Cut Preconstruction Timelines in Half: 6 Strategies From Managing $300M

Resist the urge to rush the start; go slow in the beginning to finish faster by creating a detailed work plan tracker with target dates and clear responsibilities.

Prevent project chaos and resentment by explicitly setting expectations with clients, your team, and third-party consultants regarding the pre-construction process and deliverables.

Instead of dictating deadlines, ask all stakeholders, 'What would it take to achieve this by [date]?' to foster collaboration and secure commitments, then turn those into firm deadlines.

Break your pre-construction timeline into short, focused 'sprints' towards specific milestones, treating each phase (e.g., schematic design) as a concentrated effort.

Proactively schedule review meetings months in advance for each sprint milestone, as these meetings create urgency and accountability, ensuring work is completed on time.

Implement weekly update emails to inform all parties about progress, next steps, required information, and upcoming deadlines, keeping everyone engaged and accountable without constant chasing.

For teams, conduct daily 30-minute huddles to review the work plan tracker, identify and resolve blockers, and address questions proactively, maximizing daily efficiency.