Planning new construction is a big project with lots of variables and moving parts. It’s vital that every construction project should be well-managed and stick to the intended timeline. But though you may go in with a plan, it can be hard to actually keep to the timeline set in place. How do you balance quality work with efficient productivity?
We have identified five top ways to help keep your project running smoothly and reach all your goals.
1. Communication
As it’s said, communication is key. Regularly talking to your teammates and employees to let them know about deadlines and your plan of action is the best way that you can keep work productive. Since construction involves a lot of moving hands, you should always keep your contractors, clients, and subcontractors up to date on the plan and any adjustments that need to be made. This naturally helps keep you accountable to your set deadlines because other people are depending on it.
2. Research
Since you will be working with lots of stakeholders, get as much information as you can from each party – understand their expectations, get their input on scheduling, and hear their expertise on best practices. This can inform how you structure your timeline so it can be successful. If you get the best input from those who will actually be working on the project, this will help it go according to plan, since the plan will be logical and reasonable.
3. Set Detailed and Realistic Deadlines
With any large project, it’s best to break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. This can help make your end date feel more attainable if you are able to check off progress as you go, such as design, meetings, budgeting, permits, hiring, foundation laying, etc. Having a well-informed and realistic timeline will also help your construction be productive; if you set too many of the deadlines close together without considering the appropriate time for completion, you risk a low quality job or a domino effect of delays.
4. Contingency Planning
No one likes to come across unexpected obstacles, so planning for them to happen can actually be a really effective tool. Understand possible ways that your project could potentially not go according to plan, and prepare accordingly. Some common construction timeline hindrances are supply chain issues, labor shortage, weather conditions, and budgeting inaccuracies. Plan for potential resource back-ups, schedule with weather considerations, and be realistic in your budgeting to turn these potential disasters into small hiccups.
5. Monitor Progress
Accountability and frequent oversight of progress can keep your timeline running smoothly. Taking time for things like meetings, getting progress reports, and visiting the construction site can help keep employees motivated and productive. It can help them see that you take it seriously and in turn, they will also do the same. Not only this, but it can help you catch any possible snags or setbacks early on and address them accordingly. Regularly keep track of the progress on the deadlines and smaller tasks to accomplish the bigger project in a timely manner.
Construction management is no easy task and it can be difficult to stay on top of a set timeline. But these five steps are excellent tools to be able to help your team and your project run seamlessly.
E.K. Bailey has an excellent team of project managers and professionals to work with you so you can get quality work done according to your timeline. We will work with you and walk you through all the steps of your construction project, helping you to feel well-informed. We prioritize our customers and value communication, realistic goals, efficiency, and expertise. Reach out to us for your next construction project.
