Most of a building's cost is locked in during design, when changes are cheap. Preconstruction puts a contractor's estimating, constructability and scheduling expertise into those early decisions — preventing redesign, catching conflicts on paper instead of in the field, and securing better subcontractor pricing.
The cheapest place to change a building is on paper. Moving a wall during schematic design costs an eraser; moving it after the studs are up costs time, money and goodwill. That’s the logic behind preconstruction services — and why experienced owners insist on them.
1. Accurate budgets from day one
Henson’s estimators produce a preliminary cost estimate using past project and current market cost data. As design progresses, we update the estimate at each milestone so there are no surprises when the drawings are finished.
2. Constructability review catches problems on paper
A constructability review is a builder’s read of the drawings. We look for conflicts between disciplines, details that are difficult or costly to build, missing information and sequencing issues. Every question answered during design is a change order avoided during construction.
3. Value engineering finds savings without sacrificing quality
Value engineering asks: is there a way to deliver the same function and quality for less? It might be an equivalent material, a simpler structural system or a different sequence of work. Because we’ve built many types of buildings with many methods and products, we know where the savings are.
4. A realistic schedule
We build computer-generated schedules showing every task’s duration, start and finish dates. A realistic schedule lets owners plan move-ins, school openings and financing — and identifies long-lead items to order early.
5. More bids, better prices
When it’s time to buy out the work, Henson solicits bids from an extensive qualified list of subcontractors and suppliers. More bids drive the price down — and the owner gets the benefit.
6. A Guaranteed Maximum Price
Finally, preconstruction culminates in a Guaranteed Maximum Price, giving owners cost certainty before construction begins.
Get your project started right
Whether you’re a school district preparing a bond, a hospital planning an expansion or a business planning a new headquarters, early contractor involvement pays for itself. Learn more about our preconstruction services or start a conversation with our team.
Published by Henson Construction Co., Enid, Oklahoma. Last updated July 28, 2026.
