Nobody wants to get mired down gathering and sifting through tons of information … especially nowadays. Yet, we all know that it takes careful preparation to get good results.
Preparation includes time spent gathering design requirements, researching components and materials, preliminary and detail design work, developing work-breakdown structures (WBS) and schedules, gathering materials and tools. Real savings can be found in the cost/benefit comparisons between alternatives and/or consequences resulting from these choices.
As a rule, our customers let us help them make these choices. Consequently, they avoid struggling with technical matters and a time-consuming decision-making process and focus instead on enjoying the results of good choices.
If a prospective customer’s requirements are close to what we have designed before, there generally is no charge. However, for most custom solutions, weI must charge a project analysis and/or a design fee, simply because no contractor or supplier can produce a meaningful quote for a construction or installation project involving unique tasks without first determining the customer’s requirements and then designing a proposed solution that will satisfy those requirements … including customer cost targets, budgets, and special scheduling.
If this involves significant amounts of time and planning, or new “widgets”, “jigs”, “components“, “methods“, etc., we will request a PO to cover fees for project analysis and design (with Proprietary and Open Source options, both with no sales tax). In the event our associated bid for the actual construction or installation work is accepted, up to 50% of these fees may be credited back toward the bid price.
We never charge to discuss your project on the telephone so you are encouraged to call and discuss your needs, or fill out the Client Contact Form on the website so we can contact you regarding your requirements.