What Goes Into Construction Planning and Design?

What is construction planning and design? In short, it’s when a construction manager creates a plan to design, execute and manage a construction project. It’s the process of identifying everything that needs to be done and then creating a plan to make it happen. A great general contractor will keep you apprised of all the appropriate construction management steps, so you’ll know what to expect from your next project.

Here are the steps that go into construction planning, design and management.

The planning phase

Planning is one of the most important phases of any project, aside from the actual construction. When a contractor or construction manager puts time into planning, the rest of the project is more likely to run smoothly. In this phase, you, the construction manager and the architect, as well as any other necessary parties, will talk about your goals. Whether that’s a simple kitchen remodel or a multistory building, it’s important everyone is on the same page.

During the planning phase, each party works together to make sure that the goals (and the methods of achieving those goals) are feasible. Depending on the size and scope of the project, this could be a lengthy process.

Once a design and goals have been agreed upon (and input from other important parties has been accepted) the construction manager will methodically plan out the schedule for the rest of the project.

Preconstruction phase

In the preconstruction phase, all necessary documents are either created or obtained. These might include schematic design, design development and construction documents, as well as construction permits, budgets and contracts. This allows construction to proceed with legal and financial protections for all parties.

Construction phase

At this point, all the preparation put into planning and preconstruction will pay off. Now that construction has been greenlit, the construction manager will oversee the building itself. This includes on-site project management, overseeing safety and risk management, quality control, overseeing subcontractors and more. During this stage, you’ll see tangible progress—which is always the most exciting part for homeowners and project managers alike.

During the construction phase, if anything goes awry, the plans and documents created during the previous two phases will guide your next steps. There should be specific contingencies that were accounted for, e.g., if a project goes over budget or if you find out that the stainless steel refrigerator you wanted won’t be available for four more months.

Finishing or close-out phase

Once construction is finished, the close-out phase can begin. At this point, the property owner will receive all the final documents (e.g., warranties, manuals and more), as well as the final accounting and insurance paperwork. When this phase is finished, your project is officially done—and you can start enjoying your new build.

Each step of construction management is key—which is why it’s important to work with a general contractor who understands that. The RockAway Company is here to help you with your next construction project, from planning to close-out. Call us today to learn more and get started on your next build.

Categorised in: Design-Build