Preconstruction Process
From first meeting to signed contract
We’ve developed a methodical approach to preconstruction that brings clarity, alignment, and confidence to our projects. What happens intentionally during design creates the foundation for a successful build.
Before we start the demo or break ground, we help you understand the path ahead, connect you with the right design professionals, and shape a scope that reflects your goals and investment priorities.
Our process is thorough, but flexible. Some clients prefer a detailed view. Others just want to know we’ve got it handled. Either way, we guide the journey from early exploration through design development, budgeting, and contract readiness—so construction begins with clarity.
Preconstruction Timeline at a Glance
From first meeting to signed contract
Client Introduction & Exploration Meeting
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Purpose: Align on values, goals, financial investment and fit
→ Review sample Preconstruction Services Agreement
Sign Preconstruction Services Agreement
Duration: Throughout the design phase
Purpose: Engage Opus as build consultant during design
→ Hire your architect and/or interior designer
Site Meeting with Owner & Design Professional
Duration: 60–90 minutes
Purpose: Walk site or review drawings, align on feasibility and communication
Opus Consulting Services
Duration: Pace set by client & design pro, usually several months
Purpose: Support design team with constructability, pricing guidance, and trade input
→ Preliminary pricing, advance into construction documents
Permit Acquisition
Duration: Varies by jurisdiction
Purpose: Submit and secure required permits while design work continues
Completion of Construction Documents & Finishes Schedules
Duration: Pace set by client & design pro, usually several months
Purpose: Produce detailed, buildable drawings and selections
→ Confirm CD set is ready for Trade Walk
Trade Walk
Duration: 4–8 hours (plus ~2 weeks for trade proposals)
Purpose: Trade partners review drawings/site, identify challenges, generate proposals
Post Trade Walk Consultation
Duration: 1-2 hours
Purpose: Address new details uncovered, confirm scope implications
Value Engineering / Phasing (After Trade Walk, if needed)
Duration: Varies
Purpose: Adjust scope in response to trade input, keep project in target range
Construction Budgets
Duration: ~3 week after trade walk
Purpose: Prepare transparent cost-plus budget (or consider fixed price)
Value Engineering / Phasing (After Budgets, if needed)
Duration: Varies
Purpose: Align final scope with investment goals once budget is clear
Finalize Drawings & Selections
Duration: Varies by revisions
Purpose: Update drawings and finishes schedules after VE/phasing
→ Lock scope with final drawings
Sign Construction Contract
Duration: Usually ≥2 weeks before construction starts
Purpose: Secure schedule, coordinate trades, materials, permits
→ Transition into construction
You don’t need to manage this process—we will. Whether you want to stay close to the details or simply trust the structure, we’ll guide the journey.