Services

SCHEDULING:

We provide scheduling services ranging from the development of high-level project and construction schedules, to as-built schedules; we possess forensic scheduling capabilities as well. We have in-house skills and tools to perform probability based schedule risk analyses and utilize them to conduct further impact analyses of various design options, scrutinize schedule logic, track and analyze schedule modifications, and monitor project progress against goals.

BUDGETING:

Budgets are updated during all phases of the project. To avoid BIG SURPRISES we diligently monitor job progress and provide updated budgets based on current knowledge. Every effort is made to avoid drastic changes in budgets. We have developed an in-house, access-based program that allows us to effectively capture all project related soft and hard costs, if necessary.

COST ESTIMATING:

Greystone West Company can provide conceptual estimates prior to construction and detailed estimates during construction. We have several Quantity Surveyors who are thoroughly trained in estimating practices and provide detailed quantity take-offs and estimates. We estimate in CSI format. Our extensive relationships with the contractor and subcontractor communities give us access to information about the latest developments in labor and material pricing.

DOCUMENT CONTROL:

Greystone West Company believes that document control is an integral part of project quality control. We will create and maintain a filing system consistent with the Owner’s Requests for Information, Architectural Supplemental Instructions, Proposal Requests, Change Orders, Submittals, Contract Drawings, Daily Work Reports, and any other such items desired by the Owner.

DOCUMENT PROCESS – CONSTRUCTABILITY REVIEWS:

Our process of plan checking construction documents begins with a detailed cost estimate. Our staff has years of experience as professional cost estimators for larger Bay Area general contractors. Each has bid hundreds of projects, giving them the advantage of looking at the documents from a contractor’s perspective and providing insight that few construction management firms can match.

By preparing an estimate exactly as if we were bidding the project, we identify missing or conflicting information that often results not only in higher bids, but also in change orders during construction. Because we perform a quantity survey of every trade, we can often identify conflicts or omissions between the disciplines; for example the exhaust fan that has no electrical connection or the catch basin that conflicts with the location of the concrete foundation.

Contractors respond to ambiguity in one of two ways. They either add money to cover the perceived risk or use it as an opportunity to prey on the Owner with change order requests. Our goal is to assist the architect and engineers to produce a set of documents that are detailed and complete in every respect.

These Constructability Reviews result in a redlined set of drawings and specifications, and a list of recommended plan revisions that are ultimately welcomed by the designers as valuable feedback by a “second set of eyes.”.

DOCUMENT PROCESS – VALUE ENGINEERING:

At Greystone West Company, Value Engineering is not just a cost cutting technique, but rather a method to maintain the quality and functionality of the project while working within established budget constraints. We prepare a cost model that defines the costs associated with each element of the project. This analysis ensures that dollars are being spent on the elements that are the most important to the Owner. Every effort is made to verify that each element provides the maximum “value” to the project in terms of cost but without sacrificing appearance and durability.