Preconstruction Services

The phrase “on scope, on time and on budget” finds its way into virtually every construction company’s statement of purpose. Whether or not that pledge is fulfilled, however, has everything to do with options considered and decisions made prior to construction.

ECSI has developed a  approach to preconstruction services that assures a higher level of value, quality and owner satisfaction. It’s an open-book process that integrates the strengths and perspectives of clients, architects, engineers and contractors. And it’s a real world strategy that recognizes the dynamic nature of the building process. We liken it to solving an equation: the more constants you know, the faster you can answer the variables.

ECS's experienced preconstruction team is backed by top-of-the-line technology for critical scheduling, estimating, accounting and project management functions. Documentation is thus available to support decisions throughout eight phases of planning:

• Project scope. We have developed over 30 years a system to help the owner and architect progress their design. Meeting as a team allows us to generate an accurate, detailed conceptual budget.
• Owner/Architect/Contractor meetings. During the initial design phase of the project, we meet weekly with the owner and architect to address schedule, design, pricing and contract issues, city and utility submissions and marketing.
• Cost estimation. A baseline conceptual estimate is developed with subsequent line-item budgets prepared as information becomes available. Palace also conducts a constructability review of all plans and specifications to identify conflicts and assure we can build what is drawn.
• Value enhancement. We offer an innovative workshop that reviews every cost-related item in terms of code, marketability, aesthetics, design schedule, added design cost, construction schedule, maintenance and operations, life cycle, safety/security and cost. Owners and architects give the results high praise.
• Constructability. We conduct formal document review sessions at the completion of both the design development and construction development phases.
• Project schedule development. Prior to the start of construction, we develop, implement and maintain an overall master construction project schedule. This is complemented by a critical path method analysis and schedule to address long lead-time items.
• Site logistics. ECS develops a comprehensive site logistics plan that addresses equipment placement, regulatory and utility issues, traffic, staging and phasing, neighborhood impact and more.
• Insurance management. To protect the owner, architect and ourselves, we have full-time personnel dedicated to maintaining the proper insurance and bonding status of all subcontractors.

Clearly, this process requires a serious investment of time, communication and collaboration. But the return is a seamless transition to the construction process and a superior outcome.