Every construction project has objectives that need to be met. There’s plenty of activities involved in any typical construction project, so it’s essential to have the right set of skills and expertise to manage the project effectively. At the most fundamental level, your role in managing a construction project will be to plan, coordinate, budget and supervise the construction project from the beginning to the end. Here are a few tips on how to manage a construction project.
Construction Project Management
The main concept of managing a construction project is closely related to technical parameters such as execution and budgeting, but it also requires solid communication between all parties involved (contractors, community, stakeholders). Nonetheless, managing a construction project typically extends to a broad range of functions including:
- Specifying the project goals and plans including drawing of the scope, scheduling, budgeting, choosing participants in the project and deciding upon achievement requisites.
- Acquisition of the necessary equipment and personnel to ensure the effective use of resources.
- Conducting various operations through the legitimate coordination and management of planning, contracting, design, estimating and construction throughout the project.
- Developing a stable communication channel between agents for resolving any conflicts that may arise.
The Project Management Process
Every construction project, regardless of its characteristics, has a standard life-cycle. As such, managing a construction project can be divided into four stages:
- Project Initiation
This phase starts by determining the objective and feasibility of the project. It’s a critical stage of the entire process because it can indicate whether the project is viable or not. If necessary, you may have to carry out a feasibility study that will inform your plan.
Once, you’ve decided on everything, create a project initiation document (PID) which provides the groundwork for the construction plan.
- Project Planning
Also referred to as scope management, this stage involves singling out all the work to be done. It’s a continuous process through to the end of the project. Your main priority, however, will be to plan resources, time and cost for the project. You’ll also have to prepare a checklist that breaks down all the work into smaller, more functional categories. (consider leveraging construction scheduling software for this)
As soon as you define the budget, schedule, and work, the project is almost ready to kick off. The next step will be to examine all potential threats and come up with solutions.
- Execution
The execution phase involves putting your project management plan to work. Typically, this phase involves two main processes: the executing and the monitoring and controlling. You’ll have to ensure that tasks are being performed while concurrently monitoring progress and making changes accordingly.
- Closing Phase
This is the final phase when the project is complete. In the end, you should conduct a project report, calculate the final budget and give details about any incomplete tasks. Take time to evaluate what went well and refer to potential failures.
Managing a construction project can be a real challenge. There are plenty of elements and parameters you should analyze exhaustively. Take advantage of construction management software to make life easier and give you an opportunity to take your construction project to greater heights. DataStreet offers contractors an easy and efficient way to manage their time and material.