Any successful and extensive construction project cannot be realized without the laying of a rock solid foundation in the form of a pre-construction stage. During this stage, all the important decisions and resolutions are laid down and the measures of success are established to optimize the efficiency of the project and minimize wastage of resources later on. Pre-construction, in this case, refers to the initial planning stages of the project where the client works closely with the contractor and design team to develop detailed schedules, drawings, budgets and manpower projections. The pre-construction phase is centered on the following components.
1. Project Budget
As soon as you have preliminary objectives and goals, the team (both the construction partner and contractor) needs to have a clear bearing on what your scope of your budget is. The design and construction team will collaborate closely to come up with a detailed rundown of the nature of costs that will be involved to set up the project. In this case, the budget should cover even unforeseeable eventualities as a precaution.
2. Project Scope
What does the project entail? Among the first steps in any pre-construction phase involves the definition of the scope of the project. In simpler language, this is what you are trying to accomplish within the schedule, space and resources that have been made available to you for a successful project.
3. The Details of the Project
The pre-construction phase also defines and makes clear the layout, size, quality, character/style, systems and building materials that will be involved in the project. As soon as the design is finalized, a plan is usually rolled into action to oversee the execution of each construction phase while monitoring the assembly of the overall project. The details of the project will also include the materials involved in construction in addition to the equipment and the lead-time in sourcing the materials.
4. The Project Team
To prepare amply for a smooth and uneventful completion of the project, the pre-construction phase will involve the identification of all potential and prospective subcontractors that will be needed to complete the project’s scope within the desired timeline and deadline. Don’t also forget that pre-construction is also the best time to thoroughly assess, plan and account for risks that may be associated with the construction of the project while securing any permits or inspection certificates beforehand.
References: Gilliland, Letsbuild, Stonemark
