What is important in budgeting a design project?

Within each system listed, a needs analysis should be performed before the design starts. This refines the requirements and extent of each system. In addition, it helps produce a more accurate quote for design services.

What type of structure is being built? A system in a manufacturing plant is developed completely different than a highrise office building. An apartment complex can reuse the same templates for each building, thus saving time and money.

Economies of scale work with design projects. A very small project still requires the basics; specifications, drawings, meetings, conference calls and construction administration. Therefore, a small project would have a higher percentage of construction costs.

Is this a design and build project? If it is, then there could be substantial discounts on the design portion.

Costs to produce drawings in 3D in programs like Revit will be higher than in 2D in AutoCAD.

What is the density of each system? In other words, is this a call center with two data drops every 40 square feet or is this a warehouse with one drop every 400 square feet?

Where is the project located? Some parts of the country are more expensive than others. Some rural areas may require travel due to availability of the field resources which could increase cost.

Type of environment will impact price. Class A Office, Distribution Center, Manufacturing, Retail, Indoor vs. Outdoor could all impact overall cost.

Projects being installed with a Union Labor requirement will be more expensive than projects without the requirement. Some projects require a prevailing wage to be paid to a technician which can also increase costs.

Permitting varies from state to state and city to city. One city may not require anything more than an application form to receive a permit, while others may want full engineered drawings that go through a plan review process. The full set of engineered drawings carries a substantial price tag that elevates the overall system cost. Another consideration is the time required if the review process is a requirement.

New construction will typically be less expensive than renovation.

Local codes can drive cost as they vary in requirement. For instance, in some locations across the U.S. all overhead cable must run in conduit while others can be supported with J-Hooks in the ceiling.

Pathways can contribute greatly to overall system costs. Costs of core holes sizing and cutting slab for conduits needs to be considered in your budgeting process.

What type of structure is being built? A system in a manufacturing plant is developed completely different than a high rise office building. An apartment complex can reuse the same templates for each building; this saves design time and costs.

Normal working hours will be less expensive than after hours or weekends.