By: David J. Rintz, Regional Vice President — Multi-Family
Early collaboration between general contractors and developers is key to successful multi-family developments. By getting involved during the conceptual and pre-construction phases, we help our partners make informed decisions, streamline planning, and set the stage for a smooth build.
Conceptual Estimating Phase
When developers come to us with a new project, we don’t need a fully detailed plan to begin. Multi-family projects often start with a simple concept, and with just the basic metrics like square footage, unit count, height, and footprint, we can begin to create a plan.
While every project has unique characteristics, the core structure of multi-family developments follow similar patterns. That consistency allows us to quickly generate a conceptual budget, giving developers the ballpark pricing they need to make early decisions.
Pre-Construction Phase
As we move from the conceptual estimating phase into the pre-construction phase, we refine the pricing and bring in our project team members to guide the project along as
it progresses toward contract. At this point, we often engage subcontractors for design-build elements such as MEPs, framing, or precast concrete.
Early involvement from our project management team is one of the biggest advantages we offer developers. Long before construction begins, our project managers are already visualizing the build, identifying potential challenges, and planning logistics. With this head start, they’re able to solve problems before they occur.
This proactive approach, backed by our vast experience, means we’re not just reacting—we’re anticipating. By the time construction begins, we’re well ahead of the curve, helping our partners move forward with confidence.