Managing a construction project is not a simple task. There are many major factors to bear in mind and take into consideration before the project even begins. This is vital to do as sometimes you may discover the feasibility of it is just not there, which is better to find out before you begin, rather than halfway through or when it is too late to bring it to a halt.
Sometimes you may even discover that you are just not capable or skilled enough to manage this project yourself and may even need a professional project management company to oversee the entire project from start to finish.
This can create complete peace of mind for you and take all the stress off of your own shoulders by having a trained professional, who knows exactly what they are doing to oversee everything.
If this isn’t the case and you are supervising the project yourself, here are some things to bear in mind:
1. Completely understand the contract
It is pretty impossible to effectively manage something you don’t completely understand. During the first few days of a new project utilise your time wisely by getting familiar with and understanding the details of the contact. Everything from the terms and conditions to the penalties and other nitty-gritty information. Make sure to also ask all the questions you need to in order to fully comprehend the goals and expectations of the project so that you are starting off with a strong foundation of knowledge.2. Financial management
Constructions projects are not cheap and lack of funds can lead to unwanted delays. That is why is important to establish and finalise the project’s finances and budget plans at the very start before real construction begins. Some of the questions that need to addressed and ironed out are:- Are the funds readily available, and what is the exact arrangement for the entire duration of the project?
- Is the budget realistic for this particular project?
- Is there room and allowance for contingencies?
Once these questions have been answered and you have received the appropriate clarification needed, attention can then be given to monitoring routine construction expenses such as wages, materials, equipment, permits, tools, etc.
3. Establish a good flow of communication
Any successful project requires an effective flow of communication between the workers, managerial staff, vendors, and anybody else involved in the project.It is best to set this precedent and establish this flow of communication from the very beginning of the project by conducting thorough introductions for everyone involved in this venture.
The channels of communication used throughout the project also need to be made clear and used effectively, in order for everyone involved to be kept informed and on the same page at every stage of execution.
Poor communication can lead to the failure of a project. As a construction manager, good people skills can go a long way, and keeping your team assured throughout will encourage a healthy and productive working environment.
