Managing a construction project takes a strong skill set in various building trades and managing people. You need to be effective at time management, organization, problem-solving, critical thinking, and great communication skills.
Possessing these abilities is just a starting point, though. As a project manager, you will be implementing these personal assets, which is no easy task. Do you want to be successful in this position? Here are six tips for managing construction projects:
Tip #1: Strategic planning for construction projects
The work needs to flow as seamlessly as possible when managing a construction project. Understanding the project’s scope and planning out different construction phases is part of the process, and you will need to work with changing blueprints and plans when contradictions occur.
Coordinating trades with different building milestones requires resolving issues and anticipating different needs. An effective project leader must think ahead and pivot when there are project delays so other work can still be done to keep the construction moving forward.
Tip #2: Track construction resources
It’s tough to keep all the plates spinning on a construction project, and the bigger the job is, the harder it gets. You have to recognize what is required regarding material, equipment, manpower and other resources to bring the job from start to completion. Logistics are important in commercial construction companies Toronto. You must understand how to organize, coordinate, and delete to thrive in this industry.
Establishing timelines with sub-trades and making sure supplies are delivered keeps the flow you established because you don’t want to miss any deadlines. You also need to recognize any shoddy workmanship, identify hazards, and track potential cost overruns. There is great construction management software that can help you organize your resources.
Tip #3: Collaborate with key people
Running a project involves managing a vast number of moving parts. Being able to see everything is tough, so you need team members that can be on the ground and in the office. As you oversee the entire project, your team can work alongside different trades and problem-solve in real-time to keep work on schedule.
You will also need to keep a good relationship with sub-trade company owners and suppliers. You must ensure your job site has the material and manpower that’s required, and that sometimes takes applying a little pressure and negotiating with key people. Always be professional and incentivize your team to work cohesively.
Tip #4: Have good communication
You will be dealing with many people throughout the project, and everyone wants face time with you. They all have concerns and issues that come up on the job, and you need to be able to handle questions, give advice and provide direction.
There will be communication from the top down, including:
- Developers
- Engineers
- Architects
- City and municipal reps
- Clients
- Suppliers
- Administration
- Rental companies
- Inspectors
- Sub trades
- Workers
Your interactions will be broad, from business meetings to tailgate gatherings, and you need to communicate with everyone in a way they can relate to.
Above all, your message needs to be clear and to the point so there is no confusion about what you require on the job. You may need to be stern with people or harsh in giving out discipline, while later that day, you will be building stronger relationships with others. Make sure to have open, two-way communication and allow yourself to be approachable.
Tip #5: Be patient
Rarely do construction projects go smoothly without any issues. Delays and disputes happen, and some people have difficulty working together. Workers get frustrated for various reasons like not getting equipment and material on time or being set back because of other trades.
You need to be the voice of reason and keep the peace. Any problems have a way of rising to the top, and it’s up to you to exercise patience and understanding. Keeping a level head and responding instead of reacting will help calm the waters on site. It’s up to you to conduct yourself professionally despite change orders, supply disruptions and personal conflicts on your project.
Tip #6: Hold people accountable
Even if Rome was built in a day, it wasn’t constructed by one person. There is a hierarchy of people working together to complete your construction project, and everyone has an essential task to do. It’s your job to make sure workers do what is required and agreed upon.
Give people guidelines and hold them to all safety protocols while doing their work. Set clear expectations and follow up on work completed to ensure it is done correctly. If anyone ignores the protocols you have laid out, take them to the task. Responsibility is required for all workers, and you need to address any mismanagement or circumvented procedures as they occur. When any trade agrees on a timeline and budget for their work, they have to be held accountable for it.
Managing a construction project is not for the faint of heart. You need to wear many hats and deal with a host of personalities and emotions on the job. Using these tips for managing your construction project will make you more successful in your role and be sought after for the next job.
