December 2024 - Elevate Constructionist

Rules Of Flow In Construction: Triage

Posted on December 31, 2024December 31, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 6 min

How Triage Can Revolutionize Flow in Construction Projects

When it comes to optimizing construction projects, prioritizing tasks and resources effectively can make all the difference. In this blog, we’ll delve into the concept of triage, explore its origins, and learn how it applies to creating flow in construction. Whether you’re managing multiple projects, prioritizing phases, or focusing on daily crew tasks, this principle is a game-changer.

What Is Triage?

The term “triage” originates from medical emergency rooms, where patients are prioritized based on urgency. A heart attack patient, for example, takes precedence over someone with a minor flu. In the construction world, triage means assigning urgency and priority to projects, phases, or tasks to ensure maximum efficiency and flow.

The Role of Triage in Construction:

Triage in construction can apply at multiple levels:

Project Selection: Only take on high-priority, profitable projects that align with your team’s strengths.
Phase Prioritization: Focus on critical infrastructure phases like superstructures before worrying about less urgent items like a pool that’s due months later.
Task Management: Within crews, prioritize the most impactful tasks first to avoid overburdening resources.

This structured approach allows you to concentrate on tasks that truly matter, ensuring smoother operations across all levels.

Handling Bottlenecks and Constraints:

The theory of constraints teaches us that bottlenecks are inevitable in any system. However, triage can help you mitigate their impact.

Identify urgent and important items that must be tackled first.
Avoid exceeding the system’s capacity by overloading it with low-priority tasks.
Create what we call the “Red Zone,” focusing on tasks that you’re good at, enjoy doing, and are profitable.

By narrowing your focus to the Red Zone, you can avoid spreading resources thin and maintain steady progress.

Practical Applications of Triage in Construction:

Here are four actionable strategies to implement triage in your construction projects:

Gate System: Only add new tasks or projects into the workflow if they meet priority and capacity requirements.
One-In, One-Out Policy: Complete an existing task or project before taking on a new one.
Regular Reviews: Continuously evaluate the flow and adjust priorities to ensure maximum efficiency.
Full-Kit Preparation: Before starting any new phase or task, ensure all necessary resources are available to complete it effectively.

The Benefits of Implementing Triage:

When applied correctly, triage can lead to:

Improved Throughput: Faster project completion by focusing on critical tasks.
Higher Quality: Better outcomes as teams have the capacity to focus on delivering quality work.
Cost Savings: Reduced waste by avoiding overcrowded job sites and idle resources.

By prioritizing tasks effectively, you can achieve greater efficiency, save money, and reduce stress across your teams.

Key Takeaways for Construction Flow:

At every level—company, department, project, or crew—triage is crucial. Focus on high-impact, high-priority tasks and avoid getting caught up in the “thick of thin things.” By doing so, you prevent overburdening your resources, maintain morale, and improve overall productivity.

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

How To Construct A Project Plan

Posted on December 30, 2024December 30, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

How to Construct a Project Plan: Key Steps and Components

Planning is the backbone of any successful construction project. In this blog, we’ll explore the essential components of creating an effective project plan. Whether you’re curious about what’s involved in planning or why it’s critical to success, you’re in the right place! Let’s dive in.

The Key to Successful Construction Projects:

The foundation of a successful project is planning, planning, and more planning. According to the book How Big Things Get Done, projects with well-structured plans, effective systems, trained teams, and room for experimentation perform significantly better.

The preconstruction phase—the period before any work begins on-site—is critical. Why? Statistics cited in “How Big Things Get Done” show:

Only 47.9% of projects finish on budget.
8% finish on budget and on time.
A mere 0.5% meet all the owner’s expectations for budget, schedule, and quality.

How to Create a Macro-Level Takt Plan:

The first step is developing a Macro-level Takt plan, a strategic one-page overview of your project’s timeline and flow. This plan includes:

Time-by-location formatting to visualize sequences and interdependencies.
Key milestones for project phases like foundations, superstructures, interiors, exteriors, and commissioning.
Diagonal trade flow and good sequencing to ensure smooth project execution.

Why is this critical? It provides the framework for procurement, trade leveling, and budget alignment. Your Macro-level Takt plan ensures that all stakeholders, from management to trade partners, are aligned on project goals.

