What should my Builder do during the Preconstruction Phase of construction?

Feb 7

After you've completed the architectural design process, it's now time to jump into the preconstruction phase!

You will have the opportunity to see progress and be involved in it and watch as your custom builder works behind the scenes. The list of tasks that your Builder has to accomplish during this phase is extensive. It would help if you had HOA approvals or city permits to get, utility orders to place, possible constructability problems to solve, selections options to provide, builders' risk insurance to quote. There is also a project schedule to complete, a budget that can be refined with each additional selection, and subcontractor agreements to perform.

Let's take a look at the key tasks your custom builder should perform during this time.

Create and Follow a Preconstruction Schedule

The custom builder will create and send you a preconstruction schedule. It's really about builder accountability. Your Builder will have good internal processes in place to ensure each phase is successful. If they do, it is likely that part of their preconstruction process includes setting a timeline with deadlines and goals for their team. If your Builder doesn't have any internal processes, it is important to establish the expectations so that your project can be managed effectively. It is a good idea to request a preconstruction timeline.

Our Preconstruction Checklist has almost 60 lines that can be used to create a timeline for preconstruction. Every custom home is unique, so every preconstruction timeline has a different format. However, they all include the following target deadlines:

Completion and certification of structural engineering (and civil if required for HOA/city)
The creation of a comprehensive construction budget (there are several deadlines for this multi-step procedure).
Completion of various surveys, drainage plans, and MEP plans. HOA or city may require this.
Submission to HOA (and expected approval date).
Submission to the city for building permit (and anticipated permit date)
A comprehensive selections schedule was created for homeowners
Homeowners can get guidance on key selections
Design of a detailed construction schedule
Execution of sub-agreements
Kick-off meeting of key subordinates
Preliminary site work (tree removing, temporary fencing, etc.

These are TARGET deadlines. An important part of this step, however, is the organization of the team and their responsibilities by the Builder to get your home on the right track.

Provide Clear Selections Schedule

This one is huge. This is crucial for ensuring that your home's construction runs smoothly. A detailed list of requirements should be provided by your custom builder before they start work. Your Builder should be able to give you a clear roadmap that will guide you and your interior designer through the selections process.

To ensure construction goes on time, it is important for your custom builder to have an internal process for collecting materials from you and procuring them. Builders often rely too heavily on their interior designers for the entire selections process. The Builder will simply provide the plans and then request specific selections from the homeowner. This makes it more difficult, frantic, and frustrating than it should be. Preconstruction allows homeowners and interior designers to know when decisions will need to be made throughout construction. Better still, the Builder should send regular updates outlining which selections need to be made next.

There are several things you need to do BEFORE you break ground in your new home.

Exterior and interior doors
Exterior materials/colors/details
Roof
Appliances
Plumbing fixtures
Interior beams
Fireplace details
Interior design types
Locations for floor plugs
Mechanized shades locations, if desired

Because they have an effect on the architecture, foundation, electrical plan, and plumbing groundwork of the home, all of these choices must be made as soon as possible. Interior flooring material can have an impact on the foundation height. Therefore, it is crucial to identify which areas will have tile, wood, or carpet to make sure you get the foundation correct. Because many of these products have long lead times, it is important to make these decisions early.

Create a Project Schedule

It is crucial that your custom builder develops a schedule of construction for your home prior to breaking ground. It gives both the team and their subcontractors a clear plan of action and holds them accountable. It is possible to miss material ordering deadlines and not follow the steps. Sub stacking and coordination at the site become more difficult if you don't keep track of this schedule. These mistakes can result in significant construction delays.

Your custom home builder Cedar Park Texas will be able to review your project plan with you to ensure that they are accountable and organized when it comes down to your project. This will help you understand how construction progresses through each phase of your home.

How smoothly your homebuilding journey proceeds will depend on how efficiently your Builder works through the preconstruction phase. Good luck!

Cedar Park Home Remodelers

Cedar Park, Tx

(737) 307 8281