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Construction Project Plans Explained with Example Plans

construction projects examples

Anytime you start a project, it’s important to have a plan in place to accomplish it. 

Whether it’s new construction, renovation, restoration, or rebuilding, a well developed construction project plan, also known as a construction management plan (CMP) is essential for successful completion on schedule and within budget. 

Summit Reconstruction and Restoration contractors and crews have successfully completed  a number of projects and have experience with project planning and management for a variety of construction projects. Continue reading to find out what makes a good construction project plan, and check out our projects to see the results of good construction project planning. 

What is a construction project plan?

Construction planning is the process of figuring out the most efficient and cost-effective method of arriving at a satisfactory construction project. The construction project plan is a roadmap that guides the project from conception to completion. 

The project planner, usually a construction project manager, also called a CM, assesses all of the materials and labor required to complete a construction project and schedules those tasks in a way that improves the efficiency of the project as a whole. The goals of a construction plan usually include:

  • A definition of the work tasks of each entity involved in the project.
  • To clarify the relationship between different work tasks and the individual entities that are performing those tasks.
  • Make decisions about which technologies will be used to bring about the successful completion of the project.
  • Provide a comprehensive assessment of all resources required to complete a project.
  • Use the plan to arrive at a timeline and budget for the project.

What makes a good construction plan?

Good construction plans are comprehensive and accurately assess the costs and needs of a given project. An accurate and strategic plan can define what work needs to be done and in what order for reference of pending work tasks, and enable the delegation of those operation and maintenance tasks.

Important aspects that should be included in the plan are:

Define All Work Tasks 

Break those tasks into sub-tasks, continuing as needed to have a granular view of all work required to complete the project. This includes the work for all teams on the project, from design and engineering team members, to the general contractor and subcontractors.

Determine the Work Sequence & Duration

The work sequence defines the order in which work occurs. If work is done incorrectly it can result in project delays and wasted hours of labor. The project manager must estimate the duration that each task will take to complete. 

This is important for both determining a budget after the strategic plan is in place, and ensuring that the sequencing of all work tasks makes sense. Some tasks may be allowed to overlap, other tasks must be completed sequentially. An accurate duration assessment will result in more efficiency overall.

Resource Breakdown

Accurately assessing the resources required for a task will result in a more accurate budget and ensure that the right amount of each resource is ordered and that other considerations, such as storage of that resource until it is ready to be used, has been accounted for.

Why You Need a Construction Plan

Construction plans help you justify project feasibility and help you develop schedules and goals accordingly. Commonly, they can help bridge the communication gap between cross-disciplinary teams whose input is critical before starting a project.

As fluid projects, the strategic aspects of a project can change as the circumstances of the project change. Throughout the course of construction, the original plan may be disrupted or need to be altered to accommodate changes in weather conditions, materials, work crew, or technical difficulties as they arise.

Construction plans can help the construction manager and other stakeholders refer back to their original plan to ensure that the project is moving forward smoothly. These plans maintain project commitment levels by holding people accountable, ensuring that work is completed on schedule, and within budget. 

Creating a Construction Project Plan

There are three approaches to a good construction project plan:

  • Strategic plan: This is the high level overview of all project objectives. Here, you’ll outline the work, and what the overall project goals are. 
  • Operational plan: This is the nitty-gritty that gets into how each part of the project will be solved. 
  • Schedule: This puts operational plans on a time scale, with milestones and benchmarks for project completion. 

The Stages of Construction Project Management

Design & Initiation

At the beginning of the project, carry out a high level of risk analysis during the initiation phase. Identifying key risks at the beginning of the project will help your team prepare for anything that may occur. There are four parts to designing a construction project.

The Concept 

What are the needs, goals and objectives of the project? You’ll be making decisions based on the size of the project, the site allocated for the build and the actual design of what your building. This consists of a list for each room or space under consideration, including all critical data.

The Schematic Design

This is a sketch that identifies all the various parts, materials, sizes, colors, textures, etc. It includes the floorplan, elevations, etc., even a site plan.

Design Development

This requires research. You’ll be refining the original drawings from the previous stage now to reflect these decisions. Knowing local building codes and adhering to them will be important at this stage.

  • What are the materials to use? 
  • What equipment will be needed? 
  • How much are the materials? 

Get the contract documents together. These are the final drawing and construction specs. These will be used by outside contractors to bid on the job.

Preconstruction & Planning

From here, it’s time to start assigning roles and plans to make the project successful. Define teams, and make sure that those teams have the skills and certifications required to complete a task. If you have parts of a team that aren’t trained, make sure to get everyone trained up.

Investigate the site and check to see if anything is needed. The site must be ready for the construction, which might mean dealing with environmental issues, such as the suitability of the soil for construction.

At this step, fundamental guidelines should be established, including scope, cost and schedule, and then fine-tuned. Risk is defined and possible solutions mapped out according to a number of scenarios. There should be a clear understanding of who is responsible for what. 

Procurement

You have people and you’ve planned for the construction and materials necessary to complete it, now you must obtain those materials and equipment. This might be the responsibility of the general contractor or subcontractors, depending on the organization of the business doing the construction. 

This is the stage you’ll be working with purchase orders, which are used as an agreement between the buyer and the seller, as well as requests for proposals (bidding/tendering) from architects and engineers to contractors. Every viable proposal is examined in the light of the owner’s priorities and the contractors’ ability to follow through. This can include general contractors, specialty contractors, specialized equipment, furnishings and landscapers, and more. 

Execution & Construction

Finally, you’re ready for the build! But first you have a preconstruction meeting to deal with work hours, the storage of materials, quality control and site access. 

Performance Control

During this time, things will inevitably change or go wrong. Ensure that your team is communicating and staying flexible. Good project managers know how to adapt to and solve problems. Go into the project knowing that some things will not go according to plan. 

Delivery & Close

This is the ending portion of the project. Consolidate a list of anything left incomplete and assign a team member to complete these items. 

Ultimately, the satisfaction of the owner determines the overall success of the project. The last part of the project is after the construction is complete and the occupants move into or take ownership of the site. You must make sure all their requirements have been met, and usually provide a warranty period to make that arrangement official and binding.

Components of a Project Plan

A good project plan starts with baselines. You create a project baseline, followed by a baseline management plan, and a business plan. Along the way, you need reams and reams of documentation. We’ll explain. 

Baselines (Performance Measures)

This is the construction project’s approved starting points (cost, scope, and schedule) that determine if the project is on track. A PMB allows you to efficiently monitor and manage how a change in one component affects the others. Using baselines make it easier to accurately estimate costs, assess performance, and calculate earned value. 

Baseline Management Plan

Projects deviate from course, and baseline management plans include the documentation on how the baselines vary and how to handle them. With additional planning, management will determine the acts that the team will do when variances to the baseline arise. 

Business Plan

The two sectors of construction are commercial and residential. If the construction project is a commercial one, the project plan should include a business plan. 

The business plan explains the “why’s” of the project:

  • Business Benefits : what is the return on investment (ROI) of the project?
  • Planning Permission : The plan for approval and adherence to building and municipal codes.
  • Project Description : An outline of what the project is and how you’re planning to execute it.
  • Project Management and Team : Who is leading the project and who will make up the teams executing the plan.
  • Project Design : The plans, blueprints and other drawings detailing the build.
  • Bid and Contract : There are a couple of different bidding methods, which should be detailed here, also the details of the contract.
  • Construction Process : Identifying activities and resources required to make the design a physical reality.
  • Occupation and Defects Liability Period : This helps outline the process the client takes once possessing the development to occupy it.
  • Evaluation After Occupation : This is like a post-mortem to note what worked and didn’t over the course of the project. Project managers look at the stated goal of the project and then figure out what it will take to get there.

Documents in a Construction Project Plan

These are the documents and drawings that are important and advantageous to have in the planning stage because they provide a representation of what’s going to be constructed. 

Scope Documentation 

Scope documentation is the overall needs of the project, and is usually a list of goals, deliverables, features, functions, tasks, deadlines, and costs. It will also detail the benefits among the milestones you’ll track to reach them.  

Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)

This document visualizes the key project deliverables and organizes the work a team will do when the project is started into manageable sections. Think of it as a “hierarchical decomposition of the work to be executed by the project team,” as defined by the Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK).

Communication Plan

To effectively implement various aspects of your project plan, you must articulate them clearly and deliver them efficiently. You need to define your goals and objectives, then decide on what tools and methods you’ll use to deliver them. Make sure every interaction is documented to keep your teams regularly informed. Reporting mechanisms must be transparent in recording hours, communication strategies, contributions, conflicts, and reconciliations.

Risk Management Plan

You’re going to have to provide safety management, which will include a thorough assessment of what might go wrong and how you resolve it. These risks aren’t only physical or life-threatening, they also include time and cost estimates and other more mundane aspects of the project.

Feasibility Study

This document analyses the impact of the project on a number of factors including stakeholder approval, environmental and social impact, probability of hazards and the extent of profitability posed to clients, teams and your firm. Look at the goals, cost and timeline to see if you have resources to reach a successful project end within those constraints

Building Site Specific Plan

Depending on the size and nature of a building project, including demolition and excavation, the local municipality may require another construction management plan to be drawn up for approval. Items covered often include:

  • Public safety and site security
  • Operating hours
  • Controls to limit noise and vibration
  • Proper management of air, dust, stormwater, and sediment
  • Waste and materials reuse
  • Traffic management.

This kind of CMP also typically requires submission in advance with a pre-defined period for approval.

Some other examples of construction planning documents that may be included in the project plan, depending on the project, are Blueprint drawings and specifications, submittals and approvals, permits, fees, and licenses.

Personnel, Roles, & Responsibilities

There are a number of tasks and responsibilities throughout the process of construction project planning and execution, and it’s important to define who will be responsible for which tasks. The typical breakdown of roles and responsibilities includes the project manager and their support team.

Support team positions may include:

  • Contract administrators to help the project manager with managing contracts and procurement. 
  • Superintendents are on site to keep construction activities on schedule in terms of the materials, deliveries and equipment. 
  • Field engineers are positions that deal with paperwork and day to day operations. 

The Construction Project Manager

Construction project management is run by a construction project manager. This person is tasked with the planning, coordination, budgeting and supervision of the construction project. Construction project manager responsible for the following tasks:

  • Formulate budget, and estimate and negotiate project costs
  • Create schedule and work timetables, workload management and resource allocation
  • Determine which methods and strategies are appropriate for the project
  • Communicate with clients and stakeholders, detailing the cost, scope, duration, quality and communications used in the project
  • Lead or interface with workers, teams and other construction professions on technical and contract details
  • Clearly communicate the plan, so everyone is on the same page and understands what needs to be done over the life cycle of the project. 
  • Work with building, construction and regulatory specialists
  • Track project performance and monitor progress with key performance indicators for cost, time and quality. 
  • Identify potential issues and risks 
  • Outline the tasks within the timeline, noting project milestones, and the resources needed to do those tasks within the budget allotted.
  • Look at the goals, cost and timeline to see if you have resources to reach a successful project end within those constraints. 
  • Define the reasoning behind the project and make sure it’s sound. 
  • Create project charter to help initiate the project 
  • Make sure design meets with building codes and other regulations.

Tips for Construction Project Planning

In addition to being strategic about resources, operations, and scheduling, there are some aspects to consider when creating and implementing the project plan. 

Anticipate Costs

Anticipating costs is important to keep in mind when forming a project plan, because construction can come with a certain level of uncertainty, which includes discovering additional, unforseen costs as the project progresses. You should try to budget and estimate costs as accurately as possible to reduce overhang that could have been spent elsewhere, while also leaving a little bit of slack for overtures or surprise expenses. 

Usual areas where expenditures can go beyond the budget are payroll, project budgets, safety equipment costs, material supply, and machinery. The best way to prepare for this is by doing thorough research to reduce the occurrences of unforeseen costs, and be plan strategically to be able to address them with as little disruption to the rest of the project as possible.

Include Quality Control of Materials & Output

The client and stakeholders have to specify the quality of the construction project in terms of material, budget and actual output. Performance of different teams should also be included in the plan.

