Preconstruction

CONSTRUCTION STARTS WITH COLLABORATION

CT Wilson Construction is a progressive, proactive, problem-solving team of professionals that has a proven track record of creating construction experiences that put you first. Whether hard-bid or negotiated, many of our clients are repeat clients. We believe the best approach to each project is a team-driven approach where the owner, architect, and contractor collaborate from the design phase through the completion of construction. This design-assist approach works in your favor from preconstruction to project closeout.

DESIGN & PROJECT TIMELINE DEVELOPMENT

CT Wilson will immediately establish preconstruction meetings with the design team and client to begin the preconstruction process. The client’s design team will provide CT Wilson with architectural plans and designs in varying stages of finalization. Designs can range from an architectural narrative to nearly complete construction documents. CT Wilson will then create a comprehensive project schedule that identifies key milestones and critical activities, incorporating the current phase of design development into the schedule for accurate forecasting. A preliminary budget estimate based on historical data will be proposed. As the design progresses, the budget will become more refined.

VALUE ENGINEERING

CT Wilson Construction will work with the design team to propose value engineering options as the design develops from the initial design to the schematic to the final design. During the value engineering process, our qualified team will analyze the design’s proposed features, systems, and finishes to strike the best balance of aesthetic, function, cost, product availability, performance, and end-user experience. All options will be presented and reviewed by the team for consideration and discussion. Prequalified subcontractors from critical trades will be invited to review design plans and propose budgets for various trade packages (foundation, framing, systems, finishes, and specialties). Involving trade experts in project discussions early in the construction process results in more accurate cost and scheduling data, reduces errors and omissions, provides insight into project constraints, and improves the overall project experience and success. Our extensive history in central North Carolina has allowed us to cultivate strong relationships with design partners and subcontractors alike. This further instills an invested team approach toward project execution. Information collected throughout this stage will result in revised cost estimates and schedules.

CONSTRUCTABILITY REVIEW

CT Wilson and the design team will review the design to determine the best way to construct your specific project within the constraints of the governing authority, building code requirements, available resources, budget, safety regulations, site conditions, and proven building methods. As part of the constructability process, CT Wilson can utilize the services of our Quality Department if required by your specific project. Quality Department services available include laser scanning, aerial surveying, virtual design, BIM verification, and other specialty tools that add value to your project. Other services, like 3D modeling from 2D plans and Virtual Reality (VR) mock-ups, can be outsourced as needed. These services are provided when applicable to assist the team with the final design, finish selections, capital campaigning, and design coordination. For projects involving existing buildings, our Quality Department can collect and incorporate all the available data into a 3D visual by following a 3-step process. The project team can then use this tool to analyze existing conditions and facilitate a customized project approach.

COST ESTIMATING 

CT Wilson does not perform a project in the hopes of being successful, we are a proactive problem-solution provider, therefore we plan for a successful project. Every project that comes into our preconstruction department is assigned a team. This team consists of a Project Executive, Manager, Estimator, and Superintendent^[1]. The team will work with the owner and design team at every step of the process to keep the project on track and on budget.

It is our standard practice to provide multiple rounds of pricing and value engineering to meet the owner’s budget while satisfying the designer’s overall vision for the project.  This includes complete, detailed, line item, and budgetary cost analysis, at each level of design development. As each budget is produced, CT Wilson will provide a variance report so all parties can easily track changes. The first budget can be completed as early as the design development phase – the first phase of design. This first round of pricing will have little detail to determine the price, but we will utilize historical cost-per-square-foot data from similar projects to develop a reasonable estimate. The estimates will become more detailed as the owner and design team settle on specifics including features, building envelope, equipment, and finishes.

^[1] Non-negotiated/hard bid/traditional projects do not undergo preconstruction efforts. In a traditional approach, only one estimate and schedule will be provided. A Project Manager and Superintendent will be assigned to the project once CT Wilson is awarded the project.