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:

-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.

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What Are The Biggest Challenges In Commercial Construction?

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

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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.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Pre-Con Meeting: Aligning On Expectations

Posted on December 17, 2024December 17, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 5 min

Why Pre-Construction Meetings Matter:

Pre-construction meetings, also called pre-installs or preparatory meetings, take place three weeks before work starts. These meetings ensure all trade partners are aligned, expectations are clear, and the project kicks off smoothly.

Unlike owner pre-construction meetings, these are focused sessions with trade partners to address project-specific details and set clear priorities.

Key Steps to Align Expectations:

Understand the Owner’s “Top 10” Priorities:

Identify the top 10 things that are most important to the owner.
Examples could include critical features like lobbies, waterproofing, or staircases.
Document and communicate these priorities to all trade partners.

Review Checklists for Installation Work Packages:

Use a checklist to streamline installation work packages.
For repetitive projects (e.g., data centers, multi-family buildings, restaurants), leverage previous data to highlight improvements.
Review these checklists to ensure consistency and quality.

Collect and Highlight Pre-Mobilization Items:

Gather critical documents before the meeting, such as:
- Safety manuals.
- Quality manuals.
- Emergency contacts.
- Drawings, specifications, RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings (with key points highlighted).
Focus on highlighted content to save time and emphasize critical requirements.

Align on Safety and Quality Expectations:

Discuss project safety and quality standards to ensure clean, safe, and organized job sites.
Make sure the foreman understands and signs off on the quality plan.

Start the Meeting with Priorities:

Kick off the meeting by reviewing:
- Owner’s Top 10 priorities.
- Installation checklists.
- Highlighted pre-mobilization documents.
- Safety and quality expectations.

Why This Matters:

Pre-construction meetings are crucial for:

Avoiding misunderstandings and costly mistakes.
Setting clear expectations for safety, quality, and priorities.
Ensuring trade partners are aligned and ready for smooth project execution.

Final Thoughts:

A well-structured pre-construction meeting sets the foundation for project success. By documenting priorities, reviewing key documents, and aligning on expectations, you’ll ensure your team is ready to execute without surprises.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How To Conduct A Post-Construction Lessons Learned Review

Posted on December 16, 2024December 16, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

In this blog, we’ll dive into how to successfully conduct a post-construction Lessons Learned review—a process that can significantly enhance your team’s performance and lead to continuous improvement across projects. This structured approach will ensure that valuable insights are not only captured but actively applied to improve future projects.

Why Is a Post-Construction Lessons Learned Review Important?

A post-construction Lessons Learned review is vital for:

Identifying and resolving recurring issues.
Highlighting successes to replicate on future projects.
Ensuring feedback is shared with key teams like estimating, preconstruction, and business development.
Strengthening client relationships and positioning for repeat business.
Building a solid reference class of past project data for better forecasting.

The key takeaway? This process ensures you can consistently improve from project to project, achieving leaner, more efficient operations.

Key Steps to Conduct a Successful Review:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to performing an effective post-construction Lessons Learned review:

Set the Stage & Define Objectives:

Establish a clear purpose for the review.
Prepare the necessary data and documents beforehand.
Develop a structured agenda and allocate time for each topic to keep the session focused.

Review Project Data & Documentation:

Evaluate the following critical metrics and reports:

Project schedule and its adherence.
Budget reports to analyze cost control.
Quality control and safety reports for compliance and improvement opportunities.
Change orders and communication logs for identifying process bottlenecks.
Lean KPIs like roadblock removal, buffer ratios, and percent plan complete (PPC).

This step not only helps assess the current project but also reveals areas for better tracking and reporting in future projects.

Facilitate Open & Honest Communication:

Create an environment of trust where team members can:

Discuss challenges without fear of blame.
Focus on systemic issues rather than individual errors.
Share actionable insights for improving processes, systems, and culture.

Focus on Key Areas for Reflection:

Use structured questions to guide your discussion, such as:

How effective was the project schedule and budget control?
Were roles and responsibilities clearly defined?
Did the project adhere to safety protocols?
What was the level of client and stakeholder satisfaction?

Addressing these areas ensures that you gather comprehensive feedback for continuous improvement.

