Maximizing Efficiency in Pre-Construction Estimating with Open Space

Using Open Space for Pre-Construction Estimating: Maximizing Efficiency and Accuracy

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Open Space as it Relates to Pre-Construction Estimating Teams
3. Pursuit: Using Open Space for Pricing and Estimating
4. Design: Accounting for Systems and Trades During Preliminary Design
5. Lessons Learned: Using Data from Past Projects to Make Informed Decisions
6. Pros and Cons of Using Open Space for Pre-Construction Estimating
7. Conclusion
8. FAQs

Introduction

In the world of construction, pre-construction estimating is a critical process that can make or break a project. Accurate estimates are essential for ensuring that a project is completed on time and within budget. However, traditional methods of pre-construction estimating can be time-consuming and prone to errors. That's where Open Space comes in. Open Space is a software platform that allows construction professionals to capture and view 360-degree photo documentation of a project site. In this article, we'll explore how Open Space can be used to maximize efficiency and accuracy in pre-construction estimating.

Open Space as it Relates to Pre-Construction Estimating Teams

Open Space is often thought of as a software platform for active construction projects. However, many construction professionals use Open Space for their pre-construction and estimating efforts. By capturing 360-degree photo documentation of a project site, Open Space allows pre-construction teams to easily navigate the site from the comfort of their own cubicle. This eliminates the need for travel time and reduces the time spent navigating file structures.

Pursuit: Using Open Space for Pricing and Estimating

One of the ways that Open Space can be used for pre-construction estimating is in the pursuit stage. During pursuit, construction professionals use Open Space to capture and document any existing conditions on a project site. This allows them to account for multiple issues on the project that may need to be remediated but aren't shown in the design documents they're estimating off of.

For example, let's say a contractor is estimating what it will take to finish out an apartment complex. They use Open Space to document any areas of the project that have Water damage so that they can include it in their estimates and make sure it's getting accounted for in their pricing. Open Space allows them to easily map these issues to their floor plans and track and document them using the field note feature.

Design: Accounting for Systems and Trades During Preliminary Design

Open Space can also be used during the preliminary design process to account for all the systems and trades installed on a project site. Often, the as-built drawings or BIM model that construction professionals are given don't accurately reflect the Current routing of all the trades and systems installed on the project site. Open Space allows them to compare what's actually on the job site versus their as-built or preliminary BIM models and account for and coordinate around those systems and trades in their project.

For example, let's say a construction professional is estimating what it will take to finish out an office space. They're given an as-built BIM model, but they Notice that there's a fire line running on the site that's not shown in the model. They use Open Space to compare what's on the site versus what's supposed to be installed on the site according to the BIM model. This allows them to identify any issues that may need to be accounted for and coordinated around in their project.

Lessons Learned: Using Data from Past Projects to Make Informed Decisions

One of the most valuable aspects of Open Space is the data it provides from past projects. Construction professionals can use this data to make informed decisions on future projects. For example, if a project went over on material handling, they can go back into the project during construction and see what was actually happening on the site. This allows them to get key insights into what went wrong and why.

Construction professionals can also use Open Space to compare similar projects from the past to their current pre-construction projects. This allows them to see all the photo documentation of the entire construction progress and use it to make a more informed estimate on the project they're currently estimating.

Pros and Cons of Using Open Space for Pre-Construction Estimating

Pros:

• Allows for 360-degree photo documentation of a project site
• Reduces the time spent navigating file structures
• Allows for easy mapping of issues to floor plans
• Provides valuable data from past projects

Cons:

• Reserved for enterprise customers
• May require additional training for some construction professionals

Conclusion

Open Space is a powerful tool for construction professionals looking to maximize efficiency and accuracy in their pre-construction estimating efforts. By allowing for 360-degree photo documentation of a project site, Open Space eliminates the need for travel time and reduces the time spent navigating file structures. It also provides valuable data from past projects that can be used to make informed decisions on future projects.

FAQs

Q: Is Open Space only for active construction projects? A: No, Open Space can also be used for pre-construction and estimating efforts.

Q: Can Open Space be used to account for existing conditions on a project site? A: Yes, Open Space can be used to capture and document any existing conditions on a project site.

Q: Can Open Space be used to compare what's on the job site versus an as-built or preliminary BIM model? A: Yes, Open Space can be used to compare what's on the job site versus an as-built or preliminary BIM model.

Q: Is Open Space only available to enterprise customers? A: Yes, the ability to add logos and branding to reports is reserved for enterprise customers.