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The 10 P’s of successful construction project management

14/8/2018

18 Comments

 

Proper Planning, Preparation and Proactive Problem Preclusion (Prevention) Prevents Poor Project Performance.  

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How often do we find that when construction projects go wrong that the real cause was due to poor planning and preparation? Unfortunately far too often! This is often due to the client’s (owner’s) team as much as it’s due to the contractor. Then, when there are problems on the construction project they aren’t detected early, or they’re ignored, or the wrong actions are implemented to correct the problem.

So how can we improve construction project delivery?

​
Planning – client
Frequently the client and their team are to blame when construction projects go wrong because of their poor planning. Proper client side planning includes ensuring that:
  1. The scope of works is complete.
  2. The design is good – it delivers on the design brief and scope of works, it is constructible and practical, providing a practical and cost effective solution to satisfy all stakeholders.
  3. Contractors are provided all the necessary information and documentation to price the project.
  4. Contract documentation is complete, sufficient and not ambiguous or contradictory. The rights and obligations of all parties are clearly set out.
  5. The right contractors are selected and the selection isn’t based on price alone.
  6. All permits and permissions are in place.
  7. Site investigations and preparations are thoroughly done.
  8. The budget has been calculated correctly, it’s been checked and it’s sufficient.
  9. They understand the project risks.
  10. They have realistic expectations for the project.
Planning – contractor
Good planning by the contractor includes:
  1. Understanding the project requirements.
  2. Selecting appropriate construction methods.
  3. Ensuring there are sufficient resources for the project, and that these resources have the required skills.
  4. Preparing a proper project schedule. This schedule shouldn’t be squeezed to fit the client’s time frame if it’s not possible and is unrealistic. The schedule must be resourced properly, the task links must be correct, the schedule must allow for all of the project restraints including the expected weather conditions, and there must be sufficient time allowed for finishing, snagging and commissioning the project.
  5. Understanding the contract document, including their rights and obligations. It’s too late to start reading the contract document halfway through the project when a problem arises!
  6. Ordering the correct materials timeously.
  7. Implementing proper safety management systems at the start of the project.
  8. Implementing adequate quality systems and controls before starting work.
  9. Ensuring that all permits and permissions are in place.
  10. Checking that all insurances are in place.​

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​Preparation – client 
The client’s proper preparations for the construction work includes:
  1. Ensuring everything is ready for the contractor, including, access to work areas, construction information and project facilities.
  2. Checking that all project permits are in place.
  3. Checking that all finance is in place and that their cash flow will be sufficient for the duration of the project.
  4. Ensuring they’ve fulfilled all their contractual obligations, including supplying utilities, services and facilities as required for construction.
  5. Ensuring that the contractor’s team understands the rules and regulations governing the project site and that all hazards have been made known and are understood.
  6. Setting up proper communication channels between all parties.
  7. Ensuring that the client’s team understands their responsibilities and limits of authority for the project.
  8. Checking that materials and equipment supplied by the client will be available when it’s required.
  9. Checking the contractor’s construction schedule to ensure that it complies with the project requirements and that they can deliver access and information in accordance with the schedule.
  10. Ensuring that there are no gaps in the project, or outstanding tasks.
Preparation – contractor 
The contractor’s proper preparations for construction work include:
  1. Having the right resources in sufficient quantities available when they’re required on the project.
  2. Ensuring that construction materials have been ordered correctly. Following up to ensure materials will be delivered on time in accordance with the construction schedule.
  3. Appointing the right subcontractors (not necessarily the cheapest) using the appropriate contract documentation.
  4. Communicating the construction schedule to those doing the work.
  5. Communicating the project rules, requirements and expectations to their workers. This includes safety and quality.
  6. Communicating the chosen construction methods to their team.
  7. Checking that the client has provided access and information for the construction work in accordance with the contract, and that the client has fulfilled their contractual obligations.
  8. Ensuring all safety measures are in place for the construction work and that there are proper controls to manage hazards.
  9. Ensuring their team understands their roles, responsibilities and limits of authority on the project.
  10. Putting in place proper document control systems – where documents can be easily distributed and stored, where they can be readily accessed and are protected.

Proactive Problem Prevention
Proactive problem prevention includes:
  1. Ensuring that reporting systems are in place on the project to detect problems early.
  2. Regularly review reporting systems (schedule, quality, safety, financial, budget, claims, etc), ensuring that the information in the system is correct and that concerns and problems highlighted in the reports are acted on.
  3. Assessing and understanding the project risks. Implement mitigation measures to prevent risk events occurring and to lessen the impacts if the risk event occurs. Risks should be continually re-evaluated during the life of the project.
  4. When problems are detected the true causes of the problem should be uncovered. Often the symptoms are addressed and not the underlying cause, which leaves the problem to fester and grow.
  5. Focus on problem solutions, rather than excuses or looking for blame.
  6. Not ignoring problems until it’s too late. Remember where there’s smoke there’s usually a fire. Problems on construction projects seldom resolve themselves and frequently they only get worse. Early intervention is essential.
  7. Communicate regularly with the project team. Encourage the project team to highlight potential problems. Communicate concerns and solutions to the team, ensuring that the solutions are implemented promptly and effectively.
  8. Regularly checking design and construction work.
  9. Continually planning ahead to ensure that everything will be in place for the upcoming activities.
  10. Actively managing the construction project.
Conclusion
Your construction project can be a success. Plan, prepare and be vigilant to foresee, prevent and solve problems. As I always say – it’s better to be a fire prevention officer than a firefighter, because it’s easier to prevent a fire than it is to extinguish a raging inferno which has already caused damage.
Remember the 10 P’s to ensure your construction project is successful – Proper Planning, Preparation and Proactive Problem Preclusion (Prevention) Prevents Poor Project Performance. 

