Constructability can broadly be defined as the techniques that bring ease to construction. One could also say it's a construction management approach to bring success to a building project. Often, constructability works as a preventative, identifying potential obstacles before breaking ground and thereby reducing the likelihood of mistakes being made during construction. The goal is always to execute a building plan skillfully and when appropriate find efficient work-arounds.
Benefits of Constructability
A constructability plan can also yield other advantages that may be less obvious initially. It can reduce the environmental impact of a build, conserve on natural resources, use less energy and create less waste. But, at times, constructability practices can be hampered due to the lack of experience of a construction manager. For some, certain techniques may seem too risky or even unnecessary, though in reality a well thought out constructability approach in experienced hands, may accelerate the speed of construction.
What Goes into a Successful Constructability Approach?
The main barrier that impacts all commercial builds is a disconnect between designers and the construction team. For any building project it’s important to establish an environment in which the architect and the general contractor are free to collaborate. Early and often if often better than having a contractor add his feedback later. But a note of caution. If design expertise and hands-on building experience do not mesh, costs can quickly skyrocket.
Other key professionals should get involved early as well. A geotechnical engineer, for example, can determine a project’s feasibility and/or review ground water conditions, among other key factors.
Because constructability affects everything from scheduling to budgets to materials procurement to equipment and infrastructure needs, make a constructability plan central to how you think about your next building project.