Construction projects are complex. There are several stages to complete before any construction work can even begin. That includes the bidding and pre-construction phases.
The pre-construction process has to be completed before the construction project can commence. The process lays the foundations for a successful project, and it’s during this phase that the goals of the project are established, and potential areas of weakness are ironed out.
Most of the time, an outline of the upcoming construction project will be created during the pre-construction phase. Resources are gathered, and a timeframe for the completion of the project is estimated. The pre-construction process is also essential to ensure compliance with Construction (Design and Management) Regulations. These health and safety regulations are in place to reduce the risk of harm to construction workers and individuals who will be using the construction after project completion.
In this article, we’re going to discuss what the pre-construction process involves and the key steps that contribute to this preparatory phase of a construction project.
What Happens in the Preconstruction Phase of a Project?
Here is a detailed breakdown of what happens during the pre-construction phase of a construction project.
Project Team
The very first step in any construction project is the recruitment of team members. There are several different workers that are required to collaborate on a single project, including:
- Client or business owner
- Construction project managers
- Architects and designers
- Contractors and subcontractors
- Financial partners or advisors
- Lawyers and insurance providers
To recruit contractors, the business owner or project manager will open up a construction bidding process, where contractors can send proposals for the construction project. The client or bid manager will assess the bids and select the best one.
Project Aims
Once the team has been determined, the next stage in the pre-construction phase is the identification of project goals. The main objectives and the relevant requirements of the project must be clearly defined before bidding begins.
The objectives that are defined must be clear and concise to ensure that every team member is working towards the same goals. These objectives must be communicated to every team member, including the client, fed managers, designers, contractors, and subcontractors.
Project Timetable
Once the aims and projects have been determined, the client will work closely with the team to define a project timetable.
Usually, the timetable has a loose structure but is not set in stone. It’s important to allow some leeway in the project timetable to account for potential delays.
Site Evaluation
Finding the right site location for the construction project is essential. The site costs and accessibility must be taken into account and carefully evaluated before a final location is chosen. This process is part of the pre-construction phase.
Cost Estimation
Towards the end of the pre-construction phase, a realistic estimation of the total cost of the project will be determined.
Generally, larger, more complex projects where more team members are required will have higher costs. Expenses include staff wages, designing, equipment and materials, site access, and legal or regulatory costs.
Final Note
Before any project starts, the pre-construction process must be first well-figured out. It will determine the success of the project. Now that you know what some key steps in the preparatory phase of a construction project are, then you already know what ingredients you need to put together to always have a successful construction project.
