Did you know there are more than 968,000 construction workers in the United States? These laborers play a crucial role in building new structures, whether commercial or residential. Yet, there has to be a construction project plan before workers can grab their tools and get to work.

Usually, the construction management team is in charge of this vital step. They determine the feasibility and objectives of the project while setting a realistic timeline. 

What’s involved in creating a construction plan? Keep reading to find out! 

Scope

The scope of a project includes:

• Goals and expectations
• Project features
• Deadlines
• Finances
• Stages of construction

Defining these factors is crucial because they are the foundation for a viable construction plan. 

During this stage, it’s essential to keep the stakeholders’ and clients’ expectations and inputs in mind. Consider obstacles that may hinder the project’s success, such as financials or scheduling. 

Resource Schedule 

After establishing the project scope, the construction manager can create a resource schedule. It involves building a team of workers that can get the project started. This schedule should detail what tasks need to be done so management can hire the right workforce, avoiding setbacks.

Phases

Work breakdown structure consists of breaking up the phases of a construction project into more manageable pieces, which helps avoid oversights along the way. The construction plan should detail each stage, such as the work and resources needed. Each should be carefully tracked and have a budget.

Budgeting

Every construction project needs a budget, but it’s important not to get lax along the way. If one phase goes over budget, revising other areas to look for funds you can reallocate is vital. 

Another option is to consider spec home construction loans since this can allow owners access to more funds. 

Interdependencies

Although you should break down the project into different tasks, some of these will be dependent on each other. Careful coordination is necessary if the project is to run smoothly. 

The project manager helps by supervising the construction, ensuring each task is completed according to schedule and ready for the next team to start their duties. 

Quality Control

Clients and stakeholders not only want a project to be completed on time, they expect it to meet their quality standards. You should clearly define their expectations during construction planning, including specifics like the types of materials to be used. 

Project managers must ensure that every project phase meets the quality standards. One way of doing so is by conducting audits during each portion of the project. 

Risk Management

When planning a construction project, there are a lot of risks to consider. Going over budget, falling behind schedule, or injury on site are all things that managers should put steps in place to avoid. During the project, there should also be planned audits.

Feasibility

So many factors can impact the progress of a construction project, ranging from weather and the environment to finances and social or political issues. Shifts in these factors can put a project in jeopardy. 

Thus, before starting a project, it’s crucial to assess whether it is at risk of failure. They should conduct a feasibility study before pouring resources and time into a build that may not succeed. 

Since even the slightest delay can cost thousands of dollars, management should also run a time and cost analysis. Doing so will ensure the construction project is profitable.

Tips for Executing Your Construction Project Plan

While the elements mentioned are vital for creating a construction plan that is likely to succeed, there are other steps you can take during a project to ensure it goes as planned. Let’s take a look at a few.

Ensure Good Communication

Communication is key, from understanding clients’ expectations to relaying important information about the project to workers. It helps avoid misunderstandings and, in turn, setbacks.

Uploading documents about the project to a drive allows for collaboration and help everyone stay on the same page. 

Use Project Management Software

These days, most construction teams use some software. Doing so ensures they track and allocate resources appropriately. It can also help you assess the progress at all times and see what needs to be done. 

Just be sure to back up the data stored on the software so there is no risk of losing it. 

Keep a Close Eye on Your Teams

Being an active manager means getting involved in the project, being on-site, and observing how it’s progressing first-hand. 

Your teams will likely work more efficiently if you are on-site, and you’ll be able to catch potential problems (such as poor practices) before they spiral out of control. 

You’ll also see whether the project is delayed in one area or another, allowing you the opportunity to improve time management techniques on the project.

Be Flexible 

Don’t write your construction plan in stone. Some factors are non-negotiable, but you must evaluate others from time to time. When needed, you may need to adjust some areas of the plan to make it more practical or work with the resources you have available. 

Learn from Mistakes

Mistakes happen. Even when they cost money or lead to frustration, there’s something to be learned from them. So use disappointments as an opportunity to become a better construction manager and work more efficiently in the future. 

Make Your Construction Project Plan a Success!

Whether you are a professional or working on your first build, a construction project plan is necessary. After reading this article, you better understand what a plan should include and the factors you must consider before, during, and after a construction project. So, work on your plan to ensure your project’s feasibility and success!

If you would like more tips that can help jumpstart your company, browse more of our articles related to business and finances!