If you are thinking that industrial construction or major commercial construction projects are completed in one go, you are wrong. All such projects are actually not possible to complete without preconstruction services.
It is not easy to start construction projects without analyzing different factors from the very beginning. Every project has its own challenges, strengths, and nuances, requiring precise and comprehensive planning right from the beginning. This is to make sure that paramount value is provided at optimal cost and in time.
Pre-construction Services
Pre-construction services involve a comprehensive evaluation of the commercial project in building a robust foundation for project’s successful completion. Preconstruction service is a communication intensive and highly collaborative affair which requires a preconstruction team containing planners, designers, project managers, estimators, and of course the client to come together, address and discuss all the issues before starting with the construction.
At this stage, essential goals are created, budgets get evaluated and validated, and schedules are made so that the highest value is received while attaining budget and design goals. Preconstruction services are essential because every project is unique and every client has special project design goals with a limited budget. So, it is almost impossible to implement a fixed menu for everyone, hence a different set of rules are applicable to every project.
Communications Making Pre-construction Services Effective
Although pre-construction services have many benefits, there is something behind this service also that make it a success. Yes, you thought it right – Communication. A better communication helps in understanding the project requirements. There is a saying that “communication is the reason behind every successful relationship.” This is true for personal relationships and equally true for work relationships. It is important for you to communicate with your contractor because only then your requirements will be correctly understood and the desired result will be obtained. Some of the key tips to making sure that your project runs smoothly are as follows:
- The contractor should be allowed to present his or her opinion
- The property owner should thoroughly listen to the contractor
- The contractor often knows more than the property owner. So, he or she should be given the deserving respect
- Be honest, fair and consistent
Pre-construction Services Bridge the Communication Gap
In the above section, it has been discussed that communication makes preconstruction services effective. However, the opposite of this is also true. Preconstruction services close gaps in the communication loop. It has been seen that people in the construction industry do not like this part. This brings communication-related problems in construction management companies.
When a construction company bags a preconstruction project, all the people related to the project get a chance to come together before finally starting the project. Whoever is having any doubt in his or her mind related to the project can get it resolved prior to the project commencement. Moreover, people involved in the project learn about the working style of their peers. This does not lead to any kind of misunderstanding when they are busy with the final project. This way preconstruction services bridge the communication gap.
Tasks Involved in Pre-construction Services
Preconstruction services are a host of tasks usually performed by construction companies or a general contractor before starting with the project. Some of the common tasks involved in preconstruction services are:
· Site Analysis
During site analysis, the focus is on finding out whether the construction site will fulfill all the project requirements without any extra cost and future surprises. A complete master plan of the site is created which includes guaranteed parking and traffic circulation. With the help of consultants, the soil is reviewed and it is made sure that the foundation design is relevant.
· Assistance with Approval Requiring Agencies
Pre-construction service providers are usually commercial general contractors, industrial general contractors, or any construction company. The common quality most of them possess is the relationship they have with approval requiring agencies. They help with the presentation and design approval to architectural control committee. They help in getting the building permits and site plan approval.
· Value Engineering
Value engineering determines whether the scope of work is within the budget or not. Then the suggestions about cost savings are provided. A comprehensive conceptual estimate of the project is prepared, and this conceptual estimate is then analyzed and seen if it satisfies the budget requirements. If the conceptual estimate does not meet budget requirements, then alternative solutions are provided which include quality impact, schedule, and cost.
· Constructability Review
Through this task, it is made sure that everything designed is precisely reflected in the plan. Moreover, all the details are simplified and clarified in accordance with the industry practices. This prevents the bidders from filling the bids with intensely priced contingencies. The design documents are reviewed for any oversights, thoroughness, and inaccuracies. If something inappropriate is found during the review, alternative solutions are provided.
· Cost Control
During this task, the scope and costs are finally looked upon to ensure that everything is within the budget. Then the design is finalized, the cost models are refined and lump sum cost of the project is developed. Then, with the help of executives and design team, the cost estimate is reviewed in detail. If any new thing needs to be involved or something needs to be corrected, it is done in accordance with the market conditions. Then the final cost estimate of the project is prepared.
· Scheduling
The whole project is scheduled from beginning to end. Key milestones which will drive the project towards completion in a predetermined and organized manner are identified. Firstly, all the construction and design activities are defined. Then, introductory and concluding schedules are prepared, and a sequencing plan of the project is developed.
· Safety
The industry acknowledged safety programs offer mental peace to the property owner. The safety program should be in compliance with the local, state and federal regulations. Then, safety plan designed specifically for the project is executed and this plan is further communicated to site visitors and subcontractors. For best practices, a consistent monitoring of safety program is required.
There are many other tasks involved in pre-construction services but the above-discussed ones are always included in pre-construction services.
