The benefits of pre-construction are fantastic, and it’s clear that the process helps set clients up for success. But what all goes into the pre-construction process? Typically, the pre-construction phase lasts anywhere from 3 to 15 weeks, and the following seven components are planned in detail:
1. SCOPE
The first thing that gets accomplished in pre-construction planning is the scope of the project. You will come up with specific answers to questions like:
- What are you trying to accomplish with your building?
- What are the size requirements and will they change in the future?
- When does the project need to be completed?
The general contractor and architect will be able to move forward when they have a clear understanding of what you want to accomplish with your project.
2. BUDGET
Once you’ve established your goals and objectives, then you need to define a budget. Budgeting is one of the most essential components of pre-construction planning because it can be hard to guess the total price of a construction project without input from general contractors and design teams.
Contractors and designers will take your vision and work together to provide you with realistic cost expectations. They will include alternative options to help lower your budget if necessary or include more premium options if you have room to spend.
3. DETAILS
The finer details are what bring a building to life. Details of construction design include:
- Exact size
- Layout
- Style
- Electrical systems
- Building materials
When the design is finalized, a schedule can be made to execute each phase of construction.
4. TEAM
As the design gets finalized, the construction company’s role becomes more and more apparent. Each phase of construction work will require different skillsets and capacities. The general contractor will secure teams of contractors who are available and interested in your project.
The general contractor will bid the project out to other contractors who specialize in your project design. With enough advance notice, the construction team will thoroughly understand your project and produce a fantastic final product.
5. MATERIALS
The quality of materials can make all the difference for a successful project. Many premium materials are in high demand and have a wait time between ordering and shipment. During this phase of pre-construction, the general contractor will identify all necessary materials and equipment needed for the project.
6. PERMITS & INSPECTIONS
Required permits and inspections are a portion of the pre-construction planning process that cannot be skipped. If this portion is neglected or rushed without proper planning, you’re asking for issues and delays down the line.
Before construction can begin, all potential risks must be mitigated. This includes:
- Evaluating the construction site
- Obtaining necessary permits
- Following through with required inspections
- Securing lot approval
Your construction partner will have a thorough checklist of all required permits and inspections in your state. Construction cannot legally begin until all of these expectations are met.
7. COMMUNICATION
Do you prefer to communicate via phone or email? What time of day are you available to check in on construction progress?
A successful pre-construction process lays the groundwork for effective communication down the line. The client, design team, and contractor will work together to solidify a communication plan that works best for everyone.
It is essential to establish healthy communication as a team because reliable communication can help mitigate obstacles that arise. You don’t want your project to get delayed because the designer is waiting for an email reply and you never check your email. When reliable communication is the expectation from the start, the project will move forward efficiently.
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