It is widely believed that the execution of construction projects can be one of the most time-consuming processes for any project manager. Construction projects can stretch from just a few months to several years depending on a range of factors. These can include, but are not limited to, the size of the construction project, the technologies that are being used, the size of the project team and even the quality of the work. Ultimately however, the successful completion, within budget and with specified timelines met, of any such project depends on the work completed by project managers in the construction industry.
Here are 10 powerful tips to help project managers in the construction industry better understand the processes involved in order to manage projects more effectively and deliver more successful projects.
1. Effective communication
The cornerstone of every single project, and one of the single most important skills that any project manager needs to use effectively, is communication. Ensure that communication with all team members is clear and effective. This will help to limit any issues during the construction process.
2. Be a planner
Before you even begin to plan out your construction project, you need to assess everything that it involves and make sure that you are fully conversant with the brief and work involved. Ask the right questions to ensure that you have all the details you need.
Planning requires preparation and the ability to follow a schedule or construction program and understanding how every step impacts the outcome of the project. A successful construction project manager understands the importance of the right people, equipment and materials in their project. They also understand just how important impeccable organisation is
3. Ensure your team players have the necessary experience
When it comes to hiring the right people for your construction project, it is essential to ensure that you have covered every angle. Both project team members and employees play essential roles in the successful execution of a project. Look at the skills that you will need for your project to ensure that you have the right skill bank amongst the team members you select. The right qualification and experience could make all the difference.
4. Resource management
Delays in construction projects can really add to your costs. Hence, it is vital to ensure that you are entirely on top of your resource management if you want to avoid unnecessary delays that could see you running over timescale, budget or both.
5. Remember to delegate
The ability to delegate is essential in construction project management. It is important that any project manager does not attempt to take on all the work themselves. This is an impossible task, and a lack of delegation risks failure.
Don’t, however, confuse delegation with instructing, don’t tell people what to do. You simply need to know that they have the appropriate skills and knowledge to carry out a task. You should also follow up on any tasks you have delegated to ensure they are progressing smoothly and will allow the project to move to the next stage.
6. Time management
As a construction project manager, you should expect to be bombarded by people and problems on a regular basis. This is something you will need to learn how to handle. If you can’t then there is a chance that poor time management will result in you neglecting important issues. Getting into the habit of writing everything that needs to be done down as soon as it crops up is a good one. You should also ensure that you file all important documents correctly and that they are easy to access.
7. Know your contract document
Make sure that you do not loose sight of where your contract documentation is. This isn’t something you should refer to when there is an issue because, by then, it may be too late. Before you even begin your project, this is something that you should read from cover to cover and make sure that you understand. It will assist you when it comes to ensuring that everyone involved in the project fulfils their own obligations and that your project adheres to the specifications and scope of the work.
The better your understanding of the contract documentation, the more you will be able to deal with conflicts during the project.
8. Use technology
There really is no way to successfully manage a construction project in the modern day without using technology. All of the more traditional manual construction management processes have been automated in order to offer a continuous flow of data and communication. Information technology is everywhere, and the part it plays in construction project management is increasingly important. It can be incredibly useful to the construction project manager in the detection and subsequent overcoming of flaws such as broken communication, budget deficits, data efficiency and project delays.
The right software can aid with all of the more monotonous paperwork, including reports, billing, and even invoicing, which can take up a significant amount of time.
9. Be prepared to get your hands dirty
The best project managers, regardless of the field they are in, are those who are prepared to get stuck into the work rather than just managing it from the sidelines. The best construction managers are those who step out of their office on occasion to manage their team. The more you make yourself available on your project site, the easier it will make it for you to see productivity, quality and safety on the site. This will allow you to better understand any problems and even anticipate them before they become an issue.
10. Don’t take shortcuts
Project managers in the construction industry need to put the safety of the people working on the project before the cost or progress of the project. So never take shortcuts because they have the potential to cause serious injury or even death to your team and potential to members of the public passing by your worksite.
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