HGTV show home renovations go from shabby to chic in under a half hour. They show a charismatic host turn a dump into a charming new space and edit out all the problems and changes. Instagram shows us endless reels of gigantic mansions with glorious hardscaped backyards, and don’t mention any of the upkeep costs. Home Depot commercials show us what’s possible with some elbow grease and off-the-shelf products but don’t show their MDF kitchen cabinets falling off the walls in three years.
What They Don't Show
The unfortunate truth is that most outlets are not incentivized to be forthcoming with homeowners about the realities of residential construction. Whether they're content creators or do-it-yourself suppliers, they're likely to gloss over one of the absolute most important parts of construction: preparation. In construction, preparation is a process called "preconstruction."
What is Preconstruction?
Preconstruction takes place between the design phase and construction phase of your project. It is the specific logistical planning and preparation that happens before the work takes place.
During preconstruction, the project is tested for viability. This means that logistical details, such as material availability, construction phase sequencing, schedule coordination, and more are secured and put in motion. These are elements that must be confirmed before the ground is broken on your project, to ensure the cart is not being put before the horse.
This is difficult for some homeowners to reconcile. They signed a contract and they want to go-go-go, but there are fewer things worse for long-term project success and budget than getting materials, labor, and equipment on-site without a thorough preconstruction phase to ensure project runway. Rushing creates a cycle of mistakes that will compound over time, requiring more money and time to fix.
That is why it is necessary to allow time for proper preconstruction. What is discovered on paper, before you break ground, will save you time and money, and ensure smoother project performance. It will be better for you, your contractor, and your project success.