Before the first shovel: planning your construction project
A practical Massachusetts-oriented guide to defining scope, checking site constraints, organizing documents, and preparing a construction project before work begins.
Know more.
Plan with purpose.
A practical reading room for the questions that come before construction. Explore planning, budgeting, and project preparation.
3 guides to explore
Reset search & filtersPermits, plans, and a ready-to-build site
Understand the practical steps between a construction idea and a ready-to-build site, including local permits, plans, site information, trade coordination, and inspections.
What a construction estimate should tell you
Learn how to read a construction estimate: scope, allowances, exclusions, schedule, payment timing, assumptions, and change procedures for a clearer project decision.
Useful context.
Not a substitute for your project’s specifics.
These articles explain how to organize decisions, ask better questions, and recognize the information a construction discussion needs. They are general educational material.
Permit requirements, design responsibilities, pricing, and practical site conditions vary. Confirm current requirements with the appropriate local authority and project professionals before committing to work.
Talk through your project