Tracking a project effectively is one of the most challenging requirements a project manager will face. Every customer has its own set of requirements and data that they want to consider; but in general, it’s all about costs, schedule and scope. The effectiveness of a project tracker is vital for a project progress as it represents a snapshot of the current conditions and can be useful for
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5 Reasons Why A Project Management Plan Fails
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A project can fail, and project management can fail too. What are the steps to avoid these issues? Do you know enough and trust your skills to prevent a project management plan to fail? There are skills that every PM must have and should follow to execute a project management plan flawlessly. A project management plan indicates with the maximum amount of details the how of the project, defines
How To Manage Unknowns In Your Construction Projects
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Learning how to manage unknowns in your project sounds very tricky and complicated but it isn’t. Every construction project, from design to physical installation will go through numerous processes and challenging situations that can derail the actual purpose of the project. Every project has known unknowns and unknown unknowns; learning how to managing those risks are crucial for a project
4 Ways To Correctly Document Your Construction Project Decisions
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“Please proceed with the changes.” That familiar phrase used by many but not written or documented properly can cause major issues. Documenting decisions in your construction projects are not only save you time and money, but it should be a best practice on every construction project. There are many tools and resources for you to use and capture decisions or important commitments, but what
25 Tips You Should Know About Red-line & As-built Drawings
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As-built drawings are required in almost every project and it is a common practice for future reference. Recording as-built and taking care of red-line drawings during construction can be a hurdle to clear before getting the final payment or releasing the retainage. This article presents some of the best practices recommended by general contractors and builders that will facilitate the as-built
A Solution for Great Managers: Integrated Project Delivery
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Integrated Project Delivery is a thoughtful process designed to enhance productivity, reduce costs and increase collaboration through all design and construction phases. The IPD approach is used by many construction professionals offering it to project owners as an additional benefit during the contracting process. The Integrate Project Delivery system optimizes collaboration and communication
A Guide To Understanding Construction Contracts from A to Z
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Contractors use many different types of contracts but predominantly lump sum and unit price type of contracts. However, I have seen contracts that are lacking or missing essential elements required for your protection and the customer’s as well. This article is written to inform you about the very basics plus a few more items that must form part of every construction contract. Basic Elements
How To Control Cost: Earned Value Management Basics
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Cost is one of the triple constraints in project management and one of the most important of every project. While challenging to manage and control, not impossible and there are many tools and methods out there to help you. One of the most accepted tools is the Earned Value Management (EVM) process that can capture project health and performance easily. The process incorporates project
Renting Vs. Buying Construction Equipment: What You Need To Consider
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How many times have you looked into purchasing or renting a tool or equipment? Still figuring out if there is ever a right or wrong decision? Well, there isn’t. Today’s construction industry is so competitive that even the slightest additional cost can knock you off from that top bidder spot. Construction tools and equipment are buy and/or rent in certain instances, but the final decision depends
6 Tips To Minimize Bidding Mistakes
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Bidding mistakes and critical errors are the most common issues when reviewing proposals and bids. Estimators and project managers spend countless hours behind the desk, completing their assessment to fail in the simplest things during the bidding process. This article presents the most common bidding mistakes and how to avoid them from happening. I can’t bid for you but once you have read
6 Construction Insurance Policies You Should Know About
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Construction insurances are one of the most important topics every construction professional needs to understand. There are many alternatives and insurance policies out there and missing one or two can be detrimental to your bidding opportunity. Construction firms or construction professionals acting as individuals are required to present evidence of their coverage's as it creates a better
Pull Planning or Traditional CPM – Here’s Why You Should Start Using Pull Planning
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One common question that is always present in every project conversation: how do you engage the stakeholders to provide their input and convert it into a collaborative approach? Pull planning is a collaborative process that can help to get buy-in from all project participants using a backward pass, pulling activities into the process. Pull planning is a lean process and is starting to
How To Manage Changes in Your Construction Project
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How do you manage budget, scope and time? Which one should you prioritize? Many times, we have encountered this situation and it seems like no one has the right answer. Managing change orders in construction projects can be cumbersome and potentially derail the project success. Managing changes requires skills and knowledge to find the sweet spot balancing the triple constraint in project
