Construction Time Management Strategies

Planning, design, and construction are all important (but complicated) processes. When it comes to keeping construction clients happy, timing is one of the most important factors. After all, everybody benefits from a project that is delivered on the right day and at the right time. The significance of efficient time management is especially important in the construction industry.

At EAD Corporate, we specialize in managing construction and manufacturing projects and, through our experience, have learned some valuable tips we’d like to share.

1. Create the Right Schedule

Investigations and issues that cause delays at a site are frequent – and therefore can usually be predicted. Assembling the necessary materials in advance of a project launch and putting together the right team for the job should be part of the original scheduling process. Keeping up-to-date with simple timetabling can make a huge difference to the wellbeing of your workers. It’s important to give them the time to suit up, boot up, and get on-site.

Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Goals

We suggest that all construction managers should regularly review goals to track project processes, especially when working remotely. Daily, weekly, and monthly tasks can be noted and assigned to employees in advance to help them be able to stick to a predictable schedule and handle their workload.

2. Communicate With Your Stakeholders

Keeping your team informed about their project through strong communication channels helps to build your relationships and create a safer, better place to work where the success of the business matters to your employees. Maintaining open communication through all phases of construction is key to keeping your project running smoothly.

At most construction sites, regular, informative meetings enable your team to work more efficiently and help ensure proactive measures are put in place. Actionable and lively meetings keep the team interested, involved, and informed.

Miscommunication is a leading cause of project delays, so holding to your proposed schedule and hosting team meetings are incredibly important to ensure the long term success of your construction business.

Hint: Potential stakeholders aren’t always obvious. You’ll need to be alert to who might be impacted by your work. Keep in mind that key project stakeholders may include field workers, foremen, accountants, hired managers, business partners, architects, clients, and even residents in the surrounding areas.

3. Have Realistic Deadlines

Perfecting your management strategies always comes back to keeping your clients happy. On-time construction affects your business directly. Before construction begins, you should create realistic deadlines for every phase of the construction project. Be honest with yourself and your clients.

Construction planning should also take into account any potential for delays – always include a leeway of at least 10% (or even higher) to your estimate. Planning is a necessary part of every project. Know when permits and paperwork need to be acquired and submitted so that you can get started as soon as possible.

4. Hire the Right Contractors

You’ll need the right people on your construction team.

You may need to search for skilled supervisors, construction expediters, or safety managers to aid with your project. As is the case in any potentially dangerous industry, having the right employees present on-site can help reduce the risk of a disaster.

Construction workers are like the busy bees of a hive, willing to do hard work with the proper guidance. You may need to call in electricians or other specialists, so make sure you network and have the right contacts available to you for any project that arises. Organizations such as EAD are experts at filling technical positions for specific tasks and for construction and project management needs.

5. Read All Contracts Thoroughly

You can never be too careful when it comes to reading a contract. Understanding what your clients, contractors, or employees expect of you helps you ensure that all your legal obligations are met in every project.

6. Manage the Project During the Construction Phase

You’ll want to keep track of your budget and seek out the right materials and equipment for the job. Though this sounds obvious, it can be hard to see the bigger picture when you are feeling overwhelmed. Construction site safety and regular equipment maintenance needs to be a priority so as to ensure the protection of your workers.

7. React to Changes Quickly

Scheduling and efficient time management can save you when something goes off course. If changes must be made to the original schedule, they should be properly documented to keep affected stakeholders informed.

If you require site inspections, keep records of any communication with the site inspector to protect yourself and your company. Make it clear you’ve done everything you can to provide safety equipment and that your employees should inform you of any potential issues.

8. Finished at Last: Checking Your Project

Check, check, and check again. Project submission day has arrived. Is it time to take a breather? No. The end of a project is another chance to implement construction management techniques. Results will need to be reviewed and any issues reported and filed. Your goal should be to check that everything has been done right and fix what hasn’t.

Then, when everything has been sorted – it’s time to relax and receive great, positive feedback from satisfied clients.