What does it take to be a preconstruction professional?

If construction is about bringing buildings to life, preconstruction is about laying the foundation long before the first shovel hits the ground. It’s the place where vision meets feasibility — where owners, architects, and builders align on design, cost, and schedule to give projects the best possible start.

At Ronco Construction, our preconstruction team describes their work as part problem-solving, part relationship-building and part strategy. It’s a career that demands both technical expertise and human connection — a blend that may surprise those who imagine it’s all spreadsheets and numbers.

The Skills That Matter Most

Succeeding in preconstruction requires a special blend of skills — balancing technical precision with creativity and people skills. You need to see the big picture while managing the smallest details, and you need to build trust just as much as you build budgets.

While every professional brings their own strengths, these traits consistently rise to the top:

• Creativity and problem-solving: A successful preconstruction phase hinges on finding innovative solutions, whether it’s overcoming budget limitations or navigating site challenges.
• Attention to detail and thoroughness: Accuracy is critical in setting projects up for success. Double-checking scopes, documenting decisions and catching potential gaps early ensures nothing is overlooked.
• Trust and communication: At the end of the day, projects come down to people. Clear, consistent communication builds trust and lays the groundwork for a successful project.

On top of these traits, technology is becoming an increasingly important part of the role. Preconstruction professionals are expected to be comfortable with estimating software, digital take-off tools, and even Building Information Modeling (BIM). These tools don’t replace human aspect, industry expertise and overall experience — but they do make estimates more accurate, streamline collaboration, and help identify challenges earlier than ever before.

What the Work Looks Like (and Why It Matters)

Preconstruction is dynamic — no two days look the same. One day may be spent reviewing drawings and performing take-offs, the next in meetings with architects, trade partners, or clients to align budgets and scope.

With variety comes pressure: tight budgets, incomplete designs, and difficult conversations are part of the job. Success requires more than technical know-how — it demands diplomacy, creativity, and resilience.

Senior Project Manager Nate Bledsoe shares, “I thought it would be all numbers and spreadsheets but quickly discovered how much of the role is about people.”

Building trust and relationships is just as important as crunching numbers, and it’s often the difference between a project that moves forward and one that stalls.

“Owners — even subcontractors and trade partners — don’t want to work with people they don’t trust,” explains preconstruction director Rod Ritenour.

Research shows that projects with a strong preconstruction phase are up to are nearly 70% more likely to finish on time and within budget compared to those with limited upfront planning. The impact of this work is significant — preconstruction can be the difference between success and failure before a project even breaks ground.

The Career Path

Preconstruction is one of the most influential phases of any project — it’s where success is built or lost. For those drawn to problem-solving, collaboration, and seeing big ideas come to life, it offers a career path that’s both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Many preconstruction professionals enter the field through roles such as project engineer or junior estimator. Others transition from operations or trade backgrounds, bringing hands-on construction experience into their estimating work.

Rod started out in the field as a superintendent before making the move into preconstruction, “I never set out to be in preconstruction. As a superintendent, I wrapped up a project and pointed out some estimating mistakes — not to place blame, but to make us stronger. Leadership asked if I wanted to give it a try, with the promise I could always go back to the field if I didn’t like estimating work. We ended up doing so well we filled the company’s plate and maxed out our bonding capacity. That opportunity opened the door to project management and ultimately shaped my career. I’m grateful how everything worked out and have no regrets moving from the field into preconstruction.”

No matter the entry point, a mix of technical skills and relationship-building often propels careers forward in this path.

So, what kind of person thrives in preconstruction?

• You’re hardworking and diligent with strong organizational skills.
• You’re a creative problem-solver who enjoys thinking outside the box.
• You can be personable and trustworthy, showcasing your ability to build lasting relationships.
• You’re resilient in the face of setbacks and motivated by challenges.

For those considering a career in preconstruction, the advice from our team is simple but powerful:

• Remember that construction is a people business first. People do business with people, not just with companies.
• Document everything. Director of Estimating, Dennis Parr, echoes a lesson that has served him well: “If it’s not written down, it didn’t happen.”
• Listen. Listening is at the core of preconstruction — to the owner’s vision, the architect’s design, and the subcontractor’s plan for execution. Without it, projects struggle to succeed.

The role of preconstruction is also evolving. Advanced estimating software, Building Information Modeling (BIM) and sustainability goals are reshaping how teams approach cost, design, and schedule. The demand for professionals who can combine technical expertise with strong communication skills has never been higher.

At Ronco, our preconstruction leaders understand that it’s not just about budgets and schedules. It’s about people, vision, and trust — the unseen but essential groundwork behind every build.