Construction Management: The Importance Of Planning

Posted on: 9 February 2022

Planning is a significant part of the process of any new construction project. There is a lot to keep up with when managing construction projects, and you might not be able to manage it all on your own. The following construction management information will help you understand why planning is so important:

Start with a Plan That Includes a Budget and Schedule

At the outset of every construction project, developing a detailed plan that includes a budget and schedule is vital. This is crucial for larger projects that require more manpower and resources. Your plan should address:

  • Site preparation, including the removal of trees and earthwork
  • Construction of the foundation
  • Building envelope (the structure)
  • Finishing work, such as installing plumbing, electrical wiring, and insulation

You'll need to determine who will provide materials and labor, along with an estimated cost for every phase of the project. A construction manager can handle these tasks or consult with you on how to do them yourself. You'll also need to develop a timeline for each phase of your project so you can ensure it's completed on time. Developing a detailed plan before construction begins is one of the most important steps in any construction project and helps ensure it proceeds smoothly.

Optimize Your Resources During Construction Planning 

Construction management is a complex and constantly evolving field. In the face of budget cuts, staff reductions, and complex regulations, construction managers are increasingly turning to plan tools and methodologies to help them optimize their resources, reduce costs and meet deadlines.

Construction planners use a wide range of techniques to plan projects from beginning to end. These include:

  • Work breakdown structures (WBS): A WBS defines the scope of a project and helps coordinate tasks within the project. Planning with a WBS allows for better resource planning and easier tracking of activities that need to be completed.
  • Activity/resource loading: Organizations can use activity/resource loading to determine which resources are available for each activity during each time period. This helps organizations assign projects properly and anticipate any resource shortages during construction.
  • Risk analysis: Planners can do risk analysis at various levels in the project creation process. This lets them identify potential risks early on, so they can make informed decisions about whether or not to take on certain projects.
  • Quality assurance: Quality assurance protocols let planners ensure that all necessary quality considerations have been addressed throughout the planning process.
  • Safety planning: Construction sites are dangerous work environments, and it's critical to have safety plans in place when creating new construction projects.

Optimized planning will ensure a successful project from start to finish. 

Construction management is all about planning, so if you're going to get into construction management, you need to make sure that you've got some plans of your own. Contact a construction management service to get the professional help you need with your project.  

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