You’ve heard the horror stories—delays, surprise costs, scope creep, and miscommunication that frustrate everyone. Truth is, most of those headaches aren’t caused mid-project. They start before the first shovel hits the ground.
At Duet Build, we don’t just manage construction; we lead with strategy. Pre-construction isn’t a phase we just check off. It’s where smart, successful projects are born. Luke McNary, Project Manager at Duet Build, walks through how a strong pre-construction process protects your investment, keeps your timeline on track, and sets your team up to execute with precision.
What Exactly Is Pre-Construction—and Why Should You Care?
Pre-construction (or “pre-con,” as we call it) is the strategic planning period before breaking ground. It’s where we answer the big questions: How will we do it? Who’s involved? What could go wrong, and how do we prevent it? We take your architect’s drawings and develop a detailed, executable plan.
Think of It Like a Dress Rehearsal for Your Build
You wouldn’t open a play without a rehearsal. The same goes for construction. There are dozens of players involved and hundreds of decisions to coordinate. Pre-construction is where we map it all out—from timelines and budgets to permits and materials—so everyone shows up ready.
It’s Not Just a Contractor’s Job
While your builder drives the pre-con process, it works best when your architect and interior designer are at the table early. Why? Because this phase is when value engineering happens. A builder might suggest a more efficient structural solution that preserves the design intent but cuts cost or complexity. Making those adjustments during schematic design—not after plans are finalized—saves time and money.
Why Pre-Construction Saves Time, Stress, and Cash
Every project involves thousands of decisions. If you’re making them in real time on a job site, expect delays and surprise costs. Pre-construction is about front-loading those decisions so the build moves forward smoothly. It results in tighter budgets, more accurate timelines, and fewer headaches.
Real-Life Examples: The $10k Outlet and Cold Bathroom Floors
Let’s say you want to plug in a lamp in the middle of the room and control it by a switch. If that detail gets missed until after drywall, we’re cutting floors. Or if you decide to add heated bathroom floors after the tile installation, it’s a major rework. Pre-con solves these problems before they become line items.
Is There a Cost for Pre-Con? Yes.
But it pays for itself. On a $2M build, $50K for pre-construction can feel steep; however, that investment pays off in efficiency. You’re not guessing. You’re planning. It’s not an added fee—it’s a strategic move that reduces change orders, delays, and scope misalignment.
How Long Does It Take?
Anywhere from four months to a year, depending on your scope. The more complex the project, the more thorough the required planning. For clients who move out during renovations, it’s especially critical—a strong plan shortens construction and reduces disruption.
Don’t Ask “How Much Is a House?”
Without defining the car, one of the biggest missteps we see is clients sending out schematic plans to multiple builders asking, “How much would this cost?” That’s like walking onto a lot and asking how much a car costs without designating if it’s a Ferrari or a Ford. We need details to give you accurate numbers. Better yet? Start with your budget and let your team design to suit it.
Let’s Plan Like Pros. Are you ready to eliminate guesswork and build with clarity? Our pre-construction process is designed to give you realistic budgets, streamlined timelines, and confidence from the ground up.
Contact Duet Build to schedule a pre-construction consultation. We’ll explain what to expect
and why it’s worth it.