🏗️ Preconstruction Process – Commercial Projects
1. Initial Client Engagement & Feasibility
Objective: Understand the project scope, goals, and constraints.
Tasks:
Conduct client interviews or planning meetings
Define project objectives (budget, timeline, quality)
Conduct site visits and zoning reviews
Perform feasibility studies and site assessments
Prepare preliminary risk analysis
2. Conceptual Planning
Objective: Establish the foundation for design and budgeting.
Tasks:
Create or review initial conceptual drawings
Collaborate with architect/engineer on basic layouts
Identify major systems (MEP, structure)
Define rough program (square footage, occupancies, adjacencies)
Initiate permitting research and code review
3. Preconstruction Agreement
Objective: Formalize services provided before construction.
Tasks:
Prepare preconstruction services contract
Define deliverables (estimates, schedules, design coordination)
Establish team communication protocols
4. Preliminary Budgeting & Cost Modeling
Objective: Establish an early cost framework to guide design.
Tasks:
Develop initial cost model based on conceptual design
Use historical cost data, RSMeans, or trade inputs
Break costs down by CSI MasterFormat divisions
Present value engineering options to client
Update budget with every design iteration
5. Design Coordination & Development
Objective: Support design while ensuring constructability and cost control.
Tasks:
Participate in design meetings
Provide constructability reviews
Evaluate alternative materials/systems
Align drawings/specs with budget
Coordinate with consultants (civil, MEP, structural)
6. Scheduling
Objective: Create a preliminary construction schedule.
Tasks:
Develop high-level milestone schedule
Identify critical path items (long-lead materials, permits, approvals)
Coordinate schedule with design deliverables and procurement
Prepare site logistics and phasing plans (if needed)
7. Procurement Planning
Objective: Strategize early buyouts and vendor engagement.
Tasks:
Identify long-lead items (steel, HVAC, elevators, etc.)
Develop procurement schedule
Prequalify subcontractors and suppliers
Issue RFPs or early bid packages (if applicable)
8. Permitting Strategy
Objective: Ensure timely approvals and avoid delays.
Tasks:
Identify required permits (building, fire, zoning, etc.)
Coordinate with local jurisdictions
Submit early packages if necessary (foundation, site work)
Track approvals and revisions
9. Final Estimate & GMP Proposal
Objective: Deliver an accurate, complete construction estimate.
Tasks:
Compile updated drawings and specifications
Solicit subcontractor bids (open or invited)
Analyze and level bids
Finalize detailed estimate by division
Submit GMP or Lump Sum proposal to client
10. Preconstruction Close-Out
Objective: Transition into construction phase.
Tasks:
Finalize subcontractor selections
Assist with contracts and bonds
Hold pre-mobilization meetings
Deliver final precon report to client
Archive all preconstruction documentation
📁 Optional Deliverables Checklist
✅ Conceptual floor plans / site plans
✅ Project feasibility summary
✅ Preliminary cost model
✅ Constructability review report
✅ Value engineering log
✅ Project schedule (Gantt chart)
✅ Procurement matrix
✅ Permit tracker
✅ Risk register
