The Role of Key Subcontractors and Vendors in the Preconstruction Process

Few subcontractors and vendors actually deliver the value they are capable of during the preconstruction process.

Raymond Braswell Profile Picture
Share
Contributors David Brown Profile PictureDavid Brown

The reasons are two-fold:  

  1. Many subs and vendors are too use to getting very prescriptive construction documents then providing a bid which is more about counting, math and science.
  2. Many GCs are too use to sending out documents in exchange for a bid which is more about administrative management.   

The "Big Question" that must be ultimately answered by the team is:

What must be on the drawings in the end that isn't on there now?


 

 

OPPORTUNITIES

Subcontractors:  There is a lot of opportunity in the market for the subcontractor or vendor who can understand design intent and develop a detailed conceptual estimate that integrates with the general contractor's model.

General Contractors:  There is just as much opportunity for the GC's Conceptual Estimator who can create a detailed estimate for the major sub-trades including quantities and key assumptions.  And the Preconstruction Manager who can then work with a select group of subcontractors to review these details with them ensuring they are aligned on the estimated pricing and scheduling.  Over time this will make both parties stronger.  

 


Learn more about building Advanced Preconstruction Services and Business Development capabilities along with other General Contractor Solutions for profitable growth in all economic conditions.   


The Role of Key Subcontractors and Vendors in the Preconstruction Process
Dominate your competition by contracting for preconstruction services while projects are still concepts on scratch paper. This series of videos will look at the preconstruction process from the perspective of the Project Owner, Architect, and Contractor. ...

The Role of Key Subcontractors and Vendors in the Preconstruction Process
Dominate your competition by contracting for preconstruction services while projects are still concepts on scratch paper. This series of videos will look at the preconstruction process from the perspective of the Project Owner, Architect, and Contractor. ...

Clear Installation Information
For a contractor to maximize their labor productivity, they need to start with clear information provided to the crews doing the actual installation. Good information is the first of the six pillars of productivity and means several things:
Balancing Exploration and Exploitation
Exploitation involves choosing the best option based on current knowledge of the system which may be incomplete or misleading. Exploration involves testing new options that could lead to better future outcomes but drawing resources away from exploitation.
Integrated Systems - Defined
Construction contracting is highly competitive. Winning requires people and technology aligned with effective workflows to deliver maximum value for customers with minimum waste while allowing the business to scale sustainably.