Managing any construction project can be time-consuming and stressful. There are a lot of disciplines and people involved, even in smaller projects, and there is always pressure to finish on time. So here are five tips specifically aimed at those new to construction projects.
Solve one problem at a time. There will always be issues but be sure to tackle them one at a time. This strategy will enable you and the team to make the best decisions and fix things correctly the first time. Solve problems on-site or in the field rather than from a conference room chair. That way, everyone will see all the information needed and arrive at a correct solution more efficiently.
Be a continuous learner. As with any field, you will need to be a constant learner. There are always new techniques, materials, and regulations to learn. Therefore, space out your learning over time, focusing on the items most relevant to your current projects. This strategy will help your retention of the new lessons and enable you to apply new knowledge more effectively.
Have a centralized communication system. When there are large, diverse teams and stakeholder groups, communications can be an issue. Successful completion of projects will rely on transparent and seamless communications. A centralized system to hold all plans, calendars, and other important information will be essential to keeping everyone and everything up to date. Remember that all documentation will need to be proper and timely to avoid potential legal issues.
Know the contracts. It's essential to know your arrangements inside and out. Be sure you understand everything that needs to be delivered before moving forward. This includes all the terms and conditions and a thorough understanding of what is and is not in scope.
Prioritize safety. Always prioritize the safety of the workforce (and potentially the public) over speed and shortcuts. Negligence can result in serious lawsuits and other legal consequences. Many time-honored projects, such as the construction of the Empire State Building and the Golden Gate Bridge, maintained near perfect safety records, so your project can too.
Have any additional tips to share for new construction project managers? Please share in the comments below.
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