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The first phase of any project is the design development stage. It is a crucial step in ensuring a project’s success. The design development process is collaborative and involves the architects, engineers, owners, and project managers. It’s during this phase that schematics are finalized, on-site assessments are performed, specifications are drafted, and construction materials are selected. Arguably the most important step in this process is the assessment. This is where we collect our data, establish existing construction systems, and begin to establish our design solutions.

No project is the same, and each comes with its own set of obstacles. At Elements, we're focused on understanding your goals and the conditions we're working with to determine the most logical path to success. By honing in on every detail, we can foresee any potential hindrances before they come to light and we can get ahead of them. This could mean any potential design discrepancies that might not comply with building codes, energy efficiency guidelines, etc. Provided with this knowledge and considering all possible factors, what is the most efficient/practical solution and what are the associated costs?

There are many factors to take into account when estimating the total cost of a project. The first step in the process is establishing a comprehensive scope of work. The project team members must work together during the design development stage to produce a design that reflects the economic desires of the owner. Once the scope of work is agreed upon, cost estimates can be forecasted and reviewed by the project team. Upon review, the team can prioritize and work to adjust the scope to meet the projects desired budget. A project’s life is dependent on its budget, bringing a project to fruition means the team members have an in-depth understanding of the expected ultimate cost of a project. Cost estimation serves as a guide during the design development phase, taking into account each component of the project. There are costs associated with labor, materials, schedule, and facilities logistics unique to each project. Provided with an initial cost estimate the owner can determine whether the project moves forward or if alterations to the scope of work must be made.

However, trimming down the scope of work and saving on costs is not always the best solution. The high cost of all these factors might make it wise to invest more money now as a long-term solution. But what if you're thinking of selling in a few years? What if your immediate funds call for a short-term solution and you plan to fundraise and budget in the future for a longer fix? The value in Elements Management is in our depth of knowledge and ability to guide our clients through this complicated process by truly understanding the unique goals of each of our clients. We'll do a lifecycle cost analysis to find the most cost-effective solution, whether you're looking long-term or short. Whether you're looking to do it for the long-term life of the building or a quick and effective short-term fix, we're there to help guide those decisions.

We specialize in finding our clients the most accurate cost assessments by relying on our extensive network of trusted contractors to ensure you'll get the highest quality of work for the best price. The most reliable way to know a ballpark figure is to request an array of estimates. At the end of the day, estimates are just estimates, which is why we err on the high side of caution and ask for best-case scenario pricing. We give our contractors enough detailed information so they're able to give us a number they're comfortable working within. This helps to give our clients a realistic price range at the very start.

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Creating a project budget that works is a skill that takes time and practice to master. We have the proven skills and depth of understanding to help find the best solution to fit your unique needs.