- Intro
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Welcome to the "Intro to Preconstruction" Course!
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Preconstruction Defined
- Entities & Personas in Preconstruction
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Intro to Entities & Personas
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Owner Personas
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General Contractor Personas
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Architect Personas
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Specialty Contractor Personas
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Personas Knowledge Check
- 4 Stages of Preconstruction
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Stage 1: Planning & Design
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Stage 2: Bidding
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Stage 3: Contracts
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Stage 4: Materials Procurement
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What's Next after Preconstruction?
- Wrap Up
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Test Your Preconstruction Knowledge
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Summary & Key Takeaways
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We want to hear from you!
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Conclusion
Intro to Preconstruction
Learn the fundamentals of preconstruction to set projects up for success, from planning and bidding to contracts and procurement.
Instructor: Ben Ashburn
1 hour
Published 2/2025
Video Content
Course Description
This beginner-level course covers the essentials of preconstruction. By understanding the roles of key players—such as owners, general contractors, architects, and specialty contractors—you’ll gain a clear picture of how construction projects are set up for success before the project breaks ground.
Throughout the course, you will explore four key stages of preconstruction. The Planning and Design module explains how projects start. The Bidding module dives into estimating costs, submitting proposals, and selecting the right subcontractors. In the Contracts module, you’ll learn about prime contracts, subcontracts, and the critical role of buyouts. Finally, the Materials Procurement module covers material sourcing, submittal approvals, and ensuring that everything is in place before construction begins.
By the end of this course, you will walk away with a strong understanding of preconstruction best practices, risk management strategies, and cost control techniques. You’ll gain skills in estimating costs, managing bids, and coordinating with project stakeholders.
Learning Objectives
Explain what preconstruction is and its importance to the success of the project.
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Describe the key stages of preconstruction and compare how they vary across different entities and roles.
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Identify the responsibilities of the main roles involved.
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Outline the next steps after preconstruction is complete.
Prerequisites
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Learning Level: Beginner
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Prerequisite Knowledge: No prior knowledge of construction is required for this course.
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Recommended Knowledge: Basic knowledge of the entities involved in a construction project.
Continuing Education Course Credits
Course Title: Intro to Preconstruction
Course Number: PC-427-022324
Session Number: 1
Curriculum Group Name: AIA Providers
Credit: 1 AIA LU
Course Expiration Date: 02/28/2028
Procore's Continuing Education courses may qualify for continuing education credits with other professional organizations or fulfill state licensing requirements. If you are a member of a different organization, you can download your course completion certificate from your learning profile and report your completion yourself to the organization for potential credit. Please refer to the organization's continuing education requirements for course eligibility information.
AIA CES Provider statement
Procore Technologies is a registered provider of AIA-approved continuing education under Provider Number 40108059. All registered AIA CES Providers must comply with the AIA Standards for Continuing Education Programs. Any questions or concerns about this provider or this learning program may be sent to AIA CES (cessupport@aia.org or (800) AIA 3837, Option 3).
This learning program is registered with AIA CES for continuing professional education. As such, it does not include content that may be deemed or construed to be an approval or endorsement by the AIA of any material of construction or any method or manner of handling, using, distributing, or dealing in any material or product. AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
AIA continuing education credit has been reviewed and approved by AIA CES. Learners must complete the entire learning program to receive continuing education credit. AIA continuing education Learning Units earned upon completion of this course will be reported to AIA CES for AIA members. Certificates of Completion for both AIA members and non-AIA members are available upon request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any prior construction experience to take this course?
No prior experience is required. This course is designed for beginners and provides step-by-step explanations of preconstruction processes, making it easy to follow along even if you’re new to the construction industry.
What will I learn in this course?
This course covers the fundamentals of preconstruction, including planning and design, bidding, contracts, and material procurement. You’ll learn how construction projects are set up for success, gain insights into estimating and bid management, and understand the roles of key stakeholders like general contractors, architects, and specialty contractors.
What's Next
Other Recommended Courses
Introduction to Project PhasesProject Team Roles and ResponsibilitiesConstruction Management Essentials: The BasicsIndustry SectorsRelated Resources
Instructors
Ben Ashburn
After a successful career as a construction estimator — working his way up from estimating manager to senior estimator — Ben has spent the most recent part of his career in construction sharing his skills with other as a construction educator.
Ben has an extensive background in construction education: He has been an assistant professor in the Department of Construction Science at Texas A&M, and lectured about estimating, scheduling, management, and other related construction topics at Murray State University. He has been a construction training and learning development partner with Procore since 2019.