- 303-495-2252
- office@klmgrp.com
- 1949 Lakewood Blvd, #101, Lakewood, CO 80214
In commercial construction, the most expensive problems don’t begin in the field — they begin on paper.
Budgets that drift. Schedules that compress. Change orders that stack up. Most of these issues can be traced back to one root cause: insufficient pre-construction strategy.
At KLM Group, we view pre-construction as the most critical phase of any project — not an administrative step before construction begins, but the strategic foundation that determines whether a project succeeds or struggles.
By the time ground breaks, 70–80% of a project’s financial impact has already been determined through design decisions, scope definition, and procurement strategy.
If cost validation, constructability review, and schedule modeling are not addressed early, those risks don’t disappear — they simply surface later, usually at a higher cost.
Pre-construction is not paperwork. It is risk management.
Many firms treat pre-construction as a simple estimating exercise. At KLM Group, it is a structured process that integrates design, cost, schedule, and procurement.
1. Progressive Budget Development
We develop cost models that evolve with the drawings — from conceptual estimates to detailed line-item budgets and ultimately to a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) when appropriate.
This allows owners to make informed design decisions before they become expensive commitments.
2. Constructability Reviews
Design intent matters. But so does field execution.
Our team evaluates drawings for:
Identifying these issues early prevents RFIs, delays, and rework during construction.
3. Schedule Modeling
Time is capital.
We build detailed schedule projections that account for:
A realistic schedule protects both financing and tenant commitments.
4. Procurement Planning
Material volatility and supply chain fluctuations can derail even the best-designed project.
We work with trade partners early to:
Proactive procurement reduces exposure to market swings.
One of the most overlooked advantages of strong preconstruction is early subcontractor involvement.
When mechanical, electrical, framing, and specialty trades are engaged during design development:
Budgets become more accurate
Details become more buildable
Value engineering becomes strategic rather than reactive
Instead of redesigning under pressure, the team refines intelligently.
Value engineering has developed a negative reputation because it is often introduced too late.
When VE happens during construction, it feels like compromise.
When VE happens during pre-construction, it feels like optimization.
At KLM Group, value engineering focuses on:
The objective is not to cut cost at the expense of quality. The objective is to protect long-term value while aligning with budget reality.
For many clients, especially developers, franchise operators, and institutional owners, preconstruction is more than project planning — it is portfolio strategy.
Should you renovate or rebuild?
Should you phase construction or deliver all at once?
Should materials be purchased early to hedge volatility?
Should scope be adjusted before permitting?
These decisions are most effective when evaluated before construction contracts are executed.
Field performance matters. But field performance is a reflection of preparation.
Strong preconstruction does not guarantee a project will encounter zero challenges — but it ensures those challenges are identified early, priced accurately, and managed deliberately.
At KLM Group, we do not treat preconstruction as a formality before mobilization.
We treat it as the phase where the project is won.
If you are planning a commercial development, tenant improvement, or multi-site rollout, engaging your construction partner during preconstruction may be the most strategic decision you make.