Tech-Driven Preconstruction: Building Smarter from Day One
Before any shovel touches the ground, the future of your project is shaped. The preconstruction phase is crucial, as it involves making vital decisions that will impact cost, schedule, and quality for years to come.
Key tasks completed during this phase include:
- Budgeting
- Scheduling
- Site analysis
- Securing permits
- Risk management and safety planning
At McCownGordon, we oversee the preconstruction process, constantly enhancing it and the overall project quality through modern technologies.
Optimizing Preconstruction With Smart Technology
We implement tech solutions that bring value to the client. Our data-driven insights enable our teams to propose the best solutions based on your project’s specific needs. Here’s a glimpse into our tool belt:
Building Information Modeling (BIM)
BIM employs digital 3D models to enhance planning, design, and project coordination. This technology provides valuable information to our preconstruction team, helping to identify design conflicts early, improving risk management, and facilitating more informed decision-making.
How BIM Prevented Costly Construction Delays | Ellinwood Hospital
During the Ellinwood Hospital project, our preconstruction team used BIM to create a detailed 3D model of the structure. This model allowed us to identify potential conflicts between ductwork, structural steel beams and columns. By analyzing the wall and ceiling heights, we were able to ensure the ductwork was appropriately sized and shaped for the available space, thereby preventing conflicts during construction.
Drones and Aerial Imagery
Drones are essential for conducting thorough site analyses. They provide accurate 2D maps, 3D models, and digital elevation models that are vital for precise site planning and design. For our clients, this means fewer surprises in the field and a more accurate project schedule.
Utilizing Drones to Save Money | New Student Transportation & Logistics Center
Our project team’s pilot flew a drone above the existing pavement on-site at the Irving ISD Student transportation and logistics center. The drone captured clear footage of the pavement conditions which sparked a conversation between the architect and civil engineer to determine what paving could be saved, and what paving needed to be replaced. Ultimately, this proactive review of the paving condition captured by the drone resulted in a 50% reduction of necessary paving and $1.1 million in cost savings.
Project Estimation Software
This software offers numerous benefits during the preconstruction phase, such as increased accuracy, improved collaboration, and enhanced efficiency. Features include automated calculations, access to real-time and historical data, and the ability to mitigate risks through data-driven insights. Our preconstruction team can suggest additional comparable material options during design meetings, helping to manage costs without sacrificing quality. The ability to quickly adjust costs provides owners with flexibility in the design process while maintaining the project’s integrity, making McCownGordon an integral part of the design team.
How Real-time Estimating Exceeded Expectations | Grain Valley Police Headquarters
Even though our team recognized potential budget constraints, they engaged proactively with the owner and conducted real-time estimates to find areas where savings could be realized. With the help of our estimating software our detailed estimates along with collaborative decision-making, we identified $220,000 in contingency savings. These savings enabled the client to incorporate six additional alternates, including extended walkways, upgraded ceilings, and enhanced flooring finishes, exceeding their initial expectations.
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
These technologies significantly enhance our preconstruction process by automating tasks, optimizing resource allocation, and reducing costs.
“We deploy AI to automate the quantification process for estimating. The AI reads the drawings and outputs the quantities (sqft. of drywall, etc.), which saves our teams approximately 80% of the traditional time, so we can focus on creating value for our clients.” – Dustin Burns, Senior VP, Technology & Business Solutions.
By integrating these modern technologies, we have improved the preconstruction process, equipping our team, owners, architects, engineers, and others with data that facilitates optimal decision-making. This positions McCownGordon and each project for success and adds value for our clients throughout the entire project timeline.
