General Contractors need to know how a prefabricated system can accelerate their time allotted to the building envelope while understanding the possibilities of reduced delays or callbacks due to construction quality control issues, and of increased predictability regarding overall timeline and labor productivity. General Contractors also need to know to what extent their involvement will be required in installation and other on-site coordination, and how to still maintain their profit margins with this newly subcontracted element to their process. Ultimately, builders have the opportunity to understand where prefabrication can help them complete more projects in a building season leading to business growth and financial success. Our process with builders generally follows the following structure:
1. Initial Conversation
It all starts with an initial conversation so we can learn why you or your clients became interested in prefabricated high performance construction methods and where to take the conversation from there. We’ll talk about where and when the project is hoping to start construction, the budget and client goals for the project, and some ballpark numbers for a few different scope options.
2. Drawing Review
A more in-depth conversation will allow us to have an open discussion of various challenges or uncertainties that require clarification before panel assemblies, scope, and more detailed pricing can be provided. At this point, any early designs should have plan, section, and elevation drawings available to send to us on or after the meeting.
3. Introduction to the Architect, Client, or other key team members
A dedicated conversation with as many stakeholders as possible helps us ensure that our material choices, scope, and estimated timeline is satisfying the needs of all team members. This integrated design approach allows us to be more accurate, and while this meeting does not need to result in a solution for everything, the establishment of a working relationship will help the entire process run more smoothly.
4. Definition of Scope
Depending on labor and subcontractor availability and the needs of the project timeline, we will work to define a scope that takes maximum advantage of the benefit provided by a prefabricated building envelope. The definition of scope, panel assemblies, responsibilities for structure and site work, and the process for transitions between site and prefab crews will help us produce a relevant quote for the project.
5. Preliminary Pricing
After modeling the building in 3D using Cadwork and applying the material and labor requirements for the chosen scope, we will produce and deliver a highly accurate preliminary quote for consideration by you or in some cases, directly by the building owner.
6. Contract Signing and Design Review
A signed contract and a 10% deposit paid to Collective Carpentry will initiate the design review process through which our design team will produce a full set of drawings for your project for signoff by the architect and engineer on the project. This is typically a process of 3-6 weeks during which strong and efficient communication will help efficiently bring the project closer to production scheduling. During this time, it is useful to have your input on any major penetrations to the building envelope which can be built into the panels to save time and airsealing work on site. A revised estimate represents any changes to the structural or other requirements as determined by the architect and engineer.
7. Production
Production is scheduled only once the review drawing process is complete. Our goal is to schedule a production window well in advance of the completion of sitework such that our production is not holding up the progress of the project. Production begins with a 50% deposit and is completed within the communicated timeline, with storage following an early production completion. Confirmation of delivery schedule, material staging and storage on site, delivery coordination, site delivery preparations, and installation timeline are completed at this time.
8. Delivery and Install
Once the foundation preparation is complete (and in many cases, first floors are installed and foundations are backfilled), our shop team loads panels, and our install team arrives at the project to complete the install in a carefully sequenced process involving structural and airsealing quality control, and a mix between methodical preparation days and intense and productive crane days. A 30% payment is due at this time. A 4+ member Collective Carpentry crew is provided for each project, although participation by members of the builder’s team can be negotiated in advance, including opportunities for training and future installation work in your region on Collective Carpentry projects.
9. Installation Review
We review our install with your team and set them up for success in maintaining the integrity of the building envelope as you take the project into window installation, plumbing, electrical, and finishing stages. It is at this time that the final 10% payment is made.