For example, an overview of the civil engineering project management plan will be a part of the CPMP. Accordingly, efforts can be assigned to different components forming the core of the labor. With monetary and personal investments in play here, quality assurance audits need to be conducted before signing them off.

Hold a Kickoff Meeting

A kickoff meeting is a practical step to bring stakeholders together to go over the project in depth and trust is built among team members because everyone’s input is on the table. Topics to discuss in a kickoff meeting are:

  • Ground rules
  • Project sponsor
  • Defined business exports
  • Project manager
  • Project team
  • Team commitments
  • How to make decisions

Project Management Tools

Many project management and construction software tools exist to help automate and accelerate the production of a CMP. Programs that run on workstations in the contractor’s offices or that are accessible online as a cloud computing service offer streamlining of:

  • Construction activity project management
  • CAD (computer-aided design) for preparing 2D or 3D project drawings
  • Construction estimating for costing projects
  • Construction accounting

As projects grow in complexity, both clients and contractors may use these kinds of software and exchange data and files between one another. BIM (building information modeling) software can federate all the different information effectively to make an even more extensive CMP. The CM’s preferred construction management software is used to pull it all together and estimate time, risk and cost of permits, contractors, insurance, labor, materials and so on, down to the last coat of paint. 

Consider using a cloud-based construction software to ensure that the project is on track and collaboration is available at every aspect of the project’s life cycle. Project management software is beneficial because it keeps the whole team on the same page.

Examples of CMP tools include:

  • Project plan 365
  • Jonas Construction software  

Construction project plans commonly use Gantt charts for project scheduling. There are a number of tools and softwares for creating Gantt charts, and similar construction schedule templates and project management plan templates using Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets. Other programs are specifically created for construction project planning.

Summit Reconstruction & Restoration construction project plan example

Example Construction Plan and Template

Every project is a little different so every plan will be a little different, but generally they will outline tasks, subtasks, and the timeline in which they must be completed. Below is an example of common tasks included in construction projects.

Construction Project 

General Conditions

  • Receive notice to proceed and sign contract
  • Submit bond and insurance documents
  • Prepare and submit project schedule
  • Prepare and submit schedule of values
  • Obtain building permits
  • Submit preliminary shop drawings
  • Submit monthly requests for payment
  • Clear and grub site
  • Install underground utilities
  • Install temporary power service
  • Install exterior fire line and building fire riser
  • Erect building batter boards and layout building

Foundations

  • Excavate foundations
  • Excavate elevator pit
  • Form column piers and spread foundations
  • Rough-in electric and plumbing in elevator
  • Form elevator pit walls
  • Pour column piers, foundations and walls
  • Strip forms
  • Install pneumatic tube in elevator pit
  • Prepare and pour concrete floor in elevator pit
  • Erect steel columns, beams and joist – 1st and 2nd floors
  • Erect steel columns, beams and joist – 3rd floor and roof
  • Install miscellaneous iron and bracing – 1st and 2nd floors
  • Install miscellaneous iron and bracing – 3rd floor and roof
  • Install stairs and miscellaneous iron railing
  • Touch-up paint on steel

Form and Pour Concrete – Floors and Roof

  • Install rebar and in-floor utilities (including mechanical, electrical, plumbing)
  • Pour separate floors
  • Cure separate floors
  • Form roof slab including all floor openings
  • Install electrical underground
  • Install plumbing underground
  • Install rebar and in-floor utilities

Masonry Work

  • Rough-in plumbing at toilets and masonry walls
  • Lay masonry at core, mechanical, and toilets
  • Install exterior masonry work
  • Install roof drains
  • Install tile in toilet rooms
  • Install flashing at parapet walls
  • Pour lightweight concrete roof fill
  • Install seamless roofing material
  • Spread stone ballast on seamless roof
  • Set rooftop equipment

Building Finishes

  • Install millwork and wood trim
  • Paint walls and woodwork
  • Install conduit at ceiling plenum space
  • Install duct in ceiling plenum space
  • Install ceiling grid
  • Install ceiling tile
  • Hang wallpaper
  • Install building carpet
  • Install hardware and accessories
  • Complete interior and exterior sod and plantings
  • Pave, curb, and stripe parking lot
  • Rough-in plumbing in drywall walls
  • Tie-in fire line riser and set valves
  • Set plumbing fixtures and trim
  • Flush, test, and clean piping and fixtures
  • Rough-in electrical in masonry walls
  • Rough-in electrical in drywall walls
  • Pull wire in conduit and set area transformers
  • Install and terminate electrical devices
  • Heating and Ventilating – AC
  • Set equipment in mechanical room
  • Rough-in mechanical in masonry walls
  • Rough-in mechanical in drywall walls
  • Install duct in building chase
  • Install light fixtures – test and clean

Complete Final Inspections

  • Complete elevator inspection and certification
  • Perform architect’s inspection
  • Perform local building agency inspection
  • Perform Fire Marshal’s inspection
  • Install hard tile flooring in common areas
  • Clean hard tile floors
  • Remove debris from building and do final clean-up
  • Substantial completion date
  • Complete punch list items from all inspection

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Types Of Construction Projects

What are construction projects.

The organized effort to create a building or structure is known as a construction project. Construction projects in civil engineering and architecture refer to physically putting together infrastructure or a building.  

A construction project comprises several smaller projects as it is not a single activity. Human multitasking is required for large-scale construction projects.

A design engineer, a construction engineer, or a professional architect oversees these types of larger construction projects. Effective planning is necessary for building projects to be completed cost-effectively. 

types of construction projects

To avoid work-related injuries or financial difficulties, a construction management team participating in the design and execution of infrastructure must incorporate different safety measures and examine the project’s entire cost.

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All construction projects require meticulous planning because of the job’s invariable environmental and financial impact. As a result of these intrinsic characteristics, all construction projects require detailed planning centered on the following elements:

  • Building material availability,
  • Construction site safety, and
  • The discomfort the project will cause to the general public.

The type of construction project you work on is typically determined by the construction vocation you choose. When you work in construction, you may be exposed to commercial, residential, infrastructural, or industrial projects. Some of the types are:

1. Residential Building Project

Residential housing construction is the first type of construction, and it comprises building, maintaining, and modifying structures for housing people, supplies, or equipment.

All housing types are included, including apartments, townhomes, condos, nursing homes, and dorms. Residential structures include garages and outbuildings, such as utility sheds. 

Residential housing projects are usually designed by engineers and architects, with the mechanical, structural, and electrical work completed by subcontractors hired by construction companies.

In the case of single-family homes, however, builders often handle all parts of the project, including design and construction.

2. Private Project

Construction projects owned, controlled, or commissioned by a private entity are known as private construction projects.

Individuals, homeowners, corporations, other corporate entities, non-profit associations, privately supported schools, hospitals, publicly-traded firms, and other private parties are examples of private projects.

These types of construction projects occur in numerous shapes and sizes, and it’s at this point, examining the nature of the work accomplished may help divide private construction into subcategories.

3. Commercial Project

Commercial projects include schools, sports arenas, commercial centers, hospitals, stadiums, retail outlets, and skyscrapers.

Institutional and commercial construction, like residential housing development, comprises the construction of new structures and the repair and maintenance of existing ones. 

A company or a private owner usually commissions a project like a retail store. Other infrastructure projects, like stadiums, schools, and medical facilities, are frequently funded and controlled by local and national governments.

4. Industrial Project

The form of construction comprises constructing structures that require a high level of specialization and technical planning, construction, and design skills. This form of construction is usually done by for-profit or industrial businesses.

For example, a chemical company can build oil refineries, whereas a power generation company can build hydroelectric power plants and nuclear power plants, both are industrial structures.

5. State Construction Project

State-funded construction projects come in a range of shapes and sizes. It could be something as simple as constructing a public school or a government building (like a courtroom). These projects can also be quite complex, such as building a bridge, sewer line, motorways, etc.

6. Infrastructure and Heavy Construction Project

These types of construction projects include constructing and updating railways, communications, roads, and railways to the city’s environs and current building construction.

This form of development is typically carried out in the public interest by government institutions and significant commercial firms.

Tunnels, bridges, highways, transport systems, drainage systems, and pipelines are examples of other projects that fall under this category.

7. Federal Construction Project

State and federal construction projects are very similar. They can take several shapes, much like state projects, and are very simple, conventional, and complicated.

Here, the structures built are often identical to those constructed by state governments: courthouses, government buildings, flood control projects, etc. The only distinction between state and federal projects is who owns or controls the project’s underlying location.

The distinction is not in which organization funds the project as federal money is used in state and private initiatives. It is a state project if construction on a state courtroom is done with federal funds.

On the other hand, working in a federal courthouse is a government enterprise. Because states manage the highways, work on a federally funded interstate is usually a state project.

Types Of Construction Projects Classified By Fire Resistance

Fire-resistance rating, a safety measure used to determine a structure’s ability to withstand a fire, is widely used to classify buildings.

The National Fire Protection Association’s Building Construction and Safety Code contains these requirements (NFPA).

A fire-resistance rating can be given to individual materials or architectural elements and entire buildings based on the materials utilized.

The fire-resistance ratings apply to the exterior and interior bearing walls, columns, beams, girders, trusses, and arches, as well as the floor, ceiling, and roof assemblies.

1. Type I: Fire-retardant

All of the building components are non-combustible and can withstand a fire for 3-4 hours. High-rise structures, commercial ventures, and hospitals are all examples of this sort of construction.

2. Type II: Non-combustible 

All building materials are non-combustible and provide a fire resistance of 1-2 hours. Mid-rise business buildings, hotels, and schools all use this type of architecture.

3. Type III: Ordinary

Ordinary construction provides a fire resistance of 0-2 hours. The exterior walls, such as brick, are made of non-combustible materials, whereas the inside structural parts may be flammable. This is commonly found in warehouses and certain private residences.

4. Type IV: Heavy Timber 

Heavy timber construction necessitates non-combustible outside walls that provide 2 hours of fire resistance and an interior built of solid or laminated wood with no concealed spaces. This is a popular choice for churches, small businesses, and warehouses.

5. Type V: Wooden Framed 

Wooden walls, floors, and roofs provide little to no fire resistance in wood-framed buildings. This is a popular choice in residential settings.

These are the most common types of construction projects in use today. Depending on your project’s scope, you can choose from a variety of building experts.

An architect or Civil engineer can help you with the design of your structure, while a builder can assist you with the construction. You have to ensure that the person or contractor is credible, trustworthy, and knowledgeable in his field.

You can also find a good professional for your project by using the internet and referrals from friends and relatives. Further, construction projects must adhere to the locality’s zoning and building code regulations.

If they do not follow, the project may be delayed or fined severely. Thus, construction projects are complicated webs of contracts and other legal duties requiring a team of lawyers or legal specialists to analyze each responsibility carefully.

Aside from the contractual legal responsibilities, the time aspect in building projects is critical as any delay in a construction project would result in additional expenditures.

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The 6 phases of construction project management (CPM)

Julia Martins contributor headshot

It’s hard to think of an industry with more moving pieces and active stakeholders than the construction industry. From materials to suppliers, keeping your construction project in order, on time, and on budget is a task unto itself. 

Luckily, that’s where construction project management (CPM) comes in. With effective CPM, you can track your work, your team members, and your deliverables in one easy place. While CPM won’t help your project build itself, it will help you bring cross-team clarity so you can work more efficiently and effectively as a team.

What is construction project management (CPM)?

Construction project management (CPM) is the process of managing, regulating, and supervising construction processes. CPM can vary from a single project to managing an entire construction management company. Either way, CPM can help your team plan your project work during the pre-construction phase, track deliverables during the construction phase, evaluate project delivery, and close out at the end of the initiative. 

Unique challenges of construction management

In CPM, it’s particularly important to pay attention to project constraints and safety details. A construction project has many similarities and a few key differences to a more traditional project you might have worked on. 

