Managing a construction project is not a child’s play, but something that requires managers to stay on toes and be vigilant. Usually, these projects are highly structured ventures that have several moving parts, and the managers expect employees to remain watchful while they are on site. Construction projects are of various types like shopping malls, apartment buildings, or single dwelling residences. A construction project manager supervises these projects from scratch until they have finished the project. He needs to ensure that his team carries out the project within budget, and workers accomplish all tasks in the allotted time.
There is never a dull day on a construction site as there is always a lot going on there. Managing a construction project is a constant struggle. A project manager juggles deadlines, budget, time-management, and various other things. An effective manager devises plans before the project officially kicks in but does not shy away from making changes in his policies. He deals with many people and applies various strategies in dealing with them to ensure that the workflow is smooth.
Many times a project manager has to deal with unforeseen delays and tantrums of workers. But a qualified construction project manager is equipped with tactics to makes sure that the project stays on track.
Thankfully, numerous tricks are here that will help you in managing a construction project effortlessly.
The following are some of the tips that will make your job a little easier:
Photo by Lisa Fotios
- Flow of Communication
A construction manager supervises many people from various departments and acts as a single point of contact for their issues. A smooth line of communication eliminates the possibility of misunderstanding. The instant two-way communication helps in immediate solutions for problems that may arise. As a manager, it is wise to schedule a meeting to have a word with them, either daily or on alternate days. When the workers know that they are answerable to someone, they make sure to complete the designated task with utmost diligence. When you have smooth communication, you can make others understand what exactly you want from them, and it eradicates the chances of misguidance. A deadlock in contact can cause mayhem and affects the overall project.
- Comfort of Workers
A competent construction manager knows that a person can only perform to his maximum potential if one feels that one is in a safe environment. He utilizes whatever is in his control to bring comfort and ease to his employees. Since a significant part of construction work is carried out on a site, workers are bound to bear the weather. They may have to work under challenging conditions. While managing weather is out of the manager’s control, but he can ensure that workers have access to clean drinking water and possess adequate personal protection equipment. Another difficulty most of the workers face on the construction site is that there is usually no toilet facility in the vicinity. In today’s age, portable restrooms are no longer an idea but a reality. If you live near Portland, then it’s better to contact a rental service that provides a portable washroom for your workers. For example, you can contact a professional company, Porta-potty rental in Portland, Oregon, which offers compact toilet facilities at construction sites.
- Continuous Planning
The project goals, strategies, and planning should be coherent even before the projects go on the floor. An effective manager starts the process of planning long before the project begins, and once the project commences, revises the planning daily and reforms it as per the circumstances. A construction project has various stages like designing, preconstruction, or procurement, and every step requires extensive planning.
A discerning manager keeps the goals realistic and plans according to the time, resources, and budget. He involves the relative people in planning and informs relevant departments so that workers abide by his terms. That minimizes the chances of discrepancy and increases workers’ productivity. The manager is well aware that despite all the meticulous planning, it is highly unlikely that everything goes according to plan. Sometimes a slight change in preparation can affect the entire project. Continuous planning helps to keep the project on track and to accomplish the goals in the allotted time.
- Implement Technology
Integrating technology like mobile devices and software for different tasks is integral for the success of a construction project. Besides, projects in the construction business require a weekly distribution of spreadsheets and status reports. Attaching reports in emails is time-consuming, but automatic software can handle this, and automated delivery will save a significant amount of time. Today laborers on-site do not need to lift heavy equipment and carry them to different floors. Advancement in technology has made it possible to handle lifting and dropping off material through machines.
- Budgeting
Construction project largely depends on the budget as cost management and budgeting are essential tools in a construction project. A construction project manager must devise a budget that fulfills all the requirements of the project. Construction means daily expenditures, and as an efficient supervisor, you should make an effort to document every expense.
An active project manager is aware that in the construction business, things do not always go according to plan, and going over budget is inevitable. However, they keep a keen eye and try to stay in budget as much as possible.
Conclusion
An efficient construction project manager has extensive knowledge of the construction industry and is aware that this field is full of challenges. He keeps the architect, supplier, and contractor in the loop while planning. Advances in technology have eased the project manager’s work. The software has simplified a lot of processes, and an astute project manager does not hesitate to take advantage of it.
