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A simple introduction to getting your project off the ground
Starting a construction project – whether it’s a custom home, remodel, addition, or accessory dwelling unit (ADU) – can feel overwhelming if you’ve never done it before. This guide is here to help you understand what to expect, what steps to take, and how to move forward with clarity.
Before you hire an architect or contractor, it’s important to understand the bigger picture. Preconstruction is the phase where the most important decisions are made, and it sets the tone for your entire project. Taking the time to learn what’s ahead will save you time, money, and frustration.
What Is Preconstruction?
Preconstruction is everything that happens before you break ground. It’s not just about getting permits, it’s about building a plan that works.
This phase includes:
- Defining your goals and scope
- Learning about your property, zoning, and restrictions
- Creating a realistic budget
- Building your team (architect, contractor, consultants)
- Finalizing design decisions
- Navigating the permitting and approval process
- Collecting and comparing contractor bids
- Signing contracts and preparing for construction
Preconstruction helps you:
- Make better decisions with fewer surprises
- Avoid common legal and permitting issues
- Understand your costs before committing
- Communicate clearly with your team
What’s Coming: The Big Picture
Preconstruction isn’t a single step, it’s a sequence of tasks, decisions, and checkpoints that move your project from idea to reality. Each phase builds on the one before it. Whether you’re hiring a design-build team or managing your own architect and contractor, the process tends to follow a similar path.
Here’s an overview of the key stages in the preconstruction journey:
1. Planning & Feasibility
Understand your land and the rules that govern it.
- What’s allowed on your lot (zoning, setbacks, FAR, etc.)
- Who has jurisdiction over your property
- What surveys, tests, or reports are needed
- Whether you need plans or just a scope of work
2. Budget & Finance
Know what your project might cost before you spend.
- Set a working budget and adjust as needed
- Explore construction loan options
- Understand what you’ll need to provide (owner-supplied items)
- Use value engineering early to avoid rework later
3. Design & Preconstruction Team
Start working with the professionals who will shape your project.
- Decide if you need an architect, designer, or engineer
- Issue RFQs and RFPs to gather proposals
- Compare design options and align them with your goals and budget
- Understand what’s in a drawing set and how to read plans
4. Permits & Approvals
Start navigating your local building department.
- Understand which permits are needed and how to apply
- Learn what RFI and submittals are and how to manage them
- Know what slows projects down and how to avoid it
5. Bidding & Contractor Selection
Put your project out to bid and evaluate proposals.
- Develop a scope of work and bidding documents
- Host site meetings with potential contractors
- Review, compare, and clarify bids
- Use CSI divisions to help break down scope
- Negotiate pricing and terms
6. Contracts & Risk Management
Lock in agreements and protect yourself.
- Understand what type of contract you’re signing
- Review it thoroughly before you commit
- Learn the basics of insurance, liens, and change orders
7. Pre-Construction Wrap Up
You’re almost ready to build.
- Final prep steps before mobilizing to site
- Roles and responsibilities during construction
- Your FF&E checklist (fixtures, furnishings, and equipment)
- Final construction timeline tool
What’s Next
You now have a high-level view of what the preconstruction process looks like and how this guide is organized to support you along the way. Before jumping into the deeper details, it’s helpful to pause and clarify where you’re starting from.
Head to the next page: Key Things to Consider Before You Begin. It will walk you through a few important questions that will help shape your next steps, whether you’re still exploring ideas or ready to take action.