What Happens Before Construction Starts? A Guide to the Pre-Construction Phase

When you think about a construction project, you probably picture heavy equipment moving dirt, steel beams going up, and teams working together on-site. But the truth is, the most important work happens long before the first shovel hits the ground.

At Construction, Design, and Management (CDM), we know that successful construction projects are built on detailed pre-construction planning. This phase lays the groundwork for on-time, on-budget delivery and minimizes the risk of costly surprises later on.

If you’re planning a commercial build, renovation, or tenant improvement project, here’s what happens before construction starts—and why getting this phase right is critical to the success of your project.

1. Project Scope & Goal Setting

Before any designs are drafted or permits filed, the first step is defining the project scope. This means understanding:
✅ What is being built? (Office, retail space, warehouse, healthcare facility, mixed-use building, etc.)
✅ How big is the project? (Square footage, number of stories, open space requirements, etc.)
✅ What’s the end goal? (Attracting tenants, expanding operations, improving efficiency, etc.)
✅ What’s the budget? (How much are you prepared to invest?)
✅ What’s the timeline? (When do you need the space ready for occupancy?)

📌 Why This Matters: A project with unclear objectives or an undefined scope is prone to scope creep, leading to budget overruns and schedule delays.

✔ CDM’s Approach: We collaborate with clients early on to establish clear project goals, aligning the design and construction phases with your business needs and financial expectations.

2. Site Selection & Site Analysis

Choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions in the pre-construction phase. Even if you already own the property, evaluating the site’s condition and limitations is critical.

📌 Key Site Considerations:
✔ Zoning & Land Use: Is the land zoned appropriately for your project?
✔ Soil Conditions: Will the soil support your planned structure, or will expensive site work be needed?
✔ Utility Access: Are water, sewer, gas, and electrical services readily available?
✔ Stormwater Management: Is the site prone to flooding, or will drainage systems be required?
✔ Traffic Flow & Accessibility: Can customers, employees, and deliveries access the site easily?

⚠️ Potential Pitfall: Failing to analyze a site thoroughly can result in unexpected costs for excavation, utility upgrades, or drainage solutions later in the project.

✔ CDM’s Approach: We work with real estate professionals, civil engineers, and local authorities to evaluate potential sites, participate in site walkthroughs, and advise on construction feasibility before purchase decisions are made.

3. Budget Development & Cost Estimating

An accurate budget is the backbone of a successful project. In pre-construction, we work with clients to develop realistic budgets that account for:
💰 Site preparation costs
💰 Material & labor expenses
💰 Permitting & regulatory fees
💰 Potential weather or supply chain delays
💰 Contingency reserves (typically 10-20%) for unforeseen costs

📌 Why This Matters: Underestimating costs early on can derail a project mid-way, forcing difficult decisions about cutting corners or pausing construction.

✔ CDM’s Approach: We use real-time market data and work closely with suppliers and subcontractors to develop accurate budgets, helping clients avoid financial surprises.

4. Design Development & Constructability Reviews

The design phase often runs parallel to budgeting and site analysis. Working with architects and engineers, we develop plans that balance functionality, aesthetics, and construction feasibility.

📌 Key Design Phase Elements:
✔ Architectural Drawings: Defining the structure, layout, and exterior appearance.
✔ Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing (MEP) Systems: Planning the building’s internal infrastructure.
✔ Structural Design: Ensuring the building can support loads and withstand environmental conditions.

⚠️ Potential Pitfall: Designs created in isolation—without contractor input—often lead to constructability issues or budget blowouts later in construction.

✔ CDM’s Approach: We conduct constructability reviews alongside the design process, ensuring plans are practical, cost-effective, and align with your budget.

5. Permitting & Regulatory Approvals

Securing permits and approvals is a critical step before construction starts—and it’s often more complex and time-consuming than expected.

📌 Common Permits Required:
✔ Building Permits
✔ Zoning Approvals
✔ Environmental Impact Assessments
✔ Stormwater Management Plans
✔ Fire Safety Inspections

⚠️ Potential Pitfall: Delays in permitting can push back your project timeline by weeks or even months, leading to higher costs and missed deadlines.

✔ CDM’s Approach: We navigate the permitting process for our clients, leveraging our relationships with local authorities to streamline approvals and keep your project on schedule.

6. Construction Timeline & Scheduling

A realistic timeline is built during pre-construction, factoring in:
📅 Material lead times
📅 Labor availability
📅 Weather considerations
📅 Permit approval estimates

📌 Why This Matters: Overly aggressive schedules can lead to corners being cut, while disorganized timelines result in delays and downtime.

✔ CDM’s Approach: We create detailed, phase-by-phase schedules, helping coordinate subcontractors and materials efficiently.

7. Risk Management & Safety Planning

The pre-construction phase is the best time to identify potential risks and develop safety protocols. This includes:
✔ Site logistics planning
✔ Safety hazard assessments
✔ Emergency response procedures

📌 Why This Matters: Proactive risk management reduces the likelihood of accidents, protects your investment, and ensures compliance with OSHA and local safety standards.

✔ CDM’s Approach: Safety is woven into every phase of our planning process, ensuring your project is built safely and responsibly.

Final Thoughts: The Blueprint for a Smooth Build

The pre-construction phase is where successful projects are made—or broken. Skipping or rushing through these steps invites costly delays, design conflicts, and budget surprises later on.

At CDM, we believe that a well-planned project is a successful project. That’s why we partner with clients from day one—offering construction expertise during site selection, budgeting, design development, and beyond.

📞 Thinking about a construction project? Let’s start planning. Contact CDM today to ensure your pre-construction process is in expert hands.