Pre-Construction
Pre-construction is critical for every project, because the construction phase of every new job is like an enormous ocean wave.When it comes, you have to be completely ready. If you’re not ready, it will pass you by, and there’s no way you can catch up with it.We use pre-construction to plan the steps of a job, so we’re never playing catch-up.
While the process is different for every project, here are some of the key steps:
Identify needs
Before there are even any drawings, we figure out the budget constraints and perform a risk assessment.Then we develop creative building solutions that meet the budget and minimize risk.
Value engineering
We look at the design and suggest alternate ideas that reduce the construction, maintenance and operating costs of the project.
Constructibility
We collaborate with the architects and other trades to develop a comprehensive plan for systems installation and site logistics.We also coordinate with local, state, county and federal agencies to make sure there are no unforeseen bumps in the road.
Equipment and materials
Some equipment requires up to 10 months of lead time.We note any such equipment in advance to make sure it’s available when we need it.When we buy materials, we plan ahead and take advantage of market fluctuations to get the lowest price. Sometimes we buy in bulk by pooling together the materials for several projects and reduce costs even further.We also begin planning with our internal metal fabricators so they’re ready for the job.
CAD/BIM
We start basic CAD and BIM work while determining the project’s precise modeling requirements. Some jobs need basic CAD, while others demand a full BIM process. We adjust our CAD/BIM plan to the specific needs of each project.
All of this work needs to take place before construction begins. Because once construction starts, there’s no going back.
Design-Build/Design-Assist
When we’re part of a collaborative design-build/design-assist process, we help minimize the time required for the pre-con and construction phases of the project. We also deliver a design with constructibility in mind, one that provides realistic pre-construction cost projections, competitive pricing, and comprehensive scheduling.
