ILLUSTRATIVE SAMPLE ONLY. All figures, proposals and findings below are fictional. This is not a client report, a construction estimate, a San Diego price benchmark or a guarantee of savings.
See what a project review can uncover.
A lower proposal does not always mean a lower total project budget. This simplified example shows how H&M Development organizes scope, allowances and questions before an owner commits.
1. Compare the same scope.
Proposal A. Quoted amount: $240,000. Cabinet allowance: $10,000. Utility connection work: excluded.
Proposal B. Quoted amount: $255,000. Cabinet allowance: $20,000. Same assumed utility connection work: included.
For comparison only, increase A’s cabinet allowance by $10,000 and add an assumed $15,000 for excluded utility work. A becomes $265,000; B remains $255,000. The lower quote becomes the higher comparison amount under these fictional assumptions. Confirm equivalent scope and exclusions in writing. These are fictional example amounts, not estimates or guaranteed final costs.
2. Build the full project budget.
Fictional worksheet using Proposal B.
Contractor proposal: $255,000.
Design and engineering outside the proposal: $12,000.
Permits and agency fees outside the proposal: $8,000.
Survey and other owner costs: $3,000.
Illustrative contingency, 10% of contractor proposal: $25,500.
Total planning allowance: $303,500.
These assumed amounts are for demonstration only. Actual scope, fees, contingency and other owner costs must be established for the property. Financing costs, carrying costs and taxes are not modeled here.
3. Turn unknowns into next steps.
Confirm utility scope: Ask both contractors to identify included connections, trenching, restoration and exclusions.
Align allowances: Ask for the same cabinet specification and allowance basis, including installation and applicable taxes.
Document changes: Ask how scope changes will be priced, approved and reflected in the schedule.
A real review is scoped to your supplied documents and may include a proposal comparison, project budget worksheet, prioritized written findings and a review call with Carlos.
Questions before getting started.
When should I contact you?
Ideally before committing to plans, a construction contract or major spending. If you already have plans or permits, we can discuss a review of proposals, budget assumptions and next steps.
What should I send?
Start with your property city, project type and current stage. If available, share plans, permit status, contractor proposals and your budget goals. Uploading documents is optional for the initial inquiry.
How are fees and timing agreed?
After a short conversation and a check of available documents, we confirm the scope, fixed fee and delivery date in a written proposal. Paid work begins only after agreement.
Are you the construction contractor?
H&M Development provides development advisory and owner representation. The owner’s licensed contractor remains responsible for construction operations, jobsite supervision, trades, safety and workmanship.
Do you work on multiple ADUs and multifamily projects?
Yes. We discuss the units, buildings, phases, shared site work and utility assumptions so the review scope matches the project.
Does a review guarantee approval, final cost or savings?
No. A review helps organize information and identify questions. Agency decisions, construction costs, schedules and project outcomes depend on the property, professionals and conditions involved.