How to Create a Logistics Map:

A comprehensive logistics map is the next essential piece. These maps address:

Safety measures and wayfinding.
Mobilization, including laydown areas, worker facilities, parking, and equipment (e.g., cranes, forklifts, hoists).
Phase-specific logistics for superstructures, interiors, exteriors, and closeout.

Your logistics map ensures that logistical support aligns with your project’s strategic plan. Additionally, it helps you budget for general requirements (toilets, fencing, trailers, etc.) and general conditions (project management staff costs).

How to Create Zone Maps:

Divide your project into manageable zones to streamline planning and execution. A zone map breaks down the site into distinct areas, such as floors or sections, based on your Macro-level Takt plan.

This zoning approach directly correlates with project speed. Understanding your zone strategy allows you to:

Identify bottlenecks, such as slow trades or complex zones.
Plan resources effectively for each phase.

How to Address Trade and Zone Bottlenecks:

Identifying and addressing bottlenecks is vital. These could be:

Trade bottlenecks: Slow-performing trade partners affecting the project timeline.
Zone bottlenecks: Hard-to-access or constrained areas causing delays.

Optimize bottlenecks by improving how tasks are designed, fabricated, and delivered. For instance:

Adjust designs for more efficient installation.
Optimize material fabrication processes.
Enhance delivery methods to enable crews to work more efficiently.

How to Plan Zoning Strategies to Shorten Project Duration:

Smaller zones mean shorter project durations. A zoning strategy that reduces the size of work areas can significantly cut overall timelines. For example:

A two-zone strategy may take twice as long as a four-zone approach.
Smaller zones enable faster completion of tasks, creating buffers to handle unexpected delays.

How to Gain Buffers in Your Plan:

Buffers are essential for mitigating risks and ensuring project timelines remain achievable. By identifying bottlenecks, optimizing zones, and refining plans, you create flexibility in your schedule, making it easier to adapt to unforeseen challenges.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

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5 Tips To Speed Up Your Construction Project

Posted on December 27, 2024December 29, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 5 min

Five Tips to Speed Up Your Construction Project

Welcome to this blog where we dive into proven strategies to speed up your construction project while maintaining quality and efficiency. Many traditional approaches—like rushing, pushing, or throwing extra resources at a project—often result in delays rather than speeding things up. Here, we’ll explore five methods that truly work, supported by real-world applications.

Strategies That Slow Down a Construction Project:

Before we discuss what works, let’s identify what doesn’t. Avoid these common mistakes:

Rushing, pushing, or panicking.
Adding excessive materials to the job site.
Overworking labor with overtime.
Throwing money at problems.
Increasing work in progress beyond capacity.

All these tactics create bottlenecks and inefficiencies, leading to delays. Now, let’s focus on actionable solutions.

Identify and Optimize Bottlenecks:

In a time-by-location format, you can visually identify bottlenecks, such as trade or zone-specific issues. Address these by:

Splitting crews or preparing secondary teams early.
Prefabricating components to streamline installation.
Leveling out workloads in problematic zones.

By optimizing these bottlenecks, you can significantly enhance the flow and speed of your project.

Adjust Your Zone Sizes:

Smaller zone sizes lead to shorter durations. By dividing your project into more zones, you create manageable work areas that enable teams to complete tasks faster without sacrificing quality. This simple adjustment has a profound impact on overall timelines.

Design to the Work Package:

Speeding up doesn’t mean adding labor or working overtime. Instead, focus on designing, fabricating, delivering, and installing more efficiently. Collaborate with trades to explore:

Alternative design approaches.
Prefabrication opportunities.
Improved delivery methods.

This ensures faster and smoother execution while keeping all stakeholders aligned.

Use the Last Planner System:

Planning ahead is key. Implementing the Last Planner System involves:

Collaborating with trades to create a detailed pull plan.
Looking ahead six weeks to identify and remove potential roadblocks.
Weekly work planning to ensure readiness and alignment.

This proactive approach keeps everyone prepared and on schedule.

