The pre-construction phase of a project is a critical time for setting the stage for a successful project. This phase includes several key activities, such as:
- Project definition
- Feasibility analysis
- Contract strategy
- Pre-construction due diligence
A site visit is one of the most important activities to complete during pre-construction. It allows the project team to see the site firsthand and identify potential challenges or opportunities that may impact the project. Having as many team members as possible present on-site during the site visit is important. This includes members of the design team, the construction team, and the owner’s team. Having all stakeholders present allows potential problems to be identified and addressed early on, which can help avoid costly delays and rework later in the project.
What to Look for During a Site Visit: Here are some of the specific benefits of conducting a site visit during the pre-construction phase:
- Identify potential site hazards: Underground utilities, overhead power lines, and hazardous materials.
- Assess site access: This includes identifying any restrictions on access to the site, such as narrow roads or limited parking.
- Verify site conditions: This includes verifying the site’s topography, soil conditions, and utility availability.
- Identify potential construction challenges: Difficult site access, limited storage space, and the need for specialized equipment.
- Gather information for the schedule of values, including the cost of labour, materials, and equipment.
- Build team cohesion: This includes allowing the project team to meet and get to know each other.
Best Practices for Site Visits: Here are some best practices for conducting a site visit during the pre-construction phase:
- Plan the visit. Identifying the purpose of the visit, the attendees, and the agenda.
- Conduct a thorough site inspection. This includes taking pictures and videos of the site.
- Document the findings of the site visit. This includes creating a site visit report.
- Communicate the findings of the site visit to the project team.
Additional Tips for Pre-Construction Site Reports: In addition to the information above, here are some additional tips for creating a pre-construction site report:
- Use a clear and concise format.
- Include photos and videos of the site.
- Identify any potential risks or opportunities.
- Make recommendations for the project.
- Distribute the report to the project team.
Conclusion: Conducting a site visit during the pre-construction phase is a valuable activity that can help ensure your project’s success. Follow the best practices outlined in this blog post to make the most of your site visit. In addition to the benefits mentioned in this blog post, site visits can also help improve communication and collaboration among the project team. By bringing the team together on-site, you can help build relationships and trust, leading to a more cohesive and productive team. If you are planning a construction project, I encourage you to conduct a site visit during the pre-construction phase. It is a valuable investment that can pay off in the long run.
Site Reports
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In addition to the site visit, several other important activities should be completed during the pre-construction phase. These activities include:
- Completion of the schedule of values
- Team formation for construction
The schedule of values is a document that outlines the cost of each work item in the project. It is used to track the project’s progress and ensure that it is completed within budget.
Team formation for construction is another important activity that should be completed during pre-construction. This process should include identifying the key personnel responsible for the project’s construction and reviewing the contract forms protocol during construction. Typically, whether people can view, edit or create is determined by an expanded role of the table.
| Request for Information | Supplemental Instructions | Change Orders /Directives | Cash Allowances | Certificate of Payment | Schedule of Values | Site Reports | |
| Owner | X | X | X | X | X | X | |
| Architect | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
| Contractor | X | X | X | ||||
| Engineer | |||||||
| Consultant | X | ||||||
| Project Mngr |
Completing all of these activities during the pre-construction phase can help ensure the success of your project.
