Preconstruction Services
If we had to choose two words to describe our preconstruction process, they would be proactive and collaborative.Â
Preconstruction Process & The Russell Team
Our Philosophy
Our philosophy is that our extensive construction industry expertise – our team – should be fully accessible to our clients during the planning phase. By providing cost estimating, value engineering, life cycle cost analysis, constructability reviews, and project scheduling, we help you lay the groundwork to ensure that your facilities are attractive, functional, cost-effective, and sustainable.
How Are We Different?
How is Russell’s process different from our competitors? Our project managers and on-site superintendents are involved during the preconstruction phase! Our teams run the actual work for the project AND are actively involved with the team during the entire preconstruction phase vs. handing it over to operations after budgeting and estimating.
Collaboration is Key
Through many years of trial and error, we found that silos do not work as well as collaboration. This benefits you because the person managing the project also has a say in how it’s estimated. This results in a more accurate estimate, allowing us to get the job done on time, on budget, and above expectations.
Experienced Team
Project Scope / Estimating
We are involved in your project from the very beginning with the goal of eliminating surprises during the preconstruction process. Our team will identify and remove any potential barriers that impede your project goals, as we carefully devise a plan of action to accomplish your desired outcomes. Our focus is centered on the elements that have the greatest potential to affect cost savings, such as long lead times for material deliveries.
Preconstruction Services
Our experienced preconstruction team provides numerous services, including:
- Project Feasibility Studies
- Constructability Reviews
- Design Team Management (as needed)
- Project Management
- Conceptual Budgeting / Cost Estimating
- Value Engineering/Analysis
- Project Schedule Optimization
- Site Logistics Planning
- Life Cycle Cost Analysis
- Subcontractor Solicitation & Prequalification
- Bid Package Planning & Review
- Virtual Design & Construction (VDC)
- LEED / Sustainable Construction Analyses
- Quality Control
- Project Specific Safety Plan Development
Virtual Design & Construction
Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) is an accumulation of technology-based tools and processes to help analyze data and assist with project phasing, spatial planning, quantities, scheduling, prefabrication, operations, and maintenance. We do this by using Building Information Models (BIM) in conjunction with our standard preconstruction and construction services.
From development and design to construction and operations, we bring together the Building Information Models from all design and trade partners to create a complete visual foundation for your project allowing you to look at key areas of a building and multiple scenarios before it’s ever built!
VDC will keep your preconstruction phase proactive and collaborative when all project stakeholders are involved from the start: owners, developers, design teams, project management, subcontractors, field supervisors, and maintenance technicians.
Construction Design Phase Management & Analysis
The entire preconstruction team (including the Project Manager and Superintendent) will be involved in the design process to ensure material selections align with the project budget and construction schedule goals. Early engagement of our team during the design phase provides valuable cost, constructability, schedule, and safety expertise to the project team. Additionally, it provides our team with the background to accurately communicate the project expectations to the subcontractor and supplier partners. Proactive collaboration is the name of the game!
Construction Budget / Cost Control
We have decades of historic cost information at our fingertips. We utilize centralized data-driven estimating systems and powerful data analytics software to ensure accurate cost estimates are prepared for all of our projects. We provide you with:
- A complete breakdown of estimated costs during all major phases of design
- A side-by-side analysis of the current estimate compared to earlier versions
- A detailed ‘trend estimate log’ that records the various budget adjustments encountered
We place a high degree of emphasis on getting the numbers right during the schematic design phase. Reducing (or eliminating) price fluctuations during the later phases of design is our goal! Our dedication to quality and accurate estimates is designed to achieve our goal of eliminating surprises during the preconstruction process (i.e., no change orders).
Scheduling /
Phasing of Work
Schedule activities begin as early as the conceptual phases of a project. Our teams create a detailed Master Schedule that defines the phases of project life.
This is ultimately the road map to success for your project!
What's Included in a Schedule?
- Design and pre-construction activities
- Licensing and city approvals
- Community activities and public process
- Bidding and award of contracts
- Procurement of long-lead items
- Early release materials
- Construction life cycle phasing and task activities
- On-site construction
- Required inspections & testing milestones
- Safety requirements
- Quality control and commissioning
- Final closeout & punch list
- End-user training and building component orientation
- … and more!
Subcontractor
Pre-Qualifications
During the early stages of preconstruction, Russell will utilize our historical partner database to select subcontractors that complement, rather than supplement, the project effort. In order to maintain this highest level of quality and performance, we require all potential subcontractors / trade contractors to be prequalified before they can complete work with us.
We carefully review the experience, financial stability, safety performance, and workload capacity of our partners. Meaning that only the best trade partners are working on your project!
As an experienced general contractor, design/build, and construction management firm, Russell is no stranger to performing work around the country. We recognize the importance of including local subcontractors in every project and generating buzz in communities to ensure no less than three bids in each category of work!
Contact us to begin the prequalification process.Â
Our team of preconstruction professionals.
We invite you to meet our preconstruction leadership team. A team of true leaders who are knowledgeable, committed, accessible, and passionate about saving you money!
As the Vice President of Preconstruction Services, Tom is responsible for departmental strategic planning and envisioning for…
In his role Director of Preconstruction, Matt provides leadership to the Preconstruction efforts in our Kansas City…
As a Preconstruction Executive with over 15 years of experience, Aaron plays a vital role in ensuring…
As a Preconstruction Executive with over 18 years of experience, Tony is responsible for overseeing the planning…
As Director of Preconstruction in Russell’s St. Louis office, Nick leads a talented team dedicated to ensuring…