For one thing, construction projects often have a wide variety of stakeholders who need to work together closely but cross-functionally. This includes:

The project owner

The project supervisor

Construction project managers

General contractors

Subcontractors

City planners

Civil engineers

Public workers

Construction-specific project needs

As you can imagine, construction projects have specific needs that are unique to this type of workflow. As you begin thinking about CPM, make sure you have a way to manage:

Vendor management

Budget tracking

Cost estimation

Change orders

Project schedules

Daily, weekly, and monthly inspection logs

Bidding processes and contract negotiations

Quality control

Safety management

Job site monitoring

General project management needs

At its core, every construction project is just that—a project. While you shouldn’t neglect any of the construction elements of CPM, make sure you’re also following project management best practices. 

You can do this by:

Running a feasibility study before beginning the project.

Adhering to all of the steps in the project initiation phase to make sure your team is set up for success.

Setting up a proactive risk management process , like a risk register .

Creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) to capture all of your project deliverables and sub-deliverables.

Using the critical path method to identify the best timeline for the project.

Following cost management best practices both before and during the project.

Effectively communicating with your project team and stakeholders.

Following resource management best practices .

Defining clear workflows in a centralized source of information.

The 6 phases of CPM

In general, there are six phases to any construction project. Some of these phases are longer than others, but follow this six-step process to set your project up for success.

1. Initiation

The first part of any project, including a construction project, is the initiation phase . This is also sometimes referred to as the conception phase. During this phase, your team will work with the client to identify their needs and how your team will meet them. 

Depending on the scope of the project , you may also want to run a feasibility study or do a full business case to analyze whether or not this project is doable. Even without a formalized business case, make sure you incorporate design sketches into your project plan to ensure you and your client are on the same page. 

2. Pre-construction

Once you’ve finalized the details with your client and signed your contract, it’s time to dive into pre-construction. This is when you start assembling your team—including general contractors—and field testing your construction plans if necessary. 

The pre-construction phase is critical to a successful construction project—if you dive straight into the execution phase, you could miss important details that could lead to project failure. Instead, take some time to clarify:

When you should check in with your clients: Which project milestones do they want to be involved in? 

What your communication plan is: Where and how will you share project status updates with your client? 

Where your project information will live: What is your team’s central source of truth for all of your project information? How will you ensure all of your project team members are using the correct information, especially across project phases ? 

What your risk management plan is: What project risks have you identified, and what’s your plan for proactively mitigating them? 

What your project roadmap will look like: What dependencies does your team need to look out for, and how can they visualize those dependencies? 

What your project budget is: How will you track your project budget ? Which cost control best practices will you put into place to ensure you don’t go over budget? 

What you’re working towards: What is your end goal? Where can your team find your work breakdown structure listing all of your project deliverables and sub deliverables? 

Make sure you’re keeping track of all of this information in a tool everyone can access. Project management tools make it easy to share information with team members and stakeholders and to visually track project progress. Use a Gantt chart to bring your roadmap to life, see progress in real-time, get notified if any project plans shift, and stay up-to-date on any project milestones. 

3. Project execution

Now that you’ve planned your project to perfection, it’s time to put it into practice. The project execution phase is exactly what it sounds like—this is when your project team and general contractors are building your project! 

One of the most important things to carry through into the project execution phase is communication. Poor communication is one of the most common reasons for project failure , especially in the construction industry. Think about all of the stakeholders involved in a construction project. Without a clear way to keep everyone in the loop, especially as people roll onto and off of the project, you’ll never be able to finish the project on time and on budget. 

Good communication starts with a clear communication plan, but it doesn’t stop there. Make sure you have a way for team members to access important project information—including the lessons you learned during previous phases. Documenting your client conversations, your team updates, and your project progress reports in one place makes it easy to avoid making the same mistakes you’ve already made. That way, you’re more likely to hit your deliverables on time and on budget. 

4. Commissioning

Once the final product is built, you move on to the commissioning phase. There are three steps to the commissioning phase: 

1. Do a final walkthrough

Before you present the finished product to your client, you want to make sure you didn’t miss anything. Take some time to walk through and test your finished product to ensure there are no errors. Document anything you find in a construction punch list . 

What is a punch list?

Eine Mängelliste ist ein Tool im Bauprojektmanagement, mit dem Sie all die kleinen Aufgaben dokumentieren, die noch zu erledigen sind, bevor das gesamte Projekt als abgeschlossen betrachtet werden kann. Für Projektverantwortliche sind die Begehung und die Mängelliste auch eine hervorragende Möglichkeit der Qualitätskontrolle. Gibt es im Gebäude irgendetwas, das nicht den Vertragsspezifikationen entspricht? Wurde irgendetwas nicht korrekt installiert? In solchen Fällen kann der Projektmanager die Mängelliste aktualisieren, damit die entsprechenden Fehler behoben werden. 

2. Present the finished building to your client

Once you’ve finished your internal walkthrough, it’s time to present the finished deliverables to the client and walk them through everything you’ve created. The client will want to inspect the construction site and test systems and equipment. Hopefully you’ve caught all of the errors ahead of time, but if they find any new errors during their walkthrough, it’s your responsibility to fix them as quickly as possible.

3. Train the client on any systems before you leave

Even without errors, make sure the client and building manager know how to operate any relevant systems so they can maintain the building once you’re no longer on the premises. This can include things like electricity, plumbing, software, and more.

5. Occupancy and warranty

During the occupancy and warranty period, the client actually moves into the building. You will no longer be on site, but you may still be responsible for the construction project depending on your contract and your local or federal warranty policies. 

There are two types of warranties depending on your situation: contractual warranty and implied warranty. Work with your internal legal department to figure out which warranty you have and how long the warranty period lasts. 

6. Project closure

Once the warranty period is over, the project is closed. You’ve fulfilled your obligation to the client, but you’re not quite done yet. In order to ensure your team got the most out of the project, hold a project post mortem meeting to review what went right and what could be improved. Catalog lessons learned in a shared tool. That way, the next time you have a similar project, you already have a head start on the planning process.

Tools you need to run a successful construction project

Now that you understand the six phases of construction project management, you need to execute on those phases. That’s where construction project management software comes in. 

What is construction project management software? 

Construction project management tools are tools to help construction professionals execute their work and hit their deadlines. There are two types of tools you can use:

Traditional tools , which offer features specific to construction teams but can be difficult to learn and require a project manager to manage the tool.

Modern project management tools , which are flexible for any team and can be run by anyone.  

What are modern project management tools?

Modern project management tools make it easy for you to coordinate work, stay in sync, and hit your deadlines. Unlike traditional project management tools, modern project management software is easy for anyone to use. These tools have everything you need to succeed and mold a project exactly to your requirements. 

Key features to look for in your construction project management software

Regardless of what type of tool you use, make sure you select a tool that lets you do the following:

Set clear deadlines

In CPM, deadlines are of utmost importance. Missing a deadline has a cascading effect and can delay the entire project completion schedule. If your team doesn’t know who’s doing what by when, and who’s responsible for the work being done, deadlines are much more likely to fall through the cracks. In fact, according to our research, 26% of deadlines are missed each week.

The key to setting good deadlines is clarity. Make sure your team knows exactly who’s responsible for the work being done, what project dependencies they need to be aware of, and any stakeholders they need to loop in. If you haven’t already, draw out the critical path of your most important work. The earlier you can clarify this information, the more time your team has to make sure they’re prioritizing the right work at the right time. 

What is a critical path?

A critical path in project management is the longest sequence of activities that must be finished on time in order for the entire project to be complete. Any delays in critical tasks will delay the rest of the project.

Especially when it comes to large construction projects, you may need to schedule tasks out weeks or even months in advance—especially when it comes to large pieces of equipment or specialty items. In the moment, a short delay doesn’t seem like a big deal, but if these delays impact your critical path, they may lead to larger issues down the road. 

Visualize the project timeline and dependencies

There are a lot of moving pieces within CPM. With Gantt charts , you can visualize all of this work in one place. Gantt charts are bar chart-like tools that represent each task as a horizontal line. You can see how long each task is expected to take, connect dependencies between tasks for added clarity, and even add project milestones on key dates. 

[Product ui] Gantt chart project, organized timeline view in Asana with dependencies and due dates (Timeline)

The power of dependencies

Even with the clearest deadlines, sometimes, things get delayed. Maybe your shipment didn’t arrive on time because of a storm, or a team member was out sick unexpectedly. When these delays happen, it’s critical that you and your team can clearly understand the impact of the delay. 

If something gets delayed, ask yourself the following questions: 

What other tasks and dependencies will need to be pushed back as a result? 

Will this delay impact our overall project deliverables?

Is there work we can do in tandem to make up for the delay? 

Having this level of clarity immediately when a deadline is missed makes it easy for your team to adjust and hopefully, make up for lost time. Alternatively, if someone completes a deliverable early, the person waiting on that deliverable to start their work can get notified about it and start right away. 

Coordinate across multiple projects

If you work at a bigger construction company, you may have many projects in the air at once. When team members are working across projects, one of the most important things for you to keep track of is what each team member has on their plate, and when. 

No one can keep all of this information in their head—and with effective construction management tools, you don’t have to. Instead, capture all of your team’s work in one place and view team member workload across multiple projects. That way, you can avoid overbooking team members and ensure that they have the bandwidth to complete work for your project on time. 

Centralize communication

Clear communication is critical—but in CPM, it’s even harder to coordinate than in traditional project management. Not only do you have a variety of stakeholders and a job that takes you away from the computer, but you also have team members rolling on and off the project. Without clear communication, it’s easy for things to fall through the cracks. 

To prevent this from happening, make sure your entire project team is communicating in the same place—your construction project management tool. By maintaining a single source of truth, there will never be any questions about who’s working on what or the latest status on a piece of work. 

In particular, you need software that updates in real-time so your entire team is updated on the status of work—whether they’re at the office or on the job site. With modern construction project management software, you can also add stakeholders to the project so they get real-time project status reports without having to attend a meeting. 

Track project costs

A huge element of whether or not your construction project succeeds is whether or not it ends under budget. This is especially important in CPM because you may be paying for large, upfront material costs that you need in order to build your final deliverable—whether that’s a house, a building, or something even bigger. But keeping track of budget is really hard to do. 

Like communication, it comes back to viewing information in real-time. When you can visualize project costs in real-time, you can not only see the budget you’ve spent, but quickly course correct if it seems like you’re veering off track. 

Standardize processes

The construction industry is vast—but most construction projects your team works on are probably pretty similar. In addition to following the six steps of CPM, you’ll have your own sub-steps in place to help manage the work and keep your team on track. 

The difference between a successful and unsuccessful construction project often comes down to how well you can execute on those small sub-steps. With a million moving pieces, a diversity of contractors and team members, and potential project risks that could jeopardize your final deliverable, it’s critical that your team stays on top of all of the little details, every time. 

If you’re working on a project similar to a past initiative, there’s no reason for you to reinvent the wheel. Instead, look for a way to templatize your processes. That way, you can plug and play when you have a new construction project—without worrying that you’re going to miss a step. By streamlining the project process, you’re also giving your team more time to execute, rather than plan.

Real-time updates on the go

A lot of the time, you need access to information when you aren’t at your desk. Walking through the construction site and notice something amiss? You need a way to log that information into your project management software so you can solve the issue as quickly as possible. 

Look for a tool with a really good mobile app that allows you to update your work in real-time. That way, everyone—in the office and on the job site—are on the same page.

Better project management with Asana

Construction management is a high-intensity field, and you need a way to keep up with all of the changing plans and unexpected changes. There are construction project management tools out there, but that’s not what we focus on. Asana is a work management platform —which means we think about processes, not just projects. 

With Asana , you can plan and execute any project. From centralized decision making to streamlined information sharing, Asana is an all-in-one tool to help your team get their best work done and hit their goals. 

Construction Project Management 101

By Diana Ramos | November 14, 2015 (updated November 1, 2023)

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If you’re new to construction project management, this article will walk you through the must-know basics , commonly used business models for construction projects , and the role of a project manager in construction projects  so you can master the skills and expertise needed to manage dynamic, time-sensitive construction projects of all sizes.

You’ll also learn about the best universities to study construction project management  and hear from industry experts  to better understand best practice tips and tricks when it comes to construction project management.

What Is Construction Project Management (CPM)?

