Before starting construction work plan your project

Construction projects often go wrong due to poor planning and preparation

• The planning phase of a new construction project is the most important phase of the entire project.
• It’s where Project Managers decide how they will construct the project, what resources will be required, and they prepare the contract schedule.
• Clients will pressure the project manager to start work immediately. Indeed, the contractor’s construction schedule often leaves no time for planning and the schedule usually assumes construction will start immediately.
• A Project Manager needs to stay calm and focused, and work through the planning phase in a methodical and structured way to avoid becoming overwhelmed and making wrong decisions. 
• Many of the problems encountered during construction are a result of poor planning, and poor decisions taken at the start of the project. Placing orders with the wrong supplier or subcontractor, ordering the wrong equipment, deciding to use cranes which are too small or too short, committing to unachievable completion dates, a poor schedule sequence, submitting the wrong paperwork, or under resourcing the project will all have profound consequences on the project, and may be difficult to remedy later.
• The extra hours spent on making good decisions at this stage will definitely be hours well spent.

Before starting your construction project

• Read and understand the project documentation

1. Make notes
2. Know the client’s obligations
3. Understand your obligations
4. Understand the project limitations
5. Familiarise yourself with the scope of works

• Visit the project site – understand the restrictions and constraints, check the access. Consider what equipment is best suited for the conditions.
• Prepare a management organisational chart and recruit your team
• Meet with the client’s team – understand their concerns and priorities
• Understand how the project has been priced.
• Develop the project construction methodology
• Prepare a project construction schedule
• Prepare deliverables required by the client before work can start
• Arrange project insurances
• Plan site access
• Review the construction schedule with the methodology, milestones and resources. Is this the best schedule?
• Order long lead items
• Plan construction facilities and get client permission for locations
• Order facilities, materials and equipment to start the project
• Resource the project to suit construction methodology, schedule, client requirements, available skills, local productivity, hours of work.
• Arrange site services – water, power, etc
• Notify the relevant authorities
• Prepare quality plans
• Prepare safety plans
• Understand project risks and review them.
• Check what’s changed from pricing documentation. Notify the client of possible variations.
• Apply for permits and notify authorities.
• Set up filing and drawing management systems.
• Arrange project signage.
• Order project stationary.
• Appoint subcontractors that are required early in the project.
• Put in place early works contracts and resources.

Proper planning before starting construction will yield dividends

Rushed or poor planning at the start of a construction project often results in problems later in the construction project. Good planning helps reduce costs, avoid mistakes, and even reduces the construction time.

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This article is from information in the author's book: 'Successful Construction Project Management, The Practical guide'. Find out more about this book

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​Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
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