Poor construction project management evokes employee frustration, customer ire, and sometimes even a claim against your contractor license bond. But when you wear a host of hats, complications always linger just around the bend. One day you are in charge of human resources and budget management. On another day you have to address quality control as well as asset allocation and planning. And in these things, we write only a sampling of the details a successful construction project manager must know and perform.
Construction Project Managers – Many Hats On One Head
To say the least, smooth project management never comes ease. Knowing how to adjust to circumstances, combine all the necessary roles, and also satisfy the requirements of higher management as well as customer expectations demand a:
- Focused attention to fine details
- Focused attention to broad-scope details
- Rapid access to specific project-related facts and data
- Structured compilation of current and past historic records
- AND so much more.
In this article, the team that crafted and delivered the powerful Assignar apps for construction project managers present 11 simple rules by which construction project managers can enjoy smooth project management.
Construction Project Management – 11 Steps To a Smooth Process
- Grasp the Importance of Design – You may not be an architect, designer or engineer, but you must understand the basics of design.
- Examine the Big Picture – Start before the beginning by taking in a wider view of the entire project implications, including matters than can influence site drainage, building structural integrity, and overall project expenses.
- Establish Comprehensive Goals – Smooth project management is not just about crafting a list of activities; it’s about a comprehensive list of rapidly available details and information that can drastically reduce excessive workloads.
- Understand the Contract – Reading without comprehension can result in dangerous mistakes, costly errors, and major failures against the contract.
- Get a Signed Contract – Without a proper signature, your contract is merely an undocumented work order.
- Plan Your Steps – Calculated planning ensures smooth project management. This means you work according to adjustable but predetermined construction methodology that includes detailed project organization, careful allotment of resources, and a managed material ordering process.
- Budget With Wisdom – Be realistic. Plan for the unexpected. Provide the customer with the reasons for budget contingency. And then finish under budget, not over.
- Practice Planned Safety – Provide all team members with detailed hazard awareness reports as well as routine and appropriate safety training.
- Both Quality and Productivity – Establish project expectations for both excellency in performance and cost-effective productivity.
- Control the Unexpected – Variations occur, but timely management of changes can help prevent further frustration and anger. Document additional work or delays in a quick and timely manner.
- Be a Team Player – Wearing many hats sometimes swells the head of the wearer. Avoid personality clashes. Great construction project managers strive to create clear and focused lines of communication. But they also strive to help others help themselves.
Need help bringing it all together? Smooth the way. Step in for a free trial of the Assignar 2017 cloud-based digital construction contractor solution. It’s designed to help project managers juggle the hats.