Construction project management refers to the processes needed to successfully complete a construction project. Construction project managers ensure that all elements of a construction project are supported and executed efficiently throughout the project lifecycle.

At its most fundamental level, construction project management handles the coordination, execution, and planning of a construction project , whether it’s agricultural, residential, commercial , institutional, industrial, heavy civil, or environmental.

Construction project management typically includes complicated tasks that can shift wildly, depending on the work at hand, and it requires strong skills in communication, deep knowledge of the building process, and the ability to problem-solve. Construction project management is a complex field, requiring knowledge in many different areas like finance, mediation, law, business, and more.

History of Construction Management

Construction managers have played an important role since the rise of complex building projects. In early construction projects, an architect oversaw operations, but over time the manager role has gradually become more specialized, and more complex.

Into the Renaissance, individual architects began to be known for their designs, like Sir Christopher Wren of England. Wren designed and built buildings in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, including the masterpiece St. Paul’s Cathedral, that help give London its rich countenance. Wren had a breadth of knowledge that would foreshadow the types of skills needed on a complicated construction project, with expertise in advanced mathematics and physics, as well as in design. He was on his building sites every day overseeing every phase of the works.

The rules of project management began to take shape across corporate America around the time of World War II, and by the 1950s, they were guiding civil construction projects. This meant that the phases and tenets of managing a construction engineering project were now being applied to a variety of corporate projects.

More and more details of managing a construction project can be done digitally (see software section below), and that trend is expected to grow. Mobile-friendly technology and software are set to play a major role in the field, as a younger workforce is more comfortable with the technology, and it will allow the work to be managed and tracked from anywhere.

Roles of Construction Manager and Contractor

Construction managers and contractors play key roles in project execution. Construction managers coordinate and oversee building work, and also ensure participants adhere to budgets and schedules. Contractors work closely with construction managers and are responsible for the hands-on construction work.

To learn more about this role, read our comprehensive guide to commercial construction management .

First up in any construction project is the design phase, and when that’s finished, the construction project manager opens the bidding process to interested contractors. To qualify for consideration, contractors must be able to show they can handle public safety; decision-making, engineering, drafting, human resources, and time, cost, and quality management. The contractors who meet these guidelines are then chosen through low-bid selection, best-value selection, or qualifications-based selection — all common measures.

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The Construction Project Bid Selection Process

In the project bid selection process, the project owner first shares information to a large group of contractors, and then solicits bids from them. Once the project owner selects a bid, both parties agree on a payment model.

Types of Construction Project Bids

A contractor can expect two kinds of bids:

  • Open Bid : Open bids apply to public projects and are usually advertised. With an open bid, any contractor can put in an offer.
  • Closed Bid : The process for a private project starts with a closed bid, wherein the owner invites a select group of contractors to send in their bids.

Methods of Construction Project Bid Selection

Whether the owner chooses an open or a closed bid process for the project, the bids will then come in, and the selection of a contractor can commence based on a number of criteria:

  • Low-Bid Selection : The bottom line — aka the price — is the main focus for the project owner. The winning contractor is the one who submits the lowest price for the project.
  • Qualifications-Based Selection : In this process, the project owner asks contractors to submit with their bid a request for qualifications (RFQ), which summarizes the contractor’s experience, plans for management, organizational flow, and success in staying on budget and on schedule. The project owner then chooses the contractor with the best qualifications.
  • Best-Value Selection : In this approach, the project owner considers both the bid price and the contractor’s qualifications to find the best combination of cost and skill set.  

Types of Construction Project Payment Models

The next and final step after an owner chooses a contractor is to negotiate a payment agreement. Both parties typically select from four payment models:

  • Lump Sum : A lump-sum contract is the most prevalent choice. The project owner and the contractor come together on the overall cost for the work, and the owner must pay that amount, regardless of the project’s success or if the final bill surpasses the initial quoted price.
  • Cost-Plus-Fee : As the name suggests, cost-plus-fee includes the total cost of the project as well as a fixed fee percentage of the overall cost to the contractor, all of which the owner must pay. This is the most contractor-friendly arrangement, since it covers all additional costs.
  • Guaranteed Maximum Price : With a guaranteed maximum price contract, the owner and contractor agree on a set price that the total cost and fee cannot exceed.
  • Unit Price : If the two parties can’t agree on the cost ahead of time, they opt for a unit-price model, in which the owner pays out a specific unit price throughout each phase of the project.

The Construction Management At-Risk Delivery Method

Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) is a delivery method wherein the construction manager completes a project for a guaranteed maximum price (GMP). The manager helps set the GMP during development and design, and is then liable for any additional costs.

In addition to acting in the owner's interest, the construction manager must control construction costs to stay within the GMP. Because the arrangement guarantees a maximum payment, low bids are typically not considered. Instead, the construction manager will work toward fulfilling the financial goal through other avenues.

The advantage of a CM at-risk arrangement is budget management. Before a project's design is completed (six to 18 months of coordination between designer and owner), the construction manager is involved with estimating the cost of constructing a project based on the goals of the designer and owner (design concept) and the project's scope, all while achieving optimal quality. The construction manager will have to be ready for potential changes to balance the costs, schedule, quality, and scope of the project while still meeting the financial goals.

For example, instead of a redesign, the construction manager may suggest modifications instead. Or if the owner decides to expand the project, the team will have to make adjustments before pricing. To keep a handle on the budget before design is complete and construction crews are called up, the construction manager conducts site visits and purchases major items ahead of demand.

Advantages : In this arrangement, the construction manager assumes the risk, so he or she has an incentive to act in the owner's interest and to efficiently manage costs, considering GMP overruns would be the responsibility of the manager’s company.

Drawbacks : A cost overrun could cost the construction manager a great deal of money. The CM is allowed some mistake-related contingency, so there is a possibility that they will compensate by reducing the scope of the work to fit the GMP. Also, since the GMP is decided before design begins, it is difficult for owners to know whether they received the best possible bid.

Bottom Line : An at-risk delivery method is best for large projects — both complete construction and renovation — that are not easy to define, have a possibility of changing in scope, or must meet strict schedule deadlines. It can also be an efficient method in projects containing technical complexity, multitrade coordination, or multiple phases.

Accelerated Construction Techniques : Starting with its Accelerated Bridge Program in the late 2000s, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation began employing accelerated construction techniques, in which it signs contracts with incentives for early completion and penalties for late completion, and uses intense construction during longer periods of complete closure to shorten the overall project duration and reduce cost. The federal and California Departments of Transportation also employed this technique after the Northridge earthquake in 1994 to speed up repair of freeways in the Los Angeles area.

Contract and Design Models for Construction Projects

The bidding process is usually consistent no matter the type of construction project, but you can expect two business models in the construction industry:

  • Design-Bid-Build Contracts : Both popular and prevalent, design-bid-build contracts allow the owner to choose a contractor after an architect or engineer completes the design phase.
  • Design-Build Contracts : The opposite of design-bid-build, in a design-build contract, the design and construction phases are handled by the same party (referred to as the design-builder or the design-build contractor). This approach speeds up the project’s completion since the design and construction phases can happen simultaneously.

As noted in the two above models, the bidding process begins with the design phase. The design stage itself can be broken down into different approaches.

  • Conceptual/Programming and Feasibility : This model uses the final vision of the building as the starting point to determine needs, goals, and objectives. Considerations include the building size, the number of rooms, how the space will be used, and even who will be using the space. This information is generally captured in a spreadsheet listing each room, the critical information about those spaces, and the approximate square footage of each area.
  • Schematic Design : Schematic designs are drawings or sketches used to identify spaces, shapes, and patterns. Not every part of a construction project can be sketched, of course, but those that can be are in this type of design. The drawings note materials, colors, and textures. These sketches can also capture floorplans, where structures like elevators will be placed, and so on.

The 5 Phases of Construction Project Management

The five phases of the construction management process reflect those in traditional PM: project initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and, once the team meets all completion goals, project closeout.

1. Initiation

Before the project starts, a project manager must develop and evaluate the business case to determine if the project is feasible and worth undertaking. Stakeholders may be asked to do their due diligence and to conduct feasibility testing, if needed. When all parties agree to proceed with the project, the project manager writes a project charter or project initiation document (PID), which includes both the business needs and the business case.

2. Planning

Next, the project team develops a road map for all involved. This includes the project management plan (PMP), a formal, approved document created by the project manager to guide execution and control, as well as set baselines for scope, cost, and schedule. You can also expect to see these documents in the planning phase:

  • Scope statement and scope documentation : This defines the project’s business need, benefits, objectives, deliverables, and key milestones.

Work breakdown structure:  The work breakdown structure  breaks down the scope of the project into visual, manageable chunks.

Communication plan : This outlines all aspects of communication, from goals and objectives to roles to tools and methods. The communication plan creates a common framework that everyone can work from to avoid misunderstandings or conflict.

Risk management plan : This helps project managers identify  risks beforehand, including time and cost estimates that may not be met, potential budget cuts, shifting requirements, and a shortage of committed resources.

3. Execution

Now the work begins. Typically, all parties hold a kickoff meeting, then the project team begins the crucial work of assigning resources, implementing project management plans, setting up tracking systems, completing tasks, updating the project schedule, and if necessary, modifying the project plan.

4. Performance and Monitoring

The monitoring phase often happens concurrently with the execution phase. This phase is necessary to measure progress and performance and to ensure that items are in line with the overall project management plan.

This final phase marks the project’s completion. To mark the conclusion, project managers may hold a post-mortem meeting to discuss what parts of the project did and didn’t meet objectives. The project team then creates a punch list of any lingering tasks, performs a final budget, and issues a project report.

Learn more about the phases of project management .

Expert Tips for New Construction Project Managers

Managing construction projects can feel daunting for new managers. From getting hands-on experience and encouraging communication to committing to ongoing education, we’ve gathered some of the best advice from experts in the field.

Here are some top tips from six construction management experts:

Barbara Jackson

"Passez du temps sur le chantier à observer le travail en cours et à poser beaucoup de questions. Sortez sur le terrain, salissez vos bottes et montrez du respect aux métiers qui font réellement le travail de construction des projets. Il est important que l'entrée- les CM de niveau comprennent les nombreux éléments de terrain, tels que la météo, les conditions du site, l'espace de stockage limité, la congestion du trafic, etc., qui peuvent avoir un impact sur les coûts, le calendrier, la qualité, la sécurité et les autres variables du projet que les CM sont responsables de la gestion.

— Barbara Jackson, auteure de Construction Management Jumpstart et directrice de la Franklin L. Burns School of Real Estate & Construction Management.

Dan Julien

« Gardez la communication fluide. Les mauvaises nouvelles sont tout aussi importantes que les bonnes nouvelles. S'assurer que toutes les parties prenantes du projet sont au courant de ce qui se passe au travail minimisera les appels téléphoniques, les e-mails et les conférences téléphoniques au milieu d'une tentative de résolution ou de récupération d'un problème sur site.

— Dan Julien, directeur de Julien Management, consultant en construction et en gestion de projet pour certaines des plus grandes marques et des personnalités de premier plan.

Alison Dykstra

"Engagez-vous dans une formation continue. L'industrie de la construction est en pleine mutation - les coûts, les systèmes de réalisation de projets, la technologie, la démographie et peut-être le plus important, les attentes en matière de durabilité ("verte"), ont tous un impact sur la manière dont les projets sont conçus, construits, gérés et financés. Les CM qui réussissent sont agiles et informés et comprennent les implications de ces nombreux changements. L'ancienne façon de faire les choses est en train de disparaître ; se tenir au courant de tout, des normes et codes aux pratiques de construction, en passant par la réalisation de projets collaboratifs, etc. sera requis."

— Alison Dykstra, AIA, fondatrice de Kirshner Books et auteure de Construction Project Management : A Complete Introduction et Green Construction : An Introduction to a Changing Industry.

Paul Netscher

"Dans la gestion de la construction, plus nous planifions, plus nous avons de la chance et plus notre projet réussit. La planification commence avant le début du projet, y compris la sélection des meilleures méthodologies de construction, la préparation du calendrier/programme de construction et l'organisation des ressources. et une planification hebdomadaire tout au long de la vie du projet pour s'assurer que toutes les tâches sont terminées."

