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Understanding the Importance of Preconstruction Services

In this blog, we dive into preconstruction services—why they’re essential, what they entail, and how they set projects up for success. If you’re involved in construction or project management, this step is a game-changer. As Bent Flyvbjerg and Dan Gardner put it in How Big Things Get Done, “Projects don’t go wrong; they start wrong.” Here, we’ll cover the core steps of preconstruction to ensure your project starts and finishes smoothly.

What Are Preconstruction Services?
Preconstruction services are the strategic efforts by a construction manager or construction manager at risk (CMAR), who essentially becomes the general contractor for a project, executing it under a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). These services are about more than basic planning; they’re crucial for aligning the project’s design, client goals, and timeline while maintaining quality, safety, and budget integrity. Think of preconstruction services as crafting a recipe for success—one that’s more than just ingredients but a complete blueprint.

Key Elements of Preconstruction Services

  1. Project Planning
    Preconstruction starts with thorough project planning, which includes creating a master schedule and production plan. Key tasks here involve logistics planning, zone mapping, budgeting (both for subcontractors and general requirements), and constructability reviews. This stage anticipates and addresses possible issues before construction begins, setting up a solid foundation.
  2. Budgeting & Cost Estimation
    Real-time budgeting and cost estimation are essential to keep a project financially on track. Leveraging lean practices, target value delivery aligns the design with a stipulated maximum budget, allowing a seamless experience for the client while keeping costs in check.
  3. Site Analysis
    Site analysis examines factors like topography, soil conditions, zoning regulations, and environmental impacts that could shape the design. Conducting a thorough analysis, either in-house or with consultants, is crucial to prevent surprises down the line.
  4. Design Development
    Design development advances from schematic design to construction documents (CDs). Here, the construction team collaborates closely with designers to keep the project on budget and schedule, aligning with regulations and the client’s functional and aesthetic vision.
  5. Value Engineering
    Value engineering is about maximizing design value without overspending. This collaborative effort explores new technologies and methods to deliver a quality experience that meets functional and aesthetic goals without unnecessary costs.
  6. Permitting & Approvals
    Navigating permits and approvals is a vital part of preconstruction, often involving collaboration with regulatory bodies to secure necessary permissions. Familiarity with the permitting process can streamline timelines and prevent costly delays.
  7. Risk Management
    Identifying potential risks for both the construction team and client is essential. This includes evaluating risks related to design, financial commitments, development, construction, and maintenance. Strong risk management prevents setbacks and protects the project’s long-term success.
  8. Project Scheduling
    Scheduling aligns the design teams and overall project’s timelines. A well-structured schedule ensures coordination across production, quality, safety, and budget, all contributing to the project’s final success.
  9. Procurement Management
    Procurement management handles the acquisition of essential materials, such as exteriors, elevators, and specialty items. This step ensures these items are ordered early, avoiding delays due to missing materials and keeping the project on time.
  10. Stakeholder Management
    Effective stakeholder management includes coordinating efforts, managing timelines, and removing obstacles to keep the design and construction teams in sync. Regular communication and tracking of needs ensure a smooth workflow and minimal delays.

Final Thoughts
Investing in preconstruction services isn’t an optional add-on; it’s a strategic move with long-term payoffs. Proper upfront planning can significantly mitigate the risks of budget overruns, delays, and quality issues. As this blog has outlined, the comprehensive steps of preconstruction services—from budgeting to scheduling and risk management—are key to a successful project.

Preconstruction services set up the “recipe” for success. Following these steps ensures that your project has the foundation it needs, leading to a smoother and more predictable construction phase. Incorporate these elements into your next project plan to help ensure that your project is ready to go right from the start.

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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