Preconstruction
Plan your commercial project with McDowell Construction's preconstruction services, including conceptual estimating, budgeting, and early project coordination.
Planning the work before it starts
Preconstruction is the stage where a commercial project gets defined well enough to build: scope, budget, schedule and the questions that could change any of them. McDowell Construction works with owners and developers across the Eastern United States to settle those questions early, while changes are still inexpensive to make.
Depending on the project, preconstruction can include conceptual estimating, budget development, reviewing drawings for constructability, identifying long-lead materials, and sorting out what the site and existing conditions will require. The goal is a scope and budget the owner can make decisions on, and fewer surprises once crews are on site.
Existing buildings and occupied sites
Renovations carry more unknowns than new construction. Hidden conditions, phasing around people who are still using the building, and the systems that have to stay running all belong in the plan before work begins.
At MUSC in Florence, South Carolina, part of an existing ninth floor was converted into a 5,500-square-foot physical therapy center inside an operating healthcare facility.
At Eastgate Shopping Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, an underground stormwater retention system, a sewer line replacement through contaminated soil, paving and a new roof were completed while the center stayed fully open.
From due diligence to construction
For L&W Supply's Myrtle Beach branch, McDowell started with front-end due diligence on the seven-acre site, then carried the project through site and building design, permitting and construction: an office and warehouse renovation, new utilities, a storage shed, a paved laydown yard and a three-car rail spur.
Questions about preconstruction
When should a general contractor get involved?
As early as possible. Input on cost and constructability is most useful while the design can still change easily.
Can preconstruction help if I only have a site or an idea?
Yes. Early budgets and site questions are often where the conversation starts. Project feasibility covers that stage in more detail.
Does preconstruction commit me to a delivery method?
No. The planning work supports either design-build or plan-and-spec delivery.
Contact McDowell Construction to start planning your project.
