What should my builder be doing during the Pre-Construction phase?

Feb 7

Now that the architectural design process has been completed, it is time to move on to the pre-construction phase.

Pre-construction will be a busy time with a well-organized custom builder. You'll be able to participate in some of the progress and others will be hidden behind the scenes. The builder will have many things on his to-do list. There are HOA approvals to get and city permits that need to be put in place. You also have to consider utility orders and other issues.

Let's examine some of the most important things that your custom-builder should do during this period.

Prepare (and follow) a pre-construction timeline

Your custom-builder should prepare (and send to you) a timeline for pre-construction. It is all about builder accountability. Your builder must have effective internal processes in order to ensure the success and smooth running of every phase of their projects. If they have, then it's likely that part of their process already includes creating a timeline for each phase of the project with specific deadlines. If your builder does not have an internal process in place, you should set expectations to ensure that they are organized for your project. A pre-construction timeline is helpful.

The Pre-Construction Checklist contains almost 60 line items that help us create a timeline. Each custom home and each location are unique so every preconstruction timeline is different. However, the list generally contains target deadlines.

Completed structural engineering (and if necessary civil if required by HOA/city).
An extensive construction budget is created (with multiple deadlines).
Completion and submission of various surveys, drainage maps, MEP plans, etc. HOA/city may require these documents.
Submission to HOA in order for approval (and the expected approval date).
Submission to the city in order to obtain a building permit (and the expected date of issuance)
The creation of a complete selections schedule for homeowners
Helping homeowners make key decisions
It is possible to create a detailed schedule of construction
Execution and compliance with sub-agreements
Kick-off Meeting with key sub-s
Preliminary site preparation (tree removal and temporary fencing, etc.

The pre-construction timeline will include TARGET deadlines. This is where the builder will organize their team and determine their responsibilities in order for your home to be built efficiently and effectively.

Provide a Clear Choices Schedule

This one is massive. To ensure your home's construction goes smoothly, it is important to make as many decisions upfront. You should receive a detailed list from your builder prior to breaking ground. The builder's clear direction will help you and the interior designer make the selections process more manageable.

It is crucial that your custom builder has an internal process in place to collect selections from you, as well as procure materials, so construction can continue on schedule. Many times, builders are too dependent on interior designers to handle all the selections. The builder just provides the plans up-front and then makes requests from homeowners and designers for specific selections. This makes the whole process more frustrating, stressful, and frantic than it needs to. A comprehensive selections plan is a way for homeowners and interior designers alike to anticipate when changes will be required throughout construction. Even better, the builder will send periodic updates highlighting which selections are important next.

You must make these selections BEFORE you begin construction on your home.

Windows and exterior doors
Exterior materials/colors/details
Roof
Appliances
Plumbing fixtures
Interior beams
Fireplace details
Interior types
Floor plug locations
Mechanized shades locations, if desired

These choices are important because they affect the architectural design and the foundation. You should know which areas of the interior flooring will have wood/tile, as they can impact foundation height. This is because some of the products take long lead times.

Create Project Schedule

Before you start digging, it is imperative that your custom-built home has a detailed construction plan. It serves as a guideline for their team, and also their network of subcontractors. They can then follow it and be held accountable. If this schedule is not followed, it can be difficult to keep up with material ordering deadlines. It can also cause problems when steps are done in the wrong order. This can lead to missed material ordering deadlines. These errors can cause significant delays during construction.

To ensure your custom builder is organized and accountable, it's a good idea to review the project schedule together. It also helps you understand the progress of your home's construction through each phase.

This will impact how smooth your home-building project goes. It will also affect the efficiency of your builder during the pre-construction phase. We wish you all the best!

Cedar Park Home Remodelers

Cedar Park, Tx

(737) 307 8281