5 Essential Steps in Construction Planning

Construction planning is the cornerstone of project success, guiding every step from initiation to completion. By meticulously mapping out timelines, resources, and milestones, planners set the stage for smooth execution and efficient progress.

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1. Project Initiation

All project stakeholders should contribute to defining the project, finding a mandate, and identifying the resources and budget needed to complete it during the project initiation construction phase. It is recommended that a Project Initiation Document (PID) be drafted after the construction has been approved in principle. This document should include the business case, the feasibility analysis, and answers to critical issues concerning the organization and potential constraints.

2. Project Planning

The planning phase is when the project's direction will become significantly more concrete. A decision must be made regarding the actual scope of the project, the project objectives must be firmly established, and everyone in the project team must be provided with a unified direction. As mentioned, all goals established during a construction project's planning phase should be SMART or Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely, CLEAR or Collaborative, Limited, Emotional, Appreciable, and Refinable. These objectives are designed to ensure that your project remains on track by hindering scope creep and targets that are unrealistic or not well-defined.

Also Read: The Hidden Dangers and Neglected Protections in Construction

3. Execute the plan

Developing a high-level project schedule that includes significant milestones and necessary deliverables effectively ensures that everything stays on track. As soon as you have a timeframe in place, start mapping out the specifics of each project stage.

The following step is to convene a team meeting to discuss the plan and timetable for the building construction effort. If possible, discuss the expectations with each member of your team directly and give them the opportunity to ask questions about anything that they are unsure about.

Nevertheless, you may need to choose a project manager or managers to supervise your teams. Although you might be the lone project manager for a tiny organization, you still need to establish a schedule that details what you will be monitoring and when you will be checking it.

4. Track Your Progress

The performance of the construction project team that you are responsible for must be precisely tracked, and you must ensure they are meeting the parameters you have established. This procedure guarantees that you have data to determine why you failed to complete a project, which will prevent it from happening again.

Moreover, keeping precise records will allow you to evaluate the status of your building project and determine whether or not any course changes are necessary. Make sure you have our documentation tracker template close at hand so that you can monitor all of the project's deliverables and documentation. Proficient construction managers customarily monitor the progress of their projects through the utilization of key performance indicators (KPIs).

5. The Post-Construction/ Closeout Phase

The project closure phase is the final stage in the protracted procedure of devising and finalizing a construction undertaking. As soon as all of the work being done on the construction site has been finished, the project will conclude. Completing the punch list is only one component of the processes involved in closing off a project. Demobilization of necessary resources occurs, wherein equipment rentals are returned, cleanup of the worksite ensues, and subcontractors transition to other projects upon completing their assignments.

Related Article: 5 Vital Factors to Consider in Project Cost Calculation