How To Manage A Construction Project At The Beginning

How to Manage a Construction Project at the Beginning: A Field-Proven Strategy

Managing a construction project from the very beginning is critical. The early stages set the tone for everything that follows—productivity, quality, team culture, and most importantly, the pace. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the key considerations for starting a project strong and highlight the crucial risks you must watch out for.

Let’s dive in.

1. Start Fast and Strong:

The beginning of a project is your best chance to build momentum. You typically have fewer trade partners and fewer dependencies, which means you can move quickly without constant coordination friction. This is the phase where driving at “80 miles per hour” makes sense—once you’re mid-project with 40 trades involved, that level of agility becomes nearly impossible.

2. Preconstruction: 3 Months Out:

Roughly three months before your actual start date, the builder team needs to be fully engaged. You should already have:

• A master schedule (macro-level Takt plan).
• A detailed production plan (norm-level Takt).
• Visibility on long lead items.
• Deferred submittals initiated.
• Coordination drawings in progress.

Anything that can be designed, approved, or procured ahead of time should be handled in preconstruction.

3. Procurement is a Priority:

Procurement delays are one of the biggest risks to your schedule. Identify your long lead items early—switchgear, air handlers, curtain wall systems, imported tile, and elevators are all common culprits. Use your Takt plan to reverse-engineer the timeline and trigger procurement right on time.

4. Don’t Overlook Temporary Utilities:

This is one of the most underrated parts of starting a project. Without water, you can’t grade. Without power or communications, your site will stall. Identify:

• Water source and permitting path.
• Power drop logistics.
• Internet/communication access.

Line up your site utility contractor and electrician early. Don’t let temporary utilities become a showstopper.

5. Handle Permanent Utility Conflicts Early:

Existing utilities like duct banks, gas lines, and communication cables can derail your project if they’re in the way. These often take months to relocate. Get ahead of it. Coordinate with the utility providers, understand relocation timelines, and make it part of your preconstruction focus.

6. Survey Setup: Your Grid Starts Here:

Surveying is foundational. Before your Notice to Proceed (NTP), identify:

• Basis of bearing coordinates.
• Benchmarks and elevations.
• Grid layout requirements.

Start traversing the site and setting your primary control at least six weeks out. Field engineers should be actively leveling and looping two weeks before breaking ground.

7. Sequence the Work for Quick Mobilization:

Once you know your trades, create a pull plan for fast mobilization. Use week-by-week drawings to visualize how the site will evolve. Ensure the following are in place:

• Grading to first pad.
• Utility clearances.
• Foundation sequencing.
• Quick trade handoffs.

Fast mobilization is your window to save time and build momentum.

8. Set Up the Team Early:

Your jobsite trailer and permanent team setup can’t wait. You’ll need:

• Power and communications for the trailer.
• Furniture, tools, and transport (Kawasaki mules, etc.).
• Team members on site, positioned close to the work.

As Patton said, “A command post as far forward as possible.” The same applies in construction.

9. Follow the Trade Partner Preparation Process:

Want to avoid confusion and chaos when trades show up? Follow the full preparation process:

• Buyout.
• Pre-mobilization meeting.
• Preconstruction (preparatory) meeting.
• Coordination and readiness checks.

These meetings should happen at least three weeks before work begins. That’s how you keep trades out of “treasure hunt” mode and ensure they’re aligned and productive from day one.