Your Pre-Construction Plan Needs These Five Things
When it comes to construction, you might be wondering where to start. Thinking about an initial concept can be exciting and distressing at the same time. To avoid catastrophes, it is crucial to have a well-thought-out plan. At Coastal Reconstruction Group, we recommend following five preliminary stages before anyone even sets foot on your property.
1. Budget
When it comes to your pre-construction plan, one of the most important things to outline is your budget. This will identify if your pre-construction idea will be achievable. Having a set estimate for expenditure will allow your general contractor to advise if the project you are envisioning is attainable with the budget you have proposed.
If your budget does not match your concept and objectives, a knowledgeable contractor will be able to suggest project variations to accommodate your pre-construction plan as much as possible. Budgets should be based on labor and material costs. Include a contingency fund to cover for any additional surprises or potential issues that may appear.
2. Schedule
Once you have a budget in mind for your pre-construction plan, it’s equally vital to map out a thorough schedule to guarantee that your project stays on course. Do you need a precise completion date or can you be flexible?
When it comes to planning a pre-construction schedule, there are many different elements that come into play. For example, crew members from various trades are scheduled at different times to do their jobs. In order to keep the project moving as smoothly as possible, each job needs to be scheduled appropriately to avoid any hiccups.
Make sure all tasks and responsibilities are assigned early on to achieve your objectives and to avoid falling behind schedule.
3. Safety Plan
Having a safety plan is necessary in your pre-construction planning. This is known as the pre-construction safety plan or PCSP. A safety plan establishes an operative safety program that includes both federal and international safety and health standards.
Establishing expectations in your pre-construction plan for safety guidelines allows everyone to participate by providing their input. This allows the safety plan to be managed over the life of the project. Knowing how work is performed in a safe manner should be a fundamental part of the process. Having a checklist is strongly recommended to make sure safety protocols and procedures are covered.
4. Clear Communication
When it comes to your pre-construction plan, establishing a clear chain of communication will ensure productivity, improving safety, and keeping your project as cost effective as possible. When communication is well established, a culture of collaboration with your team and management arises.
Each crew member should have a point of contact. Convey messages to your team in layman’s terms, be concise, and clear. Make sure everyone knows what their task is and be open and available to answer any questions that may come up.
5. Finish Schedule
Lastly, your pre-construction plan should include an approved scope of work and a finish schedule. This will outline the materials you wish to have in your project (such as ceiling, wall, and floor materials). A finish schedule is crucial because it is used to communicate all product specifications to each team member involved.
Finish Schedules are used to provide an educated estimate of costs and quantities of materials needed. Keeping track of your finish schedule allows you to clearly outline the details and keep track of building material selections.
The means and methods are important to have in place as well. These are the tactics and techniques used (such as temporary structures) that are needed to complete construction of your permanent project. The means and methods include labor, materials, tools, etc. and the manner and the time of their use. https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/means-and-methods-of-construction)
In conclusion, when it comes to your pre-construction plan, remember to include things such as your budget, schedule, a safety plan, clear chain of communication, and the means and method of your project. Having a strong outline sets your project up for success resulting in collaboration and smooth sailing.
If you are thinking about a new construction project, contact Coastal Reconstruction Group for more information on how to get started, we are happy to help!