Collect Information & Plan for Improvements:

Document all insights and recommendations. Involve key stakeholders like estimators, preconstruction leaders, and business development professionals to ensure these lessons translate into actionable strategies.

Identify Actionable Improvements:

The review’s findings must be integrated into the organization’s processes, including:

Standard work procedures for estimating and preconstruction.
Training programs for business development teams.
Huddle boards and SOPs for field implementation.

Make It a Continuous Process:

A single review isn’t enough—repeat this process for every project. Use the insights gained to refine your methods, strengthen your workflows, and improve collaboration across teams. When done consistently, these reviews create a culture of continuous improvement and lean thinking.

The Client Connection:

A post-construction review is also an excellent opportunity to leave a lasting impression on your clients. By addressing project outcomes openly and proactively, you demonstrate professionalism and reliability, ensuring that you remain their first choice for future projects.

Key Takeaway:

A well-executed post-construction Lessons Learned review is essential for continuous improvement. By capturing and actively applying insights, you can enhance team performance, streamline processes, strengthen client relationships, and create a data-driven foundation for better project planning and execution in the future.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Pre-Con Meeting: How To Prepare The Meeting

Posted on December 13, 2024December 13, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

How to Prepare for a Pre-construction Meeting

Preparing for a Pre-construction meeting—also called a pre-installation or preparatory meeting—is a critical step for successful project execution. This blog aims to clarify what this meeting entails, why it’s crucial, and how you can prepare for it effectively.

What Is a Pre-construction Meeting?

A Pre-construction meeting, as discussed here, is not the same as the one you might have with the owner or a city inspector. Instead, it’s the meeting held to prepare a work package with the trade partner approximately three weeks before starting the actual work.

Though various terms like pre-installation or preparatory meeting are used, the intent is consistent: it is specific to the work package and aligns with long-term planning best practices.

Why Pre-construction Meetings Are Crucial:

This meeting plays a vital role in ensuring smooth project execution by fostering alignment between all stakeholders. It addresses four key habits for successful long-term planning:

Pull Planning: Begin three months out to structure workflows.
Pre-construction Meetings: Conduct these three weeks before the work package starts.
Six-Week Look-ahead Planning: Prepare detailed weekly work schedules.
Supply Chain Alignment: Adjust procurement buffers and feeding buffers as needed.

By following these habits, you can avoid common pitfalls such as delayed starts, defects, and production delays.

Key Outcomes of a Pre-construction Meeting:

The goal of the meeting is simple: ensure that trade partners have everything they need to install the work package efficiently. This includes:

Accurate Information: Plans, specs, RFIs, and installation instructions.
Visual Systems: Tools to plan, build, and finish the work package.
Prepared Teams: Educating foremen and crews for a seamless start.

Without proper preparation, the first zones will take longer, increasing the likelihood of defects and delays in meeting production schedules.

What Happens in a Pre-construction Meeting?

These meetings typically involve trade partner project managers, superintendents, and foremen. If the foreman is absent, the meeting cannot be effective. Information transfer between first planners (initial preparation) and last planners (foremen and crews) is a key aspect.

Core Agenda:

Set Expectations: Define clear objectives and deliverables.
Work Package Planning: Outline the specifics of the task at hand.
Installation Instructions: Detail the processes for proper execution.

How to Prepare for a Pre-construction Meeting:

Preparation takes approximately a day and a half of focused work. Key preparatory steps include:

Gathering Documents:
- Contracts, plans, and specs.
- Approved RFIs, submittals, and shop drawings.
- Installation instructions and applicable codes.
- Safety and quality plans.
Highlighting Key Details:
- Ensure all necessary items are reviewed and marked for clarity.
Organizing Information:
- Use tools like red folders (as Hensel Phelps does) to keep everything easily accessible.
Compiling Checklists:
- Prepare internal company checklists or customized installation work packages.
Ensuring Team Readiness:
- Confirm trade partners meet insurance and bonding requirements.

Essential Materials Checklist:

For the meeting to be effective, ensure the following are available:

Highlighted drawings, specs, and shop drawings.
RFIs and submittals (approved and marked).
Safety and quality plans.
Emergency contact lists.

Final Thoughts

A well-prepared Pre-construction meeting is the cornerstone of successful project execution. Spending the necessary time and effort upfront ensures trade partners and teams are ready to hit the ground running.

