Every great commercial construction project hinges on the success of its early stages. The project starts as a concept from the owner and then progresses through planning and architectural stages until it gets to the pre-construction stage. This involves construction planning and preparation with pricing, budget, scheduling, and other aspects of construction.

What Does Pre-Construction Involve?

Pre-construction is the part of a construction project where the owner and the general contractor work to define the overall scope, the construction schedule, and the total cost of the venture. The pre-construction process involves many steps including: 

• Cost estimating for every aspect and stage of the construction project. This includes a conceptual estimate of the total project and a schematic estimate alongside detailed project schematics. There will be a design development phase estimate to ensure project scope and its intent. Then, there will be an estimate for construction specifications and project drawings.
• Value analysis for engineering to ensure the best return on the project investment as possible.
• Constructability reviews of the project design to make sure they are viable. This process mitigates potential issues in order to ensure the best outcome.
• Developing a project timeline and work schedule helps get the construction project completed on time.
• Long-lead items must be procured well in advance to be there when needed. This includes products, equipment, and systems that take a considerable time to acquire. Items must be ordered and a schedule of delivery developed.
• Planning site logistics keeps the project on schedule and safe. This involves planning the flow of workers, resources, and equipment on the job site in a safe and efficient way.
• Meeting current MWBE/HUB coordination and inclusion practices and requirements. 

After these planning steps are complete, J.M. Thompson can gather together the work and resources needed to complete the construction job. We have expertise in contracting services and in construction management so that your project will be completed on time and exceed your expectations.

Why is this Pre-Construction Planning so Important?

Commercial construction projects involve thousands of details that determine the success of the project. Catching potential errors during pre-construction can save money and time down the line. Careful planning during this important stage can prevent errors in design and engineering.

Important Pre-Construction Practices

There are important practices in the pre-construction process to improve the project outcome.

1. Lines of communication and responsibility must be clear between all the involved professionals. Defined deadlines and goals must be understood and everyone held accountable.
2. Collaborative scheduling is needed to come up with a realistic timeframe for the project. Creating a realistic work schedule that involves all parties and aspects of the project is essential.
3. Use modern technology to make budgeting and tracking cost more efficient. There are automated estimating tools to help create an accurate budget. The technology makes it easier to consider numerous potential costs and to cut down the risk of going above the stated budget.
4. Keep focused on logistics so the construction site keeps moving. Jobsites have supplies, workers, materials, and equipment all interacting in a reasonably small space. Site coordination can prevent delays and accidents.
5. Detailed information should be shared with the whole team constantly. Using Building Information Modelling (BIM) can keep detailed information available throughout the whole project. This tool can help facilitate the planning process, timelines, and budgets. It can also catch and avoid potential errors.
6. Use of a cost index can make budget forecasting easier, minimizing price increases in the middle of a project.
7. Obtaining all the required permits ahead of time is important. Meeting with officials ahead of time gives a clear picture of what permits will be needed and smooths out the whole process.
8. Make an effort to achieve green certification for the construction project with in-house experts. Planning for green certification must be done during the pre-construction process.

Large construction projects can not avoid all unforeseeable challenges in the construction process, but good pre-construction planning and practices can minimize these problems. A good pre-construction process can deal with construction challenges before the construction process begins. Hiring the best company to manage the pre-construction process will ensure project success. Check out construction management companies to find the one that best suits your project needs. J.M. Thompson has a long-standing, excellent reputation for pre-construction services.

About J.M. Thompson

A family-owned and operated company, J.M. Thompson brings together vast construction knowledge to each project they take on. The team consists of experienced professionals in the industry, as the company is only as good as its employees. The staff assumes full responsibility for the successful projects found in the company portfolio. 

Any commercial construction project needs the best pre-construction planning and services for successful completion. The best company will ask for owner feedback on the budget, the timeline, and all aspects of the construction planning. Pre-construction service professionals from our company will ensure that every detail of your construction project is addressed.

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