How to Plan & Control Construction Projects
Construction projects can be large, complex and time intensive. Though every project (construction or otherwise) has the triple constraints of time, cost and scope to contend with, construction projects highlight some of these challenges. With so many different people potentially involved, managing a construction project is an exercise in patience and scheduling.
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Instructions
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When project scope change occurs, it usually has an adverse effect on the budget. Understand the scope of the project. Reviewing the scope statement or the project charter are good ways to gain a better understanding of the scope. Nothing adversely affects the success of a construction project like scope creep.
With this being said, some scope change cannot be avoided. In these instances stay true to your change management plan, which will define the exact process of how scope change requests are accepted and evaluated.
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Procure problematic materials in bulk and in advance. For example, steel prices can fluctuate widely and take varying times to have delivered. Work with the lead estimator and determine what materials are likely to be affected by price fluctuations and take a long time to procure. Create a materials package to order these items as appropriate. This way you not only lock in the price of the materials, but you get your materials in a timely fashion.
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Budget the project based off of scheduling. Though the initial budget for a project is defined up front by experienced project members and estimators, it is an educated guess. As the project progresses, continue to refine and detail the overall project budget. In many large construction projects a phased GMP, or guaranteed maximum price, is used. When a large construction project is started, the GMP has a large contingency (5 to 10 percent of the overall project budget). As the project progresses, a secondary GMP is identified, usually with a reduced contingency (2 to 5 percent of the project). With the secondary GMP you have a better true cost view of the project as it is somewhere between 50 to 80 percent complete.
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Hire a good general contractor and/or superintendent. Typically, the more complex a project it is, the more experience is needed. Demand current references. Ideally, the candidate will have positive references on projects similar to the one he will be working on. Construction specific certifications through agencies like the ICC (International Code Council) are ideal as well as related college coursework/degrees.
The general contractor interfaces with all of the other trades, such as painters, electricians, earthwork, water and telecommunications, so excellent communication skills and multitasking ability are musts.
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Tips & Warnings
Hold a preconstruction meeting. This meeting involves all of trades, utilities and agencies involved in the project, regardless of when their involvement in the project occurs. This is a good way to inform everyone of what the overall project entails and establishes the way in which communication during the project should be facilitated.
Understand the legal requirements of inspections and permits. Every city and county has specific rules associated with all level of construction projects. This can affect projects as small as home additions to Class A commercial buildings.
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