with our budget proposal that is based on the RFP/client request.
Step 1: An Accurate Budget Factoring in Every Possibility
This first budgetary step is critical, as the success of the design team hinges on strong, intelligent team members that have thoroughly thought out the project and accounted for every possibility in the original budget. Upon receiving the RFP or client request, we construct a sound budget or GMP (depending on the requirements of the general contractor). We use Weifield historical data, information gathered from local and national databases, and quotes from our suppliers and vendors to create the budget. We are conservative in our approach, ensuring all the provisions of the RFP are satisfied in our design.
We then submit a proposal to the general contractor. In our proposal, we outline our assumptions and break out our costs by system. We provide a comprehensive level of information that allows the general contractor to develop a high degree of confidence in our proposal.
Step 2: A Flexible Design Approach Resulting in a High Quality Product
Once awarded the project, our preconstruction manager joins the design team, managing all facets of the electrical design. The team coordinates with the electrical engineer, low voltage consultant, architect, and general contractor. Through the entire process, the preconstruction manager maintains the budget while providing the end user the best electrical installation available. We also take into account in the initial design whether the owner plans on future facility expansions or additions, and plan the design accordingly.
Our Preconstruction group works diligently with the team to provide timely price updates as the design develops. The Weifield project manager is kept abreast of the design progress and all team members monitor the job schedule and progress. During the process of designing the building, issues often arise which require negotiation. We actively engage in the “give and take” process to assure the end-user receives the best quality product, on-time and within budget.
At the design development stage, the Weifield project manager and preconstruction manager attend the design meetings together. When appropriate, our preconstruction manager will then step away from the project and the project manager assumes full control of Weifield’s scope of work. At this point, construction usually begins, and Weifield’s superintendent then gets involved. The superintendent then begins the process of building the project, creating a master list of materials and ordering and installing the underground portion of the job.
As the design progresses to the 100% CD stage, the entire Weifield team works together to ensure we have a comprehensive flow of information from Preconstruction to the field, and that the installation mirrors the design intent.
Our Team Approach Results in a “Win” for Everyone
Weifield is a team oriented company and we utilize all of our resources to ensure an optimal process:
- We understand the design team is counting on us to spot and solve constructability issues during the design. Our design build team has extensive experience in the electrical industry, and is able to spot and solve critical electrical problems. The preconstruction team works with the electrical engineer designing the electrical system on every detail to ensure that the information presented on the drawings is correct, constructible and within budget.
- We understand that construction will begin before the building is fully designed – this is an advantage of the design-build model. Therefore, we integrate the field operations with the design team to ensure a complete transfer of information. By doing this, we produce a product that matches the design.
- We also have LEED accredited professionals on staff who understand the sustainability issues involved and work with the design team to achieve the LEED goals, or best practices, for the project.
Our design-build approach is yet another example of how Weifield Group uses our vast experience, resources, tools and teamwork to arrive at success. Please let us know if we can supply any further detail.