“Inadequate or incorrect research is probably the single most common source of frustration, unnecessary design fees and time delays associated with commercial development!”

Commercial Design and Development Blog Series
Phase 1 Research and Budgeting

The goal of providing research as the first step is not to develop a fancy report, but to offer information that can be used in the preparation of the budget. Research, followed by preparing a budget, are two tasks that go hand-in-hand. From a practical standpoint, Developers and Facility Managers require a budgeting in order to determine the economic viability of their projects.

Research

The first step in the research process is to collect all available data. Greenwood & Moore, Inc. (G&M) will meet with a Developer or a Facility Manager to review existing documentation and discuss the initial goals for the project.

Before G&M can perform any design work on a project research must be performed to identify the specific development requirements. Many municipalities throughout the State have similar approval processes; however, the specific development requirements can change substantially from one City/County to the next. This is why it is vitally important that we research the specific development requirements for each particular project.

When performing research for a project, G&M will contact some or all of the following departments/agencies, depending upon the size, complexity and location of the project.

Planning/Zoning Department
Fire Department
Building Department
Public Works Department
Building Department
Other Agencies and Departments

These departments are CRITICAL to all commercial projects. It is vitally important that each department be contacted in order to fully understand the development requirements for the project.

The information that is obtained during this phase will be used for the following:

Development of Project Design Parameters
Preliminary Design/Development Fees
Preliminary Project Schedule

In the next blog, we will continue on with Phase One - Research and Budgeting (see below for list of all phases) and dive deep into the most important agency associated with any project. The Planning & Zoning department.

Don’t Want to Wait?

If you don't want to wait for the monthly articles, we invite you to join our mailing list. As a member, you can download your FREE copy of our Commercial Design and Development Handbook immediately! This handbook is the basis for this blog series.

You Are Here
Phase 1 – Research and BUDGET!
Phase 2 – Initial “Go” - “No Go” Decision
Phase 3 – Preliminary Design
Phase 4 – Land Use (Entitlement) Approval
Phase 5 – Final “Go” - “No Go” Decision
Phase 6 – Construction Documents
Phase 7 – Building Permits
Phase 8 – Construction Administration

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