The most common preconstruction services are conceptual estimating, detailed estimating, value engineering, constructability review, scheduling, subcontractor prequalification and bidding, permit and filing strategy, and logistics planning.
On a typical NYC commercial fit-out, these break down as: estimating at multiple design milestones (schematic, DD, CD) so the owner sees cost evolve with the drawings; value engineering to swap costly assemblies for equivalents that hit the same design intent; constructability review to flag conflicts before they become RFIs; scheduling with realistic durations for permits, long-lead items, and building access; and bidding to qualified, prequalified subcontractors.
The contractors who do preconstruction well save owners far more than the service costs. Darby includes most preconstruction services in our standard project engagement.
