iBDM

CONTRACTOR SELECTION

When it comes to hiring the contractor the owner typically has two choices:

NEGOTIATION
You may have already selected a contractor

based on qualifications, capabilities and/or

referrals. If this is the case, the contractor

will put the drawings out to bid with multiple

subcontractors at this time. Typically, 90%

of the project is competitively bid. The contractor

will then select the best bids from the

subcontractors, and put together

an overall project bid. The owner can then negotiate the termswith the contract including their fee and if there is a guarantee max price.

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BIDDING
If you did not get a contractor involved in the design phase, the next step is putting the drawings and specification out to bid with two or more contractors. We will help preselect contractors who are a good fit for your project. We will then assist the owner inevaluate the contractor’s bids. Please note bidding is still an option even if you selected a contractor during the design process. However, if you end up selecting another contractor, it is customary to pay the contractor for the time they put up front in the design.

WHICH METHOD IS BETTER?
There are positives and negatives to both processes. Either way, it’s important to determine the method of contractor selection early in the process. HMH can help you determine which method is right for you.

PERMITTING
During this phase, the project is submitted to the local building department for a plan check, which is the process by which city agencies review the submitted documents for compliance to the zoning and regulation codes. The owner will be required to pay a fee to the city when the documents are submitted. The time frame varies depending on your project’s size, complexity and the speed of the local jurisdiction.

GOAL: TO GET PRICING FROM A CONTRACTOR TO SET THE COST OF THE PROJECT AND OBTAIN A BUILDING PERMIT.