Question 1

When should we hire a parking lot consultant instead of just calling an operator?

Accepted Answer

Hire a consultant when the answer matters more than the work. Operators are paid to win the contract. A consultant works on a fixed fee with no operating relationship downstream.

Question 2

What does a typical parking consulting engagement cost?

Accepted Answer

Single-site engagements run $4,500 to $14,500 fixed-fee. Portfolio engagements (3–10 sites) discount 15% per site. Hourly engagements available at $285/hr.

Question 3

How long does a consulting project take?

Accepted Answer

A standard scope (PCI + feasibility + NOI projection) takes 2–3 weeks. RFP authorship adds 3–4 weeks. Capital reserve studies for portfolios run 6–10 weeks.

Question 4

Do you also operate the lots you consult on?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes. We disclose the conflict in writing before any consulting work begins, and we will not bid on operations contracts where we wrote the RFP.

Question 5

What's the deliverable?

Accepted Answer

A bound report between 30 and 80 pages including drone orthomosaic, PCI score with photo log, geometric overlay, 5-year capital plan, NOI projection, technology stack recommendation, and risk register.

Question 6

Can you work with our existing engineer or architect?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We hand off CAD layers in DWG and IFC formats and have collaborated with HOK, Walker Consultants, and Kimley-Horn. Our value-add is operating perspective on design choices that look fine on paper but fail at peak.

Parking Lot Consultant