There’s a lot of potential in the pre-construction phase of a new building project, and it’s important to know why to take full advantage of it. That’s because, while blueprints may be circulating among key players on the project, the pricing breakdowns and certain architectural details are not yet set in stone. Getting involved early on helps you work with your construction partner to control design choices, understand where your money is going, and avoid making uninformed choices before any ground is broken.
It’s an exciting period for anyone anticipating a new space to house their business, or someone else’s. If you’re responsible for the outcome, plan for intensive collaboration between your contractor and your team members – not just to get the details right, but to get a more accurate price tag, as well.
Have Designers, Engineers & Other Team Members Evaluate Site Plans
Pre-construction happens after the client has committed to designing a new space. This is when there is the most opportunity to get involved in discussions about what lighting system you want, what type of hardwood to use, and what kind of soundproofing will factor into your plans. It will also help you evaluate your use of space. If one department requires vinyl flooring instead of carpet, where they are located could alter the amount of building materials needed for the overall project.
Prepare to collaborate with players who will have something unique to contribute to the conversation. Who on your end should review the schematic drawings of your site plans? You’ll want input from your CSO for safety and security reasons, your designer for aesthetics, and so on. Allowing access for the appropriate people will also provide a chance to correct any omissions in the plans.
Want a More Accurate Estimate? Involve Your Architect in Budget Discussions
One mistake companies make is in expecting an estimate to come through the door based on far too little information. People are sometimes surprised to discover that up to forty percent of their budget might be absorbed by material costs. The fact is, there is no such thing as an accurate cost projection without detailed choices being settled upfront. Invite your architect in those early meetings. Your team should expect breakdowns in the cost of materials, labor, equipment, permits, professional services, and everything else that will contribute to the final tally.
Don’t Rush – Take the Time to Learn What Your Team Can Contribute to Pre-construction
There are many reasons project managers might be tempted to speed through this early stage, when you’ve got a pretty solid concept but the floor plans are still being drafted. Maybe your current location has you in cramped quarters or your workers are tired of commuting to an undesirable location. Your PMs might be feeling the pressure to start construction, worried about project quotas and budget deadlines.
However, the downsides of cutting corners are never worth it. Clients who take the time to understand pre-construction can become more involved in the selection of materials. This helps them eliminate surprises later on and get the building they want.
Dig Into Material Details Through Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) and Material Takeoffs (MTOs)
Considering how much of your funding will go toward materials, it follows that you will want to schedule in sufficient time with the project engineers to focus on Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) and Material Takeoffs (MTOs). For those new to the process:
- Quantity Takeoffs (QTOs) – Specs outlining quantities of all materials that will be necessary to complete your construction project
- Material Takeoffs (MTOs) – Get into more details that will guide your procurements of construction materials
You don’t need to micromanage the building process. But someone on your team should closely review the QTOs and MTOs so that procurement orders are based on accurate information. It also helps you get a feel for where a good chunk of your budget is going. This process not only lets you know how much steel, concrete, timber, rebar and other materials are needed, but it helps you avert one of the biggest pet peeves in construction – inaccurate estimates.
W. A. RANDOLPH, INC., in Chicago
Do you want a construction partner that will help you get the most out of the pre-construction phase? W. A. RANDOLPH, INC., works closely with clients to keep them involved at every stage of the project. We make sure we procure accurate amounts of high-quality materials so that our budgets don’t contain any surprises. Contact W. A. RANDOLPH, INC. to start planning your next project.
