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A critical element for a successful construction project is the selection of a great

project team. This includes the selection of the design team and construction

partner. Early involvement with a construction partner allows the owner and

design team to benefit from the cost history, feasibility, construction methods

and materials, subcontractor input, and construction experience of the contractor.

Just like the importance of a project’s physical foundation, the pre-construction

process lays the foundation for the construction project’s success. During pre-

construction, important decisions are made and success measurements

established to maximize project efficiency and minimize potential obstacles

during the project. The best construction company is the one that can offer the

most value to your project during the pre-construction phase, providing guidance

on the design, budget, and schedule, before anyone shows up at the jobsite.

WHAT IS PRE-CONSTRUCTION?

In the initial planning stages of a project, the client works closely with its design

team and construction partner (general contractor, construction manager, or

design-build contractor) to develop detailed drawings, schedules, budgets and

manpower projections before construction starts. This phase requires frequent

communication between the core team and any additional project consultants. 

The team works to define the project, prepare cost estimates to meet the budget,

identify potential construction issues and solutions, and ultimately determine the

most efficient use of money and resources. A thorough and deliberate pre-

construction process is extremely important to ensure the project goes as

planned and all potential needs are identified and addressed. 

WHAT ARE THE OUTPUTS OF THE PRE-

CONSTRUCTION PHASE?

During the pre-construction phase, the client, design team and construction

partner will plan out the essential components of the project.

PROJECT SCOPE

The first step in pre-construction is to define the scope of the project. What is it

that you are trying to accomplish and what are the space, schedule, and level of

finishes requirements needed to meet your objectives for a successful project?

PROJECT BUDGET

Once you have established preliminary project goals and objectives, the team

needs to understand what your project budget is. The design team and

construction team work together to provide you with design and cost information,

including alternative solutions and costs, to firm up your budget.

PROJECT DETAILS

With a clear project scope and budget, the team can proceed with design plans

for the size, layout, style/character, quality, building materials and systems, and

other essential project details. Once design is finalized, a plan can be created for

executing each phase of construction and a schedule assembled for the overall

project.

PROJECT TEAM

The construction company’s role in pre-construction becomes even more visible

as the project moves toward the latter stages of design. To properly prepare bid

packages for the various parts of the work, your construction partner will identify

potential subcontractors who have the capabilities and capacity needed to

complete work on the project, and engage with them to confirm their interest and

availability. 

When it comes time to bid out the work, there is a ready pool of subcontractors

who understand the project, know what to expect from the general contractor,

construction manager, or design-build contractor, and have reserved time in their

schedule to properly bid the project. 

PROJECT MATERIALS

Properly planning for long lead-time materials can make or break a project

schedule. During pre-construction, the contractor needs to identify all the

necessary materials and equipment for the job, with special attention to items

requiring early ordering, and how they will be obtained. The procurement schedule

will be worked into the overall construction schedule to maximize efficiency and

ensure proper delivery, phasing and staging of all materials.

PROJECT PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS

Pre-construction is the time to thoroughly assess and plan to mitigate risks

associated with constructing the project, including evaluation of the construction

site, permit and inspection requirements, and any other special situations that

need to be resolved before or during construction. Your construction partner

should have a detailed checklist for the pre-construction phase; it is essential to

make sure all the boxes are checked before the project breaks ground.