There is so much to learn about construction project management that it’s easy to fill a book with tips, tricks, and lessons. For beginners, how to manage a construction project is a topic that should focus on the basics and foundation of what’s expected of you. This is because it can take years to master even those. Even small construction projects are dynamic, time-sensitive, and somewhat unpredictable, regardless of how well-organized you are.
Here are some tricks to construction management to ensure you best set yourself up for success.
Construction Project Management
Construction project management refers to overseeing all elements of a construction project, ensuring everything is supported and executed efficiently throughout its lifecycle. A person in this role must be skilled at handling coordination, execution, and planning.
Develop Your Fundamental Project Management Skills
A construction project manager needs strong skills and should keep improving in three key areas. First, they must communicate well. This helps them work effectively with subcontractors, suppliers, and clients.
These project managers need a good understanding of construction. This includes knowing modern building practices and being open to new technologies and trends that can make construction safer and more efficient. Lastly, they must have good problem-solving skills. Plans can change suddenly, and issues often arise on-site, so the manager needs to make quick and sound decisions.
Set Up Construction Management Software
More aspects of managing a construction project are going digital. Mobile-friendly technology and construction software allow managers to oversee more, record and process more data, and ultimately manage projects more efficiently.
Choose the Right Project Management Tool
There are more than a few different project management tools. Find the right tool to fulfill your construction project’s needs. Construction management software should assist with planning, organizing, estimating, allocating resources, scheduling, monitoring budget, etc.
Create a Clear Construction Project Plan
Your project management plan is important at the start because it guides your project. First, clearly define the project’s goals, deliverables, and key milestones. Next, explain how you will break the project into smaller, manageable parts.
Also, specify the tools and methods you will use for communication. Create an agreement that all stakeholders support to prevent misunderstandings or conflicts. Lastly, identify possible risks, like missing time and cost estimates, and explain how you plan to address them.
Set Up a Schedule and Budget That You Can Stick to
Set a realistic schedule and budget for your construction project. You don’t want time wasted or unnecessary spending. Tighten the reigns, but be realistic about what you need to accomplish the project scope.
Hire the Right Professionals for the Project
Most construction companies need help hiring strong, skilled workers. Poorly skilled workers, unfortunately, mean extra costs and delays. Ensure you are taking the steps to hire and develop a solid, high-performing team with clearly defined roles and responsibilities.
Evaluate the Site for Challenges and Opportunities
Every site is different. Conduct a thorough site analysis to identify challenges and opportunities. Consider site accessibility, the ability to move equipment and materials in, and any issues hindering project progress or increasing costs.
Create a Healthy Culture On-Site
From the management down, create a healthy culture focused on problem-solving and continuous improvement rooted in positive values, attitudes, and behaviours. As the construction manager, it is up to you to foster open, healthy communication and effective collaboration between trades, subcontractors, and project stakeholders at all levels.
Documentation and Data-Keeping Means a Lot
Document as much as you can in construction management and save the data your project is generating. Retain this data in your construction management software for transparency and accountability. This way, you can capture critical information, easily facilitate communication and submit reports, and have a historical record of all project activities.
Prioritize Safety On-Site at All Times
Workplace health and safety is a must. Ensure workers are taking every precaution to protect themselves and others. Ensure work is quality-checked and being completed safely. There is no shortage of safety hazards on a construction site. Management must set the tone that safety is a top priority.
Implement Effective Quality Control
Quality control and assurance are the top priorities, with only safety above them. Ensure the project meets the required standards and expected outcomes. Materials, artistry, and final deliverables should all be subject to inspection and quality tests.
Have a Project Closeout Checklist
Understand how you will successfully hand over the project to the client at closeout. You’ll need to compile and organize project documentation, identify and resolve any outstanding issues or deficiencies identified by the client, conduct thorough final inspections, and walk the client through the final space to ensure they are fully satisfied with the building.
