What Is a Pre‑Construction Agreement?
The PCA is a short agreement that authorizes us to complete the work required before construction can begin. Think of it as the foundation of your project. During this stage, we:
- Translate your design into detailed specifications
- Coordinate with trade partners to understand scopes and pricing
- Guide you through product selections with our trusted suppliers
- Develop a realistic construction timeline
- Prepare all documents needed for permit submission once a build contract is signed
Without the PCA, building can be risky—leading to missed details, inaccurate budgets, and stressful surprises once walls start going up.
Why It Matters
A PCA gives you peace of mind and clarity:
- No Guesswork: You'll know exactly what's going into your home
- Accurate Pricing: Trade partners bid off finalized specifications, not assumptions
- Smart Decisions: You can explore design options and value‑engineering before you commit to construction costs
- Permit Readiness: By the time you sign your Build Contract, you're fully prepared to submit for permits and break ground
In short, it protects your investment, your time, and your vision.
What's Included
With the PCA, you can expect:
- Specifications Development: We create a comprehensive scope for every space in your home
- Supplier Visits: We schedule time for you to select finishes such as flooring, cabinetry, countertops, lighting, plumbing, and appliances
- Trade Coordination: Our team walks the site with our trusted partners to confirm scopes and prevent assumptions
- Value Engineering: We suggest cost‑savings or durability improvements without compromising your goals
- Preliminary Schedule: A timeline showing when demo, framing, and finishes are expected to happen
- Estimate Preparation: Once selections are made, we collect trade bids and build a detailed project estimate
Not included: actual construction work, engineering services outside your designer's scope, surveys, or third‑party reports unless specifically added.
Step‑by‑Step Process
1. Sign PCA (Day 1)
Kickoff meeting, plan review, and timeline confirmation.
2. Specifications & Selections
You'll work with our team and suppliers to finalize product choices and material selections.
3. Pricing & Estimate
We gather bids from our trade partners and prepare a comprehensive estimate for your project.
4. Build Contract & Deposit
Review the estimate, sign the Build Contract, and submit a deposit to secure your spot on our schedule.
5. Permitting
We assemble and submit your permit package, then respond to jurisdictional comments as needed.
6. Construction Begins
• Demo & site prep: 2–3 weeks
• Build: 6–10 months, depending on scope
Renovations & Cost‑Plus Billing
For renovations and additions, the PCA looks slightly different. Renovations are billed on a cost‑plus basis, which means:
- Transparency: You'll receive detailed monthly invoices that include labor, trade and supplier costs, plus Halsey Homes' markup
- Flexibility: Renovations often uncover hidden conditions. Our system ensures you're informed at each step
This approach keeps the process fair, flexible, and clear.
Payment Milestones
Understanding payments helps you plan ahead:
- Pre‑Construction Fees: Outlined in the PCA, typically a flat or phased fee tied to deliverables
- Build Contract Deposit: Approximately 20% of the estimated job cost, due when the Build Contract is signed
- Monthly Progress Billing: Based on completed work, trade invoices, and approved allowances
- Change Orders (if needed): Approved in writing and added to the next billing cycle
- Final Payment: Due upon substantial completion
PCA vs. Build Contract vs. Construction Agreement
| Agreement |
Purpose |
When You Sign |
What You Receive |
| PCA |
Authorizes pre‑construction work: specs, selections, trade scopes, and estimates |
Before pricing |
Clear scope, selections plan, and preliminary estimate |
| Build Contract |
Commits to construction with defined pricing and allowances |
After estimate review |
Construction schedule and payment structure |
| Construction Agreement |
Legal terms, warranties, and conditions |
Alongside Build Contract |
Full terms and protections |
Typical Timeline (Example)
- Sign PCA: Day 1
- Selections & Specs: 1–3 months
- Build Contract Signed & Deposit: After pricing
- Permitting: 2–8 weeks
- Demo & Site Prep: 2–3 weeks
- Construction: 6–10 months
Timelines may vary based on project size, engineering, jurisdictional reviews, and product lead times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you apply for permits during the PCA?
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Not typically. Permits are submitted once a contract is signed and the deposit is received.
Can I change selections after the estimate?
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Yes. Changes can be made and are handled as allowances or change orders.
What if engineering or HOA/ARB reviews require changes?
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We'll coordinate with your designer and update specs, pricing, and schedules accordingly.
Do you coordinate with lenders?
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Yes, we provide all required documentation for lender draw schedules.
At the End of the PCA You'll Have
- A complete specification set
- Documented selections and allowances
- A detailed, trade‑supported estimate
- A construction schedule with realistic milestones
- Confidence to move forward with your Build Contract
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