In this blog, I’m going to walk you through a simple, effective pattern for managing a construction project step-by-step. This approach is tied to the Integrated Production Control System, and I’ve designed it in such a way that you can follow it easily and implement it immediately. Let’s dive in!
Key External Factors to Observe Before Starting a Construction Project
Before you take on any construction project, it’s crucial to assess external factors that could affect the project’s success. Here are five key considerations:
- The Project’s Paradigm: Does the owner and the project’s team understand how this project should be managed, focusing on respect and timely completion? If not, there may be challenges ahead, and you might need to either protect yourself or reconsider involvement.
- Leadership Mindset: The owners, designers, and management team need to be aligned with a lean implementation mindset—one that values respect for people and aims to deliver the project on time.
- Project Goals: Sometimes, projects have goals that aren’t aligned with timely completion or respect for people. If that’s the case, it may be wise to reconsider your involvement because success will be difficult to achieve.
- Structure of the System: From contracts to organizational structure and rules, everything needs to support the successful execution of the project.
- System Rules: These rules should enable you to do your job efficiently—whether it’s related to scheduling, organizing the team, or handling delays.
By carefully observing these external factors before jumping into a project, you set a solid foundation for success.
What to Do in the Design & Pre-construction Phase
Once you’ve assessed the external factors, the next phase is design and pre-construction. Here’s how to get started:
- Win the Project: This involves preparing a solid proposal and nailing the interview by solving the owner’s problems and adding value from the beginning.
- Align the Team: Once awarded, ensure the project team is aligned with the right budget, schedule, and conditions of satisfaction.
- Support the Design Team: During the design development phase, offer real-time feedback, budgeting, and scheduling updates.
- Start Planning Early: By the midpoint of design development, ensure the builders, PMs, and supers are involved in planning the project. It’s crucial that the people who will build the project have input in the planning process.
- Prepare to Start Strong: In the 90 days before the project begins, focus on holding quality pre-construction meetings, organizing visuals, and preparing for mobilization. This sets the tone for success right from the start.
Minimum Outcomes of the Design & Pre-construction Phase
By the time design and pre-construction wrap up, you should have:
- A tax plan
- Zone maps
- A logistics plan
- A risk and opportunity register
- Your procurement log and trailer design ready
In addition, the design should be complete, and your guaranteed maximum price (GMP) should be locked in.
How to Manage a Construction Project
Once the project begins, managing it effectively is key to success. Here’s a breakdown:
- Build the Right Team: Ensure you have the right balance in your team, with each individual in the right role.
- Have a Production Plan: You need a solid production plan that is reflected in your contracts and backed by a risk and opportunity register.
- Focus on the Supply Chain: Ensure you have the right procurement strategy, coordination, and logistics to support your trade partners.
- Foster the Right Culture: You can’t just focus on people and plans—you also need the right culture on-site. Clean, safe, and organized environments, along with effective onboarding, are key.
Key Systems to Implement in a Construction Project
Once your team, plan, and culture are in place, you need to ensure everything flows smoothly using the right systems:
- TAKT Production System: This is essential for managing trade flow on your project.
- Last Planner System: This helps ensure trade partners engage in pull planning, look-ahead planning, and weekly/daily work planning, which keeps the project on track.
4 Key Components to Managing a Construction Project
Even with these systems in place, there are four other critical components you must manage:
- Trade Partner Preparation Process: Each trade partner should go through a thorough process from buyout to pre-construction meetings, first-in-place inspections, and follow-ups.
- Accountability: Implement a system that ensures safety, quality, and accountability at all times.
- Continuous Improvement: Always look for ways to improve through problem-solving and feedback.
- Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Use metrics and feedback to measure your project’s success and make necessary adjustments.
To dive deeper into the concepts and systems discussed here, check out the First Planner System book. It provides detailed tools, visuals, and even grading criteria to help you assess your progress.
I hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions or need assistance as you implement these strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go
