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Before starting construction work plan your project

25/6/2020

8 Comments

 
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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.

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

Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully?

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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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The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.

© 2020 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
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8 Comments
Taylor Hicken link
27/1/2021 06:42:27 pm

I appreciated it when you shared that it is important to have proper planning before starting construction work. This will ensure that the work can be done efficiently within a short period of time. I would like to think if a company is working on construction, it should consider clearing the site first by hiring the right service to do the job.

Reply
Savan Rajput link
14/5/2021 02:11:47 pm

Hey , thank you for sharing this useful content , highly appreciate.

Reply
Kristofer Van Wagner link
15/6/2021 01:49:42 pm

I definitely agree that when choosing construction jobs, it is important for us to plan properly. It makes sense for us to plan as in doing so, we can be certain that the job will go on without any hiccups. I will definitely make some plans before proceeding to have my guest house renovated.

Reply
Braden Bills link
22/8/2022 10:23:26 pm

I want to get a building made, but I have no idea how to get started. It makes sense that I would want to get a professional to help me out with this. That seems like a good way to ensure that I get my construction planned out properly.

Reply
Charlotte Fleet link
29/11/2022 07:40:27 am

I'm glad you mentioned the importance of preparing a safety plan and reviewing the risks of a project before starting construction. In my opinion, it would also be smart to hire a professional building surveyor beforehand. By doing so, you can get your project approved and make sure it will be completely safe and legal.

Reply
Eli Richardson link
2/5/2023 05:14:24 am

It really helped when you elaborated on planning your construction project properly to avoid mistakes. I heard that one of my cousins decided to invest in residential construction, so I'll make sure he reads your advice. Thank you for the information on planning your work to reduce costs and delays.

Reply
Construction Equipment for Sale link
22/9/2023 08:12:48 pm

Planning serves as the foundation upon which every successful construction project is built. It's not just about drawing up blueprints and creating a timeline, but also about carefully considering every aspect of the project, from materials and manpower to budgets and permits.

Reply
Luiz Antonio Duarte Ferreira link
24/9/2024 07:03:39 pm

This blog offers invaluable insights on the importance of project planning before construction. The detailed tips and practical advice will undoubtedly help many readers avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smoother construction process. Great job on sharing this essential information!

Reply

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  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
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  • Blog | Construction Management
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