One-Stop Pre-Construction Services In California

FAQ

Some questions & some answers

What is Pre-Construction?

The pre-construction phase includes all elements of a commercial, residential or industrial building project preceding actual construction. Costs vary depending on the type and scope of each project, the site location, state building codes and requirements set by your local planning department. During pre-construction, your team might order a feasibility study, utility assessment, risk assessment and/or geotechnical report to ensure the site can accommodate your building project.

If they identify any potential issues with the site or your plans, your team will propose solutions before proceeding to the next step. The designers, planners and engineers involved in your project will draft plans in accordance with local building codes, consider green building options and determine each project's environmental impact.

They will also provide a clear picture of next steps – advising you on the building materials, permits and workers you will need to get started. During the pre-construction phase, your team will also help set a budget and timeline for the project. This could include ordering or scheduling crucial long lead items.

What Cities Do You Service?

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Do You Offer Virtual Consultations?

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we began offering virtual consultations. We continue to offer virtual estimates for certain projects. Contact us for more information about virtual consultations if needed.

Which Services Do You Offer?

We provide most pre-construction services required for commercial, residential and industrial building projects. These include:

Attached ADU, Detached ADU and JADU Design
‍Architectural Drawings
Structural Drawings from Licensed Engineers
Site Plans
Civil Engineering Plans
MEP Plans
Geotechnical Reports
BIM Modeling
Commercial and Residential Landscape Design
Passive and Active Solar Design
Subdivision Planning
Title 24 and Green Building Compliance

What is the Consultation Process Like?

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Which Team Members Will I Work With During My Project?

Our team includes designers, architects, civil engineers, city planners, structural engineers and other professionals with residential and commercial construction expertise. Not all building projects require assistance from our entire team. During the preliminary consultation, our office will consider the unique needs of your project. Our project managers will ensure the team members assigned to your project are the perfect fit for each and every one of your design goals.

Are You a Design Build Firm?

No, we are not a design build firm. Our team handles the pre-construction process. Of course, our team is always building relationships with other experts in the construction industry. As you enter the construction phase of your project, we can always refer you to general contractors, subcontractors and trade partners we trust.

Are You Familiar with the Wildland Urban Interface Code?

Yes, our team is well-versed in California’s Fire Safety Laws, Rebuilding Requirements and Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) Codes and Standards. Senior Partner Amanda Leigh is particularly familiar with the Wildland Urban Interface Code. For more than twelve years, Amanda Leigh has helped countless clients in areas at risk of wildfires, mudslides and other natural disasters. Our team of designers and engineers will ensure the plans developed and building materials chosen for your project are appropriate for your region.

Will Your Team Conduct Site Visits?

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Can You Help Me Understand Changes to Zoning Regulations?

Over the last few years, many states across the country have considered eliminating single family zoning regulations. Even the federal government has weighed changes to so-called “exclusionary zoning.” Oregon and California have already made major changes – with California Governor Gavin Newsom signing Senate Bill 9 late last year. Senate Bill 9 allows property owners to build as many as four units on land that was previously zoned solely for single family homes.

As certain states – particularly those along the Coasts – search for ways to alleviate their housing crises, zoning rules will probably change even more. With city planning experts on our staff, the team at Element Designers keeps abreast of all upcoming changes to building codes, zoning regulations and other laws.

What Does Project Scope Mean?

The team at Element Designers works with developers, property owners and investors on a variety of commercial and residential building projects. “Project scope” essentially refers to the “playbook” for your construction project. It defines the final product and outlines the schedule, budget, scale and style of your build. The scope of your project will also determine which engineers, designers and other industry professionals are needed.

What is Value Engineering in Construction?

“Value engineering” is a term commonly uttered by real estate developers and investors, but the term translates to most other fields that offer either a product or service. The US General Services Administration – which constructs, manages and preserves government buildings – defines the term on their website.

According to the GSA, value engineering is “an organized effort directed at analyzing designed building features, systems, equipment, and material selections.” The purpose of this analysis is to achieve “essential functions at the lowest life cycle cost consistent with required performance, quality, reliability, and safety.” Much of this analysis occurs during the pre-construction phase.

What is Target Value Design (TVD)?

TVD or Target Value Design is another construction industry term, most commonly implemented by design build firms that work with a client from the concept phase through the construction phase. In general, TVD is a way to control project cost overruns and encourage cost savings. According to the Project Production Systems Laboratory from UC Berkeley, TVD “makes customer constraints (on cost, time, location, and others) drivers for design in pursuit of value delivery.” To accomplish this, project managers “involve key participants early in the project” and “develop goals" in collaboration with these partners. They also “pursue continuous improvement” and “steer design to a target value.”

Do You Offer Renovation or Remodeling Plans?

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What is the Difference Between Permits and Entitlements?

Entitlements and permits are conceptually very similar. In general, permits are granted by your local planning department once it has determined your project plans comply with existing building codes. Because permits are based on your state’s building codes, there is an inflexible standard by which all projects are judged. This makes the permitting process more straightforward than the entitlements process, which can be subject to interpretation.

The entitlements process considers a building’s planned use and its impact on the surrounding community. In certain cities – like San Francisco – the entitlements process might include a period of public commentary, public hearings or planning commission review. Developers often argue that simplifying complex, interpretable entitlements processes would help alleviate housing crises in densely populated cities. Our team can help you navigate both the permits and entitlement process in your area by performing thorough site analyses and drafting appropriate plans.

ELEMENT DESIGNERS

The home of design.

Our services

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ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)

Custom Homes

Duplex

ICF Home

Landscape Design

Multi Unit Homes

Subdivision

How we do what we do.

Get Free Consultation & A Head Start On Your Project

Dedicated Project Manager (PM)

Sketching

Cost Predictability

Finalizing

Ready for Building

WORK GALLERY

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prior clients

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Contact

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Whether you're in the planning or the final stages of your project, don't hesitate to get in touch with us. Or drop by on of our offices and we'll have a cup of coffee and discuss the project.

Amanda Leigh

Bipin Paudel

Glen De Latorre

Michael Montes

Mohammed Moyn Uddin

Rucha Shah

Taylor Hahn

Meet our team

Ready to start your project?

FAQ

Some questions & some answers