In this blog, I won’t cover every single task involved in project planning, but I will outline the key steps that, if followed, will set you up for a smooth planning process. So, what’s the most important first step? What is the key to all future planning that, if missed, could spell disaster? What are the 12 crucial steps you must follow? Let’s dive in.
- Establish the Planning Team
The most important first step is establishing your planning team. Before anything else, you need to know who is on board. If you don’t have all the right people at the start, make sure you know when they’ll be available at the key stages. Who will build the project? Having the right team from the beginning will set the foundation for everything that follows. Remember: it’s always about the who, then the what.
- Understand What You Promised
It may sound simple, but understanding what was promised is critical. In the proposal or during interviews, commitments were made—perhaps about timelines, equipment, or specific project conditions. Step two is knowing exactly what those promises are and making sure your team is aligned with those expectations. Missing this step is like working in a restaurant without hearing the customer’s order—you can’t serve what they actually wanted.
- Know the Project Parameters and Budget
You must clearly understand the parameters and budget of the project. What’s the timeline? What’s the budget? This is where lean methodologies and construction planning come into play. By knowing the constraints, you can plan efficiently within those boundaries.
- Get to Know the Project Inside and Out
Before you even begin scheduling, fully understand the project. Dive into the plans, specs, soil reports, and any other documentation available. Don’t just skim through; learn every detail.
- Understand the Region
Where are you building? Understanding the region is crucial. The weather, labor force, and local risks can all impact your planning. For example, building in Phoenix requires different strategies compared to building in Washington or Utah. Know the local conditions to plan effectively.
- Confirm You Can Meet the Overall Project Duration
Using tools like takt planning, confirm that the overall project duration is achievable. This should happen as early as possible in the planning process.
- Ensure You Can Meet the Budget
After confirming the project duration, ensure that you can meet the budget. Both timeline and budget are key to a successful project.
- Get Builders Involved Early
One of the most important mid-process steps is getting the builders on board. Don’t create a plan and then hand it off to the builders without their input. The people who are building the project must be involved in the planning phase to ensure its success.
- Break the Project Down Into Segments
Break down your project into phases or work breakdown structures. Go through each element page by page and build the sequences before looking at the project as a whole. This step-by-step breakdown will make planning more manageable and less overwhelming.
- Take Notes As You Go
Throughout the planning process, take diligent notes. Every detail, thought, or insight should be documented and integrated into your planning deliverable. These notes will help you create a comprehensive project plan that leaves no room for tribal knowledge or forgotten details.
- Have Your Plan Reviewed by a “10th Man”
Always have a fresh pair of eyes review your plan—a concept known as the “10th Man Rule.” This person should play the role of devil’s advocate, questioning every assumption to make sure your plan is robust and foolproof. Consider hosting a “fresh eyes” meeting to review the plan in detail before finalizing it.
- Package and Share Final Deliverable
Finally, after your review and any necessary corrections, package all the deliverable and share them with the entire team. Everyone should be on the same page, working together toward the common goal of project success.
These 12 steps form the foundation for a successful construction project planning process. Planning is where success begins, and by following these steps, you’re already well on your way
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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