Our Process

A structured approach to construction management excellence

Engagement Process

A structured, four-phase approach to construction project oversight ensuring accountability, transparency, and measurable outcomes at every stage.

STEP 1

Contract Execution & Project Initiation

All engagements begin with formal contract execution defining scope, deliverables, timeline, payment terms, and communication protocols. No work commences without signed agreements and documented scope acceptance from all authorized parties.

Scope Definition & Documentation

Detailed service agreement outlining inclusions, exclusions, acceptance criteria, and performance standards with explicit delineation of client responsibilities vs. DGM responsibilities.

Financial Terms & Payment Structure

Fee schedule with deposit requirements, milestone-based billing, and payment terms clearly documented. All compensation tied to defined deliverables and project phases.

Stakeholder Identification & Communication Protocols

Designation of authorized contacts, decision-making authority structure, reporting requirements, and meeting cadence established in writing.

Project Mobilization

Team assignment, access arrangements, document repository setup, and initial kick-off meeting scheduled following contract execution and deposit receipt.

STEP 2

Pre-Construction Planning & Documentation

Comprehensive planning phase establishing project baselines, procurement strategies, risk mitigation protocols, and performance measurement frameworks. All planning deliverables subject to client review and formal acceptance before advancing to execution.

Baseline Schedule Development

Critical path method (CPM) schedule with milestone gates, dependencies, float analysis, and contingency buffers. Schedule approved by client before serving as performance measurement baseline.

Budget Reconciliation & Cost Planning

Detailed cost breakdown, contingency allocation, cost-loaded schedule, and budget tracking framework. Identification of budget gaps, value engineering opportunities, and scope adjustment recommendations.

Procurement Strategy & Contractor Selection

Bidding approach, contractor pre-qualification criteria, evaluation methodology, and procurement timeline. Support for RFP development, bid analysis, and contract negotiation.

Risk Register & Mitigation Planning

Systematic risk identification, probability and impact assessment, mitigation strategies, and contingency planning for schedule, budget, and quality risks.

STEP 3

Active Construction Oversight & Monitoring

Continuous project monitoring with regular reporting, variance analysis, and proactive issue resolution. Performance measured against approved baselines with documented deviations, corrective actions, and stakeholder notifications as contractually required.

Site Supervision & Quality Control

Regular site visits, work verification against specifications, photographic documentation, and quality deficiency identification. Non-conformance reports issued to contractors with corrective action requirements and follow-up verification.

Progress Reporting & Variance Analysis

Monthly (or as contracted) status reports documenting schedule performance, budget tracking, scope changes, risk updates, and upcoming milestones. Variance explanations and recovery plans for deviations exceeding defined thresholds.

Change Order Administration

Formal change order process with scope impact analysis, cost and schedule implications, client approval requirements, and documentation of all modifications to baseline project parameters.

Payment Application Review

Verification of contractor payment requests against completed work, stored materials, and approved change orders. Recommendation for payment approval with supporting documentation and lien waiver collection.

STEP 4

Project Closeout & Documentation Handover

Systematic project closure ensuring all contractual obligations fulfilled, documentation transferred, final payments reconciled, and warranties secured. Client acceptance obtained for all deliverables with formal sign-off completing the engagement.

Substantial Completion & Punch List

Final walkthrough, punch list development, contractor completion tracking, and verification of deficiency correction. Substantial completion certification issued when project meets defined acceptance criteria.

Closeout Documentation Package

As-built drawings, warranties, O&M manuals, test reports, permits, certificates of occupancy, final lien releases, and project correspondence organized and transferred to client.

Financial Reconciliation

Final budget vs. actual report, closeout of all change orders, contractor final payment recommendations, and client billing reconciliation. All financial transactions documented with supporting invoices and approvals.

Lessons Learned & Project Archive

Post-project review documenting successes, challenges, process improvements, and recommendations for future projects. Complete project file archived and accessible for warranty claims or future reference.

Payment Structure

Transparent, milestone-based billing aligned with project deliverables and performance verification

Contract Execution Deposit

Timing: Due upon contract signing, before project mobilization.
Amount: Typically 25-35% of total professional fees (varies by project scope and duration).
Purpose: Secures resource allocation, initiates team assignment, and covers initial planning phase costs including document review, stakeholder interviews, and baseline development.

Milestone-Based Progress Payments

Timing: Invoiced monthly or upon achievement of defined project milestones (per contract terms).
Amount: Prorated based on services rendered, deliverables completed, and project phase progression.
Verification: Each invoice supported by progress report documenting completed activities, deliverables submitted, and percentage completion against scope. Client approval of milestone completion required before billing.

Final Payment & Closeout

Timing: Due upon project completion, final deliverable acceptance, and client sign-off.
Amount: Remaining balance (typically 10-15% of total fee) held until project closure and documentation handover.
Conditions: Final payment released following: (1) Substantial completion certification, (2) Closeout documentation transfer, (3) Financial reconciliation approval, and (4) Client acceptance of all contractual deliverables.

Additional Terms & Conditions

  • Payment Terms: Net 30 days from invoice date unless otherwise specified in service agreement.
  • Scope Changes: Additional services outside original contract scope billed separately via change order with client approval prior to execution.
  • Reimbursable Expenses: Direct project costs (permits, testing, specialty consultants) passed through at cost with prior client authorization and supporting documentation.
  • Payment Delays: Failure to remit payment within terms may result in work suspension pending account resolution, as outlined in contract provisions.

Structured Process. Measurable Outcomes.

Our four-phase engagement model provides institutional clients with transparent project oversight, documented accountability, and milestone-based delivery. Schedule a consultation to discuss how our process aligns with your project requirements and governance standards.

Schedule Consultation

All engagements formalized through comprehensive service agreements with defined scope, deliverables, and payment terms.