Preconstruction

Preconstruction

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 pro-you approach works in your favor from preconstruction to project closeout.

DESIGN

The client’s design team will provide CT Wilson with architectural plans and designs, inclusive of inventoried site information and engineering consultant input (civil, geotechnical, structural, plumbing, mechanical, electrical, etc.) CT Wilson will create a comprehensive project schedule that identifies key milestones and critical activities, and provide a preliminary budget estimate based on historical data. This is a streamlined process as CT Wilson will have participated in preconstruction meetings with the design team and client.

VALUE ENGINEERING

CT Wilson Construction will work with the design team to propose value engineering options as the design develops from initial design to schematic to 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

CT Wilson and the design team will analyze 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 will utilize the services of our Construction Technology Department as required by your specific project. Services available include site scanning, 3D modeling from 2D plans, 3D modeling of an existing building, 3D model analysis, and Virtual Reality (VR) mock-ups. These services are provided as needed to assist the team with the final design, finish selections, capital campaigning, and construction logistics. For projects involving existing buildings, our Construction Technology Department can incorporate all the available data into a 3D model by following a 5-step process that captures and utilizes existing data to analyze existing conditions and facilitate a customized project approach. We are technology savvy, customer focused, and your partner in building for function.

COST ESTIMATING AND SCHEDULING

CT Wilson does not perform a project in the hopes of being successful, we are a proactive company, and 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.

The design team, often hired first by the owner, consists of a Project Architect and Design Subconsultant(s) (geotechnical, civil, structural, and systems engineers; landscape architects; interior designers; and/or specialty designers).  The architect is traditionally the design team lead and the owner’s representative, although an owner may choose to contract with a third-party construction management group to oversee the design and construction phases. Once the design team is established, a general contractor, such as CT Wilson, will be hired to manage the construction-related activities.  In an ideal world, CT Wilson will be hired early on in the design phase to assist with project logistics planning, value engineering, constructability reviews, scheduling, and budgeting. This proactively reduces costs and improves functionality, approach, and scheduling.

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 pricing, but we will utilize historical cost per square foot data from similar projects to develop an 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.