Investing In Your Success
Don’t Skip This!
Early in my career I was approached by a couple that wanted to undertake a massive renovation/addition to their multi-million dollar home. We knew, liked and trusted each other. They had a set of plans from a luxury residential architect and everything on plan looked reasonable.
My unique project planning process was in its infancy but I gave them an estimate and we set a date to get started. Things went great through foundation and framing of the addition. But when we got into reframing the existing structure of the house things started to slip. The owners wanted a vaulted ceiling that wasn’t on plan. We worked hard with the engineer to come up with a plan to span the roof with a giant steel beam.
As we progressed, the cost of the steel, the labor and the additional design cost started to mount. Before we knew it, the structural costs were way beyond what had been estimated. We finished the project in excellent style with beautiful design but the sting of the cost overrun stuck with us for months.
I wasn’t willing to make this mistake again and fixing it for the future consumed me for a while. I pulled the thread all the back to the beginning. I realized that I had skipped the exhaustive plan review process with the owners. I had assumed that the plans were exactly what they wanted and didn’t question them. It’s true that I was at a disadvantage because I hadn’t been part of the design process but that didn’t matter - my job was to ensure success before construction even started.
To fix this, we now have a process where we go through every detail of the build during planning. We start with dreams and end with an exquisite reality. In general, the construction industry refers to this as the ‘preconstruction phase’. Here, we call it the Porchlight Path.
What is Preconstruction?
Preconstruction planning for a custom home build is a crucial phase that takes place before any actual construction begins. It's a collaborative process between the homeowner and the builder (and often architects, designers, and other specialists) to thoroughly define the project and lay the groundwork for a successful build.
The preconstruction phase is absolutely vital for a homeowner embarking on a building project with their builder. It's the foundation upon which the entire project is built, and a solid foundation leads to a smoother, more successful outcome. Here's why it's so important:
1. Setting Clear Expectations and Goals:
Shared Vision: Preconstruction planning ensures that both the homeowner and the builder are on the same page. It's a time to discuss the homeowner's vision, needs, and priorities in detail, ensuring the builder fully understands the desired outcome.
Defining Scope: This process clearly defines the scope of the project, including the design, materials, and finishes. This prevents misunderstandings and costly changes later on.
2. Establishing a Realistic Budget and Timeline:
Accurate Cost Estimation: By thoroughly planning upfront, the builder can provide a more accurate cost estimate, minimizing the risk of budget overruns.
Project Scheduling: A detailed timeline is developed, outlining the different phases of construction and their expected completion dates. This helps homeowners plan accordingly and reduces the chances of delays.
3. Identifying and Mitigating Potential Problems:
Risk Assessment: Preconstruction planning allows the builder to identify potential challenges or risks early on, such as site conditions, material availability, or permitting issues.
Problem Solving: By addressing these issues proactively, the builder can develop solutions and minimize their impact on the project.
4. Improving Communication and Collaboration:
Building Relationships: This phase fosters open communication and collaboration between the homeowner, the builder and the architect/designer, building trust and a strong working relationship.
Streamlining the Process: Clear communication and planning streamline the entire construction process, making it more efficient and less stressful for everyone involved. When issues between constructibility and design arise, they can be addressed efficiently.
It’s Your Investment
In essence, preconstruction planning is an investment in the success of the project. It saves time, money, and headaches by ensuring that everyone is on the same page, potential problems are addressed early, and the project stays on track. Because it’s an investment it shouldn’t come for free, but the cost should be reasonably as well.
See what our process looks like or get in touch to find out how to invest in your own success.