WJH Engineering’s 8 Step Project Completion Process

Every project is unique and can come with its own difficulties or challenges. At WJH, we are ready to accept any challenges that come our way!

The following is an example project for a Site Plan. We will show how the project starts with WJH Engineering as an idea and ends as a fully completed project.

Step 1: Brainstorm an Idea

Every project begins with an idea, typically designed to fulfill a need. At least two members of our team of experienced engineers will meet with the client to discuss their idea and gather all important information they have up to that point. Sometimes the client will have a survey of the property, and often we need to use tax maps, as well. We will then utilize NJDEP’s GEOWEB to superimpose environmental constraints, such as Wetlands, Flood Hazard Buffers, etc. A site visit is also required to determine what public utilities are available to the site. We will then reference the municipal ordinances as well as the client’s ideas to prepare a conceptual plan that completely illustrates all of the above.

Step 2: Meet with Municipal Professionals

Some municipalities will allow for an informal meeting with their professionals to review the conceptual plan and obtain their input. This is an invaluable tool, and we always recommend it, if available.

Step 3: Conduct a Property Survey

Once the client is satisfied with our plan, we will then survey the property. This establishes the boundaries of the property, any physical features on or near it, and the elevations of the land. The survey is what the entire project is based upon, so this is an important task in the process.

Step 4: Collaborate with the Architects

During this time, the client is usually acquiring an Architect to prepare plans for the building(s) to be constructed. WJH will coordinate and collaborate with the Architect to ensure the client’s building needs are met while complying with any constraints of the property.

Step 5: Design the Site

After the survey is drawn up, we design the site. This will include grading, drainage, lighting, landscaping, sewers, water, etc. During this time, applications are prepared for the agencies that will need to approve the site. This always includes the municipal land use board but can also include- the Soil Conservation District (SCD), New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT), New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP), County Planning Board, as well as utility companies (MUA’s).

Step 6: Submit the Plan

We then submit to all of the required agencies. Undoubtedly, we receive comments back, which are compiled and addressed. Sometimes we need to coordinate between two agencies who may have conflicting requests. This process takes a varying amount of time. However, once complete, the project is ready for construction.

At WJH Engineering, unlike some other firms, the plans that we submit to these agencies are suitable for construction. Therefore, once the approvals are obtained, the project is immediately ready for construction!

Step 7: Prepare for Construction

We then transition to the construction stakeout phase. Our surveyors will go back out to the site and set markers for the contractors, so they know where to construct the building (s), pipes, curb, etc.

Step 8: Complete As-Built Plans

Finally, at the end of construction, but prior to the building being occupied, our surveyors go out again to “as-built” the site. This verifies that the site was constructed in accordance with our plans.