Preliminaries in Construction: A Software Guide

Preliminaries in construction refer to the initial costs and preparations necessary for a construction project, including planning, permits, and site setup. These costs can vary widely, typically ranging from 5% to 15% of the total project budget. Pricing models for construction software that manage these preliminaries often include per user/month fees, annual contracts, and additional costs for training and support. This software is essential for contractors, project managers, and estimators who need to streamline operations and improve cost accuracy. To purchase, consider starting with a demo or pilot program to evaluate fit and contract terms.

Preliminaries in Construction: Pricing Models and Typical Costs

Understanding the pricing models for construction software is crucial for budgeting and planning. Typical costs include:

• Per user/month fees: $50 - $150
• Annual contracts: $500 - $1,500 per user
• Implementation fees: $1,000 - $5,000
• Training costs: $500 - $2,000
• Support tiers: Basic to premium, $100 - $500/month

Line items to expect on a quote include software licenses, training sessions, and support packages.

Preliminaries in Construction: Features That Actually Change Job Outcomes

Key features of construction software that impact job outcomes include:

• Gantt charts and CPM for scheduling
• Document control for submittals and RFIs
• 2D takeoff and OCR for accurate estimations
• Integration with QuickBooks and Sage for financial management
• Version control and audit trails for compliance

These features help estimators improve accuracy, project managers enhance scheduling, and operations teams maintain compliance.

Preliminaries in Construction: Hidden Costs and Procurement Pitfalls

Be aware of hidden costs such as:

• Implementation and training fees
• Integration and migration costs
• Overage charges for exceeding usage limits
• Long-term contract commitments

Procurement red flags include unclear pricing structures and limited support options.

Preliminaries in Construction: Evaluation Checklist (RFP-Ready)

When evaluating construction software, consider the following checklist:

• Does it support Gantt and CPM scheduling?
• Are document control features robust?
• Is there integration with financial software like QuickBooks?
• What are the training and support options?
• Is the pricing model transparent?
• Does it offer role-based permissions?
• Are there audit trails for compliance?
• What is the data retention policy?
• Is there a demo or trial period available?
• How does it handle change orders?
• What are the security certifications (e.g., SOC 2)?
• Is there a mobile app available?

Preliminaries in Construction: Integrations, Security, and Permissions

Key integrations and security features include:

• SSO and role-based permissions
• Integration with Microsoft 365 and Google Drive
• Audit trails and data retention policies
• Common integrations with Autodesk and Procore

Minimum security controls should include encryption, regular audits, and compliance with industry standards.

Preliminaries in Construction: Who It’s Best For (By Company Type)

This software is ideal for:

• Small contractors needing basic project management
• General contractors requiring comprehensive scheduling and budgeting
• Specialty contractors focusing on specific trades
• Multi-region operations needing scalable solutions

Best fit for companies looking to streamline operations and improve cost accuracy; not fit for those with minimal digital infrastructure.

Preliminaries in Construction: FAQ

What are preliminaries in construction? Preliminaries are the initial costs and preparations for a construction project, including planning and permits.

How do preliminaries affect project budgeting? They can account for 5% to 15% of the total budget, impacting overall cost management.

What software features are essential for managing preliminaries? Scheduling tools, document control, and financial integrations are key.

Are there hidden costs in construction software? Yes, including training, implementation, and potential overage charges.

How can I evaluate construction software? Use an RFP checklist to assess features, pricing, and support options.

What security features should I look for? Look for SSO, role-based permissions, and audit trails.

Implementation Timeline (30/60/90 Days)

Implementing construction software requires a structured timeline:

• Week 1–2: Discovery phase, define roles, establish permissions model, and set baseline metrics.
• Week 3–4: Data migration scope and sign-off, ensuring all necessary data is ready for transition.
• Week 5–6: Pilot selection criteria and go-live checklist, testing the software in a controlled environment.
• Week 7–8: Stabilization and governance, ensuring the software is fully operational and integrated.

Example: A mid-sized contractor might start with a pilot project to test the software's scheduling and budgeting capabilities before full deployment.

Change Management and Adoption Plan

Successful adoption requires a comprehensive change management plan:

• Identify stakeholders and champions within the organization.
• Develop training programs tailored to different roles.
• Establish a communications cadence to keep all parties informed.
• Create a feedback loop to address concerns and improve processes.
• Prevent "shadow spreadsheets" by ensuring all data is centralized.

Adoption controls checklist: Ensure all users are trained, feedback is collected regularly, and usage metrics are monitored.

Data Model Tips (Cost Codes, Spec Sections, Drawing Sets, Versions)

Effective data modeling is crucial for construction software:

• Use a three-level cost code hierarchy for detailed tracking.
• Maintain version control for all documents and drawings.
• Handle alternates and allowances with clear documentation.
• Ensure unit pricing is consistent across projects.

Example: A three-level cost code hierarchy might include categories like "Labor," "Materials," and "Subcontractor Services."

KPI/ROI Framework

Establishing a KPI/ROI framework helps measure success:

• Define baseline metrics in the first week.
• Set measurement windows for ongoing evaluation.
• Differentiate between leading and lagging indicators.
• Track KPIs such as project completion time, cost variance, and resource utilization.

Example KPIs: Project completion time = (Actual completion date - Planned completion date) / Planned completion date.

Integration/Migration Scenarios

Consider common integration and migration scenarios:

• Integrate with QuickBooks/Sage for financial management.
• Use Microsoft 365 or Google Drive for document storage.
• Ensure identity/SSO and permissions parity across systems.
• Maintain audit trail continuity during migration.
• Develop cutover strategies to minimize disruption.

Example: A company using Procore might integrate with Autodesk for enhanced project management capabilities.