Align Work in Progress to Capacity:

Maintaining balance is crucial. Keep the work in progress aligned just under your project’s capacity. Exceeding capacity creates inefficiencies and delays. A steady flow of work ensures smooth progress and prevents a productivity spiral.

Key Takeaway:

Efficiently speeding up construction projects requires identifying and optimizing bottlenecks, reducing zone sizes, designing work packages for efficiency, planning proactively with the Last Planner System, and maintaining work in progress below capacity limits—without resorting to rushing or overloading resources.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Pre-Con Meeting: How To Create An Effective Plan

Posted on December 26, 2024December 26, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 5 min

How to Create an Effective Plan for Your Pre-Construction Meeting

In this blog, we’ll explore the essentials of running a successful pre-construction meeting (also known as a pre-install or preparatory meeting). These meetings are pivotal for aligning trades, ensuring readiness, and setting the tone for a smooth project execution. Here’s how you can make the most out of your pre-construction meetings to empower foremen and create a cohesive team dynamic.

When to Hold the Pre-Construction Meeting:

Schedule your pre-construction meeting three weeks before the work begins. This allows enough time to address unpreparedness and reschedule if necessary, ensuring everyone is aligned well in advance.

Key Areas to Discuss:

Overall Project Schedule:
- Review the schedule in detail, confirming that all foremen and team members understand the timeline.
- Discuss any final planning items and ensure alignment with the pull plan, look-ahead planning, and weekly work plans.
Safety Plan:
- Clearly outline safety expectations and protocols.
- Discuss specifics such as tie-offs, shoring for excavations, and other critical safety measures.
Quality Standards:
- Go beyond setting expectations—delve into the methods and processes that ensure quality.
- Define the key deliverables and benchmarks for maintaining quality throughout the project.
Logistics and Coordination:
- Cover zone maps, trailer layouts, and staging areas for materials and equipment.
- Discuss how the trades will collaborate and how their work will align with other activities on-site.
Risk Management:
- Review potential risks and opportunities.
- Use this time to address any red flags or challenges that could impact the project’s progress.
Supply Chain and Procurement:
- Ensure everyone is aware of the procurement log and current status of the supply chain.
- Align on timelines for materials and equipment delivery.

Creating the Installation Work Package:

Everything discussed in the meeting should be reflected in the installation work package. This package includes:

Installation Instructions: Step-by-step guidance for executing the work.
Annotated Plans: Updates based on discussions during the meeting.
Inspection Criteria: Clear benchmarks for assessing progress and quality.

The meeting minutes should feed directly into these planning deliverables, providing a comprehensive guide for execution and inspection.

If you want to learn more we have:

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What Are The Best Practices For Safety On Construction Sites?

Posted on December 26, 2024December 26, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

Best Practices for Ensuring Safety on Construction Sites

Safety is the most critical aspect of any construction project, and running an effective safety program is non-negotiable. In this blog, I’ll share actionable steps to create and maintain a safe construction environment. These are methods I’ve used successfully as a superintendent and that have been instrumental in ensuring worker safety and site efficiency.

Let’s dive into the core principles of a successful safety program.

Establish a Comprehensive Safety Program:

A great safety program starts with accessibility and clarity. Forget bulky manuals full of walls of text. Instead, develop a streamlined, visually engaging set of guidelines.

At DPR Construction, I admired their Environmental Health and Safety Manual. It was easily searchable, had bullet points, forms, and visuals—perfect for quick reference. Your safety plan should be just as accessible and easy to implement.

Train Everyone for Safety:

Training is the cornerstone of safety. Make it mandatory for every worker to complete OSHA 10 training, and require foremen to complete OSHA 30 training.
This ensures that:

Everyone understands safety expectations.
Workers are familiar with site-specific and company-specific safety plans.
Communication about safety starts before workers step onto the site.

Consistency in training creates a unified team where everyone is on the same page.

Teach Hazard Identification:

Proactively identifying hazards is vital. During weekly site walks with safety directors like Janet How from DPR, we would:

Teach workers to recognize potential hazards.
Develop action plans to address risks.
Resolve issues promptly—ideally within 24 hours.

This proactive approach keeps safety at the forefront and minimizes incidents.

Enforce the Use of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment):

The way someone handles basic PPE—such as safety glasses, hard hats, gloves, and boots—indicates their overall approach to safety.

