By John Staffier, Account Manager – Massachusetts
As a construction project manager you already know, the success of every project requires the combination of solid construction skills and great project management talent. The former is hard to locate, but it is without the latter that a project turns into a daunting and overwhelming task. Assuming that this is not what you anticipate to deal with during your construction career, you need to ensure that your project is tracking along to plan. Budget, timelines, resources and many more aspects have to be managed effectively. Take a look at the tips below as a starting point to a successful construction project management.
Budget
The first step you need to take as a construction manager is putting together a budget that reflects the needs of your project. In addition, you need to make sure that you have a clear understanding of the costs involving your project such as materials and equipment. This allows you to stick with your budget numbers, as well as to make the proper financial decisions in case you have to deviate from your initial plan. Make it a priority to use the right tools that help you keep a close eye to your budget throughout the lifecycle of the project. Taking notes and using traditional excel spreadsheets is not enough to deal with the complexity of modern tasks so look into software that makes your job –and life– easier.
Communication and Accountability
No matter how long your construction career is, you should already know that being a project manager means that you are the connecting point of and between the involved parties. If you don’t keep open channels of communication at all times, you simply set yourself up – and the project– for failure. Regardless of the seniority and the construction skills of your tradespeople, make sure that everyone on your team has a clear understanding of what they have to do and when. Hold everyone accountable and speak up if your expectations are not being met. Remember that poor communication leads to more mistakes and mistakes delay projects.
Time Management
If you have not learned already, managing a project means that the majority of items, if not all of them, go through you. This creates a tremendous workload that if not handled properly is going to negatively affect the outcome of your efforts. Even if you are fresh in your construction career, keep in mind that prioritizing tasks and actions allows you to stay on top of things. From managing people to dealing with problems, getting overwhelmed increases the chances of getting distracted and letting things fall through the cracks. Managing your time properly is your last line of defense for a successful construction project management.
Monitoring
Remember that construction projects require prolonged periods of time to get completed. A common mistake to avoid is getting disconnected from your own project. Even if things go according to plan, it is always wise to personally visit the jobsite frequently to get a clear picture of where things stand to identify possible setbacks and to ensure you have the construction skills for your current and future needs. Are safety standards being met and is your team’s productivity at its maximum? Successful construction project management is very much about staying connected with your team and knowing firsthand what is going on at the jobsite.
Adaptability
Don’t get disappointed, but it is extremely rare that a construction project will get completed without setbacks taking place. This means that you have to be prepared to adapt and adjust to changes as well as to make the right decisions – often on the spot. Do your best to plan every step of your process as carefully as possible in order to minimize hitches and come together with your team frequently to evaluate progress. This allows you to stay up to speed with each project phase and also make timely and informed decisions that keep your timelines on track.
Key Takeaways for Tips for Successful Construction Project Management:
- Put together a budget and use the right tools that help you stay on track
- Keep open channels of communication and hold everyone accountable
- Make sure you prioritize tasks in order to manage your time wisely
- Stay connected with the project by frequently visiting the jobsite
- Be prepared to make timely and informed decisions
About TradeSource
Founded in 1993, TradeSource is a construction labor solutions firm focused on delivering labor solutions to contractors throughout the United States. By supplying skilled tradespeople – where and when they’re needed – we help contractors grow their companies, without the associated costs and hassles of full-time hires. Likewise, we match qualified employees with rewarding and well-paying job opportunities in the construction industry. www.tradesource.com
