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July 31, 2025|Blog

What to Expect During Pre-Construction: How Prism Sets Projects Up for Success

In commercial construction, the success of a project is often determined long before the first crew arrives on-site. Developers who rush into construction without a solid foundation of planning, due diligence, and coordination risk delays, budget overruns, and costly change orders.

That’s why pre-construction matters, and why Prism Construction treats it as one of the most critical phases of every project.

Pre-construction isn’t just paperwork. It’s a structured process of evaluating feasibility, aligning project goals, forecasting costs, and coordinating all stakeholders so that when construction begins, it moves forward with clarity and confidence. For Prism clients, it’s also where our full-service project delivery starts delivering real value.

What Is Pre-Construction?

Pre-construction refers to the early phase of a project where planning, design input, cost estimating, and schedule development take place. It typically includes collaboration between the owner (or developer), the contractor, and any consultants or design professionals involved.

In Prism’s delivery model, whether design-build, construction management, or general contracting, pre-construction is where key project decisions are made, risks are identified, and cost and schedule parameters are established.

For developers and commercial clients, this phase provides answers to crucial questions:

  • Is the project viable on this site?

  • What approvals or permits are required?

  • What are the current market construction costs?

  • Are there code, zoning, or utility challenges?

  • How long will the build take?

Prism’s Pre-Construction Process: A Step-by-Step Look

1. Initial Project Review

The process begins with a full review of the project concept, including any drawings, land information, and development goals.

Prism’s team works closely with the client to understand:

  • Site conditions and access

  • Intended use of the building (e.g., warehouse, retail, multi-tenant)

  • Performance expectations (e.g., durability, delivery timelines)

  • Budget goals and timeline constraints

This early alignment ensures that all planning is grounded in the client’s objectives, not just design theory.

2. Consultant Coordination

For projects that require architects, engineers, or specialty consultants, Prism facilitates early engagement. This integrated collaboration is especially valuable in design-build and construction management models.

By working with consultants during pre-construction, we’re able to:

  • Flag constructability issues early

  • Identify code-related design concerns

  • Ensure that the design aligns with budget expectations

This early synergy often prevents costly revisions and helps streamline the design and permitting phases.

3. Budget Development and Cost Benchmarking

Prism uses real-time construction data and in-house estimating expertise to prepare accurate, detailed budgets early in the process. This is more than a ballpark figure: —it’s a cost planning tool that enables smart decision-making.

Clients benefit from:

  • Transparent cost breakdowns by division

  • Realistic allowances for contingencies

  • Recommendations for value engineering, if needed

With this clarity, developers can prioritize scope items, adjust specifications, or phase work if necessary to meet financial goals, long before construction begins.

4. Scheduling and Milestone Planning

A clear schedule is essential for investor confidence, tenant coordination, and municipal planning. Prism prepares milestone-based construction schedules that reflect realistic durations for each stage of the build.

These schedules consider:

  • Lead times for permits and inspections

  • Site logistics and seasonal constraints

  • Phasing for multi-tenant or fast-tracked builds

With Prism’s proactive scheduling, developers know what to expect and when, and can plan leasing, marketing, and financing activities accordingly.

Prism’s pre-construction services are designed to eliminate uncertainty, reduce rework, and give developers the tools they need to make confident, informed decisions. Whether you’re planning a tilt-up warehouse or a multi-unit retail space, engaging Prism early helps you move forward with accuracy and control. Ready to begin your project the right way? Book a consultation to explore how Prism can support your next commercial build from day one.

5. Permitting Strategy and Code Review

In British Columbia, permitting requirements can vary widely depending on location, project type, and building use. During pre-construction, Prism identifies the specific approvals needed and works with the design team to ensure compliance with:

  • Zoning bylaws and development regulations

  • BC Building Code and local amendments

  • Fire access, egress, and life safety requirements

  • Environmental and geotechnical considerations (if applicable)

Our team helps clients avoid delays by flagging documentation requirements and sequencing submissions to keep the project moving efficiently through municipal processes.

6. Risk Assessment and Site-Specific Planning

Every site presents unique challenges. Some may have poor soil conditions. Others might require traffic management plans, environmental mitigation, or noise controls. Prism evaluates these risks during pre-construction to avoid surprises later.

Where needed, we recommend:

  • Geotechnical or environmental investigations

  • Utility coordination and service upgrades

  • Access or staging plans for tight urban sites

This due diligence helps ensure the project proceeds safely, legally, and on time.

Ready to start your next commercial build on the right foundation? Book a consultation with Prism Construction and discover how our expert pre-construction services can reduce risk and keep your project on track from day one.

Why Pre-Construction with Prism Is Different

At Prism, pre-construction is not a separate service, it’s an integral part of how we deliver projects. Our team is built around early collaboration, which means:

  • Estimators, project managers, and site supervisors are engaged early

  • Design and permitting are aligned with real-world buildability

  • The client has one team guiding the project from concept to turnover

This approach eliminates silos, accelerates decision-making, and reduces friction between design intent and construction execution.

What Types of Projects Benefit Most?

While every commercial and industrial project can benefit from structured pre-construction, it’s especially valuable in:

  • Design-build projects where integration is key

  • Retail developments with complex tenant requirements

  • Self-storage and warehousing facilities with tight site constraints

  • Fast-tracked or phased developments with high stakes for schedule performance

These projects typically involve multiple consultants, strict permitting timelines, or detailed coordination with stakeholders, making Prism’s pre-construction leadership essential.

Final Thoughts

Smart construction starts before the first shovel hits the ground. Pre-construction is the foundation of every successful commercial project, providing the clarity, planning, and accountability needed to build with confidence.

At Prism Construction, we treat this phase with the importance it deserves. By aligning budgets, schedules, consultants, and municipal approvals early, we help developers eliminate uncertainty and set projects up for success.

Looking to move forward with your commercial build? Contact Prism today to learn how our pre-construction planning services can help you avoid risk and move efficiently toward your project goals.

 

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