Preconstruction Overview

How the preconstruction tools fit together — defining scope, cost codes, and the project budget, then running bids and estimates before award.

Updated June 1, 2026Who this is for:

Estimator

Project Manager

Project Admin

Open in Syntecton

Preconstruction is where a project is shaped before work begins. The tools build on each other: define the scope, set the cost code structure, establish the project budget, then run bids and estimates to award the work.

The preconstruction flow

Define scope

Break the project into work scopes.

Define cost codes

Establish the cost code structure for the project.

Build the project budget

Assign budget amounts by cost code.

Run bids & estimates

Solicit pricing and produce the estimate that informs award.

When the project moves into construction, this groundwork carries forward — cost codes and budget become the live Financial Control budget.

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Scope Definition
Break the project into clear work scopes so bids, estimates, and buyout are organized and nothing falls between trades.
Bid Management
Invite trade contractors to bid scopes, collect and level their proposals, and select winners to carry into buyout.
Estimating & Take Off
Quantify work from the drawings and build a cost estimate by cost code that feeds the project budget and bid leveling.