Construction Project Management (PM) diverges from the regular activity by involving and integrating broad cognition of the housing industry. Building PMs average around 120 responsibilities, according to the Construction Management Association of America, which means they have to be strategic and thoughtful about working in an environment impacted by constant change and multiple moving pieces. Fortunately, construction management has become more technical with the development of new software platforms to simplify many processes. But simply purchasing a work management tool or platform is not enough. Project managers must also figure out the best way to implement and sustain these tools. Here are five strategies to help construction managers become even more successful: 1. Use technology to improve your efficiency and productivity. Using technology can make it easier on you to manage the day to day operations of your job sites. 2. Build a team that works together to achieve common goals. This means building a strong team of people who share common goals, skills, and interests. It is important to have a clear vision of what you want your project team to accomplish and having everyone on the same page is important. 3. Create a culture of trust and understanding between your management team and your contractors where everyone feels comfortable sharing ideas of improving efficiency. Neither team can work well without the other. 4. Create a process of managing the Contractors and Sub-contractors. This would include how everyone gets their instructions, who is responsible for the work, and how they are compensated. 5. Create a system for making sure the project stays on budget. This could be through a weekly, monthly, or quarterly budget depending on the size of project and operation. Make sure the contractor and management team understand the time and materials costs and needs to make sure they are leveraged efficiently to stay on budget.
The project manager is responsible for setting up the schedule of a project and the scheduling of each different project. This will help to ensure that the project is completed on time and clients stay happy with the results and time frame of their projects. Clients usually would like to be able to trust that the project is being completed timely and as they expected when first quoted. But, time frames have been known to change, so make sure to keep your clients informed appropriately. It is an important job of the PM to keep in contact with the clients.Â
Lastly, one of the biggest questions is how to find good contractors the best way to find good contractors is by asking good contractors that you already know. Good contractors like to know Good contractors and like to know that when they refer someone that the job is going to be done well. If you do not know any good contractors go to the local hardware stores where the contractors usually get their materials and ask who the store would suggest. But, make sure to go early in the morning when the first open. Good contractors show up early to get their materials to get to the job on time. They want to make sure they don’t have to go back multiple times a day and waste your time and theirs. They should also be able to generally estimate time frame and cost of the job. If you do hire them they should also be able to stick very close to it. It shows they have experience with that kind of job. Feel free to also ask for images of past work and client references. Then make sure they are able to supply insurance certificates to make sure they are covered and legal.