How Can Project Risks Be Identified Before Construction Begins?
Jun 21, 2026during a facade coordination meeting, a client asked a question that has stayed with me ever since:
"At what stage do facade problems usually begin?"
Many people assume that project risks appear during manufacturing or installation.
In reality, most risks already exist long before construction starts.
They simply have not been discovered yet.
And once those risks reach the site, they often become expensive problems.
Several years ago, we were involved in a mixed-use development project.
The architectural concept had already been approved, and the project team was preparing for detailed engineering.
At first glance, everything appeared to be progressing smoothly.
However, when the facade system was developed into a detailed 3D model, several issues quickly became visible.
A number of facade brackets conflicted with structural elements.
Maintenance access was insufficient in certain areas.
Some curved facade panels required manufacturing tolerances that would have been extremely difficult to achieve on site.
None of these issues were obvious in the 2D drawings.
But they became clear once the project was reviewed through a coordinated 3D engineering model.
Because the issues were identified early, the design team was able to make adjustments before procurement and fabrication began.
The cost of solving those problems was relatively small.
Had they been discovered during installation, the impact on budget and schedule would have been significantly greater.
This reflects a principle that is widely recognized across the construction industry.
According to the well-known MacLeamy Curve, the ability to influence project outcomes is greatest during the early design stages, while the cost of making changes increases dramatically as a project moves into construction.
Source:
Patrick MacLeamy
BuildingSMART Industry References
From a facade engineering perspective, many project risks can be identified long before construction begins.
Today, tools such as 3D modeling, BIM coordination, Rhino, and parametric workflows make it possible to review a project in far greater detail than traditional drawings alone.
These technologies help project teams identify issues such as:
Conflicts between facade and structure
Access and maintenance challenges
Installation constraints
Complex geometry risks
Material optimization opportunities
Constructability concerns
The objective is not simply to create a more detailed model.
The objective is to discover problems while they are still easy to solve.
Over the years, I have noticed that successful projects often share one common characteristic.
They do not wait for construction to reveal problems.
They use design development, engineering review, and digital modeling to uncover risks early.
Because once a project reaches site, almost every change becomes more expensive.
When clients ask me how to reduce project risk, my answer is usually simple:
See the project before it is built.
The more accurately a project can be visualized, coordinated, and engineered during the design stage, the fewer surprises will appear during construction.
Most project risks do not start on site.
They start much earlier.
The difference is whether the project team discovers them in time.
Typical risks include coordination conflicts, constructability issues, installation constraints, maintenance access challenges, and late design changes.
3D models allow project teams to visualize systems, detect clashes, review installation logic, and identify potential issues before fabrication and construction begin.
Because changes made during the design stage are usually faster and less expensive than changes made during manufacturing or installation.
Kevin Zhang works at MHUA Curtain Wall Technology Co., Ltd.
LinkedIn:Connect with Kevin Zhang on LinkedIn
He specializes in facade engineering projects, including facade design development, Rhino + Grasshopper parametric modeling, curtain wall technical support, and integrated facade supply chain solutions.
The insights shared in this article are based on practical project experience and industry research.
