Pre-Construction Cost Benefit Analysis
Pre-construction is where the real risk and opportunity for cost savings lives. KOW Building Consultants provides pre construction cost benefit analysis and Pre-Construction Review services that help owners, lenders, and investors understand project costs, schedule risk, and scope clarity before a construction project breaks ground.
Our team supports project planning, cost estimation, and early project risk assessment so your project team can make informed decisions, avoid cost overrun, and keep the construction process aligned with lender expectations.
Pre-Construction Cost Benefit Analysis & Review Services
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Email: incoming@kowbc.com
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Phone: (855) 966-5888
Hours
Mon-Fri 9:00 am - 8:00 pm EST
What Is a Pre-Construction Cost Benefit Analysis?
A pre-construction cost benefit analysis evaluates whether the purpose of cost assumptions, estimated costs, and schedule for a project are realistic and supportable before work begins.
During this phase, KOW:
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Reviews project scopes and design intent
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Compares expected costs to market benchmarks
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Assesses whether the building process and phasing plan are achievable
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Highlights areas where better planning can produce long-term cost savings
This analysis is a core part of our broader Construction Risk Management offering and often works hand-in-hand with Construction Loan Monitoring, Property Condition Assessments, and Feasibility Studies.
Plan and Cost Reviews Across Industries
Commercial
Retail, Office, Warehouse, Data Center
Residential
Multifamily, Garden Style, Mixed-Use
Renovation
Gut Renovation, Expansion, Adaptive Reuse
What KOW’s Pre-Construction Review Includes
Every construction project is unique, but a typical KOW Pre-Construction Review and cost-benefit analysis covers several core areas.
Project Scope & Key Issues
We start with a deep dive into:
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Overall development objectives and project planning documents
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Defined project scopes for each discipline and trade
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Dependencies, phasing, and interfaces between team members
This helps project managers and the broader project team see where scope gaps, conflicting assumptions, or missing information could drive unexpected project costs later.
Site Review & Existing Conditions
Our consultants visit the site to evaluate:
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Access, logistics, and staging constraints that may affect the construction process
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Existing structures, utilities, or environmental factors
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Conditions that may impact estimated costs or schedule
Findings may trigger follow-on services such as Property Condition Assessments or Phase I Environmental Site Assessments (ESA).
Architectural, Structural & Systems Review
We review drawings, specifications, and reports to identify:
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Design details that may complicate the building process
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Structural or MEP coordination issues that could cause change orders
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Opportunities for cost savings without compromising performance
Here, we may coordinate with our Sustainability Services team to align system choices with long-term efficiency and carbon goals.
Schedule & Construction Process Analysis
We analyze the proposed schedule and construction process to determine whether:
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Durations and sequencing are realistic
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Long-lead items and permitting milestones are accounted for
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The schedule supports lender draw cycles and risk thresholds
This step connects time-based project risk with budget and project costs, helping stakeholders understand the full impact of delays or scope expansion.
Budget Review, Cost Estimation & Capital Needs
KOW provides an independent review of:
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Overall cost estimation methodologies
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Trade-level estimated costs and contingencies
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Alignment between project scopes and budget line items
We also evaluate whether a formal Capital Needs Assessment or long-term capital needs analysis would help investors understand future reinvestment obligations beyond the initial build.
Contracts, Management Tools & Reporting
We review key contracts and management tools used by the project team, including:
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Roles and responsibilities of project managers, general contractors, and consultants
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Risk allocation within contracts and change order procedures
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Use of management software and reporting systems for tracking cost, progress, and project risk
Our goal is to ensure that the tools and processes, whether spreadsheets or advanced management software, can actually support the project’s complexity and prevent cost overrun.
Pre-Construction Review Services Nationwide
KOW Building Consultants supports pre-construction analysis across the United States, with teams active in major markets such as Boston, New York, Chicago, Austin, Denver, San Francisco, and nationwide.
Each engagement leverages our experience across:
Whether you’re planning a single asset or a multi-market portfolio, we structure our Pre-Construction Review to match your project scopes, risk profile, and required management tools.
FAQs: Pre-Construction Review & Cost-Benefit Analysis
What is a capital needs assessment and how does it relate to pre-construction?
A capital needs assessment is a forward-looking capital assessment that estimates future repairs, replacements, and upgrades required to preserve a property’s value. During pre-construction, it complements cost estimation by ensuring that both near-term build costs and long-term reinvestment needs are considered in your project planning.
How do I conduct a capital needs assessment for a commercial property?
Most owners and project managers work with specialized capital needs assessment providers rather than trying to do it alone. Firms like KOW evaluate building systems, code requirements, and lifecycle costs, often combining Property Condition Assessments with sustainability and energy reviews to give a complete picture of expected costs over the asset’s life.
What is included in a pre-construction cost benefit analysis?
A typical pre-construction analysis includes:
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Review of drawings, specs, and project scopes
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Independent cost estimation and validation of project costs
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Schedule and construction process assessment
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Contract review and project risk identification
The outcome is a clear view of where cost savings are realistic and where assumptions could lead to cost overrun if left unaddressed.
Which firms offer capital needs assessment services for real estate investors?
Real estate investors usually partner with building consulting and engineering firms that specialize in due diligence and construction risk. KOW Building Consultants is one of those capital needs assessment providers, offering integrated reporting that blends physical condition, estimated costs, and long-term capital planning.
When is the best time to request a pre-construction review?
The best time is before major contracts are executed and funding closes, once you have enough detail to assess project planning, project scopes, and preliminary cost estimation, but before the construction project is locked into a path that’s hard to change.