7 Tips for Successfully Running a Large Construction Project

Congratulations on winning that lucrative construction contract. The next step is to successfully implement your project plan. When it comes to project implementation, the larger the construction project, the higher the risk because it involves thousands of moving parts.

One thing you need to remember is that a single mistake can be very costly. A good example is when you fail to get a geotechnical report of the area you are doing your construction project. Failure to conduct a geotechnical investigation of the site exposes your project to risks such as bankruptcy and a negative return on investment.

Other risks you need to be aware of when running a large project are the risks of change orders and underestimation. Underestimation is when the cost estimator underquotes the cost of building the project. This mainly happens during the bidding phase, when the estimators feel pressured to submit a competitive bid.

So what are some of the things you need to know when running a large construction project?

7 tips for successfully running a large construction project

1. Use AI to your advantage

Artificial intelligence, otherwise known as AI, is a branch of computer science concerned with the use of smart machines that can perform tasks that human beings can do. When used correctly, AI can improve the construction process and aid in ensuring that efficient plans and schedules are created.

The first AI-powered construction optioneering platform on the market is ALICE (https://www.alicetechnologies.com/solutions/for-owners), a solution that helps to ensure projects are completed faster and more efficiently. The software creates several construction simulations to advise on the best options for construction plans and schedules.

2. Have a risk management strategy

A risk management strategy is a strategy that defines the risk that your construction company faces and the procedure to be used to minimize that risk. In the construction world, there are several types of risks. The most common risks are financial, safety, legal, project, and environmental.

To create a risk management strategy, you must first identify factors that can stall your construction project. For an effective brainstorming session, it is important to involve all key players, such as architects, engineers, general contractors, and subcontractors. Once you have identified these risks, you should prioritize them in order of importance.

After determining these risks, you should devise a risk response strategy and execute a risk management plan.

3. Leverage modern communication platforms

Large construction projects have different parts that need to move together to reduce risks. At the same time, many different people are involved, and they all need to coordinate their efforts to implement the project successfully. If teams cannot communicate efficiently, this increases the chances of an error occurring because of a breakdown in communication.

To avoid this problem, use modern communication platforms that make it easy for senior management to pass down information to the teams they are managing. As well, all employees should also be able to ask questions and get answers in a timely manner. When settling on a communication platform, ensure that it is mobile-friendly.

Similarly, you should ensure that the platform makes it easy to synchronize photos, documents, and calendars in one place. Through this centralized communication platform, you should be able to monitor your costs, hold people accountable, and send instant alerts to target team members.

4. Hire the right team

Senior project managers must ensure that everyone working on the project has been vetted and passes a minimum working threshold. The project manager and HR should vet contractors, subcontractors, and casual laborers. Because large construction projects involve many people, hiring needs to be broken down based on the scope of work.

If you are installing electrical lines, then it needs to be done by a skilled electrician. If it’s the plumbing system, a qualified plumber must do it. To keep up with the number of employees working on the project, have a well-funded HR team.

5. Manage your time

Poor time management is one of the reasons why construction projects miss their completion deadlines. Therefore, it’s crucial to devise time management strategies to ensure that you are still within your work schedule. One way to do this is to have time management software that tracks employees.

The software should record when an employee logs in for work, their productivity rate, and other factors such as breaks. Another strategy you can use is to ensure that prioritized tasks are handled first, and that team meetings are conducted regularly.

6. Create an effective schedule

The success of a construction company is highly dependent on the type of construction schedule developed. The construction schedule should include factors such as the type of activities to be done, the start and end date of these activities, and the type of resources required.

A good work schedule should accommodate minimal downtime, have accurate cost estimates, and have cost control measures. The schedule should also ensure there is no overutilization or underutilization of resources.

7. Peer review your costs and designs

Another strategy to ensure you successfully run a large construction project is for your estimates and designs to be peer-reviewed. Peer-reviewing your cost and designs can save you millions of dollars in losses, especially when faulty designs are identified.

At the same time, peer-reviewing will help you know whether the estimates are accurate or have been over-budgeted.