Pre-construction is the most important phase of any project. It is where the three critical elements defining success, cost, schedule and quality, can be most affected. This phase is about planning and about vision and forward thinking. Far too often, other construction companies rush clients through the pre-construction phase to get to the more exciting elements of design without ever examining the present and future needs of the facility. We are different. The team at NEXXT knows that meticulous planning of your project will add value and potentially save you time, stress and money in the end.

Based upon project size, a Pre-Construction Services Manager skillfully leads the team of Design Professionals, Consultants, Estimators and you through the pre-construction phase. During this phase, our team produces a series of budgets, each one increasing in accuracy as the plans are developed. Throughout the entire process, we measure design criteria are against the budget and functional requirements of the project. Aesthetics, without question, are also a key component that we consider.

Key milestones are the Preliminary, Schematic, and Design Development phases of pre-construction.

Preliminary: Conceptual sketches and feasibility budgeting are the key components of this phase. We begin to see a design concept develop and begin to assess various code requirements, zoning ordinances, and other criteria to ensure that the project is viable. At the conclusion of this phase, we should be able to determine a zero/plus 20% budget for the project.

Schematic: Picking up where Preliminary left off, we now concentrate on "massing models" which help us determine what the building will look like on the outside. We also begin to refine the floor plan, consult with land planners and structural engineers; begin evaluating key systems such as HVAC and Electrical. As the drawings are developed and refined, so is the project budget. Accuracy levels in this phase are zero/plus 10%.

Design/Development: The floor plans are now fully developed, exterior finishes are set, and some building sections are developed. Upon request, 3-D computer generated renderings can clearly communicate how the finished building will look. Design/build, specialty, subcontractors (such as HVAC and Electrical) have been brought onto the team and firm designs and budgets established. Interior finish levels have been discussed and agreed to. The team has enough information to produce a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for final funding of the project.

At the conclusion of each of these phases, the project becomes better defined and the budget becomes more refined. Although the construction documents have yet to be created, a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) will be established for the project. The GMP is your assurance that unless you increase the scope of the project, the budget will not change. It is here that the Pre-Construction Services Manager smoothly transitions the leadership of the team to the Project Manager (PM). The PM is the CEO of the construction phase. The Project Manager (PM) has full authority to employ all of the resources necessary to ensure that the project's goals regarding cost, schedule and quality are met. The PM is responsible for developing the project schedule, subcontractor performance, payment requisitions, shop drawing approvals and a host of other responsibilities.

This is the exhilarating, "bricks and mortar" phase of any project. You'll start to see tangible results of your planning efforts. Your Superintendent, dedicated to your project, will carefully coordinate the activities of the subcontractors and our own forces. The PM will meet with key team members at weekly or bi-weekly job meetings, depending on the requirements of your project. These meetings are open to you. It is here that the construction team discusses "mission critical" aspects of schedule and coordination.

During visits to the job site, the PM inspects the work to make sure that we are meeting quality and schedule requirements. We immediately address any area that is not to our high standards. The PM and Superintendent sit down with the subcontractors and work collectively to correct any problems.

You will also meet our Customer Service Manager (CSM). During construction, the CSM conducts quality assurance meetings with the subcontractors. We believe in the old adage that "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!" Making sure that key systems and structures are installed correctly greatly reduces the number of warranty calls later. Our CSM will also meet with you to review key areas-such as mechanical systems, ensuring that you completely understand their function and preventive maintenance requirements and that you are comfortable with managing the new systems.