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✅ Pre-Construction Checklist Template

Downloadable checklist template covering all 9 phases of pre-construction planning.

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Format: Text (.txt - can be converted to PDF)
Last Updated: February 2026
File Size: ~8 KB

📥 Download Pre-Construction Checklist Template

Note: This is a text file that can be printed or converted to PDF. For Excel format, copy sections into a spreadsheet.

Checklist Structure​

Phase 1: Project Evaluation​

Opportunity Assessment:

  • Project fits our capabilities
  • Owner has good payment reputation
  • Project location is accessible
  • Schedule is realistic
  • Project will be profitable

Risk Assessment:

  • Site conditions evaluated
  • Design completeness reviewed
  • Permits can be obtained in time
  • Long-lead items identified
  • Weather constraints considered
  • Material/labor availability confirmed

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Phase 2: Design Review​

Drawing Review:

  • All drawing sheets received
  • Latest revisions confirmed
  • Architectural/structural/MEP coordinated
  • Drawings are clear and buildable
  • Conflicts identified and resolved

Specification Review:

  • Submittal requirements identified
  • Product requirements clear
  • Testing requirements noted
  • Quality standards understood
  • Closeout requirements documented

Value Engineering:

  • Cost savings opportunities identified
  • Schedule improvements evaluated
  • Material alternatives considered
  • Constructability reviewed

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Phase 3: Estimating & Budgeting​

Quantity Takeoff:

  • Material quantities calculated
  • Labor hours estimated by trade
  • Equipment needs identified
  • Subcontractor scope defined

Pricing:

  • Material costs current
  • Labor rates include burden
  • Equipment costs (rent vs. own) determined
  • Subcontractor quotes received
  • Overhead allocated properly
  • Profit margin appropriate

Budget Development:

  • Direct costs totaled
  • General conditions included
  • Overhead allocated
  • Contingency added (5-10%)
  • Profit included

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Phase 4: Schedule Development​

Master Schedule:

  • Project phases identified
  • Durations estimated realistically
  • Dependencies mapped
  • Key milestones set
  • Critical path identified

Long-Lead Items:

  • Structural steel (8-12 weeks)
  • Elevators (12-16 weeks)
  • Mechanical equipment (8-12 weeks)
  • Custom millwork (6-10 weeks)
  • Curtain wall (10-14 weeks)
  • Other long-lead items identified

Action: Order long-lead items immediately upon contract award

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Phase 5: Subcontractor Selection​

Prequalification:

  • Similar project experience verified
  • Capacity to handle scope confirmed
  • Financial stability checked
  • Safety record (EMR) reviewed
  • References checked

Bidding:

  • Scope letters detailed and clear
  • Latest drawings provided
  • Site visit arranged
  • Bidder questions answered
  • Competitive bids received

Award:

  • Best value selected (not just lowest price)
  • Contracts executed before work starts
  • Insurance certificates (COIs) received
  • Schedule confirmed with subs

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Phase 6: Permits & Approvals​

Building Permits:

  • Application submitted early
  • Permit fees paid
  • Plans approved
  • Permit issued before starting work

Other Permits:

  • Grading permit (if earthwork)
  • Utility permits (power, water, sewer)
  • Street/sidewalk permit (if affecting public right-of-way)
  • Environmental permits (if required)

Approvals:

  • HOA approval (if applicable)
  • Design review approval (if required)
  • Fire department approval
  • Other agency approvals

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Phase 7: Site Preparation​

Site Access:

  • Access routes identified
  • Worker parking arranged
  • Material laydown areas designated
  • Temporary utilities available (power, water)

Site Setup:

  • Perimeter fencing installed
  • Project signage posted
  • Field office location determined
  • Temporary facilities arranged (toilets, storage)

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Phase 8: Team Assembly​

Key Personnel:

  • Project Manager assigned
  • Superintendent assigned
  • Project Engineer assigned (if needed)
  • Safety Manager assigned (if required)

Communication Plan:

  • Regular meeting schedule established
  • Reporting procedures defined (daily/weekly)
  • Communication tools selected
  • Contact list distributed

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Phase 9: Risk Mitigation​

Insurance:

  • General liability coverage adequate
  • Workers' compensation current and adequate
  • Builder's risk obtained (if required)
  • Subcontractor COIs received

Bonds:

  • Bid bond obtained (if required)
  • Performance bond obtained (if required)
  • Payment bond obtained (if required)

Contracts:

  • Prime contract reviewed and executed
  • Subcontracts executed before work starts
  • Major material purchase orders issued

Status: ⬜ Not Started | 🟡 In Progress | ✅ Complete
Completed By: _______________
Date Completed: _______________

Must-Have Before Start Summary​

Critical Items (All Required):

  • Contract executed
  • Permits obtained
  • Insurance in place
  • Key subs under contract
  • Long-lead items ordered
  • Site access established
  • Team assembled
  • Schedule approved
  • Budget approved

Project Information:

  • Project Name: _______________
  • Project Number: _______________
  • Contract Amount: $_______________
  • Start Date: _______________
  • Prepared By: _______________
  • Date: _______________

Sign-Off:

  • Project Manager: _______________ Date: _______
  • Operations Manager: _______________ Date: _______
  • Safety Manager: _______________ Date: _______
Don't Start Without These

Never begin construction until all critical items are complete. Starting without permits, insurance, or proper contracts can result in stop-work orders, fines, and legal issues.