So you’ve landed a big commercial construction job but are now feeling the pressure when it comes to making sure everything gets done on time and within budget. It can be a little intimidating and your company’s reputation will be affected based on the outcome of such projects, so it is important to get everything right to ensure you have the best possible chance to get the job finished.
These tips cover the basics of what you need to be doing to keep the job on track. If you cover all of them then you have a great chance.
Tip #1 – Make a Timetable
Perhaps the most important tip of all is making sure that you have a project plan in place before you start work. Ideally this will have been part of the tender process anyway so you should have a good idea of what needs to be done and when, but it is still important to keep during the project as it allows you to account for any problem areas. Organise the work and, where possible, try to leave yourself some breathing space in the allotted construction time so that you can adjust the plan as needed and take account of any issues that might arise.
Tip #2 – Have All the Information
Starting a project based on assumptions can put you on the fast track to delays. It is important to know about every factor that could affect the eventual outcome so make sure you go into the job fully informed. Don’t be afraid to ask the people hiring you about anything that makes you unsure and, if they can’t provide the answers, ensure that they hire the people that can. Things like the quality of the land you’re building on or the suppliers being used can have a big effect on what happens during the project.
Tip #3 – Hire the Right People
Your project plan is only as good as the people that you have hired to implement it, so it is vital that you get the right crew in place to ensure that every job is carried out professionally. For larger construction projects this will mean gathering together people that you know you can trust and that carry any relevant qualifications. Versatility is also useful and it helps to have more than one person on the crew who is capable of carrying out a job, just in case something happens with one of the workforce. Keep the crew happy and make sure to utilise their talents to the fullest.
Tip #4 – Always Be Adjustable
It is rare that a construction project goes perfectly to plan, which is why we stated earlier that the plan needs some room for manoeuvre. Make sure to re-evaluate where you stand with the project on a weekly basis, at the very least, so that you can make any necessary adjustments to the plan. It’s no good simply assuming that everything will continue to run fine if an issue does arise, so make sure problems are handled appropriately and dealt with quickly.