Doug Barmoy is one of the owners of Hanover Land Services, Inc. Doug has a degree in Geograpy (Planning) from Frostburg State University, but has been working as a design engineer since he graduated from college. At Hanover Land Services, he works as a project manager coordinating the design and approval of various subdivision and land development projects throughout Pennsylvania and Maryland. Doug's favorite part of the business is helping clients achieve success with their projects. He realizes however, that in today's economy one of the top concerns on everyone's mind is saving money. In light of this he wants to offer ways a client can save money on their next surveying or site development project. They are:
1. When beginning a project, allow ample time for the permitting process. Have your surveyor/ engineer prepare an approximate time schedule outlining the entire permit process you know what to expect.
2. Make sure to fully explain your needs and desires to the surveyor or engineer for the project before getting started. Have the Surveyor/ Engineer explain in detail the design and approval process to perform the surveying or engineering to complete the project.
3. Consult all parties involved (this may be various family members or departments in a company) during the concept phase of the project to help assure the design meets the expectations of all parties. Making revisions to the project beyond the concept design stage costs money.
4. Select a knowledgeable spokesperson to represent your project when meeting with the surveyor/ engineer. Receiving differing instructions/ requirements from more than one person will lead to plan changes and extra costs.
5. Avoid repeated calls to the engineer/ surveyor regarding the status of the project. Instead, have your engineer or surveyor provide a written project update every two weeks (more frequently if needed). Providing an updated project status will keep the client informed on the progress of his/her project. It's great to talk to clients, but often a client checking in everyday can lead to unnecessary billable hours.
6. Make sure you, as the client, do everything you need to do (example: work with your bank, etc.) to help make government agency deadlines for submittals.
7. Allow the professionals adequate time to make a full plan submittal to the government agencies. Plans turned in to quickly to the governmental agencies often require more revision time and possibly additional review fees.
8. Treat governmental agency staff with respect (even if you think they are against your project).
9. Choose a reputable and qualified surveyor/ engineer based on recommendations from the local government agencies or business associates.
10. Allow one professional (usually the engineer, surveyor or architect) to coordinate all planning, design, and permitting services needed from various professional on your project.
Contact Doug prior to beginning your next project: He can be reached at (717) 637-5674 or by email: [email protected].