EXPLAINING PORTER CONSTRUCTION’S CMAR:
Why It Should Be Considered For Your Next Commercial Build
Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) is a newer approach to typical design/build services and general contractor services. It has the potential to save project owners time and money while enhancing the value of a project, and therefore is worth breaking down in definition and practice.
CMAR Responsibilities During Design
The CMAR comes on board early during the pre-construction /design phase of a large construction project. Having expertise in cost estimating, systems analysis, value engineering, scheduling and procurement, the CMAR works for the owner and has no loyalty to any one contractor, materials supplier or vendor. The CMAR will be bidding out the needed trades to complete a project while looking for the best localized prices, sub-contractor skills and capabilities, and materials availability.
But even before this bidding phase, the CMAR will work with the designers on behalf of the owner to ensure that design, construction, and materials are balanced by cost analyses and feasibility, ensuring value engineering. This quickly finalizes plans and maximizes the owner’s value while still on paper.
Competitive Bidding: Building with Total Transparency
With the CMAR delivery system, general conditions and CMAR fees are agreed upon up front with the owner, fixing the cost for these things at that time. During the bidding of the hard costs, which account for about 90% of the total project, multiple bids are taken and presented to the owner for each and every trade. With all bids presented in their original form, the owner is assured of receiving transparent, competitive pricing for each trade within each locale with no outside influence.
After design is complete and all bids are in and secured, the CMAR will be responsible for the build all the way to project completion. Construction management will already flow smoother as the CMAR has been involved in the project from the beginning and has pre-scheduled many items.
The Advantage of Porter Construction’s CMAR Services
Each and every time Porter Construction’s CMAR is used our clients save money and time, and the final project exceeds their expectations.
- CMAR is an open-book process, providing the best and open pricing for complete transparency.
- Value engineering is incorporated into the design at a time when it maximizes value to our clients while minimizing costs – while things are still on paper.
- Early involvement by CMAR facilitates financial planning and avoids costly, unforeseen delays and redesigns when they are most expensive – during the build.
- Savings from the competitive bid process, value engineering and trades management for seamless timelines revert to the owner, not a General Contractor.
- Taking total responsibility for the construction, CMAR does not require outside or additional personnel to monitor the build.
If you or your organization are considering a new commercial building project or substantial remodeling, contact Porter Construction and talk to us about CMAR. It’s the proven process which protects your budget, value and final satisfaction