Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What are the differences between Construction Management, Design/Build, and General Contracting?

Item	Construction Management	Design/Build	General Contractor
Team Based Approach
Pre-Construction Process Used
Value Engineering
Designer works for Owner
Designer works for Allied/Cook
Subcontractor input used for planning
Competitive Pricing
Early estimating done
Early scheduling done
Ability to Fast-Track
Subcontractors pre-qualified
Change Orders Minimized
Open book philosophy

Q. Is it ever too early to hire Allied/Cook?

No. The earlier we begin the Pre-Construction process, the better we're able to have influence over the costs, quality, and schedule for your project. The benefits of having a builder on your team throughout the planning and design process will save you money, time, and headaches during construction.

Q. What types of buildings does Allied/Cook build?

We build most types of commercial construction work. Our experience includes new construction, renovations, and additions for hotels, banks & credit unions, office buildings, retail stores, auto dealerships, medical offices, historic buildings, educational, multi-family housing, apartments, senior housing, assisted living facilities, nursing care, condominiums, municipal work, distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, pre-engineered steel buildings, religious spaces, and more.

Q. Where does Allied/Cook perform work?

We are based in the greater Portland, ME area, but we perform work across northern New England. Our history includes projects all over Maine as well as New Hampshire, Vermont, and Massachusetts.

Q. If I hire Allied/Cook early, how can I be assured of getting a fair price for my project?

We use an open-book approach to pricing our Construction Management and Design/Build projects. We will negotiate up front with you a fee for our services. Then we will bid out the construction work to pre-qualified subcontractors and suppliers at the trade level. We will share with you all of the bid information, and you will be an integral part of awarding the contracts to subs and suppliers. Allied/Cook will still hold the contracts as a typical general contractor does, but you will know everything we know about your project. You will see where your costs are, and our fee for services will be clearly identified as negotiated.

Q. Do I really need an Architect and/or Engineer for my project?

Yes. Architects and Engineers perform critical roles in the success of construction projects. Not only should you hire professional designers, you should keep then involved in the process through the construction phase. Having professional designers on your team should lead to a better performing building for the end user in terms of operating expense, efficiency, and occupant satisfaction.

Additionally, most municipalities will require drawings that have been stamped by licensed design professionals as part of the building permit application.

Q. Can Allied/Cook help me select a design team?

Yes. We regularly assist clients in assembling a design team. We can make recommendations for Architects and Engineers, and we can help you solicit design proposals, interview, and select your designers.

Q. What is value engineering?

Value Engineering is the process by which Allied/Cook as your Construction Manager or Design/Builder evaluates materials, methods, layouts, subcontractor recommendations, schedules/phasing, and options. Then we make recommendations to you for changes that will save money, but not significantly effect quality. We work closely with the design team and Owner through this process. Changes are only made after accepted by the team, and then they are incorporated into the design for construction. Value Engineering is a dynamic process which occurs during the Pre-Construction phase.

Q. Is my project too small or too large for Allied/Cook?

The short answer is No. We complete projects of all sizes and across all levels of complexity. Our work ranges from buildings/renovations under 1,000 square feet to major projects over 200,000 square feet and everything in between.

Q. Does Allied/Cook build single family homes?

No. 100% of our projects are commercial in nature. We build many different types of buildings including, offices, financial institutions, hotels, retail, multi-family, automotive, light industrial, manufacturing, pre-engineered steel, educational, medical, historic restorations, renovations, non-profit, municipal and others. However, we do not build single family homes, garages, etc.

Q. Does Allied/Cook perform LEED Certified/Green Building projects?

YES! Allied/Cook is a member of the national U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), and most of our people are members of the local USGBC chapter. We have experience in building construction through sustainable methods, and are committed to doing our part in supporting the Green Building movement. Our experience includes projects to be LEED certified as well as projects meeting other Green Building Standards. We've found that our clients increasingly investigate the costs and benefits of going green, and that more and more building owners are committed to using materials and methods which are healthy for both the natural environment as well as the building occupants.