As a construction project manager, a huge amount rests on your shoulders. Modern-day construction projects can be extremely complex, and with so much to consider and look after, you need to ensure that you have the right people and systems in place to manage your project successfully. Streamlining your workflow and working with the best contractors you can find is critical in getting the best results from any project you work o, big or small. With the right approach to construction project management, you can ensure that you reach your millstones on time, stay within budget and deliver what your client wants.
Every construction project you manage will be completely different, and there is no one-size-fits-all solution. On some projects you might be managing hundreds of workers, working with numerous suppliers and being in charge of everything from setting up the site to the final product. On other projects, you might don your hi vis jacket and spend more time in the trenches on-site, specifically managing the performance of the team throughout the project. Whatever type of role you find yourself in as a construction project manager, it’s crucial that you use the right tools and strategies to manage all the moving pieces as best as possible so you can keep your project on track moving forward and get the best results possible.
Let’s take a look at some useful tips and tricks to ensure you are successful in your construction project management endeavors.
Put A Plan In Place From The Outset
When you are managing a construction project of any size, it’s vital that you have a solid foundation in place from the outset. Understanding exactly how you are going to approach the project, manage things as the project develops and keep everything on track will be crucial to the overall success of the project. As the project manager, you need to devise a plan that addresses all of the different components of the project. Make sure that you have systems in place, such as construction scheduling software, to measure and track various criteria that are critical to the outcome of the project and always ensure that you consistently meet any industry or government regulations that you need to abide by.
Hire The Right Team For The Job
With a strong plan in place, the next thing you need to do is hire the right team; As a project manager, you need to ensure that you hire people and contractors with the skills required to complete the project successfully. Each person that you hire will contribute to the outcome of the project so be sure to take your time and don’t rush the hiring process. Each team member should have a clear idea of what their role and responsibilities are. In addition to clearly defining their roles, you also need to take the time to lay out exactly what their deliverables will be and the timeframes that these should be met in.
Monitor Your Finances Carefully
Keeping a construction project within budget is typically an ongoing concern for every construction project manager. While this might seem like a relatively straightforward task, the truth is it can be very difficult. Even with the best plan and people in place, things can change quickly. Your client might decide they want something changed, the price of raw materials might rise or you could miscalculate how long it is going to take for a particular section of the project to be completed. One mistake that many construction project managers make is outlining a financial plan in the beginning and failing to revisit it as the project develops. Costs management is not a single task that needs to be completed at the beginning of the project but rather an ongoing task that needs to be consistently addressed throughout every phase of the project.
Establish An Effective Contingency Plan
As any experienced construction project manager will tell you, things can and will go wrong as the project evolves. Having a contingency plan in place is not only a good idea; it’s essential if you want your project to be successful. Expect that things will not work out as well as you hoped, and have a plan in place for when things go wrong. Not only will this allow you to enjoy more peace of mind as the project progresses but it will allow you to remain in command of the project even when things seem to be spiraling out of control.
Ensure Your Construction Project Goes As Smoothly As Possible
Managing a construction project is no easy task. However, following the tips outlined above, you can ensure that your project goes as smoothly as possible. With a solid plan in place from the outset, the right team by your side, a reliable contingency plan outlined and by taking the right approach to your financial management, there’s no reason that your construction project won’t be a success.
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