Maximizing value with preconstruction services

Maximizing Value with Preconstruction Services

Many clients associate preconstruction services with estimating. Estimating certainly makes up a critical component in understanding what your project will cost before shovel hits the dirt. But at McCownGordon Construction, we believe preconstruction should encompass every aspect of the project, which is why we collaborate with owners and trade partners across a variety of preconstruction services.

Our services include:

• Real-time estimating and pricing
• Scheduling and phasing
• Logistic review
• Constructability review
• Site analysis
• Feasibility studies
• Financing and ROI analysis
• Lifecycle cost analysis
• System comparison
• Additional design, engineering and management oversight
• Assistance with interviews, bids and scopes

We focus on preconstruction because it saves clients time, adds value to projects through increased square footage or upgraded finishes, streamlines the construction process and creates clear lines of communications across all the key players.

“It comes down to the principles of our founding partners: relationships, integrity and performance,” said Emily Tilgner, P.E., LEED AP, WELL AP, Director of Engineering Services at McCownGordon. “There’s a mutual respect and trust between McCownGordon, owners and trade partners. We’re going to help you find value. And, if there’s an issue, we’re not afraid to have those difficult conversations. We will do what we say we’ll do and execute from the beginning.”

The Earlier, The Better

The earlier we engage in a project, the more impactful our preconstruction services are because we can provide guidance and insight on key decision points, helping clients avoid unpleasant surprises. If we engage later in a project, many important decisions have already been made and it’s more difficult to for clients to leverage the additional value preconstruction can bring to a project.

What this translates to for clients is:

• Alternate options and associated budgets during concepting and design, to help them make better long-term decisions

• Unmatched cost savings due to eliminated/reduced change orders and guaranteed maximum construction pricing
• Decreased risk, shorter construction schedules and additional scope for the same budget
• Consistency and communication throughout the design and build process

“Preconstruction really comes down to early project leadership. A lot of owners are looking for something to get the project off to a successful start and make sure it moves forward,” said Tucker Peddicord, LEED AP, Estimating Executive. “We’re being told by architects that nobody provides the level of detail, communication and transparency throughout the process that we do.”

Alternative Delivery Methods

In a traditional design-bid-build scenario, the design finishes before a general contractor bids on the job and construction begins.

In alternate delivery methods such as design-build, construction management and public private partnerships, there’s a more collaborative approach from Day One. These methods bring all players to the table to fully understand the client’s needs and ensure the project truly meets those needs.

“We see more and more projects involving integrated delivery between the owner, architect and construction manager. Ultimately, these alternative delivery methods are means for collaboration and that’s what we do really well,” said Scott Kimzey, Director of Estimating. “When going down an alternative delivery path, clients are picking partners to be part of the team. We become a trusted advisor to the owner and the architect.”

If you’re tackling a project that involves building new facilities or even renovating existing ones, engaging a construction manager early on adds value to the entire process, and ensures the client’s objectives are achieved.