Erickson-Hall Construction Co. is changing the way it builds — starting long before construction begins. With its launch of a dedicated Preconstruction Management Department, the San Diego-based, employee-owned firm is innovating the way it plans, manages and delivers projects.
“This department was built in direct response to what our clients need most: clarity, collaboration and confidence from day one,” said Mat Gates, President of Erickson-Hall Construction Co. “As projects become more complex, early planning is more important than ever. Our dedicated preconstruction team allows us to better support our clients from the start and deliver the results they expect and deserve.”
The Preconstruction Department has quickly become a vital part of Erickson-Hall’s business practice. After experiencing rapid growth in both project volume and client demand, Erickson-Hall set out to reimagine its approach to meet and exceed client needs by establishing a dedicated department to address the complexities presented during the preconstruction process.
“Preconstruction is bridging the gap between when we are awarded the project and when we actually put the shovel in the ground,” said Michael Budd, Director of Erickson-Hall’s Preconstruction Services. “Laying the essential groundwork for a successful project helps mitigate risk and potential challenges while building trust with clients.”
Preconstruction requires careful coordination across departments, from cost estimating to project scope building. The department considers hundreds of factors that may affect the project and its timeline. The more detailed the preparatory work is, the better equipped the project team is to handle challenges. Additionally, the upfront investment of time and resources helps prevent cost delays, change orders and surprises down the line, which can reduce construction time, save costs and ensure the finished project meets client needs and expectations.
As the department leader, Budd brings industry expertise with 41 years of experience to his role. Having previously worked as Erickson-Hall’s chief estimator, Michael is well-versed in what is necessary during the planning phases of a project. The department is actively growing, bringing on new members to support the increasing workload.
One of the key aspects of preconstruction is building strong relationships with clients. The client and preconstruction team meet in the earliest stages of the project, establishing the foundation for the entire process. This further demonstrates Erickson-Hall’s commitment to a successful project completion while also providing a seamless client experience.
Through meticulous planning, early client engagement and adaptive processes, the preconstruction department embodies Erickson-Hall’s commitment to innovation and excellence in today’s competitive construction landscape.
“Our ultimate goal with this department is to build a successful partnership from the very first conversation,” said Budd. “That’s the power of preconstruction — it’s about aligning people, purpose and process early on to deliver something exceptional.”
For more information about Erickson Hall’s Preconstruction Department, watch this video.