Why Pre-Construction Meetings Matter:
Pre-construction meetings, also called pre-installs or preparatory meetings, take place three weeks before work starts. These meetings ensure all trade partners are aligned, expectations are clear, and the project kicks off smoothly.
Unlike owner pre-construction meetings, these are focused sessions with trade partners to address project-specific details and set clear priorities.
Key Steps to Align Expectations:
Understand the Owner’s “Top 10” Priorities:
- Identify the top 10 things that are most important to the owner.
- Examples could include critical features like lobbies, waterproofing, or staircases.
- Document and communicate these priorities to all trade partners.
Review Checklists for Installation Work Packages:
- Use a checklist to streamline installation work packages.
- For repetitive projects (e.g., data centers, multi-family buildings, restaurants), leverage previous data to highlight improvements.
- Review these checklists to ensure consistency and quality.
Collect and Highlight Pre-Mobilization Items:
- Gather critical documents before the meeting, such as:
- Safety manuals.
- Quality manuals.
- Emergency contacts.
- Drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings (with key points highlighted).
- Focus on highlighted content to save time and emphasize critical requirements.
Align on Safety and Quality Expectations:
- Discuss project safety and quality standards to ensure clean, safe, and organized job sites.
- Make sure the foreman understands and signs off on the quality plan.
Start the Meeting with Priorities:
- Kick off the meeting by reviewing:
- Owner’s Top 10 priorities.
- Installation checklists.
- Highlighted pre-mobilization documents.
- Safety and quality expectations.
Why This Matters:
Pre-construction meetings are crucial for:
- Avoiding misunderstandings and costly mistakes.
- Setting clear expectations for safety, quality, and priorities.
- Ensuring trade partners are aligned and ready for smooth project execution.
Final Thoughts:
A well-structured pre-construction meeting sets the foundation for project success. By documenting priorities, reviewing key documents, and aligning on expectations, you’ll ensure your team is ready to execute without surprises.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
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