With advances in construction estimating software like DESTINI Estimator, and BIM360 technology, it is getting easier to entice construction management graduates to preconstruction. Not only are innovations in construction technology attractive to younger generations, but it is also now possible to prime new estimators in creating accurate estimates due to the use of powerful databases that don’t require estimators to begin each new estimate from scratch.
Because of this shifting landscape, the skillset for a good preconstruction professional is also changing.
You still need to be good at problem solving (value engineering hasn’t changed), detail-oriented, and have a good math and analytical mindset, but you also need to think like a builder.
Preconstruction is a viable and rewarding career path within construction, one with the opportunity for growth. We shouldn’t be thinking about current and future jobs in precon as “once an estimator, always an estimator” but as a professional position that really sets up a project for success.
Beck Tech has been having this conversation with precon professionals and estimators for years. The landscape is changing and so are the roles within preconstruction. It couldn’t be a more exciting time to join precon!
Taimoor Khan, Vice President of Preconstruction at Satterfield & Pontikes and Adjunct Professor at the University of Houston Professor says, “A career in estimating may be limited however a career in preconstruction is unlimited. So, understand the difference between estimating and preconstruction.”
Taimoor is an expert in growing preconstruction professionals and is passionate about developing the next generation of successful precon folks. Traditionally, precon and estimating hasn’t been the most desired area of construction younger people want to get into. But the digital transformation in construction is allowing for this to change dramatically.
It is becoming collaboration, not just crunching numbers. Analytical problem solving, instead of painful workbooks and formulas.
During his keynote speech at Precon World 2023, Taimoor points out the importance of everything we do in preconstruction:
- BIM
- VDC
- Scheduling
- Data analytics
- Estimating
- Communication (with design, owners, subs)
He says, “The most valuable impact is in the preconstruction phase because the biggest financial decisions are made in the preconstruction phase of the project. You build relationships in preconstruction. You build trust with the design team, the owners, and the subcontractors in the preconstruction phase.”
So, to be successful in this changing landscape, Taimoor says:
- Have a clear vision about the career and growth plan.
- Become technology friendly as it will make a huge difference.
- Practice leadership to grow people around you and you will grow automatically.
Aman Singh, Director of Preconstruction at Barry-Wehmiller Design Group is also passionate about developing preconstruction talent and has a special keynote speaker slot at Precon World 2024. When he entered estimating, he was particularly interested in delving into the constructability of a project and his firm at the time benefited from that.
His current team takes the mindset of the builder rather than the number cruncher. He says think about how to build it, not just putting the numbers together of what to build. These shifting expectations of preconstruction require us to look at the bigger picture.
Aman says, “There’s a lot more interpreting the design intent. We’re shifting away from the world where if it’s not on the drawing it must not be my problem. The way to mitigate the risk is to go through that design intent conversation and being able to develop what’s not been put on the drawings.”
This ability to collaborate with owners and look beyond the spreadsheets is how you will grow your preconstruction career. Aman mentions how his team spends time on clients’ sites and asks logistical questions in detail. He says, “And everything we have done—the output of that has not been any kind of estimate.”
instead of just an estimate, it’s the planning and phasing that gives their clients the best outcomes.
'When in Doubt, Leave it Out'
“If I were to try and do that today with my clients, then we just wouldn’t be doing right by them,” says Aman. Clients expect you to put your thoughts and value engineering on paper even when it hasn’t been fully vetted out. As the design progresses, you and the owner can check to see how your assumptions about the project are aligning.
It’s time to be less married to your numbers and instead use the numbers to begin conversations and collaboration with your teams.
Being defensible is a lot different than being defensive.
Let Beck Technology help you get there. The Destini suite of construction estimating software is a powerful, data-driven program that will help you develop those preconstruction skills you need for a successful future.
