A lack of good construction management is one of the main reasons construction projects fail to deliver on time and within budget. It takes adequate planning during pre-construction to ensure that the full scope of the project is carried out in a sequential and timely manner. But, even during subsequent construction phases, it takes effective construction management to overcome unforeseen circumstances that may require material substitutions, more manpower, or scheduling adjustments.
A construction manager can prevent projects from creeping out of control by recognizing the red flags that can derail a project. Some challenges, such as bad weather or supply chain issues, are unavoidable. But even these unexpected delays are overcome when the construction manager has a project plan that is both flexible and adaptable.
The Core Importance of Construction Management
The core importance of construction management is to deliver a high-quality construction project on time and on budget while also staying compliant with safety standards and building codes. The construction manager should be an expert in their particular category of structures (residential, commercial, or industrial), along with the size and scope of the project.
Ensuring Timely Project Completion
The importance of time management cannot be understated when it comes to building new structures or significant renovations. Having a well-defined plan for each phase of the project (with built-in time buffers) is critical, but staying true to schedules and deadlines can be extremely difficult on any construction site.
Construction is typically not a linear process because many different activities must be juggled on a daily basis. Some tasks are interrelated, such as the electrical and plumbing rough-in. But, other activities are sequential, meaning the next task cannot be completed before the task at hand is done, thus affecting the critical path.
Timely construction project management means knowing how to float or delay some construction activities that will not affect the overall project delivery date. It also means prioritizing and accelerating those critical construction activities that must be carried out without delay because a change in the timeline will cause a cascading delay for the entire project.
Managing Costs Efficiently
The construction management team is held accountable by project stakeholders, and it is incumbent on the construction manager to stay aware of budget constraints. This means having an efficient model for building structures that will result in a quality product at a fair price.
Tracking costs is the only way to stay within budget and have a successful construction project. Here is where industry partnerships can play a vital role in managing costs. Construction managers must take advantage of all cost-saving strategies, such as volume order discounts, using prefabricated assemblies, and using construction software to automate many administrative tasks.
A good construction management provider will have access to heavy equipment and construction tools, reputable and fair construction material vendors, quality trade subcontractors, and a pool of general laborers. To manage costs efficiently, it is up to the construction manager to make sure all involved entities remain accountable - delivering materials, skill sets, or equipment that are of the quality and quantity expected.
Maintaining High-Quality Standards
Quality control is vital in constructing a safe and sound home or building. A good construction management team will set a bar for acceptance or rejection of all subcontract work performed and validated with regular inspections. Not only is the construction manager looking for subpar work but also for construction deficiencies that may present much further down the road.
The price of the construction project often dictates the quality standard in construction. For example, a residential construction manager should never use builder-grade materials when the project calls for quality grade. And, while a commercial project built to Grade A features high-end materials and craftsmanship, a Class C structure must still be structurally sound and fit for occupancy.
Mitigating Risks and Challenges
Every construction project should have risk mitigation factors inherently included within the project plan. This includes identifying potential risks or hazards and planning to reduce or eliminate those risks. Risks are involved in every part of major construction. There are financial risks due to supply chain challenges along with material or equipment cost increases. There are productivity challenges due to bad weather, labor shortages, or a change in the project scope.
Consider the legal and contractual risks that arise due to contract ambiguities or discrepancies, along with the challenges associated with local, state, or federal regulations or code non-compliance. Construction managers must also deal with environmental risks such as unforeseen geological/soil conditions or environmental contamination.
A risk assessment is made to identify any financial challenges, safety hazards, and environmental concerns, along with a contingency plan to settle any legal disputes or financial issues. While it is impossible to plan for every risk or challenge associated with construction, you can still have an outline of how to manage or mitigate risks when they do arise.
It's clear that construction management is not only important for a successful project but critical to ensure the quality of construction, timely project completion, and adherence to all construction safety rules and government guidelines. Buildout Pros provides all levels of construction service, including occupied remodeling and ground-up builds. We cover a wide range of commercial construction from office and hospitality to medical offices, salons, and retail.
If you're considering a new construction project, don't take chances with a general contractor that doesn't prioritize the customer. At Buildout Pros, we provide a seamless, end-to-end customer experience, including commercial design, pre-construction planning, ground-up construction, facility service, and maintenance.
Contact Buildout Pros today and discover how we partner with our clients for a smooth and hassle-free construction experience.
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