By consistently following these practices, you’ll enhance your team’s efficiency, minimize risks, and keep your projects on track.

Let’s make every Pre-construction meeting a step toward excellence!

If you want to learn more we have:

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What Do Utility Contractors Do? Responsibilities Explained

Posted on December 12, 2024December 12, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 8 min

What Do Utility Contractors Do? Responsibilities Explained

I get asked all the time: What does a utility contractor do? Is this a profession, a scope, or a trade that you might want to explore? Should you consider starting a business in this field? In this blog, I’ll share my insights about utility contractors, their scope of work, and what makes this industry so fascinating and rewarding. Having gained extensive experience in this field, I’ll also discuss the types of utility construction work available.

How Utility Contractors Can Achieve Success:

First of all, I’ve seen countless utility contractors succeed immensely. At LeanTakt and Elevate, we collaborate with many civil and utility contractors. They are thriving with systems like Takt, Last Planner, and Scrum, leveraging these lean principles to great effect. I recently worked with a contractor who shared how implementing these systems ensured all their projects were on schedule and profitable. It’s not as hard as it might seem, provided you have the discipline to follow proven methods.

The Potential of Underground Utility Contracting:

Having grown up watching companies like Conco Construction evolve into underground utility experts, I can confidently say that this business can be incredibly lucrative and fulfilling. Companies in this field are known for precision, consistency, and creating impactful projects. The work may involve technical challenges, but it’s highly manageable and rewarding.

Here’s an interesting observation: many successful utility contractors I know own impressive trucks and boats, symbolizing the financial success this industry can offer. While it’s not about flaunting wealth, it highlights how profitable this line of work can be when done well.

Key Responsibilities of a Utility Contractor:

So, what does a utility contractor actually do? Let’s break it down:

Installation of Utility Infrastructure:
Utility contractors install critical systems like water, sewer, stormwater, gas, electrical, and telecommunications infrastructure. It’s a highly specialized field requiring expertise and precision.
Maintenance and Repair:
Routine maintenance and emergency repairs, such as fixing leaks in water or gas lines, are a big part of the job. This requires deep technical knowledge and a keen eye for safety.
Excavation and Trenching:
If you’re passionate about heavy equipment and earthwork, this part of the job will excite you. Excavation and trenching are fundamental to laying utility lines.
Coordination with Other Contractors:
While coordination is minimal compared to other trades, utility contractors often need to navigate traffic, pedestrians, and spatial constraints on active job sites.
Public and Private Utilities:
Most utility work involves adhering to strict regulations and inspections, especially for public projects. However, private utility work tends to be more profitable, so balancing both is key.
Testing and Quality Control:
Ensuring systems are installed correctly involves rigorous testing, like pressure checks for water lines or TV inspections for gravity lines. Quality control and precise survey layout are vital for success.

Types of Utility Contractors:

Utility contracting is a diverse field with various specializations, such as plumbing, electrical, gas, telecommunications, and excavation. Some companies focus on onsite or offsite work, while others do both. Regardless of specialization, the industry offers ample opportunities to excel and grow.

Starting a Utility Contracting Business:

If you’re considering entering this trade, whether as an employee or a business owner, here’s what you’ll need:

Technical knowledge.
Safety awareness.
Heavy equipment operation skills.
Problem-solving abilities for unforeseen challenges.

This work is high-risk but also high-reward. It’s essential to master repeatable systems and processes to create a successful and efficient operation.

Final Thoughts:

Utility contracting is a remarkable field that combines technical expertise, financial rewards, and the satisfaction of contributing to essential infrastructure. If you’re interested in this line of work, dive in, gain experience, and work your way up. Whether you’re backing your new boat down the ramp or enjoying the pride of a job well done, this industry has so much to offer.

I hope this blog inspired you to explore the world of utility contracting!

If you want to learn more we have:

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How Can I Get A Construction License?

Posted on December 11, 2024December 11, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 6 min

In this blog, I’ll share the most summarized way to get your construction license. This guide is concise yet comprehensive, and I believe you’ll appreciate the clarity and focus. Let’s dive in!

Importance of Planning Early for a Construction License:

If you’re looking to get your construction license—whether it’s a general contractor’s license or a specialty license—the best advice is to start planning early. Begin with the end in mind. Ask yourself:

Do you want to be a construction manager?
Do you want to work in design, engineering, or as a specialty contractor?

