Episode Intro & Theme
Hi, everybody—thanks for joining us! I’m Rhiannon, and I’m Jordan. In this episode of Better Building With Buck, we dive into what a Pre-Construction Contract is, why it matters, and how it sets up a smooth, on-budget build. In short: pre-construction is the planning phase where your vision becomes a tangible plan, aligning everyone before a shovel hits the ground. “Every Home Starts with a good Foundation.”
What a Pre-Construction Contract Is (and Why It Matters)
Pre-construction contracts have been around a while and deliver huge value for owners. They help you plan the project from start to finish, reduce last-minute decisions, and limit “scope creep.” The more you select up front (allowing for market volatility), the more likely you are to stay on budget and schedule.
What “Scope Creep” Means
Scope creep isn’t about moving slowly—it’s when the project expands beyond the original plan. Examples:
- Seeing a space framed and deciding you want custom built-ins.
- Discovering a detail wasn’t fully planned, so more labor/materials are needed.
- Trying to figure out “how” in the field instead of on paper.
Why Pre-Construction Protects Your Budget
Locking in selections, documenting expectations, and clarifying methods before construction means:
- Fewer surprises for you and your trades.
- Fewer change orders.
- More accurate bids and a tighter, more realistic budget.
Our Pre-Construction Process (Step by Step)
- Initial Site Visit (“the first date”)
We review your wish list, property conditions, and overall goals. - Information Gathering
Most projects need:
- Survey (almost always—especially for additions/setbacks).
- Existing drawings (from city files if available).
- Expect timing variability from cities/surveyors; follow up helps keep things moving.
- Conceptual Drawings
We translate goals into concepts and iterate. - Early Specialist Checks (as needed)
- Structural Engineer: Sometimes before drawings, sometimes after early concepts.
- Energy Advisor/Modeling: The earlier they engage, the more impact they have on comfort, step code targets, rebates, and operating costs.
Due Diligence That May Be Required
Depending on your site and scope, pre-construction may include:
- Hazardous materials testing (for renovations).
- Geotechnical report.
- Riparian/waterfront considerations (biologist assessments, setbacks, feasibility).
Takeoffs, Bids, and Apples-to-Apples Pricing
We use digital takeoff software to quantify floors, roofs, studs, joists—down to the fasteners. With scopes of work and quantities in hand, trade partners price the same thing (apples-to-apples). You’ll see those bids in our project platform and we’ll review: keep, swap materials, or re-scope to hit your budget.
Example: A switch from standard porcelain tile to natural stone or a complex pattern (e.g., herringbone) can increase labor and waste—pre-con makes that visible before it becomes a surprise.
Revisions Are Normal (and Cheaper on Paper)
Revisions happen—driven by budget, performance goals, or taste. It’s far cheaper to refine on paper than mid-build. Typical revision hotspots:
- Exteriors & Rooflines: Style, pitch, and proportions often change once you see concepts.
- Windows: Desire for bigger openings vs. cost, coverings, and solar control.
- Kitchens & Bathrooms: Layouts, clearances, plumbing stacks, appliance counts. Ensuites are frequent puzzle pieces (double vs. long single vanity, storage vs. sinks).
Reasonable rounds of revisions are expected; extensive re-designs may add design fees—but still save time and money compared to field changes.
Rebates, Inspections & Energy Goals
If you’re upgrading equipment (e.g., to a heat pump), many rebate programs require a pre-upgrade energy audit and a post-upgrade audit. Pre-construction ensures these steps are planned so you don’t miss out. Energy advisors also help set step-code targets and optimize assemblies early.
Transparency Throughout
You’ll see what we send to trades and what comes back. No hidden costs, just clear scopes, quantities, and pricing. We also coordinate integrated input (electricians, HVAC, lighting consultants) during design so routing, comfort, and lighting quality are solved on paper.
What You Receive in a Pre-Construction Package
- Defined Scope of Work (materials, methods, allowances).
- Detailed Budget (based on quantified takeoffs and trade bids).
- Pre-Construction Schedule (a realistic timeline with known dependencies).
- Trade List & Estimates (who’s pricing what, and for how much).
- Selections/Specifications (as complete as practical before permit).
You can even take this package to bid elsewhere—because it standardizes expectations for true apples-to-apples comparisons.
Closing Thoughts
Pre-construction is where confidence is built: fewer surprises, better pricing, clearer decisions, and a smoother build. You’ll spend a lot of time with your designer and builder here—and that’s a good thing. Thanks for joining Episode 5: The Pre-Construction Contract of Better Building With Buck. Catch us on YouTube and your favorite podcast platforms. See you next time!
