Over 61% of project managers in the US under-perform in one or more projects, according to the 2015 KPMG Construction Project Owner’s Survey. Under-performance occurs despite the managers’ confidence in having proper plans and controls. A construction project becomes more challenging as it grows in size and complexity.
What can you do to reduce failure and see projects completed on time and within budget? What makes a successful construction project and how can you achieve it? This blog outlines everything you need to do. First, let’s define a successful construction project.
What is a Successful Construction Project?
A successful construction project ends within the planned budget and time frame. It adheres to the set timeline and fulfills particular standards. Some projects fail because the manager and their team put more emphasis on the initial stages and neglect the finish.
A team may start with enthusiasm only to abandon the project plan along the way. The results include strained relationships, change of orders, disputes, and too many punch lists. Retaining that initial passion is critical to successfully completing the project. Here is how to succeed.
1. Risk Management
Like any other type of project, construction work is unpredictable. The ability to recognize this and prepare for it is what sets great project managers apart from the average ones. Sometimes, suppliers deliver the wrong materials to a construction site. Other times, the structural support fails, sending the project off-schedule. A successful manager knows the risks and is prepared to handle them.
It is imperative to have a contingency plan in case the first one fails. You and your team should sit down and identify potential risks before the job starts. Create effective risk management plans before initiating anything.
2. Technology
Construction projects involve a lot of paperwork. You need to organize building permits, construction schedules, and budget worksheets. The franchiser and clients must sign various contracts. There are plans that need to be designed, and a material checklist that must be made. These steps call for comprehensive communication between all parties.
Besides keeping up with emails, you’ll be tracking data across various departments. You need a centralized cloud-based software to help you with this. It will reduce the need for paper, save time, prevent data loss, and increase efficiency. A good example of such a tool is the construction punch list software. An online data storage mechanism facilitates easy tracking and management of information.
3. Closeout Plan
A construction project that never seems to end is a huge waste of time. Of course, it is good to step back from micro-managing some processes. But you need to know whether the steps are making positive or negative progress. Before you close out, scrutinize the key activities to ensure that they are finalized. In case of a shortfall, take full responsibility and provide effective solutions to the prevailing issues.
How you closeout can make or break the project. Last-minute derailment can have serious implications for your company. A poor closeout can cause delays even if your project was running smoothly before. Do not simply close the project and hope for things to go well. Ensure that there are enough resources to rectify errors after releasing the workers.
Don’t destroy the good relationship you created with the client in the last phase. You want everyone to go home satisfied.
Want to be a Successful Project Manager?
The key to success in the construction industry lies in the structural processes. These processes must adapt to unpredictable situations and changes. One reason construction is never easy is that it needs back end support. This includes warehouse check-ups, management of materials, plan review, and remote monitoring. Take advantage of technology to make things easier. Use the above guidelines to manage a restaurant construction timeline or any kind of construction project.
Images via Shutterstock by Daxiao Productions and Bannafarsai_Stock
