Value Begins Before Construction Starts: Realize the Benefits of Preconstruction Services

Written by

plan smarter with a preconstruction team who cares

Successful construction projects don’t begin with the groundbreaking; they begin with informed planning. Preconstruction services provide owners and design teams with critical insight early in the design and construction process, helping shape projects that are more efficient, cost-effective, and buildable.

What Is Preconstruction?

At Eckman Construction, preconstruction is a collaborative phase focused on aligning scope, budget, schedule, and design before construction starts. This early investment creates clarity, reduces risk, and delivers better outcomes throughout the life of a project.

Preconstruction brings together the contractor, architect, engineers, and owner to evaluate design concepts, budgets, schedules, and constructability. Rather than reacting to challenges during construction, preconstruction allows teams to address them proactively, when changes are easier and less costly.

Key Benefits of Preconstruction Services
1. Clear Goals and Planning

Early planning establishes a solid foundation for the entire project. During preconstruction, Eckman works closely with owners and design teams to:

  • Define project goals and priorities
  • Establish realistic budgets and timelines
  • Identify potential site or logistical challenges
  • Develop phasing strategies and construction approaches

This process facilitates cohesive team goals and expectations, reduces uncertainty, and sets the stage for smoother project execution from the beginning.

2. Accurate Cost Estimating and Budget Alignment

Reliable cost information is essential to making informed decisions. Preconstruction provides detailed, evolving cost estimates as designs progress, helping owners understand where dollars are being spent and why. Eckman delivers:

  • Conceptual and schematic estimates
  • Design development pricing updates
  • Final construction document estimates
  • Transparent cost breakdowns for each phase and/or component of the scope

This continuous feedback allows owners and designers to align scope with budget early, avoiding late-stage surprises and costly redesigns and construction change orders.

3. Value Engineering that Protects Design Intent

Value engineering is not about cutting corners; it’s about finding smarter solutions. Through preconstruction, Eckman evaluates materials, systems, and construction methods to identify opportunities for savings, improved performance, or schedule efficiencies while maintaining the project’s architectural vision, quality, and functional goals. Typical value engineering efforts include:

  • Alternative material selections
  • Structural or system optimizations
  • Prefabrication opportunities
  • Schedule-driven design adjustments or construction phasing

These recommendations are presented with clear cost and performance comparisons, empowering owners to make informed choices.

4. Early Collaboration with Architects and Engineers

The most successful projects are built on strong collaboration. Preconstruction brings the contractor into the design process, allowing constructability input and real-world insight to inform decisions as drawings are developed. By working closely with architects and engineers, Eckman helps:

  • Identify design conflicts before they become field issues
  • Improve detailing for constructability
  • Coordinate building systems early
  • Reduce RFIs and change orders during construction

This integrated approach leads to cleaner documents, fewer surprises, and a more efficient construction phase.

5. Reducing Risk and Providing More Predictable, Successful Outcomes

Identifying and analyzing risks early on uncovers potential challenges related to site conditions, permitting, long-lead materials, or complex building systems. Addressing these items in advance allows teams to develop mitigation strategies, protecting schedules and budgets while improving overall project predictability and success.

Meet Eckman’s Preconstruction Team

Eckman Construction’s primary preconstruction team brings together deep industry knowledge, technical expertise, and strong operational support. Miguel Lopez and Mandy Woods serve as Estimators, providing the backbone of the firm’s cost planning and value engineering efforts. Miguel holds a BS in Construction Management and an Associate’s in Accounting from Utah Valley University, bringing a strong foundation in cost control, scope analysis, and estimating. Mandy adds more than 21 years of construction experience across public and private market sectors, both nationally and abroad, with a degree in Linguistics from the University of Utah.

Supporting the team is Teresa Avila, Executive Assistant, whose organization, adaptability, and steady coordination help ensure smooth communication and effective preconstruction operations. The team is led by Cooper Eckman, President, whose extensive hands-on field experience, along with a BS in Construction Management from UVU, guides his approach, leadership, and valuable insights into the financial planning, constructability, safety, and quality of each project.

Together, this group provides clients with thoughtful planning, accurate costs, and risk assessments from the earliest stages of a project.

A Smarter Way to Build

Preconstruction services provide owners with clarity, control, and confidence long before construction begins. Through thoughtful planning, accurate cost estimating, collaborative design support, and strategic value engineering, Eckman Construction helps clients make informed decisions that lead to better projects.

At Eckman, we have the proven, trusted experience that repeatedly demonstrates that value begins with preparation before construction. If you’re planning a new build, renovation, or expansion, engaging Eckman Construction early-on can help maximize your investment and the success of your project from the very beginning.