Why Do I Need Preconstruction for My House?

We get it, you’ve finalized your plan with the architect and have picked a contractor, and after a long process, you want to get construction underway and bring this vision to life. We understand at this point all you want to do is build.

Starting the physical construction is naturally the next thing you will want to do, however, at John Springstead Construction, we have a different approach. We view building a home as a process that demands complete planning to ensure a smooth, enjoyable construction experience.

This is why all our clients engage in our preconstruction process. It's more than just paperwork; it is the process that sets your project up for success and how we meet and or exceed your expectations.

What Actually Happens During Preconstruction?

Most homeowners are unaware of the preconstruction process and when done correctly, it will practically eliminate change orders and delays while lowering the stress of the construction process and selection deadlines. We introduced our preconstruction process a couple of years ago and I can tell you this completely changes how our clients experience construction.  Here’s what is involved:

We file permits when you accept our Detailed Cost Analysis: This will help secure permits in a timely manner and have you ready to start when your preconstruction is complete.

Guide you through the selection process to pick out all your finishes: We'll learn about the products we'll use and their lead times.

Replace allowances with fixed material and labor pricing after selections are made: This significantly reduces change orders and contingencies.

Decide which options are to be included or excluded in the contract: Gives you a clear understanding of your scope of work.

Value engineer if needed: Identifies big ticket items and check for alternative methods or products.

Fine tune contract details and language: Final review of all the details, convert your DCA to a construction contract, submit our real time construction schedule, and start construction!

The Danger of Fast-Tracking

Skipping this phase is the primary reason for the renovation horror stories you hear about: spiraling budgets, 6-month delays, and "surprise" costs.

If you skip preconstruction, you are essentially asking your builder to guess. And when builders have to guess, they add contingency buffers to the price to protect themselves. Skipping planning doesn't save you money; it effectively guarantees you will pay more.

Why Preconstruction is Mandatory at JSC

At John Springstead Construction, we are transparent about our process: Preconstruction is not optional.

We have made this a mandatory prerequisite for working with us, and we do this to protect you.

We refuse to give you a guesstimate that changes halfway through the build. We value our reputation for precision and your peace of mind too much to operate on assumptions. By making this phase mandatory, we ensure that:

You have a Fixed Price: When we move to the construction contract, the price is real.

You have a Fixed Schedule: We know exactly who is showing up and when.

The Quality is Guaranteed: We aren't rushing decisions; we are executing a master plan.

The Path Forward 

The difference between a construction nightmare and a dream home is the roadmap you create before the first shovel hits the dirt.

At JSC, we refuse to gamble with your investment. That is why preconstruction is mandatory: it allows us to do the heavy lifting now, so when the hammers start swinging, the process is seamless rather than stressful. A successful build is 80% planning and 20% execution—let’s get the 80% right before we ever break ground.

Let’s turn your vision into a blueprint. Contact us to begin your Preconstruction Phase.