Our Difference
(by Sean M. Foster, Founder/CEO)
“Our function and the role we have in construction is vital. This does not, however, excuse us from operating ethically. All parties are absolutely capable of covering cost and making a reasonable profit on any given job while adhering to project constraints.
A healthy working relationship is one that is formed from mutual respect. I believe this to be the first step. Any relationship, in business or otherwise, must be built on trust and respect. Here at MyRealCost we povide a myriad of cost management, construction management, and cost estimating functions. From the programming stages of design activities, to project close-out, and everything in between.
Over the course of my career, I’ve developed comprehensive methodologies, qualified applications, and specialized databases for cost management. Throughout my career in construction management, I have gained great knowledge in what does and does not work as it applies to building and construction. This experience spans numerous contract types (e.g., standard, joint-ventures, Integrated Project Delivery [IPD], etc.) for both public and private sector work. My responsibility for completed projects range from $150k on small jobs up to $1 billion on large programs. We have the experience to deliver results.”
The Bottom Line
Reduce Cost / Increase Profit
As a business or individual your pursuits follow passion and vision. As a result, the goal may be to create greater savings or to generate larger profit. Nevertheless, with every pursuit there comes a cost.
Here at MyRealCost we set out to provide a needed service but do it with minimal financial impact. We do it honestly, ethically, and systematically. Sure, there is a cost associated with our services. We have expenses as you do. However, we are confident that we can offset any cost associated with our services via the level of savings and/or increased profit on your project.
A major point of contention has always been two persistent schools of problematic thinking when it comes to cost and profit:
Problem Philosophy 1
“They don’t know any better, so we’ll charge what we want and pass it along—they’ll have no idea”
Problem Philosophy 2
“Our services are required…they contracted us…so what we decide as fair is what we’ll charge.”
This is not to say that all other companies are out to rip you off. What we are saying is that MyRealCost is not motivated by money or profit. Our Founder, and therefore our team, operates from a place where quality of outcome and client satisfaction is the driving force. We simply deliver results where others are unwilling or unable to.
This ability comes from:
a) Successful analysis of design and the cost of constructing
b) Producing quantity surveys and statements of probable cost for both design and construction activities
c) Identifying inflated and hidden construction costs, and developing desirable solutions
Understanding how to identify and eliminate hidden and inflated costs is one component that separates us from other cost management firms.
Simple example:
Say an item will cost $1 to make, $2 to install, and $2 for someone to facilitate. Why then, when the expenses are paid and a reasonable profit made, does the sum of $5 curiously become $15, 20, perhaps 25?
This is exactly why our services have been in demand for over 20 years, and why our priority is to reveal and minimize the impact.