Before a building is constructed, a process must be followed to assess the site. Engineers provide various preliminary planning services to ensure that projects proceed smoothly and efficiently. The preconstruction phase of a project defines the parameters of the building project, bringing to light any possible problems or issues that may affect the project as well as scheduling and planning the construction timeline.
Once the scope of the project is defined and any problems have been identified, an accurate cost estimate is created and a complete analysis of each of the job’s requirements is completed.
The client or developer can then decide on the feasibility of the project based on the preconstruction analysis. Often, the preconstruction phase highlights areas of concern or conditions that may have a serious impact on the viability or cost of the project.
The Costs Involved in the Pre-Construction Phase
The process of assessing the project before construction commences depends on a variety of factors. Specifically, the type of building or structure required, the geographical location, and the overall scope of the project all play a part in deciding whether a project is viable or not. A professional firm must be engaged to perform the preconstruction phase of a project. A part of the process includes performing a geotechnical investigation and environmental assessment as well as providing recommendations based on the results of the testing and the client’s design.
A geotechnical investigation is performed to assess the site conditions that are not immediately apparent from a visual inspection. The engineers will take samples and perform various tests to establish soil and rock conditions that can affect both the design and the cost of the project. Geotechnical testing in NJ and the surrounding region poses unique challenges and clients rely on their professional team to provide construction feasibility studies that will save them both time and money before a project commences.
An environmental assessment of a property is performed as part of the due diligence during the transfer of ownership of a property. The purpose of the environmental assessment is to identify the possibilities of environmental contamination at a property. An environmental assessment will protect the buyer and possible lender from environmental liability claims and help to establish the costs associated with any clean-up that may be required. This information can be used to assess the true value of a property. Earth Engineering Incorporated’s environmental consulting services provide comprehensive Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) along with site characterization and remediation oversight. Environmental testing in NJ and PA helps with the smooth transfer of properties and reduces liabilities of buyers and lenders.
The Pre-Construction Meeting
An important event in the preconstruction process is the preconstruction meeting. This is an opportunity for the client, the general contractor, and other members of the professional team to get together and get to grips with what the project entails. It is at this meeting that the engineers can highlight problems or challenging conditions which need to be addressed to ensure that the project can proceed.
A thorough pre-construction process also referred to as the design phase, will give the client and the professional team an understanding of the scope, schedule, and cost of the project. It gives the team the clarity necessary to ensure that the project finishes on time and within budget. If you’re planning a building project and require expert advice regarding geotechnical or environmental services, contact Earth Engineering Incorporated today.
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