What is Early Contractor Involvement (ECI)?

Hello! This is Episode 362, and in it, I’m sharing what to do if you’re not using the PAC Process - or Paid As Consultant Process - but still want to ensure you don’t get massively disappointed when your project gets priced before you start construction.

Perhaps you still want to competitively tender your project? Or you’ve found out about the PAC Process too far into your project? Or your architect or designer isn’t interested in doing it at all, or has another method they’re suggesting to you?

This is something I get asked about a lot. So, in this episode, I want to give you clear guidance on what you can do instead.

[For all resources mentioned in this podcast and a free, downloadable PDF transcript, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/362.]

Because if you can’t, or don’t want to, use the PAC Process, there are still really practical ways to reduce your risk, get accurate cost feedback, and avoid the heartbreak of working for months, and spending a lot of money, on designing a home you ultimately can’t afford to build.

We’ll talk about using Quantity Surveyors and Building Estimators, what to look for in a designer or architect’s process, how to get more meaningful builder input even without a formal collaboration, and what to understand about ECI (or Early Contractor Involvement) and Negotiated Tender if they’re options you’re considering. 

More importantly, I’ll address some of the common fears around this, such as whether early builder involvement locks you in, or removes your ability to compare prices. 

So whether you’re at the start of your project, midway through your design, or about to go to tender, my goal is to help you feel more informed and empowered to navigate this next stage with clarity.

As always, if you’d like to access a full transcript of this episode and links to the resources I mention, head to www.undercoverarchitect.com/362.

Now, let’s dive in!

SHOW NOTES:

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LISTEN TO THE PODCAST NOW.

RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:

For links, images and resources mentioned in this podcast, head to >>> www.undercoverarchitect.com/362

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