If you’ve ever been part of a fast-track construction project in Colorado, you know the feeling. It’s like building a plane while you’re flying it—exciting, stressful, and absolutely requiring everyone to be on their A-game. At MV Power Solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how electrical work can make or break these compressed timelines, and we’ve learned a few things about keeping the lights on (literally and figuratively) when the schedule is tight.

What Makes Fast-Track Different?

Traditional construction in Colorado follows a nice, linear path: design, then build, then energize. Fast-track and phased projects throw that playbook out the window. You’re often installing conduit before the final panel schedules are approved, rough-in is happening while engineers are still tweaking the lighting design, and everyone’s working in overlapping waves rather than neat sequential phases.

This approach can shave months off a project timeline, which translates to serious savings for developers and earlier occupancy for tenants. But it also means the electrical contractor needs to be incredibly adaptable and proactive. You can’t just wait for complete drawings and a clear path forward—you need to anticipate, coordinate, and sometimes pivot on a dime.

Communication Is Your Superpower

In a fast-track environment, communication isn’t just important—it’s everything. At MV Power Solutions, we start every phased project with a coordination kickoff that brings together all the major trades. Who’s working where and when? What areas are we releasing first? Which systems need to be energized early for other trades?

Daily huddles become your best friend. A quick 15-minute standup each morning with the GC and other trades can prevent the kind of conflicts that cost hours or days to resolve. Did the HVAC crew just realize they need to relocate a duct bank through your electrical room? Better to find out at 7 AM than at 2 PM when your crew shows up to install gear.

We also rely heavily on digital coordination tools. Cloud-based project management platforms mean everyone’s looking at the same schedules, RFIs, and submittal status in real time. No more “I didn’t get that email” excuses.

Plan for Prefabrication

When time is tight on-site, the answer is often to do more work off-site. Prefabrication is a game-changer for fast-track electrical work. MV Power Solutions works closely with our prefab partners to build panel assemblies, pre-wire devices, and assemble complex junction boxes in controlled shop environments.

Not only is this faster than field assembly, it’s usually higher quality too. Electricians can work in a well-lit, climate-controlled space without competing for floor space with five other trades. Then it’s just a matter of strategic delivery and installation during the right construction phase.

The key is planning early. You need to lock in major equipment and layout decisions earlier than you would on a traditional project. That means more upfront coordination and sometimes making educated assumptions, but the time savings on the backend make it worthwhile.

Embrace Flexibility (But With Documentation)

Here’s the reality: things will change. A lot. The owner will revise requirements, the architect will tweak layouts, and other trades will impact your work. The electrical contractor that survives and thrives in fast-track work is the one who can roll with changes without losing their mind—or their profit margin.

That said, flexibility doesn’t mean absorbing unlimited scope creep. Document everything. When do design changes cross the line from clarification to additional work? Keep detailed records of what was included in your original scope, what’s changed, and the impact of those changes. Use a clear change order process and don’t be afraid to invoke it when warranted.

Sequencing Is Everything

In phased construction, you’re essentially managing multiple mini-projects that need to work together as a whole. We spend significant time upfront mapping out the logical sequence: which areas get roughed in first, when can we start trim, which panels need to be energized early, and so forth. 

The electrical work often becomes the critical path. HVAC can’t start up without power. The building can’t get occupancy without life safety systems energized. That makes careful sequencing and hitting your deadlines absolutely crucial.

Trusted Solutions for Fast-Track Construction Projects

At MV Power Solutions in Sheridan, CO, we’ve built our reputation on being the electrical partner you can count on when the timeline is aggressive and the stakes are high. To discuss your next fast-track construction project, contact us today at 720-287-2305 or fill out our contact form and someone from our team will be in touch!