"La construction est une question de travail d'équipe, et une bonne communication est essentielle pour chaque chef de projet. Vous devez communiquer avec votre équipe, vos sous-traitants, vos fournisseurs, votre client, les concepteurs, les autorités locales et parfois les voisins et le public."

— Paul Netscher, auteur de deux livres sur la gestion de projets de construction, dont Success Construction Project Management.

Vicente Barrera

"N'arrêtez jamais d'étudier ou d'analyser tout ce que vous voyez dans un projet. Ne tenez jamais rien pour acquis. La profession de gestion de la construction exige une attention totale, un grand engagement et d'excellentes compétences d'apprentissage et d'analyse. L'innatendu."

— Vicente Barrera, qui a deux décennies d'expérience professionnelle dans la construction industrielle et les infrastructures. Il est actuellement chef de projet pour SENER, un groupe privé d'ingénierie et de technologie.

“My biggest piece of advice: Never stop learning. That was actually one of the major reasons why we created Construction Junkie. The construction industry may still do some of the same things we've done for decades, but there's always room for improvement and things should always be improving. Just look at the advances being made in concrete right now. Concrete has been used for centuries, but now scientists are figuring out ways for it to heal its own cracks and others are engineering ways to make permeable concrete strong enough for heavy concrete. If we stop learning, progress stops with it.”  

— Shane Hedmond, editor in chief of ConstructionJunkie.com

Top Construction Management Books for Beginners

We’ve collected the top construction management books to teach you how to manage contracts, avoid mistakes, and move a project through every stage of the process — whether you’re a beginner or simply looking to expand your knowledge in the field.

Construction Management Jumpstart Book

Construction Management JumpStart by Barbara J. Jackson

Written by an expert with over 20 years of experience as a licensed contractor, this bestselling guide provides a deep introduction into construction management basics, shares the latest techniques and tools of the trade, and includes today’s hot issues like sustainability and build information modeling (BIM). Readers will find out what it takes to be a construction manager with an aptitude quiz, learn the ins and outs of contract documentation, and build and maintain a project schedule. Learn more about Jackson's book.

Construction Project Management Book

Construction Project Management: A Complete Introduction by Alison Dykstra

Alison Dykstra, an architect and construction management teacher, offers an introduction to managing contracted construction projects in 25 chapters. The book walks through the early development stage through bidding, selecting a contractor, the construction itself, and closing out. She also covers frequently asked questions, like who the players are in construction and what each one does, and the link between the type of contract and how the contractor gets paid. Learn more about Dykstra's book.

Successful Construction Project Management Book

Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide by Paul Netscher

Geared toward construction professionals and students, this book by a construction professional provides a step-by-step guide to successfully managing a project, including a list of things not to do to avoid costly mistakes. Readers will learn about planning the project, scheduling, people, materials, quality, safety, subcontractors, contracts, finance, and more. Learn more about Netscher's book.

The Management of Construction Book

The Management of Construction: A Project Lifecycle Approach by F. Lawrence Bennett

This 2003 book introduces all aspects of construction management to students and professionals. It covers each stage of the construction project from conception to completion, design-build, and build-own-operate-transfer, and it discusses environmental issues important in 21st-century practice.

Australian Construction Handbook

Rawlinsons Australian Construction Handbook

This massive and exhaustive reference book for the Australian construction industry is frequently updated. Now in its 35th edition, the handbook includes increased coverage of green design, sustainability, environmental management, and more.

Informative Articles on Construction Project Management

Even more valuable resources on construction project management can be found on the internet in the form of articles and reports. Here are two such documents that flesh out the role of the construction project manager in the building process.

The Risk in CM “At-Risk,” by Warner Strang

This PDF explains the pros and cons of the CM at-risk model from the owner’s and construction manager’s point of view, along with pointers on how to get the most out of the arrangement.

"What Is Construction Project Management?” by Gerardo Viera

This article breaks down the overlap between project management and construction management, outlining how knowledge of one can feed into the other.

The Stages of Construction Project Management

Construction management begins with the design stage, and then follows pre-construction and procurement. From there, the team completes construction and commissioning. Once the owner takes occupancy and ensures the building meets specifications, the project is closed out.

Construction Project Lifecycle

Here are the stages in a construction project:

This is the first stage of a construction project, and once it is completed, it signals the beginning of the bidding process. In design-bid-build contracts, the owner chooses a contractor based on completed designs.

In this stage, an architect or engineer first assesses the feasibility of the design based on regulations and codes of the building, as well as the number of rooms, the size of the building, and the amount of space. Then he or she creates schematic designs or sketches, researching the type of equipment and materials needed and their cost.

2. Pre-Construction

The bidding process is over and the owner has chosen a contractor. The contractor is then paired with the project team, including a contract administrator, project manager, field engineer, and superintendent. Then the team gets the site ready for construction. They conduct a site examination, test soil, and identify any possible unexpected situations, like environmental challenges.

3. Procurement

The project team purchases the required equipment, materials, and labor. In other words, the procurement stage is when the team buys everything it needs to complete the project. The complexity of this stage depends on the size of the project and the company. Large national construction companies usually have procurement departments that hire labor and purchase materials for hundreds of projects at once. On the other hand, for smaller projects, the superintendent may buy limited quantities of materials from local building supplies or hire a local laborer.

4. Construction

To kick off the construction phase, the superintendent will arrange a meeting with the subcontractors and material vendors to set the ground rules for working together. Then the team must get ready to start construction, completing activities like setting up temporary storage facilities, securing the site, developing a materials and handling plan, establishing safety programs, and more. After that, the team begins construction.

5. Commissioning

Once construction is completed, the commissioning stage begins. There are two parts to the commissioning process. First, the project team must test the systems and equipment to make sure everything is working correctly before turning over the building to the owner. Then the team must train the owner’s personnel in the operation and maintenance of the systems in the new building.

6. Owner Occupancy

When the owner moves into the new building, the warranty period starts. This ensures that all the materials, equipment, and building quality meet the expectations outlined in the contract. There are two types of warranties: express warranties (written and included in the contract) and implied warranties (established or required by law).

7. Project Closeout

This final phase ties up any loose ends. The team formally completes any remaining contractual obligations to finish the project. They may create a project punch list of any tasks that didn’t get accomplished and may conduct a post-project review, document lessons learned, archive project documents, or prepare a project completion report.

How to Budget For Construction Project Management

Project managers must always think about money. From estimating budgets before the project even starts to hiring and paying contractors, financial management is one of the most important parts of a successful project.

Here’s what you need to know about money matters in construction:

1. Construction Pricing and Contracting

There are a number of options when paying contractors and outlining price in contracts. In the competitive bidding process, contractors submit their bid to work on the project. These bids are either submitted on a lump-sum or unit-price basis, whichever the owner specifies. A lump-sum bid refers to the total price of work by the contractor. Unit-price bidding is used in projects where the amount of labor and materials are uncertain.

Instead of inviting competitive bidding, some private owners choose to award contracts to one or more selected contractors with negotiated contracts, which provides more flexibility in pricing. Negotiated contracts usually require reimbursement of direct project costs plus the contractor’s fee determined by one of these methods: cost plus fixed percentage, cost plus fixed fee, cost plus variable fee, target estimate, or guaranteed maximum price or cost.

2. Cost Estimation and Budgeting

A cost estimation is prepared in order to submit a bid for a construction project and is used to establish a budget for the project once it is won. The process includes determining the cost estimates from building, unit prices and lump-sum estimates, job sites and general overhead, bidding procedures, and labor costs. Cost estimates are sometimes prepared by a professional, such as a building estimator or a chief estimator. Even though the project manager may not be the sole person responsible for cost estimation, it is still necessary that he or she become familiar with the process to understand the scope of the project.

3. Cost-Control Monitoring

As the project begins, project managers need to quickly create a process to monitor project costs. The sooner the cost-control monitoring phase begins, the faster that project managers will be able to identify trouble spots. For example, if an item is significantly more expensive than the estimate, the project manager should identify the reason for the difference and see if that cost increase affects anything else in the budget.

4. Capital Improvement Plan (CIP)

A Capital Improvement Plan (or Program) is a four- to 10-year plan that identifies capital projects and equipment purchases, provides schedule, and identifies options for financing the plan. The plan links a government entity, a strategic plan, and the entity’s annual budget. A CIP includes a list of all projects or equipment to be purchased, the projects ranked in order of preference, the plan for financing the projects, schedules for the construction phase of the project, justification of the project, and explanation of the expenses.

5. Project Accounting

The project manager and/or the agency’s accounting department will have to develop the project budget for the fiscal year, record and report expenditures, review and pay contractor invoices, and manage cash flow. From materials to labor, there are many costs in construction projects. Costs are either direct (labor, material, subcontracting, and land) or indirect (indirect labor, supervision, tools, equipment, supplies, insurance, and support costs).

The project team and the accounting department may need to work closely together to manage contractor invoices. The project team reviews invoices to make sure the work has been properly completed, then the accounting department ensures that the invoices are contractually eligible and the prices are consistent with the contract.

Organizing and Scheduling a Construction Project

It can be difficult to keep track of the necessary documents in a construction project, such as requests for proposals (RFPs), contracts, invoices, and blueprints. Because construction projects are so large and complex, efficient organization and scheduling are critical.

Organization Strategies for Construction Project Management

There are several information streams that need to be organized and managed in any construction project, from records and contract management to contract procurement planning and daily organization. 

We’ve outlined some common organization strategies below:

Records Management : Record management controls the distribution, storage, and retrieval of project records, both hard copies and electronic, in a safe, secure manner. Project managers must make sure that all incoming and outgoing documents are transmitted through the records management specialist, who uses software to track the records (this method will also create a central library of all project documents and information).

Contract Management : It is important to clearly define the roles and responsibilities for the project team members who are managing the project and the project staff responsible for managing contracts and documents. The contract management plan is designed to set expectations and procedures around this by addressing who has the authority to direct and approve the contractors to work, how the contractor’s work is monitored and reported, how they are paid and approved, how contracts are modified, which financial audits are necessary, etc.

Contract Procurement Planning : Project managers also have to ensure that procurement activities fit with the construction plan . Some of the tasks they have to manage include:

  • Setting expected contract price
  • Creating the scope of work (SOW) for each contract
  • Standardizing procurement documents and any other necessary documents
  • Adding completion dates to contracts that align with the project schedule

Commissioning Plan and List : The commissioning plan and list should be started early in the design phase and continually updated as the project progresses. The commissioning plan is designed to provide direction for the commissioning process during construction; to resolve issues related to scheduling, roles, and responsibilities; and to aid in the reporting, approvals, and coordination. It is a systematic process to ensure that buildings perform according to the design and to the owner’s operational requirements.

Project Control Process : The project control process tracks and manages the scope, cost, and schedule of a construction project. The goals of this process are to establish a baseline, track performance against the baseline, forecast performance at completion and compare to the baseline, and identify changes and monitor the effects to the baseline.

Project Requirement Definition : Also known as the statement of work, this document details the project deliverables. In the project requirement definition (PRD), the project manager explains the scope of work and what the project will accomplish. It helps stakeholders, team members, and external parties all understand the goal of the project and acts as a record of initial expectations.

As-Built Drawings : Also known as record drawings, these are edited drawings submitted by a contractor at the end of a project. They reflect all the changes made in the working drawings during the construction process and show the dimensions, geometry, and location of all elements included in the contract. As-built drawings provide a quick visual into the existing design and capture deviations from the original documents.

Daily Documentation : Keeping diaries, logs, and daily reports of project activities acts as a reference guide after the work is completed and can mitigate any damages. This kind of documentation can show how questions were answered, how problems were solved, and tracks any unusual conditions on a certain day. By keeping these daily logs, you are leaving a paper trail throughout the whole project in case anything goes awry later on.

And finally, the working drawings are created. These are the project’s final specifications and illustrations that builders use for construction and that contractors add to their bid.