Key practices:

Require 100% compliance with PPE rules.
Make PPE mandatory for everyone on-site.

When workers consistently wear their PPE, they’re more likely to follow other safety protocols as well.

Focus on Big Safety Hazards:

Pay extra attention to high-risk scenarios such as:

Confined spaces.
Electrocution hazards.
Falls or being caught between equipment.
Excavations requiring shoring.

Adopt a zero-tolerance policy for violations in these critical areas. Always inspect, plan, and monitor rigorously.

Have Emergency Procedures in Place:

Emergencies can cloud judgment, so preparation is essential. Post clear, step-by-step emergency procedures prominently on-site. When a crisis occurs, workers should be able to follow these procedures immediately and confidently.

Enhance Communication and Visual Safety Systems:

Create an environment where safety is evident even in your absence:

Install handrail systems, warning lines, and lock-out/tag-out systems.
Use signage and structural elements to guide and protect workers.
Regularly inspect and maintain these systems.

Visual safety measures ensure ongoing awareness and compliance.

Maintain Accountability:

Accountability is key to fostering a culture of safety. Implement a zero-tolerance policy for violations, not as a punishment, but as a way to:

Provide retraining and resources for those who need it.
Address unsafe behaviors promptly.
Encourage everyone to rise to safety standards.

On projects with over 300 workers, this approach resulted in only a handful of incidents. It demonstrates that people will meet high expectations when accountability is consistent and fair.

Final Thoughts:

Safety is non-negotiable. A safe site is an organized, efficient, and productive site. Start by implementing these practices, and you’ll see a tangible difference in the safety and morale of your team.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How Long Can Construction Stop Traffic?

Posted on December 24, 2024December 24, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

How Long Can Construction Stop Traffic? A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to construction projects, one of the most pressing concerns for contractors, motorists, and pedestrians alike is understanding the impact on traffic. Nobody enjoys road closures, detours, or prolonged delays, and as contractors, it’s our responsibility to minimize disruptions while ensuring a safe and efficient workflow. In this blog, we’ll break down the average durations of various construction projects, offer planning tips, and share insights to help you manage traffic control effectively.

Average Durations of Construction Impacts:

Understanding the scope and timeline of a project is the first step in effective traffic planning. Here’s what you can expect:

Utility Work: Several hours to several days.
Road Resurfacing: Several days to several weeks.
Bridge Repairs: Several weeks to several months.
Major Road Construction: Several months to several years.
Highway Expansions: Typically, 1 to 3 years.

Knowing these general timeframes helps you anticipate the level of impact your project may have on local traffic.

Key Considerations for Traffic Planning:

Planning for traffic control requires a mindset that prioritizes the safety and convenience of motorists and pedestrians. Imagine your grandmother driving through or walking near the project site. What would you do to ensure her safety and minimize her inconvenience?

Think Beyond Your Project:
It’s not just about what the project needs; it’s about balancing those needs with the requirements of the people who use the roadways. Always ask, “How will this impact the flow of vehicles and pedestrians?”
Categorize Construction Work:
- Short-term: Hours to days.
- Mid-term: Days to weeks.
- Long-term: Months to years.
- Massive Expansions: Years. The more complex and long-term the project, the more detailed your planning must be.
Understand Regulations:
Local rules play a significant role in determining what you can and cannot do. For example, in downtown Phoenix, lane closures are typically denied unless there are extenuating circumstances. Always comply with permitting, traffic management plans, and public notice requirements.
Plan for Emergencies:
Emergency vehicles must always have access. Incorporate detours, work zones, and alternate routes into your traffic management strategy.
Minimize Public Impact:
Consider these strategies:
- Lane shifts or partial closures.
- Night work to reduce daytime congestion.
- Phased construction to limit disruptions.
Prepare for External Factors:
Weather conditions, seasonal variations, and unexpected delays can impact your project timeline. Build contingencies into your plan.

Why Proper Traffic Control Matters:

Improper traffic control can lead to accidents, injuries, and even fatalities. It’s not enough to set up standard signage or follow a templated plan. Each project requires a tailored approach that considers all aspects of public safety and convenience.

