Hoffman: Pre-planning important for building project success

Contact:
Scott Pigeon
Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. | Director of Marketing
Phone: 920-380-2175 | Email: spigeon@hoffman.net


Hoffman provides ideas for businesses to consider

(Appleton, WI) A construction project doesn’t begin when the first shovel goes into the ground. Months of planning go into a project so that when construction begins, a sound strategy is in place that will serve as a guide to keep you informed and everything running smoothly.

During this process it’s important to spend the necessary time evaluating the resources you have or need to have in place before a project begins:

Finances. Knowing how you will keep track of your finances before, during and after a construction project is critical. “This includes having an understanding of what funds are available to you as well as determining cash flow during the project,” stated Sam Statz, Director of Construction Services with Hoffman Planning, Design & Construction, Inc. “Having this information ahead of time will help avoid unplanned costs and any setbacks with construction decisions throughout the project.”

Materials. This is the time to decide whether you plan to incorporate sustainable materials and methods into the project and, if so, to what extent. “The key is determining the company’s needs and business goals,” Statz said. “If a goal is to be an environmental role model for your employees, clients and the community, then selecting sustainable materials will be an important element of your planning strategy.” Although there can be an initial investment with the sustainable versions of some products, such as windows or a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system, they have also been proven to save money and resources in the long run and are considered sound investments.

Key players. Who needs to be involved in the project as it progresses past the initial pre-planning phase? If company personnel are involved, be aware of how much time they will need to dedicate to the project and weigh it against time taken away from other business responsibilities. This is also where adding an outside construction professional to your project team would be beneficial. These experts can work closely with your team’s planning and design personnel and provide valuable input on the building’s design including constructability, material selection, industry trends, schedule impact, sustainability, and adherence to the project budget. Their involvement can address and eliminate issues before construction begins, helping to lower total project costs.

“A construction project, no matter if you’re building new or renovating, is only as successful as the time you take to develop a plan that will help meet your business needs,” Statz said. “Putting in the work before the project begins will yield you the best results.”