A technical preconstruction services process model for the private real estate development industry

Abstract

The process for technical preconstruction services is not well defined in current literature. To better explain the process, this thesis has created a process model that defines the phases, activities and activity relationships of technical preconstruction services. The thesis defines technical services as those services conducted by various professionals, including architects, engineers, contractors, attorneys, scientists and surveyors. The real estate development company’s development manager coordinates these services based on project needs in an attempt of balancing acceptable risk with financial investment. Each real estate development project’s process is unique due to the varying physical, political and regulatory environment. However, the process model is designed to be comprehensive to provide for all potential activities. The process model can be utilized by a development manager as a flowchart, where each activity is addressed and any inapplicable activities are subsequently removed from consideration. Additionally, the process model can be used as an educational tool for the training of entry-level development managers.