Each license type has its own requirements, but they share common prerequisites. I recently acquired my general contractor’s license and realized the value of early planning to meet experience requirements.

How to Start Planning and Gaining Experience:

Think Long-Term:
Reflect on your goals—what do you want to achieve in the next 15 years, 5 years, or even the next year? If having a contractor’s license is part of your future, start now.
Meet Experience Requirements:
Many licenses require 2-5 years of experience in your specific trade or role.
- Get the qualifications needed to land relevant jobs.
- Continuously learn and deliver results during this period.

How to Get the Right Education and Training:

Education and training are vital. Some licenses demand specific courses or certifications beyond work experience.

Plan Ahead:
Consider the costs, duration, and how you’ll balance work and family commitments.
Budget:
Save early or find cost-effective ways to complete your training.

Tips to Pass the Exam:

To get licensed, passing the required exam is crucial. Here’s how to prepare:

Study Materials:
Obtain the necessary resources and establish a consistent study habit.
Budget for Courses:
Courses can be costly. For instance, preparing for my general contractor’s license exam cost about $1,000. If you’re younger and starting out, this might feel substantial, so plan your finances accordingly.

How to Prepare for Insurance and Bonding:

If you’re aiming for a contractor’s license, you’ll need insurance and bonding. While this step can be handled through agencies, it’s good to have some savings set aside for these essentials.

How to Improve Financial Stability:

Financial stability is critical for obtaining and maintaining a construction license. While I’m not a financial advisor, here are tips based on my experience:

Read Valuable Resources:
Books like Killing Sacred Cows and What Would the Rockefellers Do? can provide insights into cash flow and financial planning.
Establish Cash Flow:
Consider options like whole-life insurance policies that allow you to borrow cash for business needs.

Final Tips for Getting a Construction License:

Background Check: Ensure your record is clean, as this is part of the licensing process.
Save for Application Fees: Set aside funds for application-related costs.
Define Your End Goal: Structure your plan and efforts to align with your long-term objectives.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How To Prioritize People Over Efficiency In Projects

Posted on December 10, 2024December 10, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 6 min

How to Prioritize People Over Efficiency in Construction Projects

In this blog, I’ll share the proven approach to planning and executing construction projects that prioritize people without compromising efficiency or profitability. This method, which I’ve used repeatedly, creates a positive, sustainable environment that respects individuals while delivering exceptional results. If you’re interested in balancing respect for people with effective project outcomes, read on.

Why People Come First:

Construction isn’t just about steel and concrete—it’s about people. Respecting and caring for the individuals on your team is the foundation for project success. Every person involved has a right to:

Be treated with dignity.
Understand their role clearly.
Have their ideas considered.
Participate in planning and decision-making.

This people-first mindset isn’t just ethical; it’s practical. When you care for your employees, they’ll take better care of your clients and your projects.

Avoiding Overburdening in Construction:

A key principle of lean methodology, as embraced by Toyota, is to address overburdening first. Overburdening happens when workers are:

Pushed into unsafe or rushed conditions.
Expected to handle more than their capacity.
Forced to work overtime or in overcrowded zones.

Rather than starting with resource or work efficiency, prioritize stabilizing the work environment. This creates a foundation where efficiency can develop naturally, without harming people.

Strategies for People-First Project Management:

Flow Planning:
Create clear pull plans and ensure trades work in a steady flow. Avoid trade stacking (too many people in one area) and trade burdening (spreading resources too thin).
Look-Ahead and Weekly Work Plans:
Use these tools to align work with capacity and ensure tasks are achievable without overburdening teams.
Design Around Bottlenecks:
Identify areas where progress slows and adjust the design, equipment, or methods to reduce strain on workers.
Safety, Cleanliness, and Organization:
Ensure the site is always safe and organized to minimize stress and maximize efficiency.
Visual Systems:
Implement visual aids to track progress and identify constraints. These systems help teams work cohesively toward efficiency without rushing or pushing.

What Happens When Work Is Prioritized Over People:

Focusing solely on efficiency at the expense of people can lead to serious consequences:

Overworking and harming workers.
Unsafe job sites.
Increased accidents and mental health issues, including a high suicide rate among construction workers.

