Predevelopment Services for Commercial Construction
Successful projects start long before construction begins. With DBS Group, predevelopment services provide the insight, analysis, and guidance you need to make informed decisions and maximize the value of your investment. From site selection to due diligence support, we offer comprehensive services that minimize risk and advance your project.
As your design-build partner, DBS Group supports you through every critical step of the predevelopment process. With our expertise and personalized approach, you gain a true partner who helps you evaluate opportunities, anticipate challenges, and lay a strong foundation for long-term success.
Site Selection, Feasibility, Financing Assistance, and More
Site selection and evaluation
DBS Group helps you evaluate potential sites based on location, zoning, topography, ingress/egress, access to utilities, code constraints, and local market knowledge. Our predevelopment planning services ensure your chosen site is the best fit for your business objectives and long-term growth.
Preliminary code study and entitlement confirmation
Our team identifies site-specific codes and the process for obtaining required project approvals and permits (aka Entitlements). We will conduct a preliminary code study to identify the following:
- Current zoning of the site parcel — is the intended use an approved use? If not, we’ll identify the re-zoning process, duration and fees.
- Identify planning and zoning approvals required and the process, duration and fees for each.
- Identify agency approvals and the process, duration and fees for each.
- Identify project assessments and the approximate fees (if available).
Feasibility and market study assistance
Understanding current and forecasted market demand is essential to project success. We assist with feasibility and market studies by connecting you with expert consultants, coordinating proposals, and ensuring your project is grounded in data-driven insights and market realities.
Pro forma development assistance
A pro forma is a cornerstone of project financing. We collaborate with financial analysis consultants to create financial projections that lenders, investors, and stakeholders rely on, enabling you to demonstrate profitability and secure the necessary capital to move forward.
Financing assistance
Through our network of financing sources, we introduce you to lenders and funding partners. We help evaluate proposals and explore various financing tools, including grants, tax incremental financing, tax abatement, and low- or fixed-rate loans.
Offer-to-purchase & due diligence coordination
DBS Group supports you through the due diligence process associated with the offer-to-purchase on your site — including geotechnical surveys, environmental assessments, hazardous material surveys, and appraisal reviews. Our predevelopment services ensure every contingency is addressed before you commit.
Project Entitlement Management
Every project has different requirements for project approvals and permits (entitlements) to proceed with improvements. DBS Group will confirm the project approvals and permits required for your project and coordinate the activities required to secure them, which can include state, county, and local approval agencies.
Predevelopment Services Lay the Groundwork for Success
Our predevelopment services save you time, money, and stress down the road. By evaluating site constraints, confirming the entitlement process, confirming project feasibility, managing site due diligence, and securing financing with confidence, you set your project on the path to success before construction even begins.
Predevelopment is just one part of our design-build process — explore store planning, architecture and engineering, preconstruction, and construction to see how DBS Group moves your project from vision to reality.