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Typical Pre-Construction Lead Times
Plan ahead — these items take time and can delay your start date.
| Item | Typical Lead Time |
|---|---|
| Building Permit | 2 days – 8 weeks |
| Soil / Geotech Report | 1 – 3 weeks |
| Utility Locate (811) | 48 hours minimum |
| Custom Windows | 4 – 12 weeks |
| Custom Cabinets | 6 – 16 weeks |
| Structural Steel | 4 – 10 weeks |
| Insurance Certificates | 1 – 5 days |
| HOA Approval | 2 – 8 weeks |
12,800+ estimates calculated this month
Pre-Construction Planning Guide
What to complete before breaking ground — permits, insurance, site prep, and the timeline that keeps projects on track.
What Is a Pre-Construction Checklist?
A pre-construction checklist is a structured list of tasks that must be completed before breaking ground on a construction project. It covers permits, insurance, contracts, site prep, utilities, safety, materials, and scheduling.
- Purpose: Prevent delays, reduce liability, and ensure nothing falls through the cracks
- Who uses it: General contractors, project managers, and construction superintendents
- When to start: 4–8 weeks before the planned start date for residential; 8–16 weeks for commercial
Skipping pre-construction planning is the single biggest cause of budget overruns and schedule delays. 30 minutes of planning saves days of rework.
Key Takeaways
- Covers permits, insurance, contracts, site prep, safety, and scheduling
- Start 4–8 weeks before groundbreaking (residential)
- 30 minutes of planning saves days of rework
Common Pre-Construction Mistakes
These mistakes cost contractors thousands of dollars and weeks of delays every year:
- Starting work before the permit is posted — stop-work orders can shut you down for weeks
- Not collecting sub COIs — one uninsured sub injury can bankrupt a small GC
- Forgetting the 811 call — hitting a gas line costs $10K–$50K+ and shuts down the project
- Ordering long-lead materials late — custom windows and cabinets can delay a project by 3+ months
- Skipping the soil report — foundation problems discovered during construction are 5–10x more expensive to fix
- No written change order process — verbal agreements lead to disputes and unpaid work
A checklist doesn't slow you down — it prevents the problems that actually slow you down.
Key Takeaways
- Stop-work orders from missing permits can cost weeks
- Uninsured sub injuries can bankrupt a small GC
- Late material orders are the #1 preventable schedule delay
Pre-Construction Timeline: When to Do What
Work backwards from your start date to build a realistic pre-construction schedule.
- 8–12 weeks out: Submit permit applications, order long-lead materials, finalize contracts
- 6–8 weeks out: Obtain soil reports, schedule utility locates, collect sub insurance certificates
- 4–6 weeks out: Confirm subcontractor start dates, order dumpsters and portable sanitation, set up temporary power
- 2–4 weeks out: Install erosion control, set up site security, hold pre-construction meeting with subs
- 1 week out: Final permit verification, material delivery confirmation, safety orientation for crews
The most organized contractors treat pre-construction as its own phase with a dedicated schedule — not an afterthought.
Key Takeaways
- Start permit process 8–12 weeks before groundbreaking
- Order long-lead materials during permit review
- Hold a pre-construction meeting with all subs 2–4 weeks out
How to Use This Calculator
Review Each Category
Work through all 8 categories: permits, insurance, contracts, site prep, utilities, safety, materials, and scheduling. Expand any item for a pro tip on how to handle it.
Check Off Completed Items
Click each checkbox as you complete the task. The progress bar and category rings update in real time so you can see what is left at a glance.
Share With Your Team
Use the Share button to send the checklist link to your project manager, superintendent, or office staff so everyone is on the same page.
Print for the Job Site
Click Print to get a clean, printable version of the checklist. Post it in the job trailer or attach it to your project binder.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pre-construction checklist?
A pre-construction checklist is a structured list of tasks a general contractor must complete before starting a construction project. It typically covers permits, insurance, contracts, site preparation, utilities, safety planning, materials ordering, and scheduling. Using a checklist prevents costly oversights like missing permits, uninsured subcontractors, and late material orders.
How far in advance should I start pre-construction planning?
Start 4–8 weeks before groundbreaking for residential projects and 8–16 weeks for commercial projects. The biggest time drivers are permit approvals (2 days to 8 weeks), long-lead material orders (4–16 weeks for custom windows and cabinets), and subcontractor scheduling. Working backwards from your start date helps build a realistic pre-construction timeline.
Do I need a building permit before starting construction?
Yes, in nearly all jurisdictions. Starting work without a posted permit can result in stop-work orders, fines, and required demolition of unpermitted work. Building permits are required for structural work, electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and most exterior modifications. Minor cosmetic work (painting, replacing fixtures) typically does not require a permit, but always check local codes.
What insurance does a general contractor need before starting a project?
At minimum, a GC needs general liability insurance ($1M/$2M typical), workers' compensation (required in most states for employees), and often builder's risk insurance to cover the structure during construction. You should also collect certificates of insurance (COIs) from every subcontractor and verify your company is listed as an additional insured.
What is an 811 utility locate and why is it required?
An 811 utility locate (also called "call before you dig") is a free service that marks underground utility lines before excavation. It is required by law in all 50 states. Call 811 at least 48 hours before any digging. Hitting a buried gas, electric, or fiber line can cost $10,000–$50,000+ in repairs and shut down your project for days or weeks.
What should be in a pre-construction meeting?
A pre-construction meeting should cover: the project schedule and milestones, site access and parking, safety requirements and PPE, communication protocols (who to call for decisions), change order process, inspection schedule, and material delivery coordination. Hold this meeting 2–4 weeks before mobilization with all subcontractors present.
What are the most common pre-construction mistakes?
The top mistakes are: starting before the permit is posted (risking stop-work orders), not collecting sub insurance certificates (liability exposure), skipping the 811 call (hitting utilities), ordering long-lead materials too late (delaying the project by months), and not having a written change order process (leading to disputes over scope and payment).
Can I use this checklist for commercial construction?
Yes. This checklist covers the fundamentals that apply to both residential and commercial construction. Commercial projects may require additional items like performance bonds, payment bonds, prevailing wage compliance, SWPPP (stormwater pollution prevention plans), and ADA compliance reviews. Use this checklist as your starting baseline and add project-specific requirements.
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