Pre-construction is the first step in a construction project and is often considered to be the most important element in producing a successful outcome. It outlines the project’s entire scope, schedule, and budget.
In this article, we’re going to get into what pre-construction is and provide you with the information you need to fill out a pre-construction checklist. Plus, we’ll give you the tools to help this step run smoothly.
Pre-construction is the initial planning and engineering services offered by construction companies before a job begins. This involves defining the project, identifying potential issues, planning and scheduling, producing a scope, performing a cost estimation, and analyzing the job’s needs.
Essentially, pre-construction forms the building blocks of a successful project. With quality pre-construction, a homeowner can decide if they’re able to follow through with the construction project. The client might discover that the project is too pricey or they don’t like how the contractor works. Finding these things out early is better and cheaper for everyone.
This phase brings the client and contractor together as a cohesive team. It provides a clear outline for the contractor to follow during the job and educates the owner on what they need to do to make their project functional.
The pre-construction process is vital for the success of the project. It’s a time when the client gets a full breakdown of the cost, schedule, and scope. There are seven steps to follow to ensure a successful pre-construction process.
This might seem like a small, unnecessary step, but a pre-construction manager is key to a smooth process. It’s their job to guide the process. They’re in charge of:
It’s a lot of work being a pre-construction manager! That’s why it’s important to have a person dedicated to handling this important task.
The whole pre-construction process needs to start with a kickoff meeting between the client and contractor. Here the two parties will get to know each other and the contractor will gain a better understanding of the homeowner's wants and needs.
This meeting is the perfect time for the contractor to see the client’s vision and get to work to decide if the project is possible.
After the initial meeting, the contractor gets to work on the designs. They’ll head to the job site to take measurements or produce a blueprint. This will then be presented to the client to visualize how the project will look after construction.
Helping clients visualize their project is essential for the general contractor to land the construction job.
During this portion of pre-construction, the contractor looks into the existing conditions of the construction site. This could include the existing electrical system, HVAC, or plumbing. This check informs the contractor whether those systems will still work after the new construction is completed. And if not, the contractor must alert the homeowner and factor that into the project’s scope.
Now it's time for the estimation process to begin. To perform a successful estimate, you have to complete an effective digital takeoff first.
In the case of you importing a digital copy of your blueprint to Hover’s software, you'll get to-the-inch measurements in 24-hours or less. Plus, when you present your estimate to the customer, you can pair it with the 3D model you created during the design phase to seal the deal.
The task matrix, or responsibility matrix, is used to keep everyone accountable for their specific tasks and deliverables. It specifically outlines:
This matrix makes sure everyone is on the same plan and provides a clear outline of what everyone is signed on to do. Clear communication is important to maintaining a smooth project that stays on budget.
Now that the scope, estimate, and matrix are all laid out, you can officially create an effective schedule. The contractor will estimate the number of days to complete each task and provide a rough idea of how long to complete the project.
A successful pre-construction phase relies on the collaboration of various key players. Each team member has specific roles and responsibilities:
The owner is the client who initiates the project. Their responsibilities include providing project requirements and goals, approving budgets and design plans, and making final decisions on project scope and changes.
The developer manages the project from a business perspective. This includes overseeing financial aspects and funding, coordinating between various stakeholders, and ensuring that the project aligns with market needs and regulations.
The design team consists of architects, engineers, and designers responsible for creating detailed design plans and blueprints, ensuring compliance with regulations, and addressing any design-related issues.
General contractors manage the construction process, coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers, overseeing construction activities, and managing schedules and budgets.
Construction managers oversee the daily operations on the construction site. Their duties include ensuring that work is completed according to plans, addressing any issues that arise, and managing project safety and compliance.
Successfully transitioning from pre-construction to construction involves several key steps. Finalizing contracts is essential to ensure that all agreements are in place before construction begins. This includes reviewing and confirming project scope, budget, and schedule, as well as ensuring that all legal and contractual agreements are finalized.
Effective communication with all stakeholders is crucial for a smooth transition. Conducting a kickoff meeting to review the project plan and address any final questions or concerns is a key part of this process. Providing regular updates to clients and team members throughout the construction phase helps maintain alignment and addresses any emerging issues.
Finally, implementing the project plan involves starting construction activities according to the approved schedule. Monitoring progress and addressing any issues that arise during construction are essential to ensure the project remains on track and meets its goals.
We’ve gone through what the pre-construction planning and execution look like. So, now we can outline the list of deliverables you should have coming out of the pre-construction process:
Make this process seamless and achieve your deliverables faster with Hover. You gain comprehensive and accurate measurements from a few smartphone photos. This data helps you communicate the project’s scope more effectively with clients and other stakeholders throughout the process.
Chat with a rep today to learn how to integrate Hover into your pre-construction process!