What problems have you encountered on construction projects that could have been prevented by proper planning and preparation?
Do you have a proactive problem prevention strategy on your project? 
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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' and 'Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights'
'Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors' is another of Paul's useful books
.
Paul has recently published 'Construction Management: From Project Concept to completion'.
Paul's new book: 'Build and Renovate Your Home With Your Eyes Wide Open' is for those with little construction experience who want to build or renovate a house. It's filled with tips and suggestions to help you on your way, ensuring you avoid the pitfalls of home construction projects.
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.
​

© 2018 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.

construction management construction project management
18 Comments
Gillian Babcock link
1/2/2019 08:24:16 am

My dad is planning to construct a new warehouse for the excess produce of his farm. It was explained here that it will be best to have a planning contractor because they understand the project requirements. Furthermore, it's recommended to hire professionals for quality construction management services.

Reply
Paul
1/2/2019 09:43:25 am

Hello Gillian, sorry you may have misunderstood. I didn't say have a planning contractor, rather you need a contractor that plans their work - in other words you should employ a good contractor.
It is important to employ professionals. Your dad may find my book 'Construction Management from Project Concept to Completion' useful as it's written for clients and owners of new projects and takes the reader through many of the processes, including choosing the right contractor and what to consider and look out for.

Reply
Mike Lee link
20/3/2019 10:33:07 pm

I agree with all the p's of construction project management. It is important to plan properly when offering construction services. This will allow you to give a good timeline on the project.

Reply
Paul
21/3/2019 10:14:56 am

Thanks Mike for your comments. Please share the article with others.
Regards
Paul

Reply
Robert link
4/4/2019 05:06:24 pm

Building a house now is a growing investment. Many investors are starting businesses with the construction of apartments and housing. Construction carried out in large quantities, this is extraordinary. There are also many construction management sciences that we can learn. biesterbos.nl

Reply
Paul
5/4/2019 11:48:02 am

Thanks Robert, unfortunately many think managing a construction project is easy. Investors are quick to chase money. This often leads to poor projects of bad quality. There are good courses and books that can help.

Reply
Gillian Babcock link
23/4/2019 08:43:14 am

My brother is planning to build a new building for his business and he wants it to be done efficiently. It was discussed here that a contractor should understand the project select the appropriate construction methods. Moreover, it's highly recommended to hire professional contractors for quality building construction management.

Reply
Adrian Jones link
25/4/2019 10:15:36 am

It's important to keep in mind when looking for a contractual service both client and the contractor have to be prepared with not just the materials, but the entire contract of service that should outline what's going to happen when, and where. The reason for this is that when there is a contract in place between the two parties, it should be easy for the two to get the construction project up and off the ground without having to backtrack and check on who agreed to do what. If I had the chance to look for a contractual team, then I would definitely look for a team that would agree to have everything agreed to previously write down on paper and part of the contract just in case things have to be referenced.

Reply
Solo Group link
16/6/2019 09:29:34 pm

Your article is very detailed, its helps everyone of us the importance of 10 P's. Thank you for sharing!

Reply
Sandra Patterson link
20/6/2019 05:28:54 am

Thank you for explaining the factors that go into having successful construction management. My sister wants to build a restaurant but doesn't know how to get that started. I am sure that she could find tons of professionals that would be able to help her out with that.

Reply
Tammie Houston link
4/12/2019 01:32:43 pm

Our team was being selected to monitor the whole preparation of the constructional renovation of my boss' rental buildings. It is said here that a reputable contractor can assist in processing the permits and tedious processing of documents. Hence, we are looking for trusted and licensed professionals that can complete the job successfully.

Reply
Best Access Doors link
22/1/2020 06:03:12 pm

Whether you're building a house or a shopping mall, contstruction projects need often managing on-site to ensure the safe.Good read. Cheers!

Reply
Elmer link
11/8/2020 10:57:26 am

Excellent! I like all the information. It helps me a lot!

Reply
Concrete Calgary Services link
11/1/2023 05:59:12 am

I think this is really informative! Thank you for this!

Reply
Concrete Contractors Fort Lauderdale link
21/2/2023 12:11:40 am

Thanks for posting. Looking forward to the next one!

Reply
Concrete Contractor Pittsburgh link
21/2/2023 03:28:17 am

So good! I'll be back for more great posts!

Reply
Concrete Contractor Salt Lake City link
21/2/2023 04:14:59 am

Awesome as always. Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Concrete Contractor Tulsa link
21/2/2023 04:21:03 am

Thanks for posting. I just shared it on my FB

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
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement