Construction project management is pretty mysterious to anyone who has not been directly involved in the process. However, it is actually a simple concept. Basically, in construction, time literally is money, and construction project management is a system of planning and executing construction work so that time and production are maximized. Here’s a little more detail about how that all happens.

Estimating Time and Cost

Most construction companies and homebuilders have estimating departments, who consider the scope of work involved in a project, and calculate an estimate of the time and money that will be required to complete the project to the specifications provided. This estimated time line will usually become the first project program, and will serve as a baseline throughout the project.

Planning and Execution

Before ground is ever broken on a building project, there needs to be a plan in place. What will happen when? When should various materials be on site? How many crews will be working simultaneously? Can two different trades work on the home at the same time? If so, how will they complete their portions of the project?

All of these questions and more are asked and answered before your home building project begins, so that your homebuilder knows when and how things need to happen.

Project Management During Construction

Project management does not end with planning. Construction is unpredictable and things happen that change plans all the time. Project management is therefore an ongoing process, that your construction company or homebuilder constantly adjusts and changes.

Deliveries are delayed, weather postpones work, and mistakes happen on site. When these things happen, more time is added to your project. To complete your home on time,  the construction process might change to compensate for the loss of time.

When a project is managed well, you will not even realize that all of these changes and adjustments have happened. You will just get the end result delivered on time and within budget.

Your Role in Project Managing Your Home Build

For the most part, if you are working with a good homebuilder, you will not be overly involved in the planning and execution of your build. They will take care of the project management, and provide you with updates on progress every once in a while.

Occasionally, however, you will need to be involved. If a product is delayed, for instance, and your builder needs approval to use an alternative, or if an issue comes up that, they do not have the legal ability to handle, you will be consulted.

In cases like this, where the project timeline hinges on your decision or action, it is important to provide the necessary feedback as soon as possible to avoid delays. Sticking to a delivery timeline is all contingent on avoiding as many delays as possible, so try to avoid holding up progress on your end when you can.