In order to achieve a successful project, Construction Project Management involves proactive planning and foresight. The Gantt chart is a helpful tool for this, as it shows the dependencies between tasks.
Moreover, it helps management identify the ripple effects of stalling items. Even with the best planning, construction projects can face delays due to weather conditions or a subcontractor dropping the ball.
In such cases, proactive management is essential to avoid the consequences of delay.
Table of Contents
Communication
One of the most important keys to successful construction project management is good communication. This is particularly important when working with remote teams and with multiple stakeholders. Ineffective communication can lead to delays, mistakes, and inconsistencies.
Using an established communication chain is a great way to ensure that everyone is on the same page. It also cuts down on the possibility of information being lost or misinterpreted. Here are some helpful tips for improving communication in your construction project management team:
It is critical to have a clear flow of communication throughout a construction project. Whether it is with stakeholders, subcontractors, or clients, it’s essential to have a steady stream of information flowing throughout the project.
The more transparent the communication system, the smoother the construction process will run. This will reduce the amount of time spent sending emails to multiple parties.
Use a work execution platform to create a continuous flow of communication by syncing documents, photos, and comments. This way, you can monitor schedule changes and budgets.
Keeping an eye on the budget
One of the most important aspects of construction project management is keeping an eye on the budget. By keeping a close watch on costs and the progress of the project, you can identify any mistakes that could lead to higher costs. You should also coordinate with your accounting department to ensure that all financial agreements are up-to-date. There are specialty accounting software such as Jonas Premier that are designed specifically for the construction industry.
This way, you can be certain that the construction team will always stay on budget. After all, a successful construction project should have no hidden costs.
The construction industry is full of challenges, but keeping an eye on the budget is crucial to the success of the project. For instance, there is the possibility of miscommunication between contractors and clients. The client may not have clearly defined what they want or may have ordered the wrong product. In such situations, the construction manager is caught in the middle.
Without clear communication and clear deadlines, the project can be put in danger. Without detailed budget information, the construction staff may double-buy or purchase items that do not fit the project’s requirements. This can lead to replacement costs, additional labor, and delays.
Managing risks
Managing risks in construction project management begins with the identification of risks. While all risks are not equal, some are more likely to happen than others.
In order to properly assess risks, use a risk assessment matrix to chart the likelihood and size of the impact. Once the risks have been identified, the next step is to mitigate them.
There are many ways to mitigate risks, and involving team members can make risk management more comprehensive. The following are three strategies that can be used for risk mitigation.
Managing risk is crucial in any project, but it can be particularly difficult in the construction industry. Managing risk can make a construction project safer and more profitable. By identifying and assessing potential risks and developing a risk management plan, a construction manager can ensure that his or her projects will be successful and meet client expectations.
This book explores the different types of risks that can occur on a construction site and provides a framework for risk management planning.
Developing a work breakdown structure
Developing a work breakdown structure for the successful completion of a construction project is a process that can streamline and simplify the process of managing a project.
Basically, the structure is the hierarchy of a project’s scope and includes deliverables, such as a statement of work, that describe how the project will function when completed.
The structure also includes control accounts, which are the categories of tasks that track various work areas.
Developing a work breakdown structure for a construction project is a great way to reduce risk by planning and identifying risks and objectives. This process is usually performed before any work begins, which gives team members a clear idea of their role and what each person will be responsible for.
It also gives the project a standard reference throughout the project, making it easier for everyone involved to communicate with each other.
Building a work breakdown structure is an excellent way to manage a construction project, and two common approaches are discussed below: the top-down approach involves breaking larger tasks into smaller ones, and the bottom-up approach identifies smaller tasks that act as a foundation for the bigger task.
