Being a construction project manager is no small task. There are hundreds of components of running a project that must be tracked and managed each and every day. These tasks must align with current contractor licensing requirements, safety standards, and specific timeline and budget constraints. Being successful in construction project management then takes some know-how, starting with the following tried and true tips.
Organization Skills
You can be the best construction project manager out there, but if you’re unorganized, it simply does not matter. Having solid organization skills as a project manager is key to your success, but this is often easier said than done. The best method of maintaining an organized business project by project is to have the right systems in place. Know what needs to be done, and by what timeline, and implement processes that keep every aspect of the work easily tracked and monitored. If organization isn’t your strong point, consider delegating the task to someone who has the skills to do so from the start of each project.
Using Technology to Your Advantage
In today’s digital age, there are countless tools available to construction project managers that make running a successful job a breeze. Technology allows you to control every aspect of the business, from just about anywhere, whether that is communicating with the team, keeping tabs on the expenses, or coordinating with vendors and suppliers. This resource offers reviews on the available technology for construction project managers and how each solution may be of benefit to the overall business.
Monitoring the Bottom Line
Several costs come with being a construction project manager, and it can seem overwhelming to keep a lid on certain expenses when a project is moving forward. But the most successful managers understand that reducing costs without cutting corners is key to finishing a project in-budget. Simple steps like recognizing how surety bond pricing works and ensuring you are able to get the most cost-effective options in place go a long way in maintaining profitable operations.
Communicating Effectively
Every successful construction project manager must have certain skills to get the job done correctly, and communication falls squarely into this category. As a manager, you are likely to have interactions with a myriad of people, from subcontractors and vendors to business owners, engineers, and inspectors. Be sure to work on your communication skills consistently, focusing on both written and verbal interactions. These abilities will put you in a place of leadership on the job, as well as give every person you interact with a sense of confidence in working with you.
Constant Training and Education
The construction business is continually changing, particularly when it comes to safety standards, best practices, and building codes and regulations. Even when you aren’t doing the work yourself, it is critical to remain up to date on current guidelines for safe builds, permitting, and other responsibilities on the job. This helps reduce backtracking on progress due to faulty inspections or other common issues that arise because of a lack of training. Much of the education available is online and in a self-study format, giving you no excuse not to keep up to date.
Staying on Schedule
Finally, successful construction project managers know what it takes to stay on schedule, no matter how big or small the job. While setbacks are inevitable in the field, staying ahead of the game with contingency plans is a must. Consider utilizing a scheduling system or progress tracking software to manage the timeline of the project each day.
Guest Author:
Eric Weisbrot is the Chief Marketing Officer of JW Surety Bonds. With years of experience in the surety industry under several different roles within the company, he is also a contributing author to the surety bond blog.