When embarking on a new building project, selecting a design-build firm is the first, most pivotal step toward building a trusting partnership for design and construction. Once you choose your partner for this project, the next important move you will make is your initial meeting. This is everyone’s opportunity to establish expectations, and align on all aspects of the project. Preparing for this first meeting can be overwhelming, so here are five things we recommend having prepared so that you can gain the most from this encounter.

Do your location homework.

Scout out the area you plan on placing the structure and gather any important information your design-build partner would need to know up front. If there are surveys available, any known utility locations, or any other glaring things about the land and its surroundings, be sure to bring those details with you. If the design-build firm can familiarize themselves with the area, then their initial to-do list can be ironed out earlier in the process.

 

Come with a clear vision.

Are you adding on an extra space for a new process, or creating a brand new corporate structure? Either way, come to the meeting prepared with a vision of exactly how you see the finished product. Be ready to discuss the details of what you have in mind, from size requirements to the number of loading docks, and exactly how you plan on using this new space. The more your design-build firm understands your end goal from the beginning, the smoother the journey will be. Inspirational photos are always a plus.

 

Deliver any existing drawings.

As a companion to scouting out the project’s location, it’s helpful to provide any drawings available of an existing structure. If you are constructing an addition or renovation to a building, your firm will want to learn as much as they can about the foundation with which they are working.

 

Decide on major budget details.

The budget is one of the most vital parts of a project that needs to be set it stone as early as possible. Align with your design-firm on the details of what your must-have qualities are, and bring a wish list with you that you can prioritize together. If you have numbers in mind when you come to the meeting, your design-build firm can help you iron out the quality levels of specific elements that are available within your budget.

 

Research special requirements.

Speaking of budgets, make sure you have prepared any special requirements you would like to add to your project that might affect your bottom line and impact the timeline of the project. If you intend on developing a green building, make sure to mention this to your design-build team as material selections and pricing of said materials will impact your budget. Additional specialty items such as cranes, machine bases, or particular lighting and sound levels should also be communicated at this initial meeting so that you and your design-build partner can plan them together.

For more information on the design-build process, or to speak with an expert about your next project, contact George Ray at Associated Contractors, Inc. today.

An effort by designers and builders to create buildings in a way that enhances the positive impact construction has on the environment. Let’s talk about some of the benefits of constructing an eco-friendly structure, or green building.

 

Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Buildings in the United States are responsible for nearly 40% of the country’s CO2 emissions, which is more than both the transportation and industrial sectors. LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) buildings reduce emissions by 34%, according to the US Department of Energy [1].

 

Utility Efficiency

LEED-certified buildings have been shown to consume 25% less energy and 11% less water than non-green buildings*. By installing systems that enable the purification and reuse of water, green buildings can use other sources, like rainwater, in order to reduce waste. Additionally, solar panels and specific window designs are used to increase energy efficiency and enhance natural lighting.

 

Reduced Maintenance Cost

By creating systems that use energy and water efficiently, companies can cut down on the amount of maintenance buildings require over the years. More natural light means a cheaper electric bill, and recycling water reduces the water bill. The initial installation of these systems might cost more in the beginning, but the savings on utility bills and maintenance fees will add up quickly.

 

Employee Health Improvement

Companies trying to cut back on their carbon footprint are more likely to use and provide materials that are safer for the people who inhabit green buildings on a daily basis. They avoid using plastics that are made with carcinogens that increase cancer risk and decrease air quality. Research also shows that employees with windows in their offices get almost an hour more sleep every night*.

 

Enhanced Indoor Environment

By using windows that increase the amount of natural sunlight that enters the building, green buildings use less artificial light, which reduces strain on employees and increases endorphins. Lower CO2 emissions and better ventilation always result in better air quality within the building that can potentially increase alertness and performance [2].

 

Lower Material Cost

By using recycled and reusable materials, green building companies can both reduce waste and lower the cost of materials used in construction. Some of the higher quality materials required to implement energy saving practices might cost more up front, but they will last much longer, thereby increasing long-term savings. Plus, eco-friendly buildings often use fewer materials overall in order to increase efficiency.

 

To learn more about how to make your next project a green building,  contact an expert at Associated Contractors, Inc. today.