Substandard signage: Can confuse drivers and lead to accidents.
Poor traffic control: Puts pedestrians and motorists at risk.
Lack of notice: Creates unnecessary frustration for the public.

By taking the time to plan thoroughly and work with local authorities, you can ensure your construction project is both efficient and considerate of those who rely on the affected roadways.

Final Thoughts:

Traffic control during construction is as much about customer service as it is about logistics. Always prioritize safety, minimize disruption, and approach planning with empathy for those impacted.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How Do I Handle Change Orders In Construction?

Posted on December 23, 2024December 23, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 6 min

How to Handle Change Orders in Construction: Key Steps and Strategies

Managing change orders effectively is one of the most critical aspects of successful project management in construction. Change orders can easily derail your project if not managed properly. In this blog, we’ll cover key strategies and actionable advice to ensure your projects stay on track, even when change orders arise.

The Importance of Managing Change Orders:

Change orders will likely occur on your projects—it’s not a matter of “if” but “when.” Managing them requires precision, clear processes, and a proactive approach.

Here’s why it’s important:

Unmanaged change orders can cause delays and budget overruns.
They often introduce chaos if not handled systematically.
Properly managed, they can minimize disruptions and maintain client satisfaction.

Key Rules for Handling Change Orders:

Project Contingency First: Always ensure potential change orders are projected from a contingency fund. Never execute work without financial authorization or an open potential change order (PCO).
Separate Contract Work from Change Orders: Focus first on the contract work. Handle change orders with separate crews and administrative support to avoid mixing and overburdening teams.
Clear and Consistent Processes: Document changes thoroughly. Do not proceed without approvals and ensure proper release forms are in place.

How to Manage Change Orders: 12 Steps

Establish Clear Contract Language: Define the process for handling change orders upfront in the contract.
Document Changes Properly: Ensure all changes are well-documented with clear approvals.
Estimate Impacts: Create a rough order of magnitude or detailed cost estimates for each change order.
Obtain Client Approval: Never proceed with work not explicitly authorized by the client.
Standardize the Process: Use templates or standard workflows to streamline approval processes.
Track All Changes: Keep updated records in your project management software.
Control Scope Creep: Avoid unnecessary or excessive changes that increase costs and complexity.
Communicate Regularly: Keep all stakeholders informed about the progress of change orders.
Collaborate with Trade Partners: Involve trades in estimating, planning, and executing changes.
Include Buffers and Contingencies: Account for uncertainties in change orders.
Avoid Scope Confusion: Clearly define the limits of each change order.
Address Disputes Early: Resolve disagreements promptly to avoid delays.

Common Challenges with Change Orders:

Overburdened Teams: Mixing change orders with contract work can overwhelm project teams.
Lack of Documentation: Skipping proper documentation leads to disputes and financial risk.
Inefficient Approvals: Delayed approvals can stall progress and create confusion.

Tips to Stay on Top of Change Orders:

Focus on Key Priorities: Always prioritize core contract work first, ensuring the primary scope stays on track.
Use Visual Aids: Mark change order areas on zone maps to track progress visually.
Stay Organized: Maintain accurate, up-to-date records for budgeting, progress, and approvals.
Collaborate: Work with your trades and stakeholders to streamline the process and avoid bottlenecks.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Average Construction Project Manager Salary

Posted on December 20, 2024December 20, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

Average Construction Project Manager Salary: Insights, Ranges, and Tips to Boost Your Earning Potential

When people search for “average construction project manager salary,” they often wonder if this career can lead to financial success. The short answer is: yes, it absolutely can. In this blog, I’ll share accurate salary ranges, opportunities for higher earnings, and tips to position yourself on the higher end of the pay scale.

If you’re considering a career as a construction project manager, or you’re already in the field and want to maximize your earning potential, keep reading.

Why Construction Project Management is a Rewarding Career:

Being a construction project manager offers more than just a paycheck. It’s an incredible career path for those willing to learn, stay sharp, and consistently deliver excellence. Respect, continuous self-improvement, and an ability to adapt are key traits that can help you thrive in this role.

Now, let’s dive into the numbers you’re here for.

