The pandemic brought swift changes and challenges to workforces like dealing with social distancing and the supply chain crisis. The construction industry was deeply affected by this sudden shift in social and economic conditions. Here are the top 5 best practices for construction contractors to make project management more efficient.
A top priority for a construction team should be to manage expectations carefully enough to consider unexpected disasters. Since half of all construction projects fail, it's crucial to identify and correct vulnerabilities throughout the building process. When builders, clients, and contractors disagree on the project, it can lead to costly delays. The project's goals can get blurred without the owner managing expectations effectively.
You should create your construction plan with realistic goals measured by appropriate metrics. The plan should clearly map out the project's entire scope and provide a resource of deep knowledge for the construction team to research and analyze. The more detailed the plan is, the less chance of misunderstanding what needs to be done. Communicating the plan thoroughly to the construction team will help build your confidence in the project and trust among crew members.
A significant part of managing expectations requires communicating effectively with contractors and their construction workers. Project managers must take many notes on every issue related to project complexities. They should be able to answer questions that are raised by contractors swiftly. Many times a project manager must communicate with multiple teams consisting of independent subcontractors. All these project players need to be on the same page about how the plan is executed.
The key to effective collaborative coordination in construction these days depends on using real-time technology that makes documentation and communication easy. Ideally, your management software allows you to make customized solutions for planning and executing your projects. Project managers should know how to quickly tap into tech resources to accurately assess costs, timelines, and supplies.
Many construction companies require their subcontractors to carry sufficient liability insurance to pay for accidents or other problems created by workers. However, a contractor should not rely only on this coverage. Every construction firm needs plenty of insurance as a risk management strategy to avoid costly lawsuits.
Contact Nikki Fox, nikki@parkwestgc.com, at Parkwest General Contractors to learn more tips on best practices for construction project management.
