Daily planning of construction projects

Planning for construction project managers and supervisors

On construction projects days are often rushed and many construction project managers, supervisors and foremen barely have time to think, being pulled in different directions and facing demands from their managers, their crew and the client. Yet, it’s vital to find some quiet time to think through and plan the day’s activities – what must be done today, what must happen tomorrow and what must happen today so that tomorrow’s tasks can be accomplished. What must happen next week and what must be done today so that next week’s tasks can happen.

This day to day planning includes ensuring that materials are ordered, that there are sufficient workers with the right skills, and that construction equipment will be available. It comprises looking at the construction schedule (programme) so that you understand what must be done and in what sequence. It covers studying the drawings to check that all the information is complete and clear so the structure can be built. It means checking that there’ll be access to the work areas and ensuring that preceding tasks are completed. Of course, it also means communicating with your crew so that everyone knows what has to be done and how it will be accomplished.

Regrettably many in construction neglect to plan projects properly, leading to emergencies and problems when things haven’t been ordered, when items aren’t available, or access isn’t ready. It’s far easier and takes less time to plan things properly, than to resolve problems created by inadequate planning. I always say, “it’s much easier to be a fire prevention officer than a firefighter”. Project managers and supervisors often spend an inordinate amount of time ordering items which have been forgotten – this often takes several phone calls, begging and cajoling suppliers for a favour to get the item immediately, additional calls to arrange special transport, then more time following up why the item hasn’t arrived yet. Often crews have to be switched around to work elsewhere when materials, equipment, information or access isn’t available. Not only does the project manager or supervisor waste time making the changes, but invariably the crew is disrupted and everyone has wasted a couple of hours and got frustrated in the process.

Learn to plan projects properly. Time spent planning your construction project is time that you will more than make up by avoiding project delays and dealing with issues resulting from poor or inadequate planning.

​Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully? I've 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.
The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.
Need help with your construction project or construction company? Contact me for help and advice.
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 Management: From Project Concept to Completion'
• 'The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman'
• and 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'

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