The dynamics within the North American preconstruction market are poised for a remarkable transformation, with Owners holding ever higher standards for the General Contractors they entrust to lead their projects. The days of relying solely on Excel spreadsheets are long gone; today, Owners are seeking a new level of sophistication in project management and communication.

Owners are, with good reason, demanding partners who bring innovative solutions to the table. They expect projects to commence on a rock-solid foundation, adhere to schedules, and maximize efficiency. This transition marks the dawn of a new era in construction. Adaptability, forward-thinking strategies, and cutting-edge technologies are now paramount. Owners have raised the bar, and General Contractors must rise to the occasion, equipping themselves with the tools and expertise to meet these growing expectations and succeed in this evolving landscape.   

While there may be many options for the construction phase of a project, the preconstruction phase is still ripe for transformation. General contractors have a unique opportunity to distinguish themselves and leave a lasting impact on the Owners they collaborate with and serve.

A panel of experts recently delved into the current state of preconstruction within the industry:  

• Mike Schnizlein, VP of Construction at Related Midwest, with 18+ years as a seasoned general contractor.
• Martin Walsh, VP of Facilities Development at Sonic Automotive, offering a unique perspective from both subcontractor and general contractor roles.
• Scott Seyer, Principal Designer at SCB Architects, known for innovative designs.
• Steve Dell’Orto, Founder of ConCntric, advocates for technological adoption of preconstruction processes.

With a wealth of collective knowledge and experience at their disposal, they engaged in an insightful and extensive discourse, delving deep into the multifaceted aspects of preconstruction and thoroughly examined the evolving landscape. Among the topics thoughtfully considered were the ever-increasing expectations and demands that shape this crucial phase of construction projects.

The conversation revolved around three core themes:  

1. The Role of People:   The success of preconstruction is fundamentally grounded in the people involved. It’s about bringing together a team of professionals with shared goals and objectives who not only understand the intricacies of the construction business but can also collaborate effectively to translate vision into reality. This means having individuals who not only possess industry expertise but can communicate and cooperate seamlessly to ensure a project’s success.  

One significant challenge in the preconstruction phase is the generation of reliable and accurate estimates. This crucial task is often hampered by the lack of a centralized database for informed budget numbers. The absence of such a resource can lead to delays and inconsistencies in the decision-making process. The current reliance on real-time subcontractor input can further add complexities and bottlenecks. To overcome these challenges, the panel suggests that the industry should invest in streamlined systems and tools that enable efficient data gathering and analysis. This will not only expedite the estimation process but also enhance its accuracy, thereby promoting better decision-making.  

2. Alignment of Stakeholders:   Effective communication and collaboration among key stakeholders, including general contractors, subcontractors, architects, and owners, are indispensable for the success of preconstruction. The coordination of efforts and the alignment of objectives are critical to ensuring a project progresses smoothly from the planning stage to execution.  

The importance of streamlined systems in this context cannot be overstated. When all stakeholders have access to a central hub of project data, it simplifies information sharing, decision-making, and progress tracking. It minimizes misunderstandings, streamlines the exchange of crucial information, and ensures that everyone is on the same page.

 

3. Embracing Technology:   The modern era of construction is characterized by the integration of technology into every facet of the industry, including preconstruction. Technology solutions have the power to revolutionize data analysis, budgeting, and decision-making processes. By leveraging advanced software and data-driven tools, the construction industry can enhance its efficiency and effectiveness, enabling teams to work smarter, not harder. The synergy of technology and human expertise is key to this transformation. 

These technological advancements do not replace the human touch but rather complement it. By automating time-consuming tasks, offering real-time data insights, and simplifying complex processes, technology frees up professionals to focus on the critical aspects of their work, such as making informed decisions and fostering collaboration. It’s about harnessing the best of both worlds to ensure projects are completed successfully.

In summary, the future of preconstruction involves recognizing the paramount role of people, promoting alignment among stakeholders, and embracing technology. This strategic combination leads to efficient data collection, improved collaboration, and more predictable and prosperous projects in the ever-evolving construction industry.