The Design - Build Concept

Silver City Builders is dedicated to providing the very best VALUE to our clients. VALUE consists of professional service, quality construction and timely adherence to schedules, delivered at the most competitive price possible.

Our experience with many repeat customers indicates that this is best achieved in a spirit of teamwork where the OWNER, architect, and Silver City are dedicated to achieving the very best VALUE for every construction dollar spent.

Silver City Builders has developed a process for achieving these results, which involves the procedure known as the DESIGN/BUILD CONCEPT.

This process involves four stages of activity; all geared to achieving exceptional results through cooperative collaboration between the three team members, with Silver City Builders providing the team leadership.

Stage 1: Design Development & Conceptual Estimating

Silver City Builders and the Architect work with the Owner to determine the desired outcomes of the project. These would include cost, functional and space requirements, aesthetic considerations and local government requirements. Once a preliminary layout is decided upon, the Architect, with input from Silver City Builders on Value Analysis of materials and construction methods, prepares a first cut set on one line drawings which include site plan, floor plans, simple elevations, and cross sections. From this very simple layout, Silver City Builders will develop the first conceptual estimate.

Using the first conceptual estimate and single line drawings, the team will establish the criteria for inclusion in the next set of Design Development Drawings. The next set of drawings will contain more detail and include any changes determined from Value Analysis that results from the first conceptual estimate.

Upon completion of the Design Development Drawings, the team will again work together to determine any additional factors which should be included and Silver City Builders will provide Value Analysis to achieve the very best design to meet the needs of the Owner. This activity will result in the next conceptual estimate.

Stage 2: Development of Project Documents - Conceptual Estimating

Upon review of the conceptual estimate, the team will advance to the establishment of project drawings. Detail, including the input of the Architect's consultants, will be added to the drawings and outline specifications will be prepared. The team will work together to continually analyze the work to assure the process achieves the VALUE that is expected. At this stage, the plans are about 65% complete and a final conceptual estimate is prepared to check adherence to the budget.

Stage 3: Project Bidding and Establishment of Guaranteed Maximum Price

Upon review of the conceptual estimate, the Architect, with continuous input from Silver City Builders, completes the Construction Documents and the project is formally bid out. This process establishes the Cost of the Work, Silver City Builder's Fee is added and results in a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP), which will be within the previously agreed upon budgets established from the conceptual estimating.

Silver City Builders bids the project to an in depth list of Subcontractors and Suppliers who have been carefully selected to provide VALUE to the project. The Owner is invited to participate in the bidding and all facets of the process are on an "Open Book" basis. Each major bid item will have at least 3 qualified bidders.

Stage 4: Construction Phase

The contract document is a standard AIA Contract No. A111 and included savings incentives for the Owner and Contractor. The team continues to work, during the construction period to save money on the project. This is done by on the job Value Analysis, purchasing expertise and careful management of the project.

At the end of the project, the Owner is invited to audit all documents pertaining to the project at Silver City Builder's offices.

Silver City Builders can supply numerous references of satisfied clients who have taken advantage of the Design/Build process. We would welcome your business and the opportunity of working with you and your construction team