Is your construction project ready for the holidays?

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As the holidays approach project managers and the rest of the team start focussing on their holidays. This includes arrangements for their vacations including booking accommodation and flights and preparing for the festivities. But is the construction project site ready for the holidays?


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Usually preparing the construction project for the holidays should start several weeks before the start of the holidays. These preparations could comprise ensuring:
1. that critical tasks are completed in accordance with the project schedule or program (these may include for instance; closing up buildings to make them weather tight, pouring concrete to allow curing time over the holidays so that the forms can be removed immediately when work resumes, or completing sections of roads so they can be opened in time for the holidays meaning that detours and deviations don’t have to be maintained over the holiday period – delays on some activities may mean they are done only after the holiday period which could result in significant delays and extra costs)
2. invoices for completed work or monthly valuations have been submitted – this may include making prior arrangements with the client for an earlier submission so that payments can be made
3. subcontractors’ and suppliers’ invoices are paid – remember they have bills to pay over the holidays
4. arrangements have been made to pay staff and workers
5. utility bills have been paid – you don’t want to return to the project only to find that the power or water services have been terminated
6. if required, security services are in place for the project site
7. loose materials are secured in case of severe weather over the holidays
8. equipment is parked in secure areas – including being removed from areas that may be flooded

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9. stormwater drains are clear so that unexpected storms don’t flood the site
10. workers and staff are aware of when the project will close and when work will resume
11. for remote projects, transport is arranged to take workers home at the start of the holidays and return them to the project site – including ensuring workers are aware of these arrangements and times
12. the client is aware of when the construction site will be closed
13. suppliers are informed when the project is closed so that deliveries are not made in this time
14. arrangements are in place to keep essential operations running during this time – such as maintaining pumps removing water from the works or teams maintaining traffic signage and barricades
15. the construction site is barricaded and secure so that unauthorised people can’t enter, possibly injuring themselves, vandalising or steeling property
16. project personnel are contactable and available in case of an emergency during this time
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Adequate preparation should mean you can return to the project after the holidays without having to face a crisis immediately on your return.
Happy holidays.

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This article is adapted from information in the author’s popular books: 'Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide' and 'Building a Successful Construction Company: The Practical Guide'.
'Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors' has just been published. These books are available on Amazon and other online book stores.
Paul publishes articles regularly on LinkedIn and his website. 

Paul writes regular articles for other websites, gives lectures, mentors, and is available for podcasts and interviews.
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