It’s not easy to be a successful construction project manager. The job requires the ability to put a plan in place but also to think quickly and act fast.
Here at SONCO Safety Marketplace, we’re proud to partner with the construction industry to provide tools and information to make your job easier.
Ten Steps for Successful Construction Management
In our 45+ years of experience, SONCO has gained valuable insights into ensuring a construction project proceeds smoothly without any issues.
We’d like to share our top 10 tips with you. If you’re in construction management, keep reading today’s blog post to learn more.
Know How to Execute a Comprehensive Plan
A thorough project manager knows the construction plan to the extent it can be executed like its second nature.
This means accounting for the materials, filling necessary positions, meeting deadlines, and handling an intricate timeline. During the build, subcontractors will need to start tasks based on others completing theirs.
When one aspect of the build falls behind, it sets off a domino effect. Outsourced work, such as electrical or HVAC system installation, may be put on hold, throwing off the entire plan. That’s why a successful construction project manager must keep everything moving according to plan.
Have a Fallback Position
The project manager needs to be someone who sees the big picture.
It’s not uncommon for unexpected delays to throw off the neatly organized timeline. For instance, if interior wall materials are delayed due to a supply chain issue, electricians cannot run wiring. These third-party contractors will likely be forced to start another job.
The knock-on effects continue as sheet rock and plastering crews cannot do their part until the building is wired.
The implication is obvious that the project could run beyond the established timeline and be over budget. However, a savvy construction project coordinator thinks creatively and pivots to stay on track.
On-board Experienced Supervisors
Successful project management for construction projects requires more than just a lead voice. A leader cannot be everywhere or micromanage every facet of the build.
The only pragmatic way to ensure structural integrity and accuracy is to deploy experienced professionals to oversee day-to-day operations in every area.
The project manager construction organizations need is one who delegates to trusted field supervisors. But for any leader to delegate, they must first surround themselves with experts. By hiring the right people, a construction project coordinator improves the chances of completing the build on time and on budget.
Demonstrate Leadership Qualities
Leadership is not necessarily something that can be taught. There is no textbook that provides information or step-by-step instructions about how to be a construction project manager with exceptional leadership qualities.
People who are not natural leaders and feel anxious about running the show sometimes — sadly — revert to barking out orders.
What strong managers possess is the ability to be themselves and lead by example. Communicate in a firm, respectful manner.
And never ask someone to take on a task you wouldn’t do yourself. In other words, don’t hesitate to swing a hammer if the need arises.
Know the Details of Construction Contracts
The foundation of a construction project is not rebar and concrete. It’s the legally binding agreements between the parties. Successful project management for construction projects calls for doing your homework on the details of the deals between property owners, developers, suppliers, subcontractors, and other key stakeholders.
When disagreements arise, it’s essential for you to have detailed knowledge about these agreements and be able to articulate it clearly. Knowing where you stand, contractually, can help avoid disputes, disruption, and financial losses.
Employ Dispute Resolution Skills
Regardless of how well contracts are written, someone may have different ideas about their obligations. When verbal disagreements arise, the construction project manager works diligently to resolve issues to keep the process moving forward. The last thing anyone wants is to escalate a contractual dispute to civil litigation.
As the construction project coordinator, your job is to solve problems in a reasonable fashion. Sometimes, meeting disgruntled subcontractors halfway regarding honest miscommunications is a formula for success.
Look for Cost-Cutting Opportunities
The Washington Post published an interview with Oxford Prof. Bent Flyvbjerg, who wrote the book “How Big Things Get Done.” The discussion revolved around infrastructure and the Danish economic geographer’s research indicates that only 8.5 percent of major projects finish on time and on budget. That statistic implies that more than 90 percent run past deadlines and suffer cost overruns.
This is why the lead construction project coordinator would be wise to look for cost-cutting measures wherever possible. As the process rolls out, run the numbers on new hires versus overtime pay and look for lower-priced materials that meet building standards to offset potential overruns.
Listen to People at Every Level
Do not make the common mistake of pushing unilateral decisions. High-level success calls for all stakeholders to remain personally invested in the project.
A thoughtful construction project manager usually discusses impediments and next steps with a small group of advisors. But a next-level leader also communicates with boots-on-the-ground workers who understand the nuances of their profession.
Gather input directly or through informal conversation with wide-reaching resources. If your decision differs from their opinion, circle back and explain your reasoning. Demonstrating respect in this manner helps buoy morale and productivity.
Make Informed Decisions
Weigh the opinions of supervisors, artisans, manual laborers, lawyers, and others when making decisions. Although people in these niche areas see things differently, they all have valid reasons for understanding construction priorities through their lens.
A successful construction project coordinator acts as a filter and arrives at the most beneficial decision. Issues to consider when making informed decisions include costs, deadlines, contractual ramifications, structural integrity, and workplace safety, among others.
Adhere to OSHA and Other Regulations
There are two reasons why a construction project coordinator would be well-served to pay strict attention to workplace safety and other regulations.
Firstly, it’s crucial to ensure the safety of hard-working individuals and bystanders, preventing injuries, illnesses, or fatalities. This includes providing and enforcing the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hard hats, safety goggles, and gloves.
The second is the fact that you open the company up to fines, work stoppages, and civil litigation. “Safety First” isn’t just a pithy motto. It’s a mandate for the project coordinator to follow.
Building Success in Construction Management
Successfully managing construction projects requires a blend of strategic planning, adaptability, and effective leadership. As highlighted in this article, mastering these ten steps can significantly enhance a construction project manager’s ability to navigate the complexities of the job.
From meticulously executing comprehensive plans to demonstrating leadership qualities and adhering to legal contracts and regulations, every aspect plays a crucial role in project success.
Bonus tip: Integrating Quality Control and Assurance
In the realm of construction management, ensuring quality control and assurance is of utmost importance.
Quality control in construction involves implementing processes and procedures to ensure that the materials, workmanship, and final output meet specified standards and requirements, aiming to prevent defects and ensure consistency throughout the project.
These aspects guarantee the integrity of the project and contribute to its success. To delve deeper into the importance of quality control and assurance in construction, check out our complete guide to quality control and quality assurance in construction.
In conclusion, by following these steps and embracing a commitment to excellence, you can navigate the challenges of construction management with confidence and achieve remarkable results.
Remember, success in construction isn’t just about completing a project—it’s about building a legacy of quality and professionalism.
