Planning a construction project can be tricky, no matter how many times you’ve done it. Fortunately, it becomes much easier if you have the various steps clearly mapped out in advance. Here are a few ways to effectively plan your upcoming project. 

Meet With Your Stakeholders

Before planning a project, you should always meet with the stakeholdersfirst and identify their interests and expectations. If you aren’t sure who a stakeholder is, it is the customer and anyone else who’s affected by your project plan. 

Set Goals and Objectives

It’s wise to break your project up into small goals and objectives. Prioritize each objective to make sure everything is done in the correct order. Attach deadlines to all goals so you stay on schedule throughout the build. When you’re finished, you can refer to the deadline sheet as your master schedule. Keep your team involved throughout the planning process so everyone is on the same page and knows exactly what is expected. 

Secure the Right Tools

Before you begin your project, take time to secure the tools and equipment you’ll need for the job. Everything from bulldozers to materials dipped in an anodizing tank should be purchased or rented in advance so you know they’ll be available when you need them. 

Create a Contingency Plan

Things rarely go exactly as expected, even when you’ve planned extensively. Try to anticipate potential delays by carefully examining your master schedule and figuring out what could potentially go wrong during each stage of the build. You’ll also want to plan for weather delays and let your team know overtime may be necessary in certain circumstances. 

Track Progress

Use daily reports to keep track of progress and identify red flags that are keeping you behind schedule. As soon as you note a delay, take steps to adjust tasks downstream as needed to get the project back on course for a timely completion. 

These tips aren’t hard too hard to implement, but they can make a big difference in how quickly and smoothly your project is completed.