Landing a new project is a great feeling, but effectively managing that project can prove to be a tedious and daunting task. Without the right tools at your disposal, managing your construction project can become a challenging project in itself.
Fortunately, with the proper planning and project management software, any project can be a success. Check out these four top tips for managing your next construction project, guaranteeing to bring about incredible construction results.
1. Establish Expectations
Setting clear goals and expectations at the beginning of a project is crucial for maintaining organization and accountability. Establishing consistent and clear objectives can avoid any miscommunication or confusion. This ensures your team is aligned with its goals and understands their individual responsibilities within the project. This practice in the project planning phase can take form in many ways, such as:
• Setting deadlines
• Delegating responsibilities
• Defining team goals
It’s important to discuss these criteria during team meetings, so team members can be given the opportunity to address any concerns they may have and gain clarity on current or future goals. However, it is beneficial to also have a written or online record of all decisions made, for easy reference and increased motivation.
2. Define Critical Milestones
In the midst of a long project, setting milestones can be extremely helpful and beneficial. They’ll aid in tracking your progress and ensuring that you are staying on top of your timeline. These milestones can be big or small. Having a healthy mix of both will give your team both long and short-term goals to strive towards. Considering highlighting:
• Important meetings
• Gained approval for funding or materials
• Met deadlines for a project phase
A completed milestone typically indicates moving onto the next phase of a project, creating a sense of accomplishment and motivation for team members. It can also be a good time to perform a review of the work that has already been done to maintain quality and ensure progress.
3. Manage Potential Risks
It’s easier to brainstorm solutions when you’re not already caught up in a crisis. Before and during a large project, remain cognizant of potential risks that may arise. This foresight can save you time and resources as you set plans and budgets in place for possible blunders.
Some risks to keep in mind include:
• Natural disasters
• Public objections to new builds
• Tax/stakeholder changes
• Damage or theft of company property
It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of any mishaps. Still, with proper planning and management beforehand, these problems can take less of a toll on your bottom line and project outcome. Taking steps to mitigate these risks will also lead to increased team confidence and efficiency.
4. Maintain Communication
For a large-scale project with an even larger team, maintaining communication can be easier said than done. However, taking the time to keep everyone in the loop will pay off in terms of improved productivity and will help keep your team on schedule. Having a place for employees to access information easily will improve project results and create a more welcoming platform for employees to seek guidance.
As a subcontractor, utilizing a project management software may come in handy when managing your project. These tools allow you to share goals, track milestones easily, and communicate as a team. Operating digitally through the Cloud, you and your co-workers can access the resources you need to successfully and efficiently complete any project you start. Whether in an office or on the go, your team’s expertise, aspirations, and achievements can be viewed right on your screen.
PlanHub, eSUB, and Your Project
Despite what pre-construction phase of the project you’re in, PlanHub has got you covered. Seek out, download, and bid for jobs all in one centralized location. When you’re ready to start construction, eSUB is our top choice for project management software.
eSUB’s intuitive interface makes for convenient communication and tracking, increasing productivity, and user-friendly satisfaction. For more information on how eSUB and PlanHub can help you manage your next project, contact us today!
