President and COO
If there’s one phase that consistently separates successful projects from the ones that spiral out of control, it’s preconstruction. It might not be the flashiest part of the build, but it’s where smart owners gain their advantage. The earlier we’re brought into the conversation, the more value we can bring, and the more risk we can eliminate before ground is even broken.
At Simile, we treat preconstruction like it is the project itself. Because in many ways, it is.
Preconstruction goes far beyond just putting numbers to paper. It’s where the design, budget, schedule, and team are all brought into alignment before any real money is spent. When done right, it becomes the foundation for everything that follows. A well executed preconstruction phase:
We have seen it time and again. When owners invest in this phase, they get more predictability and fewer surprises. And the budget stretches further.
Technology is also playing a bigger role than ever before. Many teams are now using BIM coordination, AI assisted scheduling tools, conceptual estimating software, and digital document review systems during preconstruction to identify conflicts and improve decision making earlier in the process. These tools are not replacing experience, but they are helping teams make smarter and faster decisions before construction begins.
Early involvement gives the team time to explore materials, methods, and sequencing that reduce cost without cutting corners. Instead of slashing scope when the budget runs over, you get real strategies to bring it back in line without compromising design intent.
Proactive collaboration at this stage helps prevent the cycle of design, price, and redesign that drains time and money.
We are also seeing more owners bring key subcontractors into the process during preconstruction, especially mechanical, electrical, steel, and glazing trades. Their early input can validate budgets, identify constructability concerns, and help lock in procurement timelines before delays become expensive problems.
Every project has unknowns, but preconstruction is where we identify and plan for them. Permitting issues, long lead equipment, utility coordination, and jurisdictional requirements are all addressed during this phase before they have a chance to stall your job site.
One issue becoming more common across California is the use of outside plan check agencies by local jurisdictions. While these third party reviewers are intended to help cities process permits faster, they can also create additional rounds of comments, conflicting interpretations, and longer review timelines if teams are not prepared. Identifying those risks early and building realistic timelines around them can make a major difference.
Electrical infrastructure is another growing challenge. While some material lead times have improved compared to the last several years, equipment like switchgear, transformers, and utility upgrades are still creating major schedule impacts throughout the state. Early coordination with utility providers and procurement teams is becoming critical on many commercial projects.
We can also engage key subcontractors early to confirm market pricing and availability, giving owners a much more accurate picture of what the project will actually cost and how long it will realistically take to complete.
Too often, we get called in when the drawings are done and the budget is already blown. At that point, we are solving problems that could have been avoided entirely with the right planning. The dollars spent on preconstruction are minimal compared to the savings it generates down the line, in both dollars and time.
While pricing volatility has stabilized compared to the post COVID years, labor availability, schedule compression, and procurement timing are still major cost drivers in California construction. Teams that engage early and coordinate proactively are consistently putting themselves in a better position financially.
If you are planning a project in the next 12 to 24 months, now is the time to start preconstruction. We will help you define the right scope, get real numbers, and build a schedule that makes sense. You will hit fewer snags, make better decisions, and get a smoother path to the finish line.
Need help setting up your preconstruction roadmap?
Shoot me an email or give me a call. Happy to walk you through what is working and what is not out here in the field.
Email me at: j.simile@similebuilt.com.
Joseph J. Simile
President, Simile Construction
209.545.6111
