Plante Moran CRESA will help you plan a real estate strategy so you can understand all of your alternatives. If the right decision is to construct a new facility, we will guide you through the complicated construction planning process while you remain focused on your core business.

These services include space programming and needs assessment, conceptual planning and financial modeling, zoning analysis, building code analysis, energy and utility usage analysis, existing facility condition assessment, delivery methods, cost estimating, financing, and funding.

The independent advice we provide our clients throughout this process enables our clients to make fully informed decisions and to have a well- thought-out plan prior to beginning construction.

Advantages and Disadvantages

There are numerous ways to structure a project such as Design-Build, Construction Manager, Multiple Primes to name a few. Each has its advantages and disadvantages. Plante Moran CRESA will help you uncover all of your options, point out the risks and help you make a smart decision.

Plante Moran CRESA utilizes a detailed process and proven tools for design and construction team selection and contract negotiation. Our proprietary approach utilizes a criteria-based selection process based on qualitative and quantitative data, which provides a complete comparison of architect/engineers' and contractors' weighted selection criteria and data.

Our project-specific contract language and general conditions ensure that our clients are protected. A review and acceptance by service providers is a condition of responding to our request for proposals. These documents are designed to transfer and mitigate owner's risk by requiring much greater A/E or contractor accountability. Having the A/E or contractor agree to the terms and conditions at this early step streamlines the negotiating process.

Plante Moran CRESA’s multidisciplinary team of professionals, including in-house architects and engineers, reviews and validates the current design development drawings with a responsibility solely to our client. During the design and construction document phase, Plante Moran CRESA’s architects and engineers review the documents on a regular basis to coordinate design activities among key design disciplines. 

Plante Moran CRESA will also coordinate budget verification, construction sequencing, and phasing, as well as implement value engineering reviews in conjunction with the construction management team. This process reduces costs and results in a more efficient construction project while reducing change orders down the road.

At the beginning of the project, Plante Moran CRESA establishes an accurate budget that is essential to maintain the confidence that your program is being well run and managed. Part of this process includes planning for uncertainties, particularly in a large renovation project. Typically, these projects include program contingencies that are well defined and stringently managed.

Plante Moran CRESA manages the design process to minimize the introduction of added scope. We also continuously monitor the status of the project, including providing a thorough review of all proposed changes.

A process that effectively minimizes change

Project change is inevitable. However, diligent efforts must be put forth to minimize these costly changes. Increased scope and unforeseen building and project conditions can add cost and time to a project, which can pose a serious threat to your organization.

Plante Moran CRESA utilizes a detailed process for changes. We evaluate the changes, possible solutions, pricing, and schedule alterations to minimize a negative impact on your project.

As a program evolves into the construction phase, the timely flow of information becomes critical.  As questions and/or field issues arise, they must be addressed.  Our field supervision team becomes the hub in this process.  With constant communication and a continued clear understanding of all project issues, we effectively manage the process to keep your schedule on track.  We will also review the project as it is constructed to ensure the scheduled progress remains on track, the work installed is in conformance to the contract documents, and that the necessary inspections are performed.  

Business will not wait for an organization to pack up and move. This process must be seamless and transparent to your daily operations. Plante Moran CRESA has extensive experience relocating organizations and uses a proven process which time and time again yields successful results. Security and the protection of confidential files are a critical element in this plan