Preconstruction
Preconstruction and design assist.
Dovetail's preconstruction team works with architects and general contractors from budget through installation, so the design, the shop drawings and the production schedule agree before material is cut. Engineering is done in Microvellum, Cabinet Vision, Revit and AutoCAD to AWI standards, and samples and mockups are approved before production starts.
Bring us in early
How it works
- 1
Budget and value engineering
We review the drawings and specifications against the project budget. Where a material, finish or detail can change to save cost or time without changing the design intent, we say so early, while the change is still easy to make.
- 2
Design assist
Our preconstruction team works with the architect and general contractor to resolve how a design gets built, from a basic casework model to a complicated phantom wall. Questions about joints, support, access and sequence get answered before shop drawings begin.
- 3
Engineering and shop drawings
Our engineering and drafting department draws in Microvellum, Cabinet Vision, Revit and AutoCAD, and builds to AWI standards. Shop drawings go to the design team and the general contractor for review, and approved drawings drive the shop.
- 4
Samples and mockups
Finish samples and mockups are built and approved before production. On past projects these have included a point-of-sale mockup and a metal corner mockup for a sports venue, a kitchen mockup for a residential tower, panel and perforated metal mockups, and bracket tests.
- 5
Fabrication and install
The production timeline is set during preconstruction. Work is then released in packages by area, level, room or element. Delivery is coordinated by our logistics coordinators with the project manager, production manager and superintendents, and our superintendents lead the installation.
Questions
What does Dovetail's preconstruction service include?
Budget review and value engineering, design assist, engineering and shop drawings, samples and mockups, and a production plan that carries into fabrication and installation.
Which software does Dovetail's engineering team use?
Microvellum, Cabinet Vision, Revit and AutoCAD. The department builds to AWI standards.
Does Dovetail build mockups before production?
Yes. Project work has included point-of-sale, kitchen, panel, perforated metal and metal corner mockups, along with finish samples and bracket tests, each approved before production.
When should a general contractor involve Dovetail?
As early as the drawings allow. Early involvement gives the team time to review the budget, suggest value engineering options and settle details before the schedule tightens.
Who do I contact about design assist?
Clark Coleman, Director of Preconstruction. Call 512-501-6717 or email info@dovetailmade.com and ask for preconstruction.
Is the production schedule planned during preconstruction?
Yes. Our fabrication team focuses its effort on the preconstruction phase to lay out a strict production timeline, and approved drawings drive fabrication.