Scheduling Strategies for Construction Project Management

Organize your documents in order to prioritize the information you need to build your project schedule. A well-defined schedule helps you to plan, identify potential risks, forecast cash flows, and assess resource requirements.

We’ve outlined some fundamental and advanced scheduling techniques below:

  • Gantt Charts : A Gantt chart is the easiest way to create a construction schedule. It lets you visualize your project timeline by transforming task names, dates, durations, and end dates into cascading horizontal bar charts. Learn more about creating and using Gantt charts in Smartsheet .
  • Critical Path Scheduling : The most widely used scheduling technique is the critical path method. This method calculates the minimum project completion time and the start and end dates for all project tasks. It identifies the critical tasks that, if delayed, will delay your entire project. The critical path method helps you reduce timelines, manage resources, and compare planned with actual. To learn more, read our Ultimate Guide to the Critical Path Method .
  • Line of Balance : This scheduling technique is best suited for repetitive work and is often employed in road construction. It is a management control process for collecting, measuring, and presenting facts relating to time, all measured against a specific plan. With a Line of Balance schedule, you must allocate resources for each step, so you can make sure the next step is not delayed.
  • Q Scheduling : This form of construction scheduling addresses the sequence of activities, relationships between tasks, and the total cost of finishing the project. It includes the overall construction site and prevents two competing activities from happening at the same time at the same location. While this technique is the closest to reality, it requires special software and can take more effort from the project manager to evaluate cost analyses for the different schedule alternatives generated.

What Are the Risks Involved in a Construction Project?

Construction projects are always evolving, and uncertainty can bring conflict into project teams. Construction project managers are responsible for resolving disputes, identifying and mitigating risks, and understanding legal ramifications.

Here’s what construction project managers should know:

How to Resolve Disputes

Conflicts will inevitably arise in any project. It’s the project manager’s job to resolve the disputes, so the team can stay productive and work well together. Possible conflicts in a project could include poor communication, lack of clarity, conflicts of interest, limited resources, or power struggles. While every conflict is different, there are several resolution strategies that you may employ:

  • Mediation : A third-party mediator will be hired to resolve the disputes between the two parties. This strategy is the cheapest and least time-consuming.
  • Mini-Trial : A mini-trial is held in an informal setting with an advisor or an attorney who must be paid. The agreement is nonbinding and can be broken. A mini-trial takes more time and more money than mediation.
  • Arbitration : Arbitration is the most expensive and time-consuming way to resolve a conflict. Each party is represented by an attorney while witnesses and evidence are presented. Then, the arbitrator makes a ruling and his final decision is a binding agreement.

How to Create a Risk Management Plan

By focusing on prevention, project managers can spend less time dealing with spontaneous problems and more time on reducing their impact. A risk management plan is used to manage all project risks, defines the roles of project staff in risk management, and identifies potential risks and categorizes them in terms of probability and impact.

Understand Legal Principles

When project managers have to negotiate contracts, deal with jurisdictions’ licensing requirements, purchase insurance, and manage job site safety, an understanding of legal principles can save time and money. There are several areas of liability in construction management. There could be a claim for failure to detect defective work if a bid exceeds estimates, if there is extended overhead, or if the project is delayed. Most professional liability policies don’t cover any aspect of faulty workmanship (like fabrication or installation) or economic risks, so project managers have to make sure they have the appropriate coverage and are doing everything they can to avoid liabilities and claims.

How to Prepare a Quality Control Plan

A quality control plan ensures that the building has reached a specific standard. Quality control is the last step a project goes through before it’s delivered to the owner, and it consists of a series of systems and procedures to make sure it meets the highest standards. Project managers will have to evaluate how to measure project quality , create a step-by-step process for auditing the project, and revise and review the plan to find new problem areas. They will also have to be knowledgeable in safety management and codes, building codes, and compliance codes, then include these aspects in the plan.

How to Anticipate and Address Environmental and Neighborhood Impacts of Construction

Construction project managers can plan for licensing, permits, and local regulations, but some unanticipated roadblocks are unavoidable. Below, we’ve outlined how to deal with issues like excessive mud, vegetation, endangered species, and cultural artifacts.

Dust and Mud : Excessively dusty conditions can result from construction vehicles simply driving on a site, much less moving earth from spot to spot. Because the increased particulate matter can disrupt nearby businesses and homes, construction project owners would do well to control the dust count. One easy way to do so is to drive a water truck through the site and spray down the area. However, this creates mud, which can spread out to surrounding areas via construction vehicles. To counter this development, the project owners should get a street sweeper to clean the roads.

Storm Water Pollution : Construction projects can introduce foreign elements to the land. Should a storm hit, the runoff can carry those potential pollutants to nearby streams, rivers, lakes, aquifers, wetlands, or coastal waters.

Endangered Species : If an endangered species is found on the construction site, the site must cease operations for as long as it takes for authorities to assess the situation. Once a decision comes down, the contractor implements the proper course of action to not disturb the species.

Vegetation : Animals aren’t the only protected entities; trees and vegetation on a construction site could be subject to environmental safeguards too. The construction project manager could be faced with designating a safe zone for the growth, perhaps with a fence or security tape.

Wetlands : Wetlands are some of the most heavily protected areas in the United States. Contractors and builders must be especially vigilant in preventing contaminants or unregulated material from entering these restricted zones.

Historical or Cultural Artifacts : This classification can cover arrowheads, pottery shards, early tools, bones, and more. If any artifacts are found on the construction site, all work must halt until the the pieces can be studied and removed.

Construction Project Management Software

There are many versatile web, cloud, and mobile apps to streamline communication, simplify document management, and improve efficiency in construction management.

Here are some top construction management tools:

Construction Project Plan Template

Smartsheet is a spreadsheet-inspired work management tool with robust collaboration and communication features. With pre-built construction templates, it’s easy to create a timeline, track progress, manage documents, and organize the details. Gantt charts are automatically created and auto-adjust every time a change is made, so you can share the most up-to-date timeline with team members or stakeholders. You can upload files from your computer, Google Drive, Box, Dropbox, Evernote, or add a web URL, creating a central repository for all project documentation and contracts. Team members can have discussions directly in the sheet and set reminders and alerts, so everyone is on the same page. And lastly, Smartsheet integrates with other apps like DocuSign (to streamline the contract process by collecting e-signatures), Harvest (to automatically create invoices), and Google Apps (to sync your calendar and add or edit information directly from Gmail). Get a free 30-day trial of Smartsheet.

Buildertrend

Buildertrend Example

BuilderTREND is a cloud-based construction project management tool for home builders and remodelers. It helps builders communicate with subcontractors about tasks and allows clients to see real-time status about their home and the costs. BuilderTrend lets you create proposals, simplify the bidding process , send documents, create schedules, and manage customer relationships.

Co-Construct

CoConstruct Example

Co-construct is a web-based solution for custom builders and remodelers. It helps businesses coordinate their selections, schedules, and photos while improving relationships with interactive communication. Users can track change orders, create a project budget, update schedules, share files, and more.

Procore Example

Procore helps firms increase efficiency and accountability with streamlined communication and documentation. The cloud-based tool provides ways to collaborate on projects and view documents, with real-time editing capabilities. Other features include project dashboards, scheduling, reporting, document management, email training, bidding and more.

BuildTools Example

BuildTools is designed for residential construction firms and offers project management, scheduling, service management, document storage, budgeting, and customer management capabilities. You can manage all the communication for your crew and subcontractors, easily sharing emails, site photos, project schedules, budgets, and timesheets.

Aconex Example

Aconex offers one solution to manage information and processes across engineering and construction project to improve efficiency and reduce risk. Features include document management, workflow automation, bid management, issue management, and more. As a web-based solution, Aconex allows users to create and review documents from any location.

PlanGrid Example

PlanGrid is a construction productivity platform that enables collaboration via mobile device in the field or wherever your project team is working. It allows the latest versions of blueprints, RFPs, schedules, and more to be synced to every employee in real time.

Education Opportunities for Construction Project Management

To learn more about education programs in commercial construction management and career opportunities in the CM field, see "Everything You Need to Know About Commercial Construction Management and Managers."

How to Manage Sustainable Building Projects

Project managers who oversee sustainable building projects must understand how they affect the environment, ensure that they properly dispose of waste, and use sustainable materials and efficient building methods. They must also understand any area-specific environmental issues and compliance standards.

Green construction is focused on making structures more energy efficient and eco-friendly, and is a huge growth area in the construction industry. The term green building refers to the effort to ensure that both the actual structure and building process are environmentally responsible. Many green project managers are required to have a working knowledge of documentation requirements for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

Terminology and Acronym List

A&E: architectural and engineering BOT: build operate transfer BOO: build own operate CA: contract administrator CIP: capital improvement plan CM: construction manager CPI: cost performance index CPM: critical path method CREM: corporate real estate management D/B: design/build D/B/B: design/bid/build DBOT: design build operate transfer EA: environmental assessment EIS: environmental impact statement EPC: engineering, procurement, and construction FBOT: finance build operate transfer FEIS: final environmental impact statement FONSI: finding of no significant impact GC: general contract GEC: general engineering consultant GM: general manager GMP: guaranteed maximum price JV: joint venture LEED: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design MC: management contracting (mostly UK) MPC: multiple prime contracts MPO: metropolitan planning organization OFE: owner furnished equipment OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration O&M: operations and maintenance OR: owner representative PC: project control PD: project director PFI: private finance initiative PL: project leader PM: project manager PMC: project management consultant PMO: project management oversight PMP: project management plan PRD: project requirements definition ProgM: program management RE: resident engineer REM: real estate management RFC: request for change RFI: request for information RFP: request for proposal SOW: scope of work SPI: schedule performance index VE: value engineering WBS: work breakdown structure 

Improve Construction Project Management with Smartsheet

With many stakeholders, hundreds of details, and dozens of documents, construction projects can be complex and difficult to manage. However, the key to being successful is to never stop learning, to stay organized, and to communicate frequently and clearly.

Smartsheet is a work execution platform that enables enterprises and teams to get from idea to impact - fast. Many of the world’s leading construction companies rely on Smartsheet to stay productive, communicate among far-flung teams, and document every step of the project.

Use Smartsheet to improve work and project documentation, increase collaboration with proactive communication among project teams, vendors, and clients, and save time with accurate resource management. Reduce testing and inspection errors, accelerate close-out time, and improve job satisfaction by maintaining transparency between client and site crew.

Construction Project Plan Template

See how easy it can be to manage your construction project with Smartsheet.

You may also be interested in:

  • 5 Strategies of a Successful Construction Project Manager
  • The 4 Key Phases of Construction Budgeting
  • How to Pick the Right Construction Project Software

Discover how Smartsheet can help you maximize your construction efforts, today.

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Project Management

The ultimate guide to construction project management.

Content Partnership Specialist

June 22, 2021

Regular projects have a ton of moving pieces to keep track of— from tasks, to stages, to teams, and more. 

So, it’s no surprise that without proper project planning and execution, projects tend to fall apart.

But when it comes to the construction process, there are even more opportunities for project screws to go loose, literally.

How do you make sure you’ve got all your nuts and bolts in place? 🔩

Don’t worry. We have the answer to that!

In this article, we’ll go over what construction project management is, its different phases, and how you can manage each step effectively.

What is Construction Project Management?

2 important roles in construction project management , what are the 5 phases of a construction project, a concrete finish 🏢.

Let’s build up some knowledge on construction project management . 

Construction project management is all about managing and maintaining a construction initiative, whether it’s a new home, school, roadway, or dam. And while it involves common project management elements like project planning and resource management , construction teams also have to handle other areas like architecture, civil engineering, and city planning.   

What are the types of construction projects?

There are various projects in the construction industry, from highway construction to green construction projects.  

Environmental contractors don’t have an ax to grind; they just want to save the planet! 🌎

You also have heavy construction projects, like water and sewer line projects, that are usually led by a civil engineer. Without these, the world would definitely be a gut- wrenching place. 💩

Now, apart from the above projects, here are three other categories of construction projects:

1. Residential

These projects are all about building and restructuring any type of home, from large estates to apartment buildings. 

