Managing large-scale construction projects is a highly professional skill that requires detailed planning and a strategic approach. The contractors always look for the best ways to improve efficiency on their construction sites. A project manager leads and supervises the whole project with his experience and skills. The project’s success is the success of the contractor leading it. Large-scale projects are related to commercial projects. Managing commercial sites is a challenging building endeavor. So, a contractor must implement strategies and helpful tips to achieve maximum performance and profit. In this blog article, we will provide you with some insights and helpful tips to implement on large-scale construction projects that can deliver benefits and advantages to the contractors.
Large-scale construction projects are mega-commercial projects that include corporate office buildings, residential complexes, commercial towers, and high rises. Large-scale construction projects involved big investments and big milestones to achieve. Infrastructural development works and civil works are also included in large-scale construction projects. Hospitals, hotels, skyscrapers, highways, bridges, and airports are included. In large-scale projects, these projects are complex and need detailed attention with intricate planning for completion success. They demand a high level of expertise in project management. Commercial projects need export engineers, construction technicians, and highly professional management skills. The contractors must comply with these construction site’s regulations and safety standards. They must be able to face potential challenges with effective risk management strategies.
Why do we need project management skills at construction sites?
Each project needs comprehensive attention and a systematic approach. Site management includes different elements like coordination, execution of various tasks, and planning to complete working stages. The contractor can suffer a loss if these sources are not allocated properly. A working site also has supervisors, technicians, and skilled laborers. There is investment in each worker and in each resource. Using resources and labor wisely can lead to more progress and more profit. Even delays in work have a negative impact. All the team members must follow the timeline and schedule.
Additionally, if our contractor is very smart and intelligent, he can add more profit by utilizing the manpower, time factor, materials, and supplies in the best way. The contractors try their best to make the project successful. A skilled project management approach is the primary requirement for the success of a contractor as well as the success of the project.
Organizing timeline
Organizing the timeline is very important while managing the construction site. A contractor must organize all the working phases within a time frame with detailed timelines and milestones. He must learn how to manage resource allocation to maximize their performance. He should be an expert in budget forecasts to limit expenditures and maximize profit. The outlines of the time frame show the encircling of the scheduling of working divisions and working phases with deadlines. It should manage the different tasks and responsibilities of the team that is deployed at the site. Clear targets and milestones should be highlighted. Moreover, the timeline organization should also cover payment scheduling. It is the best strategy to organize our detailed timeline during the initial phase of the work. It should include all the details of accomplishing tasks from start to finish. This way, the project managers can update the situation through real-time evaluation.
Technical management
Technical management is the most important requirement for a contractor. Hire reliable and efficient subcontractors and supervisors. First, make sure to hire the best architects to manage the drawings and plans of the construction site. Get mandatory approvals for the site plan and drawings. Manage site survey and soil testing and geographic requirements. Hire the best professionals and experienced engineers who are experts in their field. Decide whether you need civil engineers, structural engineers, or MEP engineers. Arrange the best technicians for the installation of MEP and HVAC systems. Choose skilled workers who are professional and trained. A contractor has a good relationship with the market suppliers. Supply the best materials and high-quality equipment at the construction site. Be sure to follow the strict building codes. Apply the concrete work and steel structures with the best calculation and reinforcement.
Develop a detailed project plan
You need to develop an ideal project plan to achieve maximum results and more benefits. It includes managing resources, timelines, and budgets. There must be a strategy to fix a timeline for the completion of that project. Then, you need to make an average budget with the extended expenditures on extra work if needed. It would be best if you plan a comprehensive manpower framework. It will include the field engineers and technicians you need as well as the skilled laborers and workers you require to run the site. It will also mention the architects who will plan and design the project. The best resource allocation provides a road map to follow. Follow up on the road map and collaborate with the whole team in the best way possible to achieve the desired and required targets.
Customer-centric approach
The client is very conscious of the project’s success. He wants the best return on his investment in warranty if his project is completed within the time frame. He wants his investment to have positive results. You must satisfy the client during the work. Collaborate and communicate with the client to solidify his trust in you. The initial discussion highlights the mindset and requirements of the client. Try to understand his objectives and deliver the message accordingly. A customer-centric approach will provide you with a comfort zone and a perfect workflow. You can make changes easily according to the requirements. Consult with the client if you face any issues or conflicts. Maintain complete documentation and records of the projects.