Rushing, pushing, and prioritizing value-receiving time over worker well-being is not just unethical—it’s counterproductive.

The Lean Way: People First, Efficiency Second:

Lean practices in construction emphasize protecting people first. Here’s the process:

Respect and stabilize the team.
Create a safe, organized, and clean environment.
Work in a single process flow.
Align tasks with capacity.
Incrementally improve efficiency by addressing bottlenecks.

When you prioritize people, efficiency follows organically. A well-supported team is more productive, engaged, and capable of delivering outstanding results.

Conclusion:

The misconception that work efficiency should come first has no place in modern construction. By focusing on people, respecting their needs, and creating a stable environment, you can achieve both ethical practices and exceptional project outcomes.

If you want to learn more we have:

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Is My Project Actually On Schedule?

Posted on December 9, 2024December 9, 2024 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 9 min

Is My Project Actually on Schedule? Here’s How You Can Know for Sure

In construction, one of the most critical questions you can ask yourself is, “Is my project actually on schedule?” The answer doesn’t lie in your macro-level plan or even your norms. To truly determine whether your project is on track, you need to dig deeper into your short interval production plans, look-ahead plans, and weekly work plans. This is where the real tracking happens.

If you’re looking to improve your project scheduling and tracking process, this blog will walk you through exactly how to monitor progress effectively and adjust your plans as needed.

The Importance of Tracking with Short Interval Plans:

When managing construction projects, keeping an eye on the details is crucial. The macro-level plan is important, but it doesn’t always tell you what’s happening on the ground. To ensure you’re staying on schedule, you need to compare your real-time progress with the short interval plans. This allows you to spot any deviations early and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

One key to successful construction projects is the ability to finish as you go. This doesn’t always show up in your larger plans but becomes evident when you compare your daily or weekly progress with your production plans. It’s crucial to track and update your plans as conditions change on the job site.

Tracking Progress on the Ground:

Let’s take a look at an example from a project we’re currently working on. In this case, I’m on level three of the building, and I have both the look-ahead and weekly work plans for the area. These plans include zone maps and other helpful information that make it easy to identify what’s happening in each zone. For example, I can see that the room I’m in is zone number seven, and the last task listed in that zone is final clean.

The room is mostly finished, but I notice that some tasks are still pending. Permanent power isn’t in place yet, which means lighting, commissioning, and final cleaning can’t be completed. This is a real-world issue that affects the schedule. By recognizing the gap between the plan and actual progress, I can update the production plan to reflect this and communicate with the team to adjust accordingly.

The Power of the Weekly Work Plan:

While the look-ahead plan is useful for visualizing the bigger picture, the weekly work plan is even more detailed and helps you focus on specific tasks for the week. With the weekly work plan, you can break down activities by zone and track progress step-by-step. This makes it easier to see where any delays are occurring and where handoffs between teams need to happen.

Keeping these plans updated is essential. Conditions on the job site can change quickly, and the only way to manage these changes is by adjusting your plans to reflect reality. Field walks are key for this—superintendents and field engineers need to be out on the site with their plans in hand, updating them as they go.

How to Know If Your Project Is on Schedule:

So, how can you be sure your project is on schedule? The answer is simple: compare your real-time field progress with the short interval plans. If you’re not doing field walks and actively comparing what’s happening on the ground with your production plans, you won’t have an accurate understanding of your project’s status.

This is where the true value of tracking comes in. Field walks and consistent updates ensure that your production plans are realistic and reflect the current state of the project. If you’re not updating your plans, you’re essentially operating in the dark.

Key Takeaways:

Field walks are essential: You cannot rely solely on office discussions or project software. You need boots on the ground to verify progress.
Always update your plans: As conditions change, update your production and work plans to reflect the current situation.
Use short interval plans: Regularly track your progress against short interval plans and adjust as needed to stay on track.
Collaborate with the team: Share updates with the team, especially the foreman huddle, so everyone is on the same page about where things stand.

Conclusion:

To truly know if your project is on schedule, you must actively compare real-life field progress with your short interval production plans. This requires field walks, consistent updates to your plans, and collaboration with your team to address deviations and adjust schedules in real time. Relying solely on macro-level plans or office discussions will leave you blind to critical on-site realities.

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