February 2021
Pre-construction Planning: The Foundation for Building Success
Owners can save time and money on their next construction project with pre-construction planning. By getting your general contractor involved at the conceptual stages of your project, you can glean valuable, practical insights on the planning, scheduling, engineering, and execution of your project based on years of collective experience. This up-front planning gives your project a defined foundation that will reduce surprises and set the stage for building success.
Pre-construction services begin with a meeting of all project stakeholders (i.e., owner, architect, engineer, contractor) to discuss project vision, design, budget and execution. Ideally, this meeting takes place at the concept stage.
When the entire team has an early understanding of the owner’s objectives, they see how all parts of the project fit together. With diverse backgrounds, the team can offer value-engineering suggestions based on their experiences. They can analyze design concepts together and offer creative, practical options that balance cost savings with design goals. Ultimately, your team should work together to design your project to your budget rather than having you budget for the proposed design.
At the pre-construction stage, the team works together to define roles and responsibilities and set the project timeline. At Peter Schwabe, Inc., we use Gantt Chart Scheduling, including all project contributors, to identify and resolve any possible scheduling conflicts in advance. At this stage we also identify possible city planning commission and zoning issues and assign responsibility for submitting necessary paperwork. This careful planning helps avoid unnecessary delays.
Getting your construction team involved early can also help you identify potential project pitfalls. When identified at this point, solutions can be discussed and agreed upon in advance. This helps avoid costly surprises mid-project that can slow the schedule.
Another benefit of pre-construction planning is competitive subcontractor bidding. When estimators have a holistic overview of the entire project, they are able to get the most accurate estimate from subcontractors. This can help them secure the most qualified subcontractors for your project and result in overall cost savings. At PSI, our experienced estimators have strong relationships with our building partners. With a solid understanding of your project, they can assemble the most competitive and talented team for you.
When your entire construction team has the opportunity to discuss your project at the concept stage, everyone has a clear definition of your project goals, timeline and budget from the beginning. This drives collaboration and cooperation throughout the project. As a general contractor, we find it beneficial to be as involved in design and pre-construction planning as possible! The earlier we are brought in to a project the better, and the more likely the project will begin and finish on time and on budget.
PSI welcomes the opportunity to offer pre-construction services for your next project. Our pre-construction services include:
• Site Selection
• Architecture and Engineering
• City Planning Commission/Zoning
• Conceptual Estimates
• Constructability Analysis
• Gantt Chart Scheduling
• Life Cycle / Rate of Return Calculations
• Competitive Subcontractor Bidding
For more information, contact Michael Gilbert, Director of Business Development, at 262.352.9786 or mgilbert@pschwabe.com.
Project Profile: RangeTime LLC
Peter Schwabe, Inc. served as general contractor for this exciting project, a unique public/private partnership that brings outdoor golf to southeastern Wisconsin enthusiasts all year round.
Owner Ramiro Romo brought us in at the conception phase of his "dream project." This allowed us to take the lead in helping him find an architect he was comfortable with and trouble-shoot site issues in advance. The result is a gorgeous facility, completed in an expedited timeline that allowed RangeTime to open before winter.
The facility is located at Ives Grove Golf Links in Sturtevant, Wisconsin. The project includes 30 all-season hitting bays, a brand-new clubhouse lounge, two indoor simulators that provide electronic feedback on golf swings, new outdoor driving range lighting, and landscaping.
With its heated hitting bays outfitted with the latest in golf technology, RangeTime is open for business even in these frigid Wisconsin temps. To reserve your "tee time," visit rangetime.com.