Be strict with safety standards
Commercial projects and large-scale construction sites are not easy to handle. The Saudi government and building authorities have issued specific guidelines related to each specific building construction. Follow those regulations and building codes while working. Get the necessary permits, approvals, and certifications from legal authorities. Follow the local legal regulations for commercial site construction and development works. Be very strict with safety and security standards. You must care for the safety and security of your team, working side by side. On the other hand, you also need to comply with safety standards while building the project. Prioritize safety with effective communication. Ensure quality control and stay organized to manage the scope of work with perfect management.
Use advanced technological solutions
Incorporate advanced technological solutions to manage your site activities. Drive digital applications to record daily updates and frameworks. It will reduce manual paperwork and errors. It will also save time and money. Use the latest software for planning and designing the project and for account management. You can use cloud-based digital solutions to manage your project activities. Use the latest machinery on the site for excavation and foundation work. Choose the best equipment and high-quality materials. Utilize the Internet of Things, drones, and topography. Many project management software record real-time updates and allow members to collaborate. Utilize the software to speed up the work and digitize the management.
A proactive approach is key to Success
A proactive approach is a very supportive skill in project management. It is the key to success as a contractor. A proactive approach enables you to anticipate problems and predict upcoming circumstances. You can provide the best solutions and suggestions to face these problems. A proactive approach helps you find the best possible solutions using cost-effective strategies to control the dynamic factors that involve a commercial construction site. You can mitigate issues before they become big roadblocks and stop your site from progressing. It is an essential tip to make your site move forward with consistency. You can also provide the best and most cost-effective solutions that attract the client, save his budget and expenses, and keep the site running smoothly.
Build a positive relationship with the client and other stakeholders. You should encourage team members to take the initiative. The proactive approach also includes tracking progress and monitoring the site’s performance, and the employees engaged in the project. It keeps you updated on the situation. You can evaluate the work speed, the time factor, and the directions. Find any issue or other problem to solve promptly through an effective technique. Also, engineers should be encouraged to apply innovative technologies to speed up the work and adopt sustainable construction practices. Maximize applying sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices.
Conclusion
A proactive approach is a very supportive skill in project management. It is the key to success as a contractor. A proactive approach enables you to anticipate problems and predict upcoming circumstances. You can provide the best solutions and suggestions to face these problems. A proactive approach helps you find the best possible solutions using cost-effective strategies to control the dynamic factors that involve a commercial construction site. You can mitigate issues before they become big roadblocks and stop your site from progressing. It is an essential tip to make your site move forward with consistency. You can also provide the best and most cost-effective solutions that attract the client, save his budget and expenses, and keep the site running smoothly.
Build a positive relationship with the client and other stakeholders. You should encourage team members to take the initiative. The proactive approach also includes tracking progress and monitoring the site’s performance, and the employees engaged in the project. It keeps you updated on the situation. You can evaluate the work speed, the time factor, and the directions. Find any issue or other problem to solve promptly through an effective technique. Also, engineers should be encouraged to apply innovative technologies to speed up the work and adopt sustainable construction practices. Maximize applying sustainable materials and eco-friendly practices.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you manage a large-scale construction project?
Manage a large-scale construction project with perfect planning and the time frame to oversee and control the site sources. Plan the working phases within the time frame and within budget limits.
What are the skills to manage a commercial site?
You need a proactive approach and risk management skills to run the site successfully. You need extensive industry experience with the best professional team. Getting a license, permits, and approvals to work on a commercial site is mandatory.
What are the three main phases of large-scale project management skills?
- Initiation
- Planning
- Execution and closure
Who are the key players in managing a construction site?
- project managers
- engineers
- contractors and subcontractors
- supervisors
- technicians
- skilled workers
What are some important stages in construction work?
- project conception
- planning and design
- pre-construction
- procurement
- construction
- closeout
- post construction