Average Base Salaries for Construction Project Managers:

The salary range for construction project managers varies widely depending on experience, company size, and location. Here’s what you can expect:

Entry-Level (0–3 years): $60,000–$100,000/year.
Mid-Level (3–7 years): $80,000–$100,000/year.
Senior-Level (7+ years): $101,000–$150,000/year.

For top-performing senior project managers in larger firms, the base salary can go beyond $150,000.

Total Compensation Beyond Base Salary:

Many project managers enjoy additional perks that significantly boost their overall compensation, such as:

Benefits: Often valued between $25,000–$35,000 annually.
Retirement Packages: Typically range from $5,000–$20,000/year.
Stock Options: Depending on the company, these can add $5,000–$120,000/year once fully vested.

In some cases, these benefits can bring total annual compensation to $260,000 or more for experienced managers at larger firms.

Factors That Affect Your Salary:

Location: Salaries differ by region. For example, wages are higher in expensive cities like Los Angeles, New York, or San Francisco.
Industry Segment:
- Higher-paying sectors include industrial, commercial, and mining projects.
- Lower-paying roles are often found in custom homes, multifamily construction, or trade partnerships.
Company Size: Larger companies typically offer higher salaries due to greater resources.
Education & Certifications: Degrees, certifications, and skills in areas like Lean construction, VDC, sustainability, or project management software can significantly increase your value.

Global Construction Project Manager Salaries:

Outside the U.S. and Canada, salaries vary widely:

Canada: $75,000–$100,000 CAD.
Europe: Salaries depend on location and roles, which are often structured differently than in North America. For example, European roles like site manager often combine project management and field leadership responsibilities.

Tips to Increase Your Earning Potential:

Earn Relevant Certifications: Explore certifications in Lean, Takt planning, VDC, and sustainability.
Take On Complex Projects: Gain experience with larger, more demanding projects.
Develop Negotiation Skills: Read books like Never Split the Difference to hone your ability to secure win-win outcomes.
Pursue Advanced Education: Commit to continuous learning. Dedicate at least two weeks annually to acquiring new skills.
Improve Soft Skills: Books like How to Win Friends and Influence People can help you build better relationships.
Join Larger Companies: These organizations often provide better compensation and growth opportunities.
Expand Your Network: A strong network can open doors to better roles and higher salaries.
Stay Updated with Industry Trends: Being ahead of the curve on best practices and tools can set you apart.
Deliver Results: Demonstrating a consistent ability to complete projects on time and within budget will boost your value.

Key Takeaway:

Construction project management can be a lucrative and fulfilling career. By focusing on continuous improvement, networking, and leveraging the right opportunities, you can significantly increase your earning potential.

If you want to learn more we have:

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What Are The Biggest Challenges In Commercial Construction?

Posted on December 19, 2024December 19, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

What Are the Biggest Challenges in Commercial Construction?

Commercial construction projects come with unique challenges that, if left unchecked, can lead to costly delays, budget overruns, and other inefficiencies. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the biggest challenges in the industry, explain why they happen, and provide actionable solutions to overcome them. Stay with us as we dive into these crucial insights!

Budget Overruns:

Budget overruns are a significant issue in construction, with research revealing that the average project runs 60% over budget. This often occurs due to inadequate planning and risk management during the early stages.

To avoid budget overruns:

Create a Macro-level Takt plan early on to establish realistic labor hours and project costs.
Use a reference class for your budget to ensure it aligns with historical data from similar projects.
Conduct a risk review to identify and address potential overruns, documenting everything in a risk and opportunity register.

Through proactive planning and risk assessment, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of budget overruns.

Workforce Issues & Skilled Labor Shortages:

Labor shortages and workforce inefficiencies are often misunderstood. The root cause is not a lack of workers but poor resource utilization. On any given day, approximately 80 workers on a typical project site are underutilized, waiting for tasks, or performing rework due to preventable issues.

To tackle this problem:

Implement the Takt Production System and Takt planning to create even workflows.
Ensure tasks are properly sequenced and roadblocks are cleared before work begins.
Provide proper training and prepare work packages in advance to ensure readiness.

By focusing on efficiency and preparation, you can make the most of your available workforce and overcome labor shortages.

