Construction project planning entails determining its management and execution, from design to completion. This process involves identifying the design schedule, construction activities, and team structure. Here’s a guide to planning a construction project.
Create the Construction Project
Start by creating the initiation documents for the project, spelling out the necessary resources, people, and budget. Whether you have a small or big construction project, start by determining its feasibility and what you’ll need to complete the job. Therefore, create your Project Initiation Document, outlining all the necessary resources.
Draft the Initial Plan
In this step, turn your PID into a concrete plan. And this entails setting CLEAR and SMART goals. Take your resources to inform your broader strategy, ready for execution. Ideally, your goals should be:
- Specific
- Measurable
- Attainable
- Realistic
- Timely
Being CLEAR means your goals should be:
- Collaborative
- Limited
- Emotional
- Appreciable
- Refinable
In this case, be detailed with timelines and budgets. Innovative project management software can help you manage your construction and track materials.
Execute Your Plan
Set a team and discuss the project details to ensure that you’re on the same page. Also, assign professionals to oversee your project progress and set expectations. If any of the managers don’t understand anything, allow them to ask questions. Additionally, maintain daily communications with your team. That way, you can monitor project status in different phases and track various activities.
Track Performance
Use performance indicators like performance, objectives, and quality to track the performance of your team. Make sure that every expert in your project meets the set parameters. If somebody doesn’t meet your expectations, find out why they failed and fix the problem.
Close and Evaluate Your Project
Evaluate performance using data from the field and then talk to the team about aspects that require improvements. Completing a construction project doesn’t mean the planning process is over. Instead, use data from one project and the lessons you learn in the next one.
Final Thoughts
Planning a construction project entails getting its overview from the beginning to the end. Follow these steps to ensure effective and efficient construction project planning.