The pre-construction phase of a project is an essential part in the development and construction process. Quality time spent early in a project’s planning stages help to answer basic, but important questions of budget, quality control, cost and schedule. At J.M. Wilkerson Construction Co., Inc., our approach to pre-construction services involves early planning efforts focused on managing the controllable variables of design and construction to provide the Owner greater success as a project develops.
During pre-construction, the design and construction teams create initial schedules showing milestone dates that set the overall backbone for the project. This interactive process includes the Owner providing a road map that tracks through the project from start to finish. These initial documents set time lines that are reviewed, updated and maintained with every effort focused on consistent delivery dates set by the goals and expectations of the Owner.
Similar to the initial budgets during pre-construction, project costs and detailed estimates can be created. This budget tracks a similar process during initial stages of the process and is reviewed, updated and maintained as well.
The following items are some of the keys to managing the pre-construction process:
Design and Owner Reviews
The review of design decisions is cross referenced with the effects on the construction timeline, as well as budget impact. The experience that this team has working together partnered with the successful completion of many projects aid in a higher level of understanding of how each team works, and why and when decisions are made. By tracking the design at each milestone during a project it helps to maintain levels of consistency and constructibility. Owners are strongly encouraged to participate in every team review and often provide insight that aids in a successful project.
Value Engineering/Constructibility Reviews
JMW reviews the plans and specifications then offers suggestions that could result in time or money savings without sacrificing quality. During this time, JMW also evaluates any wish list items for future consideration.
Long Lead Procurement of Materials/Equipment
Understanding and identifying items with a long lead time saves months of scheduling delays during construction. A proactive approach to this activity during pre-construction can have significant effect on the design decisions that can shape the outcome of a project.
Trade Partner Evaluation & Bidding
During pre-construction, the solicitation of quotations from reliable and reputable subcontractors will ensure that you receive the highest quality design and the most competitive cost estimation. JMW encourages participation from the owner in the selection of subcontractors and in the review of the bidding results.
Self-Performed Work
When it makes sense for the project, J.M. Wilkerson Construction can self-perform grading, concrete and infrastructure work providing a better single source of responsibility for an Owner. Our heightened expertise in these areas allow our team to provide better pre-construction services and pricing for a project of this type. Our team only self-performs work when it is in the best interest of the project and always reviews the open markets for costs, savings or better service. This added value that our team can bring to the table can complement our review of the bid markets for quality and accuracy.
Tracking Project from Start to Finish
Our team tracks scope, costs and schedules day to day and for the full duration of a project. We fill out daily field logs weekly for projects. Final costs can be projected on a monthly basis.
All members of the pre-construction team make sure the project is properly staffed. An experienced Project Manager, Superintendent and staff are critical to the success of this process and can often be overlooked at this phase of a project. The involvement of design professionals down to field staff, who will be challenged with the construction of the project, will have involvement throughout the entire timeline of a project.
These are some of the items used by our team to facilitate pre-construction. Each member of the team brings their own skills and talents to compliment this phase of a project.