Every construction job, from a simple remodeling project to a massive skyscraper, follows the same phases of the construction project. Every task needs preparation and design. You must also consider inventories, resources, and supply management; the project’s actual construction must be handled, and there will be post-construction matters to tie up.
A good strategy and a strong project manager who is knowledgeable with construction project management are essential for any construction project, regardless of size. Understanding the building process can help you create the best strategy for your building project.
The Construction Process (Phases of the Construction Project):
The construction process refers to the specific processes that must be followed in order to accomplish your building project.
- Planning and design
- The Pre-construction phase
- The Procurement phase
- The Construction phase
- The Post-construction phase
are the five phases of this procedure.
Each phase has its own set of obstacles, depending on the project’s size and scope. While the size, number of partners, budget, and the delivery date of construction projects may vary, one thing is constant: construction projects are always a long and rigorous process with many moving parts. That is why it is critical to have the correct project management tool on hand.
The excellent thing is that managing the various project phases is now easier and more efficient due to construction-specific project management software. Let’s look at the five stages of a building project and see how project management technology may aid each one.
- Planning and Design:
One of the most crucial phases in building project management is the start phase. It covers all of the stages that must be completed before a project can be approved and planning may begin.
This first design stage typically consists of three steps:
- Planning and feasibility:
A feasibility study or business case is used by the planning team to establish the project’s objectives and aims. The size of the structure, how much space will be used, and how many rooms will be required are all decisions that must be taken at this point. A project initiation document (PID) is prepared once these choices have been made.
- Schematic design:
The team creates a drawing that depicts the location as well as materials, colors, and textures at this stage. This information will be applied to evaluate the equipment and materials that will be used during the design process.
- Contract papers:
The final designs and specifications are contained in these documents. Those submitting bids to work on the project will utilize these materials.
- The Pre-Construction Phase:
The next stage of a construction project occurs once the bidding process is finished and a contractor has been selected to perform the work. The project team is assembled before they ‘break ground,’ as the industry idiom goes. The following team members are frequently included:
- Contract administrator
- Project manager
- Superintendent
- Field engineer
- Health and safety manager
A project team prepares the building site at this stage before work begins. The building site must be ready, which may entail dealing with environmental problems such as soil testing. The city officials will assess all plans and conclusions when the site study is completed.
The project team begins gathering the manpower and resources necessary for construction once the strategic plan has been developed and the budget, design, and timeframe have been approved.
- The Procurement Phase:
The project team secures the required equipment, personnel, and materials during the procurement stage. The difficulty of this stage is determined by the project’s size, projected start date, and resource availability. At this point, the general contractor allocates smaller contracts to the subcontractors. It’s possible that the procedure will begin with a fresh construction takeoff based on the building designs. The takeoffs are then used by the subcontractors to procure labor, materials, and the scope of work.
This stage of the project provides for cost reductions. This boosts the contractor’s profit margin in commercial construction. Based on the scale economies, a contractor with a solid and dependable network of suppliers or one working on many projects at the same time may save a lot of money. Depending on the situation, the client may potentially profit from these savings.
- The Construction Phase:
This is the stage of the project where all of your planning will pay off. The project management, design, and engineering teams have already put in a lot of work to make a project successful before any construction begins. During the building phase, the contractor and subcontractors take center stage.
The construction manager and contractor will transfer the project into real construction as the project’s communications center. Quality control inspections are performed by the architect, engineers, and project manager,
who also examine and approve technical submittals. The first goal is to verify that the contractor completes the job as planned.
- The Post-Construction/ Closeout Phase:
This stage is more important than most people realize. The project has not yet been handed over to the owner, despite the fact that the work is complete. If this phase isn’t given enough attention, it might cause a slew of issues for the owner.
During this stage, any resources that aren’t required for the project are demobilized. The scene is cleaned up and the rentals are returned. Subcontractors who have finished their share of the project are free to go on to other projects.
After that, the project manager and engineer go on a physical tour of the site and make a list of everything that hasn’t been finished yet. The project manager works with the contractor to correct the faults after preparing the punch list.
All required project details must be submitted to the owner. Manuals, as-built drawings, bookkeeping, and insurance are examples of close-out documentation. Naturally, the insurance policy must be converted from construction to permanent property insurance. The post-construction phase of bigger projects is a systematic procedure known as commissioning. Systems are tested here to ensure that they fit the standards.
How Can Software Aid in Planning and Design?
Because of technological advancements, construction planning has undergone a significant transformation. Project managers and stakeholders may use the integrated construction management software to detect potential roadblocks so they can start planning solutions even before the project begins. Construction scheduling software makes it easier to enter data agreed upon throughout the planning process and increases the accuracy and timeliness of data exchange.
When all of the information from various stakeholders is consolidated, the danger of human error is eliminated, and the entire team is on the same page.
CONCLUSION:
The phases of the construction project outlined above provide a logical overview of a building project from beginning to end. A building project is a short-term undertaking that entails the pooling of various resources. The building process is a sequential sequence of activities, tools, and decisions. Almost every construction project is different, yet they always follow the same pattern from beginning to end.
Time invested in systematic pre-construction preparation is more than worth it. This is where the majority of cost-cutting options are identified, as well as a defined project path.
The building process might be complicated, especially for those who are not familiar with it. A project manager is responsible for guiding the project from start to finish. A skilled construction manager can also help you balance competing demands in terms of time, cost, and scope.
Communication between stakeholders is a crucial component of the building process. They speed up the building process by ensuring that all phases are created and completed on schedule.