Pre-Construction: The 20% That Prevents 80% of Problems

How disciplined planning, cost clarity and early risk control protect your programme, budget and brand.Most projects don’t fail on site - they fail before the first spade hits the ground. In South Africa’s current environment of tight margins, supply volatility and weather risk, the pre-construction phase is where developers can create the biggest advantage. At AfricanTree Developments, we treat pre-con as a project in its own right: structured, measurable and accountable.

1. Brief to Baseline: Getting the Scope Right

A clear, testable brief avoids scope creep later. We align the client’s business case with planning constraints, services availability and a realistic delivery baseline. That means agreeing success metrics up front - programme, budget range, performance targets and quality standards.

Outputs: Signed scope, milestone map, risk register v1.

2. Cost & Commercial Clarity: No Surprises

Defendable numbers drive better decisions. We produce measurable BOQs, verify rates with current supplier data, and map high-risk cost items (steel, concrete, MEP, finishes). Change control is designed now - not mid-build - with a simple RFI/VO path and approvals.

Outputs: Pre-con estimate with contingencies, procurement strategy, change-control workflow.

3. Buildability & Logistics: Designing to be Built

We review drawings for buildability, access and pour sequences, crane and pump positions, lay-down areas, and safe people/plant separation. Early coordination of structural, architectural and services packages reduces rework and claims.

Outputs: Buildability notes, site logistics plan, method statements outline.

4. Risk & Resilience: Planning for South African Realities

From storms to load-shedding, local context matters. We schedule around critical weather windows, include storm-water and erosion controls, and plan temporary power strategies. Compliance is embedded - OHS files, toolbox talk plan, inspections and audits.

Outputs: Risk register v2 with mitigations, OHS plan, environmental controls.

5. Supply Chain & Programme: Keeping Time on Your Side

Lead times can break a programme. We lock supplier commitments early, stage long-lead items, and sequence trades for productive overlaps without crowding. Weekly look-aheads and hold-points keep everyone honest.

Outputs: Integrated programme with hold-points, supplier commitments, weekly look-ahead template.

6. Communication: The Calm Centre

Transparent dashboards and decisive meetings save hours and rands. We run short, outcome-focused meetings, share visual progress evidence, and keep decisions documented for a clean audit trail.

Outputs: Reporting cadence, meeting trimsheet, decision log.

In Closing

Great projects are won in pre-construction. That 20% of effort prevents most of the cost, time and quality issues that typically surface later. If you want a site that feels calm, safe and in control, invest early — and invest well.