2. Commercial

Commercial construction projects include building things like malls, schools, restaurants, sports arenas, and more. These projects have excellent physical locations and focus on promoting smooth foot traffic.👣

3. Industrial

Both industrial projects and commercial projects focus on larger constructions. 

However, commercial projects prioritize building aesthetics, while industrial projects prioritize safety standards, functionality, and efficiency. Some examples of industrial projects are power plants and petroleum projects.

So here’s how industrial project managers think:

Construction projects involve a ton of elements, from heavy machinery to employees working on scaffoldings. And at any moment, something could go wrong. 

So you need people to supervise and remind your team that it’s not a drill (it’s a hammer). 😉

Here are two roles that are crucial for managing any construction project:

A. Project manager

A construction project manager is responsible for ensuring that a project progresses according to plan, sticks to the schedule, and stays within the budget.

On top of those tasks, a construction project manager also has to:

  • Determine which construction methods to use
  • Develop a project delivery plan
  • Discuss final construction contract details with employees and other construction professionals
  • Estimate and negotiate construction costs
  • Update all project stakeholders , including the project owner

So as you can see, construction project managers really need to be built for the job. 💪

Bonus: Construction Software for Mac

B. Contractor

Contractors come into the picture when the construction drawings and designs are complete. 

They are responsible for the project’s physical construction, while project managers focus on client relationship management and project oversight.

Contractors are usually selected through a bidding process and are ultimately chosen by the project manager. A contractor can also hire a subcontractor to help them complete the project.

A general contractor needs to have:

  • Excellent decision-making skills
  • Knowledge of public safety
  • Construction engineering experience
  • Team coordination skills
  • Quality control and time management skills 

Use contractor management software to make sure that the construction team doesn’t screw up. 🔧

Bonus: Construction Project Manager Interview Questions

To cement yourself as one of the leading construction firms, you need to understand the different construction project phases, such as:

  • Project initiation
  • Project planning
  • Project launch
  • Performance monitoring
  • Project closing

And fortunately, with the right construction project management software like ClickUp , you can manage all those different stages efficiently. 

A project management construction tool helps organize and streamline every phase for you while keeping a close eye on the schedule and budget.

Bonus: Check out these Procore alternatives !

This way, you don’t end up having to allocate minimal resources to your team like this:

Let’s take a closer look at each stage in construction project management and see how construction management software helps you out:

1. Project initiation

This is the “under construction” phase of the project. 🚧

In this stage, you’re still putting the pieces together and determining what your goals are.

You’ll also have to analyze the feasibility of the project. 

After all, if you’re gonna spend thousands of dollars on a building, you’re gonna want that building to bring you a truckload of cash. 🚚

So how do you determine if your project’s going to be successful?

By setting key performance indicators (KPIs)!

KPIs are measurable indicators of progress toward your business objectives, in this case, a successful construction project.

Here are three construction KPI examples:

  • Percentage of equipment downtime
  • Percentage of labor downtime
  • Number of total job site inspections

Fortunately, Goals in ClickUp help you set realistic KPIs and track your progress towards them.

Goals are high-level objectives that can be broken down into smaller, measurable targets .

Every time you complete a target , you’re a step closer to achieving your goal.

Just like every time you place a brick, you’re a step closer to finishing the construction ! 🧱

Once you have concrete goals, you need to draw up a project initiation document (PID).

A PID is a blueprint for your project. It contains essential information like the project’s scope , risks, roles and responsibilities, project plan , and more.

Why not draw up your PID using Docs in ClickUp?

Docs lets you and your team collaborate on user guides, project ideas, meeting minutes, and more. You can flesh out your plan on an unlimited number of pages and even create nested pages for easy organization .

2. Project planning

This stage involves project budget planning, resource allocation , project scheduling, and task delegation.

A common construction scheduling method is the critical path method . You estimate the total project completion time and the start and end dates for all project tasks. 

The critical path method also identifies critical tasks that, if delayed, will knock your entire project off schedule like a giant wrecking ball.

You should also draw up a project plan with possible timeframes and project dependencies . And your budget plan should have job costing estimates for materials, equipment, and labor. 

And while poor project planning is like putting the first nail in your project’s coffin, here’s how ClickUp can help you make sure that doesn’t happen:

  • Budgeting template : use a ready-made template to visualize your spending and plan out your future budget 
  • Gantt chart view : schedule multiple projects, track project progress, see task priorities and dependencies, and determine bottlenecks with ease
  • Workload view : visualize your team’s capacity and manage resources efficiently
  • Time estimates : predict the time needed to complete tasks quickly
  • Start dates and Due dates : get more accurate timeframes for tasks
  • Task priorities: complete tasks in the right order to avoid roadblocks 
  • Assign tasks: assign tasks to one person, multiple assignees , or a team  
  • Construction CRM : manage stakeholders, costs, and quality issues

Bonus: Construction Project Management Templates

Once the initial planning is over, you’ll also have to put together a work breakdown structure (WBS), a checklist that breaks down large tasks into smaller to-do’s. 

Checklists in ClickUp are the perfect solution for this! 

You can break your checklist items down into smaller, more manageable sub-items by creating nested lists. 

Need to organize your checklist?

Don’t worry. You won’t have to bulldoze the whole thing. 

Simply drag-and-drop items around to rearrange your list. You can also add an assignee to specific to-do’s that require action.

Assigning a checklist in ClickUp

3. Project launch

This phase is about executing the project.

You put the plan into action, and people get to work! 👷

The project team needs to make sure that they’re carrying out their assigned tasks.

The construction manager needs to monitor construction activity, make changes where necessary, and most importantly, update clients.

So how do you keep clients updated?

Here’s how ClickUp helps you keep your clients in the loop:

  • Use the sharing and permissions settings to invite clients as guests to your Workspace
  • Use public sharing to share a public, read-only version of tasks or views to keep all project participants on the same page 
  • Update clients while on the field using ClickUp’s iOS or Android mobile apps

If your clients are old-school and prefer communicating via email, simply use the Email ClickApp to send and receive emails directly within your ClickUp tasks.

You can also create recurring tasks for actions that need to be repeated daily, weekly, or monthly. For example, weekly stakeholder meetings and team meetings.

But sometimes, things don’t go according to the project schedule, and you’ll feel like you’re stuck between a rock and a hard place. Fortunately, this won’t happen when you use the Timeline view in ClickUp.

The Timeline view lets you see your tasks linearly to plan ahead of time (days, weeks, or months) and rearrange tasks with ease. This way, you won’t have to work around the clock, but ahead of it! ⏰

Timeline view in ClickUp

Bonus: AI Construction Software !

4. Performance monitoring

The performance monitoring stage usually happens at the same time as the project launch.

You measure progress and performance to ensure that everything is going according to plan.

You should also revisit your KPIs to see if you’re achieving those business objectives .

So how do you monitor project progress and the performance of your team?

By using Dashboards in ClickUp!

Dashboards are your mission control center. 

Here, you’ll get a high-level overview of your Workspace .

It’s like standing on a skyscraper and seeing everything that’s going on in your project! 

Your ClickUp Dashboard is the perfect space to monitor progress, track employee performance, and determine bottlenecks.

You can also add Table widgets to your Dashboard to see which tasks have been completed so far.

Take your progress-tracking a step further with sprint widgets like velocity charts , burndown charts , burnup charts , and cumulative flow diagrams .

Cumulative flow in ClickUp

5. Project closing 

The final construction phase is all about tying up any loose ends.

Here’s what the project team needs to do in the closing phase:

  • Complete any remaining contractual agreements
  • Archive all construction documents
  • Final budget check
  • Prepare a completion report 

During this stage, the project manager also needs to determine what went well and note any potential failures.

Once this is all done, your construction team can finally raise the roof! 🥳

Since this phase requires a ton of note-taking, why not use the Notepad in ClickUp?

The Notepad is a space where you can jot down ideas, final meeting minutes, reflection notes, and more.

And for the final budget check, simply use Formula Fields . 

With formula fields , you can automatically make calculations between numeric Custom Fields on a task to determine things like cost estimates, purchase orders, and builder materials. 🧰

See why ClickUp is the #1 construction project management software .

Construction project management covers planning, coordinating, implementing, and executing any building project. And since these projects have many different building blocks, you need to use the right software to make sure your projects don’t crumble.

With the right construction project management software, your construction team can manage tasks, collaborate on upcoming projects, and stay connected on the field.

And what better software to help you do that than ClickUp ?

From helping your team plan their next steps with task priorities to saving time with 50+ task automations , ClickUp is the ultimate construction management software.

Get started with ClickUp for free today to nail every construction project that comes your way. 

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

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From Residential to Industrial: Understanding the 7 Construction Project Types

  • 10 min read

John Macealois

John Macealois

  • June 8, 2023

construction project types

Construction Management

  • Scope Of Work
  • Construction Phases

What Is Construction Management?

Construction project types.

  • Construction Delivery Methods
  • Construction Contracts
  • Construction Specification Types
  • Construction Drawings
  • Construction Site Management
  • Construction Management Roles
  • Construction Manager Job Description
  • Construction Superintendent Job Description
  • Construction Project Manager Job Description
  • Construction Project Coordinator Job Description
  • Construction Communication
  • Construction Management Training
  • Construction Management Companies
  • Planning & Scheduling
  • Construction Project Management
  • Construction Program Management
  • Construction Project Controls
  • Pull Planning
  • Notice Of Completion
  • Project Closeout
  • Construction Disputes
  • Construction Site Security
  • Construction GPS
  • Construction Project Progress
  • Construction Punch Lists
  • Construction Tracking
  • Construction Production Tracking
  • Construction Inspections
  • Construction Daily Reports
  • As Built Drawings
  • Construction Photo Documentation
  • Construction Labor Productivity
  • Contractor Overhead & Profit
  • Construction Change Directives
  • Construction Resource Management
  • Construction Labor Costs
  • Construction Budget
  • How To Make a Budget In Excel
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The global construction market grew from nearly $14.5 trillion in 2022 to $15.4 trillion in 2023 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6%, illustrating this industry’s monumental scale and economic significance. 

A key driver of this industry’s success and growth is its inherent diversity, manifesting in the various types of construction projects it undertakes. Each project type has distinct requirements, challenges, and approaches—factors that shape the strategies of construction firms and the professional development of individuals within the industry.

This article will dissect these different construction project types, unpacking each’s key characteristics and requirements. We will cover residential, commercial, institutional, industrial, heavy civil, environmental, and agricultural construction projects. We will explore each project’s unique specifications, materials typically used, relevant industry trends, and the primary stakeholders involved.

In the dynamic construction world, projects come in various forms, each with unique requirements and characteristics. To better navigate this diverse industry, it’s essential to understand the seven construction project types: Residential, Commercial, Mixed-Use, Green, Institutional, Industrial, and Heavy Civil. 

Importance of Understanding the Differences

Comprehending the key differences among the various construction project types is fundamental to the successful execution of construction initiatives. Each project category demands specific skills, methodologies, materials, and equipment. Hence, a thorough understanding of these nuances aids construction professionals in aptly choosing, planning, and implementing projects.

Moreover, each construction project type carries unique safety standards, legal stipulations, and potential environmental impacts. Thus, an informed understanding of these differences assists in managing potential risks and ensuring adherence to all relevant regulations.

Additionally, a solid grasp of the different construction project types facilitates effective communication among stakeholders, such as clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and regulatory bodies. The ability to discuss various project types fluently instills confidence, simplifies negotiations, and paves the way for more successful project outcomes.

