Comprehensive Preconstruction Solutions for Efficient Project Delivery

In the construction industry, the work begins long before the first shovel hits the ground. Preconstruction is a critical phase that sets the foundation for project success, requiring strategic planning, collaboration, and careful attention to detail.

From developing the preconstruction schedule to engaging key trade partners early to help inform design decisions, Weitz’s preconstruction team works proactively to align every step with the client’s vision for success.  

Key Preconstruction Strategies 

A successful project begins with a disciplined and thoughtful preconstruction process. At The Weitz Company, success is driven by expert planning, early collaboration, and informed decision-making well before construction starts.  

Our team of preconstruction experts help clients navigate early project planning, often being called upon by clients in the early stages of design and project conception to save clients time and reduce cost long-term.  

Key preconstruction strategies include: 

• Collaborative preconstruction scheduling using a “Last Planner” approach, bringing together the owner, architect, contractor, and key trade partners to align expectations and milestones early. 

• Early exploration of all available solutions, including prefabrication opportunities and the strategic use of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). 

• Immediate value engineering (VE) and systems analysis to support timely, informed decisions that optimize both cost and performance. 

• Weekly trend log updates to maintain real-time budget awareness and ensure maximum value is delivered throughout the process. 

• Comprehensive quantity takeoffs to fully understand scope and reduce risk. 

• Close collaboration with the architect and design team to ensure constructability and alignment with project goals. 

• MasterFormat and UniFormat cost comparisons against similar, escalated projects to identify cost drivers and guide the VE process. 

• Integration of the trade partner procurement plan into the design schedule, while advising the design team on scope elements critical for early buyouts. 

• Early engagement of key trade partners to help guide design decisions, minimize surprises, and reduce late-stage constructability challenges. 

There is limited flexibility during construction for schedule intensive projects like we see in Industrial, Aviation, and Data Center construction specifically. By applying lean processes during both preconstruction and construction, Weitz helps eliminate waste, maximize productivity, and accelerate delivery, ensuring the project stays on track from concept to completion. 

Preconstruction Services 

Weitz provides an extensive list of preconstruction services designed to support project teams and ensure successful builds. 

• Consulting Offers Objective Insight and Accountability – Through regular team meetings, collaboration, and guidance on project control, logistics, phasing, and material selection, we provide actionable recommendations on systems, design alternatives, cost, schedule, availability, and performance characteristics. 

• Review of Drawings & Specifications Minimizes Change Orders – We carefully examine concept, schematic, design development, and construction documents to maximize value, reduce costs, and optimize schedules. Special attention is given to construction sequence coordination, detail feasibility, and overall cost-effectiveness. 

• Estimating & Value Analysis Enables Informed Decisions – Detailed estimates are prepared at each design stage with interim updates as needed. Each estimate includes a written scope of work documenting major assumptions, substitutions, and clarifications. 

• Trend Log & Value Engineering List Prevent Surprises – Our proactive tracking of all cost changes ensures the budget stays on target and surprises are minimized. 

• Cost Database Provides Predictable Numbers – Early in the design process, when drawings may be incomplete, statistical analysis combined with market insights produces some of the most reliable cost estimates available. 

• Constructability Reviews Reduce Change Orders – Leveraging a database of hundreds case studies, our team identifies potential issues before construction begins and offers practical solutions. 

• Prefabrication Accelerates the Schedule – Early system comparisons and evaluation of prefabrication opportunities help streamline construction timelines and uncover the most effective solutions. 

• Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) Minimizes RFIs and Conflicts – By identifying design conflicts in a 3D model before construction starts, VDC reduces errors, rework, and delays. 

• Lean Construction Eliminates Waste – Lean processes applied throughout construction help reduce inefficiencies and shorten project schedules. 

• Owner Buy List Clarifies Responsibilities – Clearly defining ownership for all FF&E components ensures nothing falls through the cracks. 

• Supply Chain Management Drives Cost Savings – Leveraging volume purchasing, Weitz passes significant savings directly to the customer. 

These services are just a few of the many tools Weitz uses during preconstruction to control costs, optimize schedules, and set every project up for success. 

Preconstruction That Works 

Preconstruction sets the stage for every successful project. By investing time, expertise, and collaboration before construction begins, Weitz helps teams make informed decisions, control costs, reduce risks, and accelerate schedules. From detailed planning and value engineering to early trade partner engagement and lean processes, our preconstruction services ensure that every project starts and stays on the right path.