A construction project requires a well-thought-out plan to run smoothly. That's not all that matters, though. Even a detailed plan won't create an easy, straightforward project if other disasters, such as faulty equipment, bad weather, or undertrained staff, get in the way. So many things can go wrong, and it's up to the construction project manager and the estimating consultant to avoid them at all costs. That way, they can save time, money, and stress, ensuring the client ends up happy!
Often, ensuring a construction project goes well means
ticking off a list and ensuring that they can build on the space. It's about
looking ahead “ seeing all the various possibilities and preparing for
potential setbacks. That way, not a thing will get in the way of a perfect
finish. So, if you're a construction manager and want your next project to be
as smooth-sailing as ever, this guide will show you how. Keep reading to find
out more.
Invest in the Correct Equipment
A construction project won't go anywhere without the proper
equipment. As a construction manager, you and your team likely already have old
reliable pieces that get the job done. However, consider whether any of the
older equipment needs replacing. Your project will have fewer setbacks if you
invest in high-quality, durable equipment that doesn't falter even in the
harshest weather! Below you can find some of the equipment you might need:
- Bulldozers
- Concreting Plants
- Compressed Air Plant
- Excavators
- Single Man Lift
- Pavers
- Forklift Trucks
Think about smaller materials and equipment, too, as they
are just as crucial to the running of the project. Purchase all the best power
drills, screwdrivers, and hammers to ensure ease of use and a better finish.
Industrial tape is an excellent investment for construction, too. Industrial tape
has many uses, including mounting, bonding, joining unlike substrates, and
more. For your construction project, you can use it for air-sealing buildings,
reducing the overall costs. The higher the quality, the better.
As well as investing in the correct equipment, keep an
inventory of everything. That includes small items like industrial tape and
nails. The last thing you want to discover is that a box of nails or a toolbox
has gone missing overnight! By tracking where everything goes each day, you
reduce the risk of losing anything. Plus, if anything goes amiss, it becomes
easier to replace it quickly as you'll know straight away that it's missing.
This will help boost your efficiency.
Get a Great Team on Board
The quality of the team has an enormous impact on how well
the project runs. You can expect to reach milestones quickly with an efficient,
dedicated team. However, you're more likely to experience many setbacks with a
poorly trained team that slacks. That's why it's so important to choose who
works on the project carefully. Ideally, you'll have a mix of talents,
including those who can direct, those who are happy to follow orders, and those
who quickly focus on their task without interruption.
Of course, that doesn't mean not including those still in
training. On the contrary, it's great to include up-and-coming construction
workers on the team, as you'll find many of the new faces enthusiastic and
hard-working. Just ensure they have great direction and proper training
throughout the process. At the end of the project, you might find that one of
your new team members may become one of your best workers!
Use a Topographical Service
A topographical survey ensures you know the type of environment you are working with,
including the measurements, hills, and dips. It's all about understanding the
ground and how you can work around it. Getting a topographical service to do
this part for you will make this part much smoother. With their 3D image of the
ground, you can work with the environment instead of against it. Plus, an
interactive 3D model will help if you need to make adjustments as you go along.
Develop a Budget and Stick to It
Part of any construction project's plan should include a budget. Make the budget as tight and specific as possible. Also, include
everything, from wages to materials. Integrate a budget for when things might
go wrong, too, as there's a chance you'll run into at least one problem! Make
this detailed budget before you start the project, and then adjust it if
necessary along the way. Doing so will give you better direction while ensuring
you don't overspend.
Improve Communication Between the Team
A team needs coordination if it's going to thrive, which is
why you must improve communications wherever you can. There are a few ways to
do this. One includes using project management software for easier
collaboration. Using software like this, you can allocate tasks, set reminders,
and write notes to the entire team, ensuring everyone is on the same page, even
if their individual jobs are different.
Make communicating on the site easier, too. Learn how to
express ideas and plans in clear, concise terms so everyone can understand
them. Teach your managers how to do this. With clearer messaging between the
team, there is less chance of mistakes or accidents occurring. Also, let the
team know they are welcome to come forward if they have any questions. Don't
let it be a culture of silence “ instead, encourage clearer, more open communication. No question is too ridiculous!
Set a Schedule You Can Stick to
One major downfall that many construction projects face is
not having “ or sticking to “ a schedule. Don't do this. Instead, create a
realistic plan before the work begins, giving enough time for each task. Take
past projects into account to make the schedule as practical as possible.
Consider using a past template, too, as this will simplify creating the
schedule. Once you have sketched it out, ask some other team members to scan
their eyes over it to see whether the team can achieve the deadlines.
Keep Documents in One Place
Construction projects require a lot of documentation, including
planning permission, risk assessments, inspection reports, and accident logs. Naturally, you don't want to lose any of these, as you might need
them further down the line. Due to this, keep them all in a safe place.
Ideally, store them online on a system that can't be accessed by anyone other
than the project's leaders. That way, you don't have to worry about losing
papers.
Prepare for Last Minute Changes
Adaptability is critical in construction. Changes occur all
the time. For example, the weather might turn, or, in unfortunate
circumstances, a worker may sustain an injury. The team must work around these
circumstances to achieve the result, which means preparing for them before they
happen. To do this, include potential setbacks in the budget and schedule.
Also, consider using an interactive 3D model to quickly adjust your methods
along the way.
3 Signs Your Construction Project Needs Better Management
All of these tips are useful for the average construction
project manager. However, do these tips apply to you? Without comparison, you
might find it hard to determine whether your construction project requires
better management “ especially if you've always worked to a similar schedule.
So, for clarity, below are three common signs that your construction project
needs a little extra planning and improved management.
1: You Rarely Meet Targets
Not meeting targets is common in construction work, as
circumstances often get in the way. That doesn't mean falling behind all the
time doesn't matter, though. It does. While you cannot control the weather or
accidents without fault, you can control other circumstances, such as hiring
well-trained workers and assessing the environment beforehand. So, if you often
push back targets, consider that a change of planning or management may be
necessary.
2: Your Team Slacks Off
Does your team often slack off
when they should be working? That's a sure sign that management needs
improving, as time-wasting can significantly impact the project's productivity.
In fact, too much slacking can push some projects back by weeks. Of course,
part of being a good project manager is knowing the right people to hire for
the job, so consider how hard the people work before choosing your dream team.
3: You're Constantly Replacing Equipment
Constantly replacing equipment does not just waste money; it
also wastes time. That's because instead of focusing on tasks, you must order
the replacement and wait for it to arrive. That can set you back significantly,
especially if you don't have spares to go on with. If this happens too often,
consider using a different strategy when buying equipment “ choosing higher
quality equipment often works better, even if it costs more initially.
A smooth-running construction project doesn't have to be a
challenge “ not when you plan correctly. With the right outlook, team, budget,
schedule, and equipment, you can turn a project around sooner than you'd think
without compromising the quality. Ultimately, you will have the result you
envisioned, a happy client and a better reputation, which could lead to even
more quality jobs in the future!