tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986971128743037.post7497970029444903948..comments2022-06-03T08:46:30.445-07:00Comments on getthewholepicture: Caucusing in Point Robertsjudy rosshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01267082137135234345noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4508986971128743037.post-71695440497106639842016-04-06T16:47:44.692-07:002016-04-06T16:47:44.692-07:00Admittedly I'm coming a little late into this ...Admittedly I'm coming a little late into this Library issue, but in reading all the opinions and comment here and the APB, I'd have to say there are some deep divides, and firm stances over what should be done, what was agreed too, and how to proceed.<br /><br />I've spent the last 25 years building 10 to 150 million dollar condo/apartments/single family home developments. Being over budget is more then common, its expected, as preliminary plans don't often consider all the work and requirements needed, and therefore base the budget on incomplete scopes of work.<br />I'm hearing a call for the entire foundation to be built new, and at a higher elevation. Foundation costs are usually one of the more expensive line items within a construction budget. Concrete and rebar don't come cheap. <br />going from over budget to a complete redesign is not only throwing away the $36,000 already invested in the design, but also loses a large chunk of time, and added time for more meetings to approve something new. <br /><br />The step that developers take in these types of situations, is called "value engineering" In other words, someone takes the time to go through all the plans and comes up with ways to save money. I used to tell homeowners that there are 40 line items that go into building a home, and cutting costs come down to compromises on materials and specifications. <br />There are many types of siding, flooring, windows, doors, etc, from which to choose. Money can be saved in downsizing, or downgrading these different line items.<br /><br />Items like a big concrete monument sign can save money just by going to something simpler on the actual building. <br /><br />where did the $538,000 number come from? was it someone's estimate, or were hard bids from actual contractors collected? (probably not)<br /><br />So the new cost is $689,000, replacing the initial cost of $538,000... I really doubt that building costs have gone up $150,000, and instead is now closer to what the actual budget should have been in the first place. Also there is always a wide gap in pricing from each subcontractor, and contracts can always be negotiated down 3-5% per line item, when it comes down to getting the job or not. <br /><br />I would be willing to volunteer to roll up my sleeves and dig into the plans and specs to see how much could easily be saved through a few rounds of value engineering. <br /><br />Feel free to contact me to discuss furtherJeff Buttshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06615996262224574197noreply@blogger.com