Consulting Services

Whether you are a first time developer or one with an extensive real estate portfolio, the desired outcome is the same. Make My Project Happen!

We suggest the following roadmap which will minimize the up-front financial exposure while making sure the appropriate items are considered during the planning process.

Preliminary Financial Objectives

• The first step is establishing a ballpark idea of your budget requirements. 

Schematic Design

• Schematic drawings are very basic drawings that are intended to give an overall idea of how your construction project might look. 
• For commercial or multi-family new construction, we have an architect create some basic drawings on a scaled site plan.  The purpose of these drawings are to make sure the proposed development will fit on the site and finalize adequate parking and other key issues.
• For a commercial or multi-family adaptive reuse or conversion project, we have an architect prepare as-built drawings of the current site plan and current structures.  We then put some basic dividing walls in place to define footprints of the new interior spaces.
• In general, schematic drawings will be required for an appraisal and financing discussions.

Zoning/Site Utilities/Building Code Issues

• Once the schematic design is completed, we contact the municipal zoning officers and go over the plan to make sure it works within the zoning ordinances, and if not, to determine what types of zoning appeals will be required.  We also do a high-level analysis of the existing key utilities and building code issues: Does the site perk, do we have 3 phase power if required, is a sprinkler required, can key egress patterns be met, etc. We also provide consulting services for zoning appeals, plans of development, special use permits and other processes often required for development projects.

Budgetary Pricing

• At this point, we would supply budgetary pricing assuming certain allowances.

Incentives

• We establish what types of incentives are available for this project.  Is it eligible for local, state and federal tax incentives?  Is the area located within an enterprise zone and if so, what programs are available?.  For commercial construction, incentives can be the key component that makes your project financially feasible.

Preliminary Financing

• At this point, you should have the key components necessary for preliminary financing discussions.  Your financing partner will be glad that you have already considered what is important to them:
• Basic drawings
• Zoning, parking and construction issues
• Budgetary pricing from a “Class A” general contractor

Construction & Engineering Documents

• Once you feel good about the financing, it is time to have construction documents prepared.  This includes both the architect’s and the engineer’s documentation.

Final Pricing

• Now we can finalize pricing.  This is good time to add in the bells and whistles in some areas, and scale back in others.

Get Going

• Let's finalize financing, sign the contract, file for permits, and start making it happen.

We have been through all phases of this roadmap countless times.  We can help you through all the different phases and can recommend proven experts in all areas, such as architects, engineers, financing and historic consultants. This process will minimize your financial investment up front as critical issues (parking requirements, availability of tax credits, etc.) are researched and resolved.
Disciplined planning is critical to any development project.