The Importance of Identifying Risk During Pre-Construction

Picture this: You're geared up, ready to roll with your construction project, only to hit a snag that sends everything spiraling into chaos. Sound familiar? Identifying risks before construction commences isn't just a suggestion; it's a golden rule. By spotting potential pitfalls early on, you're not just saving time and money but also sparing yourself from a truckload of headaches down the road. Trust me, we're all here to make money, not scramble to fix avoidable issues.

Let's get down to brass tacks. Before even thinking about submitting a bid, you need to have your risk radar finely tuned. While I could rattle off a laundry list of potential risks, it's crucial to tailor your risk assessment to your specific niche. Weather, pre-bid RFIs, material inflation, and scarcity are just a few factors that can make or break your project. And let's not forget the dreaded budget busters: scope creep, change orders, and rework. Each of these can chip away at your profits faster than you can say "construction delay."

Construction isn't just about bricks and mortar; it's about understanding the lay of the land—literally. Logistics, site location, means of egress—these are the unsung heroes of successful project management. Limited access to resources? Tight work hours? Factor them into your bid or risk sinking your ship before it even leaves the harbor.

In the construction game, knowledge truly is power. Understanding who you're working for—be it decision-makers or notorious penny-pinchers—can mean the difference between a smooth-sailing project and a Titanic-sized disaster. Don't be afraid to prioritize clients based on reputation and reliability.

Ah, the project kickoff—the unsung hero of construction success. Don't make the rookie mistake of tossing your estimate over the fence and hoping for the best. Your estimators and project managers need to be joined at the hip, armed with a thorough understanding of project assumptions and potential risks. Remember, a well-informed project manager is a project's best friend.

Check out our Pre-Construction and Strategy Development Pages to learn more about the Pro-Accel approach to helping contractors navigate these challenges.