Preconstruction – All about Planning, Benefits and Checklist
What is Preconstruction?
Preconstruction refers to all the work done after the design is complete and before the building begins. It’s all about transforming the architect’s vision into constructable plans that contractors and crews can use.
In the initial planning stages of a project, the client works closely with its design team and construction partner (general contractor, construction manager, or design-build contractor) to develop detailed drawings, schedules, budgets and manpower projections before construction starts.
This phase requires frequent communication between the core team and any additional project consultants. The team works to define the project, prepare cost estimates to meet the budget, identify potential construction issues and solutions, and ultimately determine the most efficient use of money and resources. A thorough and deliberate pre-construction process is extremely important to ensure the project goes as planned and all potential needs are identified and addressed.
Pre-construction services come at a cost, which will depend on several factors, including:
- Type of job
- Location
- Scope of project
Stages of Preconstruction:
- Request For Phase: An architect designs a project, and then the owner takes bids and hires a general contractor who uses subcontractors and supplier bids to create an estimate. This multistep system often leads to less flexibility during preconstruction and higher costs.
- Design Phase: Once the architectural firm has been selected, the design phase begins. This phase is all about consulting with other members of the construction team (such as structural engineers, landscape architects, mechanical engineers, etc.) to put together preliminary drawings.
- Construction Document (CD) Phase: The work that happens during this phase is of utmost importance for the Project Manager or General Contractor overseeing the project. Completion of this stage requires submitting documents to the city and securing the proper work permits.
- Bidding Phase: Once the structural design has been approved it’s time to start hiring contractors to execute the vision. Approved permits are then gathered with the final specs to begin preparing a bid package to distribute to specialty contractors.
What are the Benefits of Preconstruction?
- Clarity: Preconstruction project gives more clarity on the purpose of the project and its possible outcome.
- Transparency: Since there is a huge checklist that is being gone through when a project is done, there are better chances of transparency among all the construction and design team.
- Teamwork: Preconstruction involves many stages which encourages teamwork among all. This helps in effective collaboration and a much better outcome.
- Savings: Preconstruction helps in saving for your future requirements as you do not have to go through faults in the middle of your project and suffer huge losses.
Checkpoints for a Preconstruction Project:
- Initial meeting to discuss the project
- Planning the design
- Estimating costs and offering cost-saving options
- Managing project scope
- Identifying potential issues & outlining solutions
- Determine any options for value engineering
- Site selection and study feasibility
- Evaluating soil condition on site
- Checking existing utilities
- Determining equipment required
- Check for green building options and viability
- Life-cycle analysis
- Outlining contingencies for both client and contractor
Evaluating all possible scenarios, upfront gives the client confidence that the contractor they are working with knows what they are doing. Having realistic expectations helps avoid issues while the project is underway. It’s a real win-win for everyone involved.
Hope this will help the beginners to understand about a preconstruction project better.
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