Get the Numbers Right Before Breaking Ground

Pre-construction services from Turnkey Contracting by Gillan in Illinois Valley help you understand costs, timelines, and site conditions before construction begins.

Before you commit to a building project in Illinois Valley, you need to know if the site can support what you want to build, how much it will actually cost, and how long the work will take. Pre-construction services answer those questions by analyzing site conditions, developing detailed budgets, and identifying potential delays or regulatory issues before you sign contracts or order materials.

Turnkey Contracting by Gillan conducts feasibility studies, cost forecasting, and value engineering during this phase. The team evaluates your site for soil conditions, drainage, utility access, and zoning compliance, then builds a budget that reflects real material costs, labor rates, and scheduling realities. If there are ways to reduce costs without compromising quality, such as using alternative materials or adjusting the project scope, those options are presented early when changes are easiest to make.

If you are considering a commercial or agricultural building in Illinois Valley and want a clear picture of what the project will require before moving forward, contact us to discuss pre-construction planning.

What Gets Decided Before Construction Starts

Pre-construction in Spring Valley begins with a site visit and review of your project goals. The team evaluates soil reports, surveys, and utility locations, then meets with local permitting authorities to confirm what approvals are required and how long they typically take. This phase also includes developing a construction schedule that accounts for weather, material lead times, and subcontractor availability, so the timeline reflects conditions specific to your area.

You receive a detailed budget that breaks down costs by category, such as site work, foundation, framing, mechanical systems, and finishes. Each line item is based on current pricing, and the team identifies areas where costs might fluctuate or where early decisions can lock in savings. You will also see a risk assessment that highlights potential issues, such as unknown underground utilities or wetland restrictions, along with strategies to address them.

This phase does not include actual construction, but it sets the foundation for everything that follows. Once pre-construction is complete, you have a clear budget, a realistic schedule, and a plan that accounts for the specific challenges of your site. The project can then move into construction with fewer surprises and a higher level of confidence.

Most people want to know what they are getting into

Pre-construction planning raises questions about cost, timing, and what happens if conditions on-site do not match expectations. Here are the questions clients in Spring Valley typically ask before starting this phase.

What does a pre-construction budget include?
The budget includes site preparation, materials, labor, permits, utility connections, and contingencies for unexpected conditions. It is broken down by category so you can see where costs are concentrated and where adjustments might be possible.
How long does pre-construction planning take?
Most projects require two to four weeks for site evaluation, budget development, and permitting research. Complex sites or projects requiring environmental studies may take longer, but you will have a timeline at the start.
What happens if the budget comes back higher than expected?
The team presents value engineering options that reduce costs without cutting essential features. This might include adjusting building size, changing materials, or phasing the project to spread costs over time.
Why is site evaluation necessary if I already own the land?
Site conditions such as soil type, drainage patterns, and utility locations directly affect foundation design, grading costs, and construction timelines. Evaluating the site early prevents costly surprises once construction begins.
What if permitting takes longer than expected?
The pre-construction schedule includes time for permitting based on local agency averages. If delays occur, the team adjusts the construction timeline and communicates any impact on the overall schedule before it affects other phases.

If you are planning a building project in Illinois Valley and want to understand the full scope, cost, and timeline before committing, Turnkey Contracting by Gillan can provide pre-construction services that give you a clear picture of what to expect. Get in touch to start the planning process.