Construction type and materials comparison help

[Jonathan Orr]

Looking for suggestions BP

I am doing a commercial project that I will break ground in the coming months. In working with the GC we have chosen, we have been able to reduce some costs to maximize profitability. That being said, with the current market costs and conditions I have been brainstorming on going with a totally different construction type for future projects. I don’t know if I am looking in the right places but I wanted to see if anyone has suggestions of where or what type of group/firm would help me evaluate and compare costs of going with a different building system, such as metal vs CMU vs tilt up or comparing roof systems and breaking down the pros and cons etc. I realize this can differ per geographical areas and city restrictions but I want a jumping off point if there is a general cost saving for tilt up or for another type of material. It seems to me that GCs just want to bid on plans and architects want to be told what to draw. I need a firm that can take a larger view at a scenario and help me break down the potential for future projects. In your opinion am I looking for a construction management company? Or should I ask for something specific? Or just find a GC who will go through that exercise? Any help pointing me into a direction is appreciated. I have a full set of CDs that can be the base model since the scope and use will be similar for other projects. Any recommendations of who to look for and what to ask would be appreciated.

[Damon Owens]

First off, I’ve worked in commercial construction for ~20 years. I’m managed over $500M in construction projects, so I have a little experience in this arena. 
A good commercial GC is in tune with local costs of various construction types and materials. They’ll also be able to conceptually estimate your project based on information you provide. For material types or methods they’re less familiar with, they’ll be able to reach out to local subs and get that information. Now, GC’s aren’t mind readers so the more effort you put into defining your concept the better they’ll be at estimating it. Sometimes you need to search a little to find the right one as some GC’s want plans and specs before providing cost feedback, but other ones will work with you on your concept.