Pre-Con Meeting: How To Create An Effective Plan

How to Create an Effective Plan for Your Pre-Construction Meeting

In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of running a successful pre-construction meeting (also known as a pre-install or preparatory meeting). These meetings are pivotal for aligning trades, ensuring readiness, and setting the tone for a smooth project execution. Here’s how you can make the most out of your pre-construction meetings to empower foremen and create a cohesive team dynamic.

When to Hold the Pre-Construction Meeting:

Schedule your pre-construction meeting three weeks before the work begins. This allows enough time to address unpreparedness and reschedule if necessary, ensuring everyone is aligned well in advance.

Key Areas to Discuss:

• Overall Project Schedule:
  • Review the schedule in detail, confirming that all foremen and team members understand the timeline.
  • Discuss any final planning items and ensure alignment with the pull plan, look-ahead planning, and weekly work plans.
• Safety Plan:
  • Clearly outline safety expectations and protocols.
  • Discuss specifics such as tie-offs, shoring for excavations, and other critical safety measures.
• Quality Standards:
  • Go beyond setting expectations—delve into the methods and processes that ensure quality.
  • Define the key deliverables and benchmarks for maintaining quality throughout the project.
• Logistics and Coordination:
  • Cover zone maps, trailer layouts, and staging areas for materials and equipment.
  • Discuss how the trades will collaborate and how their work will align with other activities on-site.
• Risk Management:
  • Review potential risks and opportunities.
  • Use this time to address any red flags or challenges that could impact the project’s progress.
• Supply Chain and Procurement:
  • Ensure everyone is aware of the procurement log and current status of the supply chain.
  • Align on timelines for materials and equipment delivery.

Creating the Installation Work Package:

Everything discussed in the meeting should be reflected in the installation work package. This package includes:

• Installation Instructions: Step-by-step guidance for executing the work.
• Annotated Plans: Updates based on discussions during the meeting.
• Inspection Criteria: Clear benchmarks for assessing progress and quality.

The meeting minutes should feed directly into these planning deliverables, providing a comprehensive guide for execution and inspection.