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3 Critical Tips for Multi Location Construction Management

At the heart of multi-location construction management are planning, coordination, and execution. Strong communication and problem-solving skills, and in-depth knowledge of the construction process are key elements.

Are you new to construction management? Do you have the basics and essential principles of dealing with multi-location construction management? This article will walk you through 3 important steps to successfully complete multi-location projects.

What is Multi-Location Construction Management?

Multi Location Construction Management

Multi-location construction management is the process of directing and coordinating material and human resources for various projects through modern management strategies to attain predetermined goals. These goals involve the cost, scope, time, and quality of a project. A construction project manager applies this protocol to achieve the expected average unit volume (AUV) in a construction context.

At the heart of multi-location construction management are 3 functions: planning, coordination, and execution. Whether the ongoing projects are commercial, agricultural, residential, environmental, institutional, or industrial, these duties can change significantly depending on the volume of work. Strong communication and problem-solving skills, and in-depth knowledge of the construction process are key elements to successful growth of your franchise operations.

Actions that a Project Manager Should Undertake in Multi-Location Construction

Multi-location construction management differs significantly from the usual operations of a single site. The important thing here is to identify the unique complexities and challenges of dealing with staff in different locations. Once you recognize the obstacles, it is easier to adapt your focus as required. The success of your project partly depends on workers you rarely see. As such, you need to be very creative by focusing on the following actions:

  • Enable effective communication

  • Understand the unique requirements of the clients in different locations

  • Build strong relationships between locations

  • Make the remote sites and home office work in harmony

  • Motivate team members and keep them engaged

Points To Consider For Successful Multi Location Construction Management

Here are the three most relevant principles that a creative construction project manager should consider when handling multiple locations.

1. Effective communication

Communication is critical when managing multiple locations. It takes proactive, frequent, and structured communication plans to achieve transparency throughout the sites. With a clear plan, team members in remote areas will not feel as if they are second-class stakeholders or neglected. They need to be informed and know that their contribution is meaningful to the company goals. It is imperative for the project manager to communicate frequently how every location contributes to the success of the construction company. Staying in touch means facilitating regular on-site meetings and weekly conferences, making bi-weekly calls, and sending periodic emails to team members.

2. Delegating on-site leadership roles

You need on-site managers you can trust even when you are not around. They have to report to you regularly by phone or email. Consider empowering them to make local decisions. But they must understand where their power ends. Just because you have everything scheduled doesn’t mean you can take a step back. You are the project manager, so you have to supervise accordingly. You’ll be setting yourself up for disaster if you don’t follow the progress of the workers. Commend them when they deserve it and assist them where need be. Being aware of who is responsible for each step in the construction process should be done from the start and through the finish with a punch list.

3. Deliver client value

Never undermine the unique requirements of each location. Understand the market, demographics, and special needs of the clients in different locations. Factor in their needs for your staffing decisions. Let the organization structure in every site reflect the needs of each site. Make sure that you’ve got the right standards and tools to deliver the support and consistent value that guarantees client satisfaction.

It takes a wide array of experience to handle multi-location construction management. The construction industry is always evolving. A project manager must be in a position to move with the dynamics to meet the various objectives.

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