Category: Uncategorized

Have I integrated zoning into my planning?

One of the most common yet crucial mistakes made by project managers, especially in projects with a lot of repetition, is that they fail to integrate zoning into their planning. Imagine, for instance, that you are managing a multi-family residential project where multiple separate identical units have to be built. Or that you are working on a large hospital project.

Either way, you have to satisfy a series of specifications and a set of tasks that you have to complete for each unit/room. But you can’t work on everything at once. Subcontractors need to access each zone (i.e., room or apartment) at the right time and then move forward to the next zone at the right time so that the following stakeholders can also do their job.

Have I clearly defined to my team when a task is considered “done”?

Waiting for other subcontractors or team members to complete their tasks is typically one of the main reasons behind delays and downtime in a project. How could you avoid that? By defining as a team what is the notion of “done work” so that the next activity can start.

Having a clear, standardized set of rules and practices regarding when a task should be considered closed is the key to aligning the expectations of all team members and avoiding mistakes. When should a handover be considered successful? Or when is the right time for the following material order to arrive on-site, and where?

Have I focused enough on preparation?

The lack of focus on preparing a construction project is another area where there is plenty of room for improvement for many project managers. The only exception to this could be external events such as bad weather.

However, preparation should not start and finish there. Most of the on-site problems can be solved through better anticipation and preparation around orders, delivery, choices, drawings, and planning of the available workforce.

Usually, we see that problems arise if work on site has not been thought through with relevant parties or preparation work has been realized too late, leading to last-minute work and mistakes.

For instance, it could be that you are running late on your project because prefab elements arrive on site too late. If that’s the case, you need to gather all the involved parties (engineers, suppliers, etc.) and together find the root cause and solution to the problem so that it won’t happen again. This is how you can ensure a proactive approach in project preparation and constraint resolution so that unforeseen events aren’t synonymous with disaster.

Do I have a strong culture around planning?

One of your primary responsibilities as a project manager is creating and maintaining a regular rhythm to your project. To make that happen, you need to plan ahead and strategically schedule tasks in manageable chunks. As shown by recent surveys, if you manage to deliver small functions at least 80% on schedule and without compromising quality, you will most likely have both on time and budget.

So instead of trying to schedule everything in detail from start to finish or focusing only on the milestones, you want to hit, plan short-term and start relying on continuously updated 3-6 week lookaheads.

Are my tools tailored for construction?

That’s the million-dollar question if you want to boost productivity in your projects and ensure the successful completion of your lookaheads.

Project managers tend to believe that the tools they are using fit their purpose and collaborate with different teams on their construction projects. In many cases, the truth is way different.

It quickly becomes apparent that using the wrong tools can impact your 3-6 week lookaheads. Your teams have no real-time insight into the project. There is no clarity on who’s accountable for what leads to slow and dysfunctional decision-making.

So next time-on-site, make sure you ask yourself this question. Otherwise, you will quickly feel out of control and have no visibility over your project.

The burden of project planning falls first and foremost upon a project owner. Owners have varying levels of sophistication. The smart ones fill weak spots on their staff by engaging project managers, construction managers, and owner’s representatives.

Typically, the owner then delegates the most significant part of the project’s plan to the contractor to create and execute a critical path method schedule during the construction phase. Before accepting that burden, a wise contractor will evaluate the project to determine if it is on a path to success or disaster. It is guaranteed that an owner’s problems will become the contractor’s problems in one way or another.

Contractors can evaluate the owner’s project planning by focusing on its three primary components—the people, the process, and the technical. The best planning incorporates the input of stakeholders from each phase early in the process. It also obtains the buy-in of those team members and creates an environment where that investment is contagious. The chosen project delivery method drives the timing of team assembly and can set the stage for success or failure. From a contractor’s perspective, one essential facet to observe, especially in times of volatility like today, is how far ahead pricing decisions must be made.

On many construction projects, the best delivery method has the contractor buying out its subcontractors closer to the project commencement date. From the legal perspective, the delivery method drives the contracting structure and risk allocation.

Successful projects are also built on familiar processes that provide feedback and comprehension and are repeated through phases. Essential methods involve budgeting, scheduling, and progress reporting. As for the schedule, all participants should validate the work breakdown structure, use the same scheduling software, and evaluate and approve the baseline schedule.

Progress reporting includes an effective meeting schedule at appropriate frequencies and involves key stakeholders. The import of feedback is that one owner was known to provide incentives, not for early completion, but instead for the prompt delivery of bad news.

Finally, a good plan is supported by technical features that help, in particular, the scheduling and progress reporting processes. Not incidentally, those technical features can prove to be invaluable if a dispute arises. The contractor most often has control of these features, and through that control, the contractor can ensure project success. Keys to success can include an integrated planning session at least a month before commencement, early development of the work breakdown structure, early agreement on appropriate schedule detail, successful development of a logical critical path, and proper development of schedule contingency.

Construction executives can evaluate potential projects to ensure that an owner’s planning failures do not become the contractor’s problems. That evaluation can focus on the three primary planning components—the personnel, the processes, and the technical features. Fortunately, the contractor can control significant aspects of project success, particularly when involved in the project’s early stages. Proper execution on the contractor’s part can ensure project success while also creating key evidence if disputes arise.

Sustainable design in residential engineering services is of utmost importance in today’s world, where environmental concerns are at an all-time high. As the global population continues to grow, the demand for energy, water, and other resources also increases. Therefore, it is crucial to design residential structures that have a minimal impact on the environment while maximizing energy efficiency and resource conservation.

One significant benefit of sustainable design in residential engineering services is the reduction in energy consumption. Sustainable homes are designed to incorporate energy-efficient technologies, such as solar panels, efficient insulation, and energy-efficient appliances. By reducing energy consumption, homeowners can save money on utility bills and reduce their carbon footprint. Moreover, sustainable design also helps in ensuring a more comfortable living environment, with fewer temperature fluctuations and better air quality.

Water conservation is another key aspect of sustainable design in residential engineering services. Sustainable homes often incorporate features such as rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and efficient plumbing fixtures to reduce water usage. These strategies help conserve this precious resource and mitigate the strain on local water supplies.

In addition to energy and water conservation, sustainable design also plays a vital role in reducing waste generation. Construction and demolition waste are major contributors to landfills, with residential projects accounting for a significant portion of this waste. Sustainable design focuses on minimizing waste by using recycled or locally sourced materials, implementing efficient construction practices, and designing homes with adaptability in mind, allowing for easier renovations or additions rather than complete teardowns.

One of the most critical aspects of sustainable design in residential engineering services is the consideration of the natural environment. Sustainable homes are designed to integrate with the surrounding ecosystem, preserving natural features and minimizing disruption to local flora and fauna. Additionally, sustainable design encourages the use of landscaping techniques that reduce water usage, such as native plantings and efficient irrigation systems.

Furthermore, sustainable design in residential engineering services also contributes to the overall health and well-being of residents. By incorporating natural daylighting, proper ventilation, and low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) materials, sustainable homes create a healthier indoor environment, reducing the risk of respiratory problems and other health issues associated with poor air quality.

In conclusion, sustainable design in residential engineering services is of utmost importance for several reasons. It helps conserve energy, reduce water usage, minimize waste generation, preserve the natural environment, and enhance the overall health and well-being of residents. By prioritizing sustainability in residential engineering services, we can build homes that are not only environmentally friendly but also comfortable, cost-effective, and designed to last for future generations.