Project Delays:

Delays are inevitable in construction due to weather events, missing materials, or unexpected disruptions. Unfortunately, the typical response—rushing, adding more workers, and increasing overtime—often exacerbates the problem.

A better approach includes:

Identifying trade and zone bottlenecks and optimizing them.
Properly zoning projects to streamline workflows.
Preparing better designs for work packages to reduce duration without overburdening teams.
Aligning work-in-progress with resource capacity using tools like the Last Planner System.

This approach not only narrows timelines but also minimizes the negative impact of delays.

Safety Risks:

Safety is a non-negotiable priority in construction. A safe worksite requires a well-maintained environment, clear expectations, and proper onboarding for all team members.

To maintain safety:

Define clear standards and expectations for every worker on-site.
Provide comprehensive training and onboarding sessions.
Regularly inspect and maintain a safe working environment.

Commit to holding the line on safety, ensuring that nothing compromises the wellbeing of your team.

Supply Chain Issues:

Supply chain challenges often stem from poor planning and management. Late procurement or mismanaged logistics can halt progress and inflate costs.

To overcome supply chain issues:

Map out your production plan early, identifying long-lead procurement items.
Break down procurement by project zones to streamline delivery.
Establish a weekly procurement lock to track and address real-time issues.

Starting early and managing procurement efficiently will mitigate supply chain delays and ensure smooth operations.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How Long Does It Take To Construct A Building?

Posted on December 18, 2024December 19, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

How Long Does It Take to Construct a Building?

When estimating construction timelines, there’s more to consider than just averages. In this blog, we’ll explore the average timelines for different types of buildings, key factors that influence construction durations, and a reliable method to forecast project timelines accurately.

If you’re curious about how long it takes to construct a building and want to ensure your estimates are accurate, this blog is for you.

Key Averages for Construction Timelines:

Here are the average durations for different building types:

Residential buildings: 6 to 12 months.
Multi-family buildings: 12 to 18 months.
Commercial buildings: 12 to 18 months (mid-sized commercial: 18 to 24 months).
Large commercial projects: 2 to 5 years.
Industrial buildings: 9 to 18 months.
Manufacturing plants: 1 to 2 years.
Schools and universities: 1 to 2 years.

These durations can vary based on complexity, region, and project-specific challenges.

Factors That Influence Construction Durations:

Several factors can significantly impact how long a construction project takes. Let’s dive into the most critical ones:

Type and Complexity of the Project:

The complexity of a building dramatically affects timelines. For example:

A simple multi-family project with standard finishes and minimal features will take less time.
High-end multi-family projects with advanced MEP systems, solar panels, and architectural features can extend the timeline. Similarly, a basic laboratory might take 18–20 months, while a high-end laboratory designed to attract top researchers could take 23–26 months.

Permits and Approvals:

The location and type of project can either expedite or delay permits. In high-demand areas with overburdened permit departments or strict design requirements, the process can take significantly longer.

Site Preparation:

Preparing the site is often overlooked but can add considerable time:

Soil stabilization.
Rerouting utilities.
Preserving historical site elements.

Weather Conditions:

Weather plays a vital role. For instance:

Rain and snow can cause delays of weeks or months.
Frozen ground in colder regions can halt foundational and utility work.

Additional Factors:

Other elements to consider include:

Labor shortages.
Material supply chain issues and lead times.
Unique structural components (e.g., stadium roofs, dams, or bridges).

The Best Way to Forecast Timelines: Reference Class Forecasting:

The most reliable method for estimating project durations is reference class forecasting. By analyzing historical data from similar projects (e.g., program type, region, size), you can create a realistic forecast for future projects.

Key steps include:

Building an internal database of past projects for reference.
Considering averages and specific risks for each project.
Anchoring timelines to realistic expectations rather than wishful thinking.

Tips for Accurate Planning:

To get the best results:

Go through the design and Pre-Construction process thoroughly.
Develop a Macro-level Takt plan with multiple iterations and team reviews.
Assume the worst-case scenario to create a more realistic timeline.

Final Thoughts:

Determining how long a construction project will take requires a mix of averages, reference data, and an understanding of site-specific challenges. By following these best practices, you’ll be better equipped to create accurate timelines and set realistic expectations.

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