5 key strategies to manage a successful construction project

A successful project is one that meets quality standards and that is finished safely, on time and within budget. To achieve these goals, construction project managers must employ strategies such as continuous planning, effective communication and progress monitoring.

Successful projects should result in tangible and intangible benefits to the clients and stakeholders. The projects must create value and deliver business benefits over the lifespan of the buildings or structures. In addition, they should have a positive impact on the surroundings areas and communities, as well as the individuals and families who live and work there.

Success is no accident. It’s the outcome of excellent project management. Below are five fundamental strategies for managing construction projects successfully.

1. Goal Sharing

It’s quite simple: Everyone involved in the project should be working towards the same goal at all times. There should be no confusion, doubt or hesitation about this goal, which should be communicated clearly and consistently by team leaders throughout the duration of the project. Remember that to finish strong, you should always begin with the end in mind.

2. Continuous Planning

Meticulous planning is the most important aspect of successful construction project management. The larger and more complex the project, the more planning it will require. Project managers should start planning long before a project begins and continue to adjust that plan until the project ends. All stages of a construction project—design, pre-construction, procurement, etc.—involve extensive planning. Anything can happen at a jobsite, so you should expect changes to your plans.

A useful plan provides a step-by-step guide for completing the job on time and within budget, including, but not limited to, the following elements:

• Safety plan
• Goals
• Deliverables
• Milestones
• Budget
• Design
• Schedule
• Risk assessment
• Communications strategy
• Materials, equipment and labor needed
• Subcontractors to be hired
• Permits to be obtained

3. Effective Communication

Effective communication is critical for the successful completion of any construction project. Reliable communication improves collaboration, organization, teamwork and overall results, while poor communication leads to misunderstandings, delays and mistakes. To be effective, communication depends on a consistent flow of clear and accurate information that can be shared in a timely manner. That means getting the right information to the right people at the right time.

During the planning phase, construction project managers should ensure they have the contact information for all key players, including building owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, jobsite supervisors, vendors and others. Methods of communication for specific information should be established at the start of the project.

One way to create an effective flow of information and communication is by using a centralized communication system or a work execution platform. This software integrates and syncs reports, documents, comments, photos, calendars and other data in one location, where users can monitor schedule changes, costs and updates as they occur, in real time, and set up alerts and automated actions.

4. Monitoring Progress and Making Adjustments

Everyone wants a construction project to progress according to plan, but chances are the project will get derailed here and there, usually by a variety of minor issues rather than one large, major problem. It is imperative to monitor progress closely by carefully analyzing daily progress reports, measuring productivity, managing risks and unforeseen events, and keeping an eye on the schedule and budget. By paying attention to every detail you make the necessary adjustments to keep the project on track.

Clients or building owners, too, should keep a close eye on the construction of their projects. They should be aware of any issues that come up at the jobsite. By monitoring the progress of their projects and managing conflicts as they happen, clients can avoid disruptive and costly disputes down the line.

5. Project Management Technology

Busy construction project managers rarely have time to answer every call and email they get or manually send documents and reports. They need project management technology to manage construction projects efficiently, regardless of their size or scope.

Using automated delivery tools, users can generate reports, obtain real-time updates, keep track of costs, make budget changes, collect signatures, integrate a variety of apps and share information instantly with their teams and other key players. By automating these tasks, construction project managers can focus on other equally important tasks.

Final Thoughts

Different construction project managers may use different techniques to obtain favorable outcomes in project management, but there are fundamental strategies that every project manager should put into action to complete their projects successfully. Without these strategies, it would be very difficult, if not impossible, to complete a project successfully.