At Hermosillo, we recognize that the preconstruction phase is not just the starting point of a project’s lifecycle; it is also the crucial moment when we must build trust between the client and our team. With over 60 years of experience, we understand that earning that trust requires more than demonstrating technical expertise—it means becoming a reliable consultant who prioritizes the client’s needs and delivers tangible solutions that balance time, cost, and quality. During this phase, careful planning is essential to establish a realistic budget that aligns with the project’s goals while proactively addressing potential delays that could impact the timeline. This approach ensures successful projects and long-lasting relationships.
Read on to learn more about the preconstruction phase.
What is the Preconstruction Phase?
The preconstruction phase lays the foundation for any construction project’s success. During this stage, the full scope of the project is defined, the client’s needs are thoroughly understood, and a comprehensive plan is structured to guide both the construction team and the client. This includes setting a realistic schedule and developing strategies to address potential challenges. Effective scheduling during this phase helps streamline workflows, allocate resources efficiently, and minimize disruptions. Investing in preconstruction is one of the most effective ways to mitigate risks and ensure a successful outcome.
At Hermosillo, we know that effective preconstruction relies on communication and translating client needs into four key documents: drawings, specifications, schedules, and cost estimates. These elements reflect the client’s vision and scope of work and provide a solid foundation to ensure the project meets quality, time, and cost standards. Preconstruction is not merely an initial step but a critical process that ensures all decisions are informed and geared toward efficient and successful development.
Our Approach and Team in the Preconstruction Phase
Hermosillo’s preconstruction approach focuses on profoundly understanding and translating the client’s needs into clear, tangible solutions. From the first interaction, we prioritize personalized attention that fosters trust and clarity at every process stage of the entire project.
Initial Steps and Personalized Service
The process begins with a kick-off meeting where we identify the client’s challenges, needs, and project objectives. This collaborative approach allows us to become trusted partners, offering tailored solutions through innovative tools like BIM and VDC. We design solutions that maximize land use, comply with local codes and international regulations, and a master plan that enables phased project development to optimize investment flow. Additionally, we focus on minimizing cost overruns by creating a realistic construction schedule that ensures resources are allocated efficiently and deadlines are met. This comprehensive approach ensures trust, clarity, and long-term success at every stage.
Multidisciplinary Team and Key Deliverables
Our team includes top management, designers, construction managers, and estimators selected based on the required expertise. They are responsible for producing the main deliverables of this phase:
- Drawings and Specifications: Conceptual designs that bring the client’s vision to life.
- Budget: Accurate cost estimates that consider every aspect of the project.
- Construction Schedule: A preliminary detail schedule that oversees all the different phases of the project.
- Visual Innovation: 3D models, renderings, and virtual walkthroughs to visualize the project.
Added Value and Quality Assurance
Beyond meeting defined objectives, we provide added value through advanced technology and value engineering solutions that optimize time, cost, and quality. Our comprehensive approach ensures that decisions during this phase lay the groundwork for efficient and successful development.
Site Selection
Site analysis is the first step in ensuring a well-grounded infrastructure project. At Hermosillo, we evaluate key factors to guarantee the land’s technical, legal, and financial viability, creating a solid foundation for a successful project.
- Local Regulations: We conduct thorough site evaluations to ensure compliance with all legal and urban planning requirements, prevent setbacks, and guarantee adherence to local regulations.
- Available Infrastructure: We analyze site access, public utilities, and soil conditions to anticipate and avert construction-phase challenges, minimizing risks for the client.
- Preliminary Costs: We identify potential site-related expenses, such as preparation or additional infrastructure needs, from the start, allowing clients to plan the project lifecycle confidently.
- Zoning: We use advanced tools like 3D modeling software and artificial intelligence to maximize land use and effectively compare options. This includes evaluating allowable building coverage, maximum building heights, and other regulations that affect project feasibility.
- Feasibility Studies: We collaborate with local experts to conduct feasibility studies, ensuring project technical and financial viability. This process includes topography, geotechnical and environmental studies, and utilities feasibility for essentials like water and energy.
Conceptual Design
Conceptual design is a key phase where client ideas and needs are transformed into viable solutions that maximize project potential. We call this initial design phase BED (Basic Engineering Design), where our expert team works closely with clients to understand their operational goals and create Value Engineering strategies. We use a technology-driven approach to visualize and refine designs, ensuring they are functional, sustainable, and aligned with the client’s financial and operational objectives. Some of our tools include:
- BIM (Building Information Modeling): Integrates all project disciplines, from structural elements to MEP systems, reducing errors and improving coordination.
- Renderings and Virtual Walkthroughs: Help clients visualize the project realistically, aiding decision-making.
- Generative Design and Artificial Intelligence: Optimize designs for efficient land use and cost minimization.
Preliminary Costs
At Hermosillo, our cost estimates are based on a detailed understanding of the client’s needs, reflected in clear drawings and specifications.
- Factors to Consider: In addition to direct construction costs, we help clients identify other budget-impacting elements, including mass grading costs and infrastructure required for utilities like water, sewage, and power.
- Risk Reduction and Contingencies: We leverage our experience with similar previous projects to mitigate risks and avoid unforeseen issues. We develop preliminary drawings (BED) that ensure compliance with regulations, specifications, and client expectations. This allows us to present accurate estimates that facilitate project evaluation.
- Experience-Based Methodology: Our ability to identify similarities with previous projects enhances the estimation process. We work closely with internal leaders, designers, and estimators to ensure that proposed solutions are reliable and tailored to the client’s needs.
- Presenting Options to the Client: We deliver clear, visual information reinforcing our proposal. Tools like virtual walkthroughs, 3D modeling, and BIM technologies highlight our capabilities and effectively communicate the value we offer. This transparent, technology-driven approach inspires confidence and ensures that the client’s needs are reflected in every project detail.
Conclusion
The preconstruction phase is the foundation for guaranteeing any project’s success. At Hermosillo, our experience and comprehensive approach allow us to transform client needs into tangible solutions, optimizing time, cost, and quality. From initial site analysis to conceptual design and cost estimates, every step is carried out with meticulous attention to detail and advanced technological tools like BIM and artificial intelligence. This process minimizes risks, prevents setbacks, and establishes a solid foundation for efficient and profitable development. At Hermosillo, we don’t just build projects—we build trust and long-term relationships, ensuring results that exceed client expectations.
