Construction projects are highly structured endeavors, be it a building or a shopping mall or a single-dwelling residence. They consist of lots of moving parts and people that must be coordinated precisely. Construction project management consists of phases from planning, scheduling to the build. These phases are complex.
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What is Construction Project Management?
Construction project management is the process of managing construction projects. The distinction between construction project management and other projects is that most that construction is mission-based. That means that the project is only complete at the end of a project build. It has also been defined as managing resources over a project’s life through tools and methods. Means and procedures vary depending on the type of construction being handled.
Types of Construction Projects
There are several types of construction projects, depending on the variety of construction sectors. There are two sectors in construction: residential and commercial construction. Depending on the industry, there can be up to four different types of projects:
- Commercial and institutional construction
- Engineering construction
- Heavy industrial construction
- Residential home building and renovation
There are different types of construction projects that require construction management to be complete.
The Construction Project Manager
A construction project manager supervises construction project management. This person must plan, coordinate, budget, and manage the construction project.
The construction project manager has the following obligations:
- Communicating with clients and stakeholders – informing of them of the progress
- Creating work schedules and timetables
- Determine which strategies are most appropriate for the project
- Estimate and negotiate project costs
- Formulate budget
- Be the team lead in technicalities
- Work with building, construction, and regulatory specialists
Critical Principles of Construction Project Management
Commercial and residential construction project management requires several skills, along with the ability to work with a team. Construction project managers are required to follow the principles of project management during every phase of the project.
Conceiving and Initiating the Project
In regards to conception and initiation, one should always carry out a feasibility study. Analyze the goals, cost, and timeline to ensure you have resources to complete the project successfully. Make clear objectives and analyze risks in each phase.
Define and Plan the Project
Outline tasks with a timeline and resources required for each of the functions. Make the plan transparent and clear for easier understanding. Discuss and agree on the best time to begin and tools necessary.
Launch the Project
During the process of executing the project, taking the plan, implementing it, and all the changes and issues that can arise during such an approach. Whatever you promised must be achieved within the timeframe you noted. Ensure tasks of each team have been completed, which means workload management and resource allocation. Keep stakeholders in the loop during this period
Track Project Performance
Monitor performance to know the progress of the project. This should be done during every stage, but it is essential to assign a separate one. Flexibility and communication are critical to this stage.
The 4 Stages of Construction Project Management
When managing a construction job, there are specific objectives to be considered. They are attained in stages. The following are four steps you can take to organize a successful construction project management project:
Design
There are four necessary parts to designing a construction project. The project manager has to make sure your plan meets with building codes and other regulations. Under design, the following should be considered:
- The concept.
- The schematic design.
- Develop the design.
- Get the contract documents together.
Preconstruction
Once the bids are accepted, but before the ground is broken, you’ll have these three steps to work on.
- Investigate the site.
- Determine the rest of the personnel.
- Assign a project manager.
Procurement
Construction
Types of Construction Project Management
When looking into how to break down construction project management into types of projects, one must go to the source. There are three types of construction, in general, and they are buildings, infrastructure, and industrial. The distinction can be further divided by residential and non-residential.
From the three general types of construction, seven subsets can be listed.
- Residential
- Institutional
- Heavy Civil
- Environmental
- Commercial
- Agriculture
Construction project management is broken down into ten markets.
- Transportation
- Petroleum
- Buildings
- Power
- Industrial
- Water
- Manufacturing
- Sewer/Waste
- Telecom
- Hazardous Waste