As a licensed contractor, you will soon grow your construction project
management skills. Whereas a handyman or skilled tradesperson typically works
on their own on jobs that are manageable and contained, a contractor can move
into larger and larger projects with bigger potential payouts.
Understanding the basic building blocks of a large project will help you be
successful at managing yours. What are these basic elements? Here are the five
steps in any size of construction project.
This phase of any building or renovation project will happen long before you
became involved. This is the point at which the property's owners and users
determine what they need from the project.
Your future client will have to identify and narrow down their specific
goals and needs. Do they need to expand their business or enlarge their home?
Do they need an entirely new and modern building? Do they have to make the most
of a particularly tight budget? If they can't have everything they want, which
factors are the most important?
While you're not involved in this stage, it will be helpful if you have to
make any adjustments during construction.
You may or may not be involved in the design phase. Most clients will work
with a qualified architect to design a building or other structure that meets
those needs they identified. The design stage will also involve determining the
materials to use, compliance with building codes and city regulations, and ways
to make the best use of the projected budget.
After the design work is completed, the project itself will generally be
open for bidding and assignment. Your company would consider what's involved
and determine if you'd like to bid on it and for how much. After selection, you
will reach a contract with the client and receive the finalized specifications
to begin work.
Pre-construction is a planning phase. This is where the project manager will
assign those in key roles within the project. For instance, you may need to
assign a contract administrator to assist you as the project manager. You will also
likely need a superintendent who will oversee on-site work on a daily basis.
This planning phase also allows you to make sure the site is physically
ready for building. Determine the suitability of the ground for construction,
the permits or waivers that still need obtaining, and the order that
construction should proceed. Also, do a risk management assessment to avoid
problems later.
In the procurement phase, materials ordering and sub-contractor bidding
should get into high gear. The more you can purchase in advance and in bulk,
the better your bottom line will be. This phase is also a good time to ensure
that you're in good communication with the client and any other stakeholders.
You'll avoid many problems later on by keeping clients in the loop and ensuring
that they remain satisfied as you progress.
Finally, you're ready to move into actual on-the-ground building work. If
you have selected a good team, your main job should be checking in with those
on the ground and handling specific concerns. You'll also want to ensure a good
schedule of payments to everyone involved. Finally, operate as a liaison
between the construction work and clients to make sure they remain satisfied
and informed.
Managing a large-scale building project is a heavy responsibility. But, when
coupled with your prior experience in both work and life as well as the
training you receive at contractor's school, you can do it well. At Golden State Contractors School, we provide
training to help you learn everything you need to secure a successful future in
the construction industry. Enroll today.
