A necessary part of construction planning is the project budget. This applies especially toward roll out construction projects. But what makes this type of construction project different and what does it take to plan and understand roll out construction budgets?
For franchises, or corporations with more than one location, it is a good goal to have consistently branded locations. This means more than just matching signage – it means creating a consistent 3-dimensional experience for customers and visitors across the various locations. This applies to interior construction and furnishings as well as signage.
The way this branding construction experience is handled typically starts with the flagship or corporate location. This is designed and constructed by an architect and builder, and when approved by the client, the construction is “rolled out” to subsidiary locations. Budgeting is critical, as it is in all construction projects, however in the cases of roll outs, the multiple locations must be considered in the branding process.
A good first step for branding and roll out construction, for those receiving it, is to get input from various team staff, in order to identify spacial and other requirements. Of course the size of this team depends on the size of the company. Since the monetary aspect is so critical for the project, the CFO or financial representative needs to be involved as well.
Project needs and objectives will be very important to the project, so they will require upfront definition and good documentation. Conditions of the specific locations should be considered in this planning stage. For example permits and code requirements, as well as safety specifications, will need to be addressed – a good construction company can help with these.
From needs and objectives scope should be defined – although budget is a critical factor in this mix as well. Design build consultants and/or architects can help you define and understand the scope and how it works with the budget. Likewise, these designers or architects can start providing models or renderings within the scope for your review. And identifying the design can help establish the budget.
Engineers are also important to get involved at the scope and budget stages of the project. At that point, you can nail down the budget, set the timeline and request bids from builders to identify contractor costs for all the project details.
Once the initial design stage is approved, you should get final design and budgets approved. All the decision makers at this point should understand and be fully on board with the project. There should be an important stakeholder meeting including architects, engineers, builders, etc. to review the project and resolve any issues to reduce project risk.
Because this all applies to roll out construction project budgets, decisions will have to be made upfront whether the same builder, or separate builders across the locations, will be used. This will also affect budgets and timelines, so they have to be accounted for in advance and planned for. It’s good to have a builder with the reach and consistency to be able to build roll out construction projects across locations simultaneously.
It’s also necessary to have all your regulations documents, contracts signed and permits. They will need to be kept in a specific, known location and well organized. Paperwork such as permits will need to be submitted early on so they’re ready as needed. Delays can be avoided if paperwork is all handy and finished. Meetings during the pre-construction stage should be attended and documented – also the site should be visited regularly for progress – all so the project can move forward as planned. All of this helps eliminates risks and potential changes to the plans.
The actual construction will be the longest time taking stage of the project. Any potential change orders should be well documented – before and after implementation. Stakeholders should continue to be involved and made aware – and those contributing to the construction should be held to their tasks and timelines. It is also important to keep track of materials and deliverables to control costs and project accuracy – this can be valuable to any inspections and warranties.
Want more? Read about Buildrite’s roll out construction services.