Simply put, an achievable budget is cost planning which is the technique developed to ensure that realistic budgets are set. This allows the owner to take a more proactive role in managing the financial side of a project during the design phase.

As a project matures, decisions are frequently made that modify the intent of the original scope of the project. The Sierra West Group keeps the owner and team members informed as to the cost impact of those decisions and makes alternative recommendations, when appropriate, where more economical solutions are available. This timely reporting ensures the ability of the design team and owner to make on-course corrections to maintain the project budget.

SWG has performed estimates at each stage -- Conceptual/Planning Stage, Design Development, and Construction Documentation Stage. Sierra West Group can offer the experience and expertise required to perform and deliver accurate estimates at all stages.
• Sierra West Group has extensive experience in all types of construction estimating. We are familiar with large public works projects and office structures of all types. SWG has participated in cost management services varying from estimating to change orders, in many projects throughout the Western United States.
• Sierra West Group takes its responsibilities seriously in working with the architect and consultants. We communicate with each of them consistently and exchange information and ideas, both on cost estimating and value engineering.
• We have the experience and personnel to complete this project in an accurate and timely manner. We will give each estimate our individual and undivided attention.

The Merced County Courthouse is an excellent example.
Funds were dedicated to the courthouse project with no additional funds available. The design team endeavored to present a design that was original, met the programming criteria, esthetically pleasing to the client, and was within the budget. SWG worked diligently with the design team to establish the budget for the new construction of the courthouse.
From the basic concept of design including all of the design alternatives as they were developed, actual costs were researched to determine the cost impacts. As the design was defined additional estimates were done to assure the budget was still intact. With the constant inflation, quick material studies were completed at various times during the project to keep the owner apprised of changes and to project the total impact at the end of the project.

Sierra West Group is proven key players that will assist in every possible way in the design of this project. We look forward to working with you and ready to go to work.
• Budgeting--Using the cost indexes in conjunction with the data bases Sierra West Group cost managers are able to establish a realistic budget for clients buildings.
• Value Engineering--Major building systems and materials are analyzed to determine the most cost effective way to accomplish a particular goal to meet quality standards at the lowest possible cost. This evaluation gives the building owner the best construction dollar spent while maintaining the project design intent.
• Life Cycle Cost Analysis--Life Cycle Cost Evaluations is Sierra West Group's way to select the best material for long term use at the lowest cost, based upon the operation and maintenance of the item.
• Estimating-- Sierra West Group produces a variety of cost estimates through the development phase of a project. These include the following:

  · Appraisal Schematic
  · Design Development
  · Conceptual Design
  · Schematic Design
  · Metric System
  · Matrix Comparisons
  · Final Design
  · Contractor Estimates
  · Change orders

• Procurement -- Sierra West Group actively and aggressively markets projects to the local construction industry, assuring that project components are prepared correctly and introduced in the most cost effective way.
• Change Order Evaluation -- Change orders can be minimized or prevented through careful preplanning and analysis of documents prior to bidding. Should change orders occur Sierra West Group provides detailed evaluation analysis for the owner's financial impact. Evaluation of the changes in relation to the project budget and schedule are carefully reviewed by Sierra West Group to determine the value to the owner prior to issuing the change to the contractor.
• Project Accounting --A systematic construction cost accounting system is initiated at the start of the project to track the financial status from conceptual budget to final completion and occupancy.