(Prime) Engineering

What is a Prime Engineering Firm?

Prime Engineering firms are licensed engineers and project managers that analyze issues, engineer solutions, get competitive bids, and then oversee installation. The Prime Engineer is responsible for the entire project from design through completion. Systems are professionally engineered and installed at the best possible cost. The owner has one source of responsibility for the entire project.

Question
Prime Engineering
Consulting Engineering
Design-Build Contractor
Question #1
Are the systems engineered by licensed professionals?
Prime Engineering
Always
Consulting Engineering
Typically
Design-Build Contractor
Sometimes
Question #2
Who leads the project?
Prime Engineering
The Prime Engineer
Consulting Engineering
Someone Else
Design-Build Contractor
The Contractor
Question #3
Does the owner get apples to apples cost comparison with actual competitive bids?
Prime Engineering
Always
Consulting Engineering
Typically
Design-Build Contractor
No
Question #4
When does the owner know the actual cost of the project?
Prime Engineering
At each phase the scope is adjusted based on budget.
Consulting Engineering
After the design is complete.
Design-Build Contractor
Before the design takes place.
Question #5
Does the owner have one source of responsibility?
Prime Engineering
Always
Consulting Engineering
Never
Design-Build Contractor
Sometimes

Each method of delivery has its place.  However, for interior renovations where engineering is required, Prime Engineering is clearly the best value for owners who want long-term solutions! Give us a call today! We are happy to answer your questions!

United Engineering, Inc. is a Prime Engineering Firm. Our projects are typically broken up into (3) distinct phases. Our phased approach allows us the time we need to properly engineer systems while affording our customers the opportunity to clearly understand the scope and cost of the project as early as is possible. We provide a complete project cost summary including a side-by-side comparison of the competitive bids along with all management costs and fees.  Our phased approach works!

1) Schematic Design (SD)

The goal of this phase is to quickly identify issues and apply basic engineering principles for the purpose of getting to a rough (budgetary) cost estimate as soon as is possible. Once our SD survey is complete, we meet with the customer to go over our findings to define the size and scope of the project.

2) Design Development (DD)

Once we define the project scope, we then move forward with sizing the main systems. This includes a detailed review of such things as filtration, comfort cooling load, ventilation air changes, exhaust requirements, building pressure, energy code requirements, and available power. We refine total project cost with budget pricing from at least the main trades.

3) Systems Installation (SI)

When the costs are in and we have met the budget, we get the work done! We coordinate the installation of the project A-Z.  We are on-site with the installers to ensure the project is constructed safely, per the project timeline and per the plans.