No one willingly pays more for a
service or product than they have to. But that's exactly what
happens to countless homeowners who have plans completed before
consulting with PSG Construction in the critical design/development
stages of the project.
Catering
to the clients' needs in the early stages of a remodeling or
new home project is what PSG Construction is geared to do with
The PSG Process ©. PSG has developed a seven-step system
that takes clients through the remodeling process in a thoroughly
planned out, more cost-effective way.
The PSG Process © serves several purposes. It can:
- Maximize clients' peace of mind
during the course of the project
- Potentially save clients thousands
of dollars in the design/development stages
- Save money during the course
of the project
- Help clients reach their desired
goals without making disappointing compromises during the course
of the project
- Create a more rewarding and
successful project
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"We
couldn't have done this project
without PSG's planning."
--Joe and Margaret Simonds
"It's
frustrating for clients to approach us with drawings they are
ready to proceed with, thinking the project will cost "X"
number of dollars because the architect has estimated it that
way. The client is shocked to find out their project will really
cost much more than they anticipated. The client becomes skeptical
and discouraged," Stephen Gidus explains.
"This
is an unfortunate waste of time and money. The client has paid
for drawings and plans they can't use because the project is
actually over budget. So they have to pay more money for the
project to be revised, or they are forced to begin the design
process again with an entirely new concept."
This
doesn't mean the architect has knowingly misled them. But Stephen
maintains that homeowners should only get an estimate for construction
costs from the remodeler. "The remodeler knows his business
best," Stephen says.
PSG
maintains that a project is most successful when clients secure
their remodeler, architect and even interior designer at the
beginning of the project so that all professionals can work with
each other in developing a successful plan for the client.
PSG
Construction developed The PSG Process © because
they believe the remodeler's input is critical to the success
of a project. They also worked with too many frustrated clients
over the course of their business, and wanted to address these
recurring concerns.
The
PSG Process © includes seven steps: 1. Feasibility
Study 2. Preliminary Design Review 3. Project Specifications
4. Final Agreement 5. Production Mobilization 6. Construction
and 7. Post Construction.
"PSG's
Pre-Construction Services gave
us a clear picture of what we were
getting into. This is the best way to do it."
--Beth Lu
The
Feasibility Study Helps Develop a Realistic First Budget
In this first step, meetings take place during which PSG Construction
addresses the client's desired goals, scope of work, and budget.
A very basic Conceptual Plan, Specifications and Budget are prepared.
"The
Feasibility Study gives our clients a real understanding of what
their investment in the project will be," explains Stephen.
"The client has tangible information for making an educated
decision regarding their project."
The Preliminary Design Review Brings Focus to the Project
PSG Design Services are retained during this step or a PSG Preferred
architect is retained. A Preliminary Plan is developed and reviewed.
At this stage, the engineer and key subcontractors are consulted
for input on the preliminary design, as needed. Desired products
are addressed and a Preliminary Budget is established.
Working
Drawings Are Initiated in the Project Specifications Step
At this point, the Client has approved the Preliminary Design
and a Preliminary Budget has been established. Clients also receive
the Product Selection Outline, which is a comprehensive outline
of all of the products that the client and interior designer
will need to select. A listing of PSG's preferred suppliers and
their showroom locations is included. Clients use this valuable
outline to select products for their project - from cabinetry
and plumbing fixtures to flooring and counter surfaces.
"The Product Selection Outline was most helpful in giving
us an idea of what we had to accomplish for the project,"
say clients Joe and Margaret Simonds. "We couldn't have
done this project without PSG's planning."
Once
plans are 95% complete, a Bid Conference is conducted at the
project site with key subcontractors and suppliers. This Conference
is one of the most important parts of the process because it
readies the team for construction.
"This
is the most exciting stage for our clients," Stephen explains.
"The architectural plans are 95% complete and we are ready
to meet all the key subcontractors and suppliers at the project
site. We start at 7 or 8 a.m. at the client's house and schedule
the subcontractors and suppliers in 1/2 hour increments. We introduce
our team to the client, review the scope of work, analyze the
client's goals again and make necessary modifications."
A
Ground Breaking Date is Set During the Final Agreement Step
Final revisions are made to the Working Drawings and a final
Budget is established and approved. A ground breaking date can
then be set and final preparations can be made to begin construction.
Introduction
of the Production Team occurs in the Production Mobilization
step, with a Pre-Construction Meeting conducted on-site,
and the site being prepared for construction. The scope of work
is carried out in the Construction step, and the project
is finalized in Post Construction, which includes completing
the Final Punch List and a One Year Follow-up.
"If
we hadn't used The PSG Process ©
we would have ended up
compromising on things later and
would have been really disappointed."
--Kathy Rapprich
"So
much critical work takes place before construction even begins,"
Stephen points out. "When clients invest in The PSG Process
©, they are eliminating the assumptions that might
be made, things left undone, things not discussed, wasted money
and mistakes made during the construction stage."
The
PSG Process © allows the project to be completely
pre-planned so that the client gets the best possible investment
for their money.
Maximizing
the Potential of the Investment, Avoiding Unforeseen Disappointments
"If
we hadn't used The PSG Process ©, we would have ended up compromising
on things later and would have been really disappointed because
we would have run out of money," says client Kathy Rapprich.
She and her husband, Frank, originally wanted to enclose their
patio to gain more space. But with the help of The PSG Process
©, they were able to come up with an alternative
plan that allowed them to keep their patio and gain the space
they needed in a less expensive way. "If we had done it
the way we originally planned it, I wouldn't have gotten the
cabinets, wood floors, or granite countertops I wanted. It would
have been too expensive," Kathy says.
"But
with The PSG Process ©, we were able to come up with a different
way of getting the space we needed without adding on to the house.
I still got the cabinets, flooring and countertops I wanted,
and we didn't need to enclose the patio. I'm glad we didn't enclose
it now, because I enjoy the patio! If we hadn't made the decisions
up front with The PSG Process ©
, I wouldn't have gotten
what I really wanted."
"Our
philosophy is to build it twice," says Stephen. "We
build it first on paper, then in the field. This gives us a more
precise picture. It doesn't cost the client any extra to correct
a mistake on paper."
"The
PSG Process © has been overwhelmingly successful,"
Stephen reports. "Our clients have a greater level of comfort,
they experience far less stress during the project, and know
what their investment is going to be." Stephen sums up the
value of these unique services by saying, "When a client
is investing thousands of dollars in a project, The PSG Process © becomes a small but sound investment
in itself.PSG
