How to Develop a Plan in Construction Management

 

How to Develop a Plan in Construction Management

Creating a solid plan is the first step toward the successful execution of any construction project. Let’s explore the process by comparing it to planning a trip.

Planning a Trip

When planning a trip, you:

1. Decide the destination.
2. Determine the duration of your stay.
3. Budget for transportation, food, and other expenses.
4. Arrange accommodations and other facilities.

Similarly, in construction management, planning starts with understanding the project requirements and developing a detailed roadmap for execution.

---

Steps to Develop a Construction Management Plan

1. Start with Estimation

• Determine how the job will be built.
• Sequence the tasks or activities involved in the project.
• Identify who will perform the work—in-house teams or subcontractors.

2. Site Assessment

• Visit the site to evaluate constraints that could affect cost or execution.
• Determine the equipment needs based on the site conditions.

3. Develop a Communication Plan

• Establish clear channels for communication to ensure that all stakeholders are aligned.

4. Decision-Making: Who Does the Work?

This decision depends on three factors:

• Availability: Check if your in-house crew is available to start work as per the schedule.
• Skills: Assess if the crew has the necessary expertise for specialized tasks.
• Cost: Compare the costs of using in-house resources versus hiring subcontractors.

Note: Sometimes, hiring subcontractors can be more cost-effective than using your own crew.

---

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

Once the groundwork is set, the next step is to create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

What is WBS?

WBS involves breaking a large project into smaller, manageable tasks. For example:

Laying a foundation can be broken into:

1. Excavation
2. Laying footings
3. Concrete pouring

Why Create a WBS?

• Simplifies the working process.
• Allows parallel activities to run where possible, saving time.

Steps to Create a WBS

1. Identify Major Work Areas

   • Example: Grading, foundation, structure.

2. Break Down into Smaller Components

   • Example: Grading can be split into demolition, removals, and paving.

3. Refine Further (if needed)

   • Break down into even smaller, measurable tasks.

4. Focus on Work Packages

   • Create single, measurable tasks that can be performed by one entity within a defined time period.

Include All Tasks

Don’t forget to include hidden tasks, such as:

• Safety considerations.
• Equipment setup and takedown.

Involve Key Personnel

Field superintendents and subcontractors play a vital role. They:

• Provide input on task durations and productivity rates.
• Ensure that no critical details are missed.

---

Conclusion

A well-thought-out plan is essential for any construction project. It not only ensures smooth execution but also addresses potential challenges in advance. By incorporating structured processes like estimation, site assessment, and WBS, you can make the project manageable, efficient, and successful.

Stay tuned for more insights into construction planning and project management!

Pooja Mattapalli