Construction planning is creating a plan that will allow a construction project to be completed in an efficient and organized manner.
There are many different aspects to consider when planning a construction project. It is important to have a clear understanding of all the steps involved.
This blog post will discuss what construction planning is and provide you with everything you need to know about it!
Table of Contents
What is construction planning?
Construction planning determines what work needs to be done, when it needs to be done, and who will do it. It is an essential part of any construction project, and it can help avoid costly delays and disruptions.
The construction planning process typically begins with a preliminary project site analysis. This analysis includes a review of the project’s specifications and a study of the existing conditions on the site.
With this information in hand, the construction team can develop a plan of action that outlines the steps that need to be taken to complete the project successfully. In addition to identifying the work that needs to be done, the construction plan also establishes a schedule for completing the work and assigns tasks to specific individuals or teams.
By developing a detailed construction plan, you can help ensure that your project stays on track and meets your expectations.
Important Construction Planning Terms
Here are the key terms you need to know for developing a successful construction project management planning process:
Construction Bidding:
The construction bidding process is vital to the success of any construction project. By submitting a detailed and accurate bid, contractors can ensure that they get the best possible price for their work.
In addition, the process of submitting a bid helps to ensure that all of the necessary paperwork is in order before work begins. This can save time and money down the line and avoidy potential problems.
The construction bidding process is an essential part of any construction project and one that should not be overlooked.
Baselines:
Baselines are an essential part of any construction project. They help ensure that the project is on track and progressing as planned.
It would be difficult to determine whether the project is on schedule and within budget without baselines. Establishing baselines also helps to identify potential problems early on before they have a chance to impact the overall project.
When done correctly, baselines can help to make sure that the construction project is completed on time, within budget, and to the specifications that were agreed upon.
Blueprint drawings and specifications:
When planning a construction project, it’s essential to have detailed blueprint drawings and specifications. The blueprint drawings show the layout of the finished project, and the specifications include a detailed list of the items needed to build the structure.
This ensures that everyone involved in the project understands what is required and that the final result meets your expectations.
Submittals:
One way to ensure that everything goes according to plan is to submit all requests for equipment and materials to the architect for approval before proceeding.
This way, the architect can review the proposed materials and make sure that they meet the specifications for the project. Additionally, the architect can provide feedback on the construction plans, ensuring that the construction team has a clear understanding of the work that needs to be done.
Scope documentation:
The purpose of scope documentation is to provide a clear overview of the project’s deliverables, timeline and budget. This helps ensure that all stakeholders are on the same page regarding what needs to be accomplished.
In addition, scope documentation can help prevent scope creep, which is when the project’s goals begin to expand beyond its original parameters.
By clearly defining the project’s objectives upfront, stakeholders can avoid disagreements and potential cost overruns down the road. As a result, scope documentation is essential for any successful project.
Types of construction project planning
Here are the some most common types of construction project planning processes:
Strategic planning:
A strategic plan is a document that lays out the goals and objectives of a company, organization, or individual. It’s a roadmap for achieving those goals and can be short-term (covering the next year or two) or long-term (five years or more).
A construction project manager often uses strategic planning techniques to develop a master plan for delivering a project on time and within budget.
This involves meeting with corporate planners and the client to determine what needs to be done to satisfy both the user and the project owner.
Operational planning:
Operational planning is the next phase after a client approves a strategic plan. In this phase, construction teams come together to develop a more detailed plan that outlines strategic goals and action steps.
They establish baselines and work collaboratively to create documents and reports. Operational planning is essential for ensuring that all team members are on the same page and working towards the same objectives.
By developing a clear and concise plan, construction teams can avoid potential conflicts and ensure a smooth construction process.
Business planning:
Beginning a new project can be daunting, but it can be immensely successful with careful planning. One of the most essential steps in any project is creating a comprehensive business plan.
This plan should include a detailed description of the project and drafts of what the final product should look like. Additionally, it’s crucial to establish clear guidelines for execution and assign specific roles to team members.
Finally, don’t forget to include a bid for the project and a contract for the client to sign. With all of these elements in place, you’ll be well on your way to ensuring a successful outcome.
Resource planning:
When a company takes on a new project, it’s essential to ensure that all the necessary resources are in place before work begins. This process is known as resource planning, and it helps to ensure that projects are completed successfully and on time.
To create a resource plan, project managers will often develop a timeline of important dates and deadlines and a list of where they plan to allocate necessary resources.
This can be especially helpful if multiple projects are in progress simultaneously. By planning, companies can avoid costly delays and ensure that every project is given the attention it deserves.
Steps for developing a construction plan
Here are the few steps that you can follow to develop an outstanding construction plan
#Step 1: Identify critical resources
Before starting any construction project, it is essential to identify the critical resources required to complete the work. This includes both people and materials and any other resources that may be necessary, such as a budget.
