What pre-construction covers
Pre-construction is the planning phase between an idea and a building permit. It includes scope definition, early budgets, schedule planning, drawing review and procurement strategy. Done well, it removes questions that would otherwise show up on site as delays or change orders.
Because HSM self-performs electrical, mechanical, low voltage, interior systems, carpentry, painting and doors, much of the review is done by the people who will carry out the work. A Master Electrician can look at a panel schedule and tell you whether the load and the routing make sense. Our mechanical team can spot a clash between ductwork and structure before drawings are issued.
Typical pre-construction tasks
- Site walks and existing condition checks
- Budget ranges that tighten as design develops
- Constructability and coordination review
- Identifying long-lead equipment such as switchgear, rooftop units and glazing
- Preliminary schedule with permit and inspection timing
- Phasing plans for occupied buildings
- Early talks with landlords and building managers
Alberta considerations
Permits, building code requirements and utility connections can shape a project. We look at these early. Winter conditions also matter. Concrete work, roofing and exterior finishes behave differently in cold weather, and a schedule should reflect that.
A short example of how it pays off
Suppose a tenant plans a new kitchenette and meeting rooms in an older office. During pre-construction we check the plumbing stack location, the electrical panel and the air handling zones. We may find that moving the kitchenette ten metres avoids a long drain run and a new panel. That kind of finding costs nothing to act on in planning and a great deal after the slab is cut.
What to plan for
Pre-construction has a cost in time more than in money. Give us access to the space, to drawings and to your decision makers. A few weeks of focused planning often saves far longer on site.