Development
Putting projects on track, and keeping them there.
Guiding a real estate project in the right direction, right from the beginning, is imperative to the project's timely and profitable completion. The D&F Group skillfully navigates projects through the often confusing and sometimes intimidating maze of development processes – anticipating pitfalls and problems, preventing them before they have a chance to happen. Members of the D&F team have been involved with some of the largest and most ambitious urban revitalization projects in the country and clients have relied again and again on our skills in bringing those and countless other projects to successful finalization.
Among the real estate development services we provide are:
- Teamwork Works.
We are experienced real estate project managers and as such, ensure every detail is completed according to specifications. As the team leader, we assemble and effectively manage the professional team most qualified for the specific project. As a team player, D&F assists the existing group of professionals with real estate development experience and skills.
- Success By Design.
As project program requirements are refined, a project schedule is established, and project design concepts are developed and analyzed using a comprehensive approach. Properly analyzing occupant needs, and the context in which the building will function, provides invaluable direction in designing the architectural, structural and mechanical systems.
- Obtaining Entitlements.
Very often, our projects require a change of zone, variances, site plan approvals and/or a myriad of other entitlement approvals from the municipalities in which we develop. Our extensive experience in obtaining those approvals has helped guide our projects expeditiously through what is often times a challenging development process.
- Procuring Financing. Entitlements.
Perhaps the most challenging aspect in the development process is navigating the process of obtaining financing. This includes having a thorough understanding of our development budgets and determining what source of financing is best suited for a particular project. The D&F Group has extensive experience in obtaining both as-of-right as well as competitive Section 42 tax credits from both New York State and New York City housing agencies. In addition, we have developed strong relationships with a number of equity and debt providers constantly seeking and providing the best terms for our projects.
- Pre-Construction Management.
We oversee the development and coordination of design, the approval process, and the preparation of bid documents. We manage the pre-qualification, bidding, bid analysis and contractor selection processes. Finally, we negotiate the construction agreements, and supervise the preparation of the contract documents.
- Engineering Evaluation Ensures Quality.
We supervise a thorough value engineering process ensuring that the components purchased for a building are of the highest quality, efficient and environmental standards. Throughout the design process, various alternatives are tracked, tabulated, and bid alternates are solicited and evaluated. Building systems are evaluated on the basis of first cost, lifecycle cost, performance and quality.
- On Track Construction Administration.
As an owner's representative or program manager, we coordinate and oversee the entire construction process, from commencement through commissioning, in accordance with owner requirements. Clear communication and cooperation within the project team is maintained through a regimen of project meetings conducted by the D&F Construction Group. We supervise the bidding and negotiation of subcontracts for labor and materials. Work progress and issues are carefully tracked and documented. We also coordinate controlled inspections, testing, submittal and product reviews, utility and local authority approvals, specialized system requirements, and the owner's furniture, fixtures and equipment. We direct the completion of work to ensure adherence to contract documents and resolve claims, change orders and other issues in the owner's best interest.
- Building Commissioning
Throughout the design and construction phases, we carefully address the requirements for future operation, maintenance and environmental responsibility. We ensure that "as built" documents and system manuals are comprehensive, well organized and submitted in a timely manner. We assist in both the training of key on-site personnel and the coordination of the start-up and the testing of the various building systems. The preparation and completion of "punchlist" work is managed diligently.