What Is Construction Planning?

When it comes to the construction process, planning plays a crucial role in ensuring success from start to finish. In this blog, we’ll explore the six types of planning that every builder or construction manager must be involved in, share essential long-term habits, and highlight one often-forgotten aspect of construction planning. Let’s dive in.

Phase 1: How to Plan to Win the Job

The planning process starts even before you land the project. This phase involves submitting a written proposal and participating in an interview. Planning for these stages is not just a marketing strategy; it’s an integral part of starting the job. Key Points:

• The Hero’s Journey: Your client is the hero, and you are the guide. As their guide, it’s your job to identify the key challenges they may face in the project and offer solutions that will help them succeed. This step sets you apart as an essential partner in their project.
• Macro-Level Takt Plan: Create a one-page macro-level takt plan for the project. Keep it simple yet strategic, so the client can easily see how you plan to deliver results. Avoid overwhelming them with long, complex schedules.

Phase 2: Planning Inside the Design of the Project

Once you’ve won the job, your role shifts to helping the design team stay within budget and on schedule. This phase involves working through concept design, schematic design, and early design development. Key Objectives:

• Stay on Budget: Help the design team stay on track by providing real-time input on budget and scheduling.
• Constructability Reviews: Ensure the project remains feasible at every step by conducting regular constructability reviews.

Phase 3: Starting the Construction Project Right

Getting a project started on the right foot is critical to long-term success. This phase focuses on setting up the project for success by organizing quality meetings, permits, and getting the necessary contractors mobilized. Tips for Success:

• Start Strong: Proper planning at this stage can make or break the project. Ensure everything is in place for a smooth start.
• Detailed Scheduling: Work with trade partners to create a detailed schedule, outlining the next 90 days to get things moving.

Phase 4: Production Planning

Production planning is about collaboration. In this phase, you’ll work with your team to involve all stakeholders and ensure smooth operations throughout the construction process. Core Practices:

• Pull Planning: Plan each phase of the project in detail, looking ahead four to six weeks at a time.
• Day Planning: Break tasks down into daily goals to maintain momentum and keep the project on track.

Phase 5: Scope Planning

Scope planning ties into quality control. This phase is where you work with your trades to ensure that everything is in place—materials, schedules, and logistics—before the work begins. Key Focus Areas:

• Pre-Construction Meetings: Conduct these meetings two to three weeks before the start of work to make sure all details are ironed out.
• Permits and Approvals: Ensure that all necessary permits and approvals are obtained before starting any major tasks.

Phase 6: Task-Specific Planning

This final phase involves the foreman’s task-specific planning. By this stage, all other planning steps should be complete, allowing the foreman to focus on leading the team effectively. Important Considerations:

• Pre-Task Plans: Ensure the foreman has everything needed—materials, equipment, permissions—to lead the crew effectively.
• Quality Checklists: Make sure the foreman has access to the necessary checklists to guarantee that work meets quality standards.

Final Thoughts on Construction Planning

To wrap up, effective construction planning involves not just focusing on the tasks at hand, but also ensuring that every phase of the project is thoroughly prepared for. From winning the job to delivering high-quality work on time, planning is the key to a successful construction project. If you’re a senior supervisor, project manager, or construction manager, remember that planning is your most valuable skill.