Many project managers use a project initiation document (PID) to help create an initial list of resources.
This document can identify any potential risks or problems that might arise during the project. By identifying these risks early on, you can ensure that you have the resources to mitigate them.
This helps to ensure a successful construction project from start to finish.
#Step 2: Draft an initial plan
A project plan is only as good as the goals it sets. Without clear and actionable goals, it can be challenging to gauge whether a project is on track or identify areas that need improvement. That’s why it’s important to set SMART goals when drafting a project plan.
SMART goals are specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based. In other words, they provide a clear and concise framework for what you want to achieve with your project. When setting SMART goals, involve all relevant parties so that everyone is on the same page.
And don’t forget to factor in people, materials, and budget when setting these goals. By taking these factors into account from the outset, you can help ensure that your project gets off to a strong start.
#Step 3: Meet with key stakeholders
Any successful project requires the involvement and approval of key stakeholders. These are the people who have a vested interest in the project’s outcome and who can provide essential resources like people and materials.
Meeting with key stakeholders is an essential step in the planning process, as it allows you to share your plans for the project and get feedback.
This is also an opportunity to ensure that everyone is on the same page regarding the project’s goals, timeline, and budget. By meeting with key stakeholders, you can provide a smooth start to your project and avoid any potential roadblocks down the line.
#Step 4: Assign Responsibilities
After you have defined your project’s goals and objectives and obtained stakeholder approval, it is time to start assigning roles and responsibilities to different team members.
Some of the critical roles that need to be filled include project sponsor, additional project managers, end-users, defined business experts, and project team members.
Assigning people to these roles ensures that all the necessary people are involved in the project and that everyone knows their part in making it successful.
Furthermore, it is crucial to assign people to these roles who have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out their responsibilities effectively.
In addition to people, materials and budget also need to be considered when assigning roles and responsibilities. Depending on the nature of the project, some roles may require more materials or a bigger budget than others.
Therefore, it is essential to consider these factors when making assignments. By taking all of these factors into account, you can ensure that your project has the best chance of success.
#Step 4: Track your performance
One of the most important aspects of completing a project is tracking your team’s performance throughout the project.
This can help you identify areas where your team is struggling and make necessary adjustments to ensure that you stay on track.
There are several key performance indicators (KPIs) that you should track, including project objectives, project performance, quality, and customer satisfaction.
You can also use the Construction Project Management checklist so that you have everything at ease & track your performance.
#Step 5: Evaluate the project
Once the project is complete, it is essential to take the time to revisit your SMART goals and compare them to the project’s actual performance.
This will help you identify areas where the project met or exceeded expectations and areas where there is potential for improvement. It is also helpful to hold a final team meeting to discuss your findings and get feedback from team members.
Questions that you might ask include:
- Did we achieve our objectives?
- How well did we communicate?
- What could we have done better?
- What went well?
Answering these questions can provide you with valuable insights that can help you plan and execute even more successful construction projects in the future.r
FAQs of construction planning
A site plan is a detailed drawing that shows the layout of a proposed construction project. It includes everything from buildings and roads to utilities and landscaping.
A well-crafted site plan can be an invaluable tool for contractors, architects, and developers, providing a clear overview of the project and helping to ensure that all elements are located in the most efficient way possible.
The site plan is often the first step in the construction process, laying the foundation for a successful project
When planning a construction project, the first step is to develop a clear and concise scope of work. This document will outline all of the work that needs to be done and any specific requirements or specifications.
Once the scope of work is finalized, the next step is to create a schedule and budget. The schedule will need to take into account the different phases of the project and any potential delays or unexpected obstacles.
The budget will need to include all expected costs, such as materials, labour, and permits. Taking these steps early can help ensure that your construction project stays on track and budget.
A construction management plan, also known as a CMP, is a document that outlines the construction process for a new building or another type of structure.
The CMP includes important information such as the project timeline, the budget, and the scope of work. It also consists of a risk management plan if there are any unforeseen delays or problems.
The CMP is an important tool for both the construction company and the client, as it ensures that everyone is on the same page and that the project runs smoothly.
Without a CMP, it would be complicated to coordinate all aspects of a construction project.
A work plan is a document that details the steps necessary to complete a project. It includes a timeline, a list of tasks, and any other information required to complete the project.
For construction projects, work plans are essential for ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget. The work plan outlines the sequence of tasks that need to be completed and who is responsible for each task.
It also includes a schedule that shows when each task needs to be completed. By having a clear work plan, construction crews can avoid costly delays and disruptions.
Final Thoughts about construction project planning
That’s it! You now know everything you need to start construction planning. It can be a daunting task, but you can have a successful project with careful preparation and organization.
If you have any questions or want more advice on construction planning, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. What was the most helpful thing that you learned from this blog post? Let us know by tweeting us at @constructionpm
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