10 Commandments for Construction Project Managers

How many times have we started or finished a problem construction project just to realize the obvious painful truth? We didn’t do one or more important steps that we KNOW should never be neglected. We’ve learned this lesson before, but for some reason it’s happened again. For that reason, we’ve developed a list of the 10 Commandments for Construction Project Managers. Post it on your wall, keep it in your truck, or tattoo it on your forehead. Just don’t forget to follow it!
​
The 10 Commandments for Construction Project Managers:

1. I shall not do any work without a signed contract.
2. I will read and understand the contract document so that I know each party’s’ obligations in terms of the contract. I will ensure that we operate in accordance with this contract.
3. I will prepare a construction schedule which takes into account restrictions imposed by the client, the available resources, access dates to the work areas, the available information and the normally expected weather conditions. I will ensure this construction schedule is approved in writing by the client and that the construction team understands and follows the schedule. Progress against the schedule will be regularly updated and any slippage will be investigated and caught-up.
4. I will plan the project before starting work. This planning includes selecting the appropriate construction methods, organizing the required resources and ordering all construction materials.
5. I won’t start work before all permits and permissions are in place, or before all known services and utility lines and pipes have been located, clearly marked, and protected or made safe.
6. ​I will ensure that the construction team is aware of all hazards, that they are competent and have the appropriate training. They should know the safety, quality and behavioural expectations for the project.
7. I will ensure that variation claims are timeously submitted when there are changes, additional work or delays, which were not of our making and which could not have been foreseen or allowed for when we priced the project.
8. All instructions of a contractual nature which could have time or cost implications, which are received from the client, or issued to our subcontractors, must be in writing.
9. I will ensure that all work is done safely.
10. I will see that the work is done to the best quality and in accordance with the project’s specifications and standards. I will always strive to produce work that I will be proud of and to a quality that the client expects.

​This article was first published on the ClockShark website. 
Please share this post
To read more about the author’s books and find out where you can purchase them visit the pages on this website by clicking the links below:
'Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide'
'Building a Successful Construction Company: The Practical Guide'
'Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors'
'Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights'
'Construction Book reviews'
To read more about the author visit the page 'Paul Netscher'
Want to contact Paul Netscher please enter your details on 'Contacts'
Find out how Paul Netscher can help you

Order your books from Amazon
Order your books from Amazon UK
© 2017 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.