The main job of a construction planner is to ensure all procedures required to build a structure have been identified and documented. Once these steps have been identified, they then need to be organized chronologically in a coordinated workflow.
The success of a construction project will depend on how good the construction planner is. If the project is not prepared for with a solid foundation and adequate preparation, the project risks failing.
Benefits of construction planning
The main goal of construction planning is to save money and time. If you are working on a mega construction project, then your plan must include how to coordinate moving parts to ensure efficiency. The benefits of construction planning are:
Clear goals—You increase the likelihood of materializing your plan when you have a clear objective. How you arrange your tasks and milestones will be centered around this primary aim.
Risk assessment—Another advantage of having a construction plan is that property developers and general contractors can identify risks that could affect the project. Knowing these, contractors can monitor and manage them before they stall a project.
Communication—A construction plan makes it easy for key players such as contractors and subcontractors to know what is required. This makes it easy for key players to collaborate on projects and share ideas.
Better resource allocation—A high quality construction plan efficiently allocates resources and avoids wastage. An over-allocation of resources can cause budget deficits which can lead a construction project to stall.
A successful plan must include elements such as a list of deliverables with a well-defined work breakdown structure. The program must also have a project schedule and a risk assessment management plan. Other elements worth mentioning include resource allocation and defined roles and responsibilities.
It is important to note that though you have a construction plan, it does not mean it is not error-free. Certain construction planning mistakes can impede project execution. Some include:
1. Ignoring AI-powered construction platforms
If you are planning for a large construction project, AI usage offers numerous benefits. An example of an AI-powered optioneering platform on the market is ALICE Technologies. This software was created for construction planning and scheduling purposes and can import BIM parameters and Excel data.
In addition, AI-powered construction platforms help generate simulations of project outcomes, based on given data submitted at the onset. These simulations make it possible for contractors to identify optimal plans and schedules to ensure the project stays on track and within budget.
2. Lack of a clear project scope
A project scope is a detailed outline of the elements involved in a construction project. Some details involved in a construction project are deliverables, resources, timelines, and related activities. The main importance of a project scope is to inform stakeholders about a project and its intended end goal.
If your project is not clear from inception, you risk suffering from scope creep. A scope creep refers to a situation where project requirements change during the construction project’s lifecycle. As a result, budget estimates shoot through the roof while customer satisfaction reduces.
3. Improper safety training
It is not uncommon for great plans to be ruined by insufficient safety procedures. Failure to properly train a construction crew about safety protocols can cause construction delays and, in addition, bring about legal consequences. Contractors might be forced to pay liability claims.
Simple proper training procedures such as reminding workers to always wear their safety equipment can go a long way in improving safety.
4. Creating a tight project schedule
Some contractors will present a tight schedule to demonstrate that they can finish a particular project on time to impress the client. Though this might help with securing the contract, it could come at a great cost if you do not factor in unforeseen circumstances. You may also risk sacrificing end product quality. Here, prioritization of tasks is key.
5. Using inaccurate estimates
Most contractors tend to calculate their estimates using Excel. Excel may be adequate for simpler projects, but it may not be suitable for the handling of more intricate undertakings. For example, Excel is prone to human error, meaning that if you make an error in one costing, it could affect your total estimates as a whole.
Another problem with Excel is that you risk losing historical data that you would have otherwise used for analysis. The solution to this problem is to use an AI-powered scheduling and costing tool.
6. Lack of proper communication strategy
According to the Harvard Business Review, patterns of communication are “the most important predictor of a team’s success.” Therefore, it is in your best interest to develop an effective communication strategy involving all key industry players. The best way to do this is to use a cloud-based construction management platform to share files and communicate easily.
One main advantage of using these tools is holding people accountable. As a result, they will be more productive and diligent as they know they will have to report their progress.
7. Lack of an efficient ordering processes
This is another common mistake made by project managers. A construction plan should have an automatic and flexible ordering process. When the process is inefficient, there will be supply shortages which can cause project delays. Therefore, the plan should be broken down into milestones to avoid delays with crucial equipment already on the ground.
The best way to avoid these construction planning mistakes is to use an AI-powered optioneering platform. Their machine-powered algorithms will make it easier for the contractor to identify errors—saving valuable time and money.