Pre construction services, what is the value?
We are living in times of accelerated technological innovation in all areas of life. Construction techniques and materials, albeit at much lower speeds, are also constantly evolving. As a result of these constant changes, buildings are becoming more and more complex to design and build.
Currently, it is not unusual for a set of plans of a modest residential home to be dozens of pages long, in order to provide enough information about its structure, fenestrations, weatherproofing, insulation, mechanical systems, roof, interior finishes, flooring, home automation, water management, landscaping, etc.
Even with a thorough set of plans, there’s a significant delta that needs to be bridged for a project to move from a design stage to a “ shovel ready” stage.
In our opinion, the effective way to bridge such delta is to become engaged in the project at the earliest possible stage to provide pre construction and consulting services.
Engaging pre-construction services before attempting to build or renovate a house straight from plans is highly recommended, as it sets the foundation for a smoother, more efficient, and cost-effective construction process.
Here’s why it makes sense:
1. Detailed Planning and Cost Estimation
• Pre-construction services provide a thorough cost analysis of the project. Professionals evaluate the plans to identify material needs, labor costs, and potential contingencies.This helps minimize unexpected expenses during construction that may adversely affect the budget.
2. Feasibility Assessment
• Pre-construction experts assess whether the plans are practical and compliant with local building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations.
• They also evaluate the site’s conditions, such as accessibility, soil stability, utilities, and drainage to identify potential conflicts.
3. Risk Mitigation
• By identifying potential challenges early (e.g., structural design issues or material shortages), pre-construction services help prevent delays and costly changes during the building process.
4. Value Engineering
• Professionals can suggest cost-saving alternatives without compromising quality or design intent.
• For example, they might recommend more efficient materials, construction methods, or layouts to optimize resources.
5. Streamlined Communication
• Pre-construction services bring together architects, engineers, contractors, and clients to ensure everyone is aligned on the project’s scope and expectations.
• This collaboration minimizes misunderstandings and fosters a cohesive execution plan.
6. Time Savings
• With a clear roadmap in place, construction may proceed more efficiently.
• A realistic construction timeline is developed, ensuring timely completion.
7. Customization and Flexibility
• The pre-construction phase allows you to make adjustments to the design or scope of work without the high costs and delays associated with changes during construction.
8. Better Resource Allocation
• Contractors can pre-order materials, schedule labor, and allocate equipment effectively, reducing wastage and ensuring resources are used efficiently.