Overview of Construction Project Types

  • Residential Construction Projects: This involves the construction of dwellings, from standalone houses to housing complexes. The residential construction umbrella also covers home renovations and expansions.
  • Commercial Construction Projects: These projects include creating structures like office buildings, shopping centers, sports arenas, hotels, and restaurants. Commercial construction projects often involve larger teams and extensive planning due to their size and complexity.
  • Mixed-Use Construction Projects: These projects combine residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial elements within a single development. These constructions promote urban living and efficient use of space, requiring intricate planning and zoning considerations.
  • Green Construction Projects: Also known as sustainable or environmental construction, these projects focus on creating structures with minimal environmental impact. They prioritize using sustainable materials, energy-efficient designs, and innovative technologies to reduce carbon footprints.
  • Institutional Construction Projects: These involve building public establishments such as schools, hospitals, government buildings, museums, and religious institutions. Institutional projects must often adhere to strict regulations due to their public nature.
  • Industrial Construction Projects: This type includes power plants, manufacturing units, oil refineries, and chemical processors. Industrial construction requires specialized knowledge due to its technical and large-scale nature.
  • Heavy Civil Construction Projects: This encompasses infrastructure projects like bridges, highways, railways, ports, airports, and dams. Heavy civil construction projects typically involve heavy machinery, intricate designs, and substantial investment.

In the upcoming sections, we’ll explore these 7 construction project types in depth. With each project type, we aim to expand your understanding and readiness for the versatile construction world.

Residential Construction Projects

The U.S. residential construction market is valued at $551 billion and is expected to grow as life returns to normalcy post-pandemic. Residential construction projects, one of the most common types of construction, involve the creation of living spaces for individuals, families, or groups of people. 

These projects vary significantly in scale, ranging from small, single-family homes to large, multi-unit residential buildings. Understanding the different subtypes of residential construction and their unique considerations can provide valuable insight into this vital industry segment.

Subtypes of Residential Construction

  • Single-Family Homes: These are stand-alone houses designed for one family. They are often the simplest form of residential construction, but their designs can vary widely depending on the architectural style, location, and the homeowner’s specific needs and preferences.
  • Multi-Unit Residential Buildings: This category includes duplexes, townhouses, condominiums, and apartment complexes, where multiple living units are housed within one building or complex. This type of construction often involves more extensive planning and coordination due to its larger scale and the need to accommodate multiple residents’ needs and privacy.
  • Custom-Built Homes: These are residential projects where the homeowner plays a significant role in the design and construction process. Such homes are typically designed to meet the homeowner’s unique requirements, including specific architectural elements, layouts, or features.

Unique Considerations in Residential Construction

Residential projects require specific considerations that may not be as prominent in other construction project types. Here are a few key considerations:

  • Zoning Regulations: Residential construction must adhere to local zoning laws, which dictate what type of buildings can be built in specific areas. These regulations may also influence building height, density, and proximity to other structures or property lines.
  • Architectural Designs: Residential projects often involve diverse architectural styles, ranging from traditional to modern designs. The chosen design must be aesthetically pleasing, functional, and suitable for the intended occupants. Additionally, it should comply with any local regulations or restrictions regarding architectural aesthetics.
  • Residential Infrastructure: These projects must also consider residential infrastructure needs such as electricity, water and sewerage systems, heating and cooling, and telecommunication networks. Ensuring these systems are well-planned and efficiently installed is critical for the functionality and comfort of the home.

Commercial Construction Projects

Commercial construction projects focus on creating buildings and facilities intended for business purposes. These structures, built to generate profit through rental income or capital gain, include a broad range of establishments such as office buildings, retail stores, shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels. 

Understanding the unique aspects of commercial construction can provide valuable insights into the diverse, dynamic, and lucrative segment of the construction industry that it represents.

Examples of Commercial Construction

  • Office Buildings: These structures provide a workspace for businesses and can vary widely in size and complexity, ranging from small, single-tenant buildings to large, multi-story structures housing multiple businesses.
  • Retail Stores: Retail stores include standalone shops, boutiques, supermarkets, and big-box stores. Their design often focuses on displaying goods, attracting customers, and facilitating a smooth shopping experience.
  • Shopping Malls: These are large enclosed buildings with an array of individual retail stores, food establishments, and, often, entertainment facilities. They require extensive planning and coordination due to their size and the need to accommodate multiple tenants and visitors.
  • Restaurants: This category encompasses a range of dining establishments, from small cafes to large restaurants. Key construction considerations include kitchen design, dining space, and health and safety regulations compliance.
  • Hotels: Hotel construction can be highly varied, from small boutique hotels to large luxury resorts. Considerations often include guest comfort, functionality, aesthetics, and integrating services and amenities like restaurants, fitness centers, and conference facilities.

Key Factors in Commercial Construction

Commercial construction projects present unique considerations that may not be as prominent in other construction project types. Some of these key factors include:

  • Functional Layouts: Commercial buildings must be designed with an emphasis on functionality. This could mean efficient use of space, effective customer flow in retail environments, or productive workspaces in office buildings.
  • Energy Efficiency: Commercial buildings often consume significant energy for heating, cooling, and operating various systems. Therefore, energy-efficient design and construction are important for reducing environmental impact and managing operating costs.
  • Accessibility: Commercial establishments must comply with regulations to ensure they are accessible to all individuals, including those with disabilities. This factor could influence various aspects of design and construction, from entrance ramps and elevator installations to restroom design and signage.
  • Aesthetics: The visual appeal of a commercial building can significantly influence the success of the businesses it houses. Therefore, aesthetics, branding, and interior design are important considerations in commercial construction.

Mixed-Use Construction Projects

Mixed-use construction projects involve the creation of developments that blend residential, commercial, cultural, institutional, or industrial uses into a single, cohesive unit. These projects aim to create environments where various functions are physically and functionally integrated, offering a blend of living, working, shopping, and recreational spaces. 

Four significant trends are currently shaping mixed-use developments : prioritizing open spaces for future adaptability; adopting biophilic designs for public health and sustainability; aiming for “20-minute neighborhoods” to facilitate walkability; and designing projects with micro-mobility in mind to reduce car traffic and promote sustainability. 

These trends reflect a comprehensive effort to accommodate people and businesses in more flexible, health-conscious, and environmentally-friendly ways. Understanding the different subtypes of mixed-use construction and their unique considerations can provide a valuable perspective on this increasingly popular construction industry segment.

Subtypes of Mixed-Use Construction

  • Vertical Mixed-Use: In these projects, different uses are stacked on top of each other within the same building. For example, retail spaces may occupy the ground floor, with office spaces above and residential units on the upper floors.
  • Horizontal Mixed-Use: Different uses are placed side by side, usually within the same block or complex. An example could be a housing development with a shopping center and a park.
  • Transit-Oriented Developments: These projects are designed around a transit station, such as a train or bus station. They typically include residential units, commercial spaces, and recreational amenities, promoting walkability and reducing car dependency.
  • Live-Work-Play Communities: These mixed-use projects aim to provide all the necessary amenities within a single development, from homes and workplaces to restaurants, shops, and leisure facilities. This approach aims to create self-contained communities that reduce commute times and enhance residents’ quality of life.

Unique Requirements of Mixed-Use Projects

Mixed-use construction projects present unique requirements and considerations, primarily because they need to cater to a wide range of needs and functions. Here are some key considerations:

  • Accessibility: Mixed-use developments need to ensure easy access between different spaces. This might involve creating pedestrian-friendly layouts, ensuring connectivity with public transportation, or incorporating accessibility features for people with disabilities.
  • Parking: With multiple functions in one development, effective parking solutions are crucial. This might involve underground parking garages, multi-story parking structures, or shared parking strategies.
  • Green Spaces: These projects often include parks or other green spaces to enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. These spaces must be well-integrated into the overall design and accessible to all users.
  • Integration with the Surrounding Community: Mixed-use projects should be designed with the surrounding community in mind, ensuring they complement and enhance the local area. This process could involve architectural design, including public spaces, or the types of businesses and services included in the project.

Green Construction Projects

Green construction projects, also known as environmental or sustainable construction, involve designing and constructing buildings with a focus on reducing their environmental impact and enhancing their sustainability. 

The green construction industry is currently slated to reach $103.08 billion by the end of 2023 in the United States alone. The rise of this type of construction reflects the growing awareness of the environmental impact of buildings and the increasing demand for sustainable and efficient structures. 

Green construction incorporates a range of techniques, standards, and materials, offering exciting opportunities for innovation and environmental stewardship.

Key Concepts in Green Construction

  • LEED Certification: The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is one of the most widely used green building certification systems globally. LEED provides a framework for healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings. Achieving LEED certification is a recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
  • Energy-Efficient Designs: Green construction projects often prioritize designs that reduce energy consumption. This could involve strategies like passive solar design, high-efficiency windows and insulation, and energy-efficient HVAC systems.
  • Renewable Energy Integration: Many green buildings incorporate renewable energy systems, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to generate power. This reduces reliance on fossil fuels and can significantly lower energy costs.
  • Green Building Materials: These projects often use renewable, recycled materials, or have a lower environmental impact. This could include materials like bamboo, recycled steel, or low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) paints and finishes.

Benefits of Green Construction

Green construction offers a range of benefits, both for the environment and for the occupants of the building:

  • Reduced Environmental Impact: Green buildings are designed to minimize their environmental impact through reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, and sustainable materials.
  • Lower Operational Costs: Although green construction can sometimes involve higher upfront costs, it can lead to significant savings in the long term through reduced energy and water bills and lower maintenance costs.
  • Improved Occupant Health: Green buildings often provide healthier indoor environments through improved air quality, natural light, and the use of non-toxic materials. This can lead to improved health and productivity for the occupants.

Institutional Construction Projects

Institutional construction projects involve the creation of buildings that serve a public or community purpose. These projects encompass a broad range of establishments such as schools, hospitals, universities, government offices, museums, libraries, and other public structures. 

Given their public-serving nature, institutional construction often has unique requirements and considerations, which differ significantly from other construction project types.

Examples of Institutional Construction

  • Schools and Universities: These structures must be designed to facilitate learning, incorporating elements like classrooms, laboratories, auditoriums, and administrative spaces. They also often require outdoor spaces for physical education and recreation.
  • Hospitals: Hospital construction is complex, requiring specialized spaces like operating rooms, patient wards, radiology departments, and laboratories. These buildings must also adhere to strict health and safety regulations.
  • Government Offices: These buildings serve administrative functions and often need to be accessible to the public. They may require a range of spaces, from office rooms and meeting spaces to public service counters and record storage.
  • Museums and Libraries: These institutions often require unique architectural designs to showcase exhibits or store and display books. They must also consider visitor flow, accessibility, and preservation conditions for artifacts or books.

Specific Requirements for Institutional Construction

Institutional construction projects come with unique requirements, mainly due to the public nature of these buildings. Here are some key considerations:

  • Accessibility: Given their public-serving nature, institutional buildings must be designed with accessibility in mind. This includes providing facilities for individuals with disabilities, ensuring easy access to all building parts, and adhering to relevant accessibility codes and standards.
  • Functionality: These buildings must be designed to serve their intended function efficiently. This involves careful planning of spaces, efficient flow, and consideration of the specific needs of each type of institution.
  • Safety Measures: Safety is a major concern in institutional construction. This includes fire safety, structural safety, and in the case of schools and hospitals, additional measures to protect the well-being of students, patients, and staff.

Industrial Construction Projects

Industrial construction projects involve the creation of structures designed for manufacturing, production, or other industrial processes. These projects encompass a range of establishments, including factories, warehouses, distribution centers, power plants, and refineries. 

Due to the complex and often hazardous nature of industrial operations, these construction projects require a deep understanding of specific industrial needs, high levels of safety, and adherence to stringent industry standards.

Examples of Industrial Construction

  • Factories: These are large structures designed to house manufacturing processes. They may need to accommodate heavy machinery, assembly lines, and storage for raw materials and finished goods.
  • Warehouses and Distribution Centers: These facilities are primarily used for storing and distributing goods. They often require large open spaces, high ceilings, and logistical features like loading docks and advanced inventory management systems.
  • Power Plants: These structures generate power from various sources like coal, natural gas, wind, or solar. Their construction involves complex engineering and must adhere to strict safety and environmental standards.
  • Refineries: These industrial structures are used to process raw materials like oil into finished products. Their construction requires specialized knowledge of the refining process, high safety standards, and adherence to environmental regulations.

Unique Requirements of Industrial Projects

Industrial construction projects have unique requirements that must be carefully considered and planned for:

  • Specialized Equipment: Industrial structures often need to accommodate heavy or specialized machinery. The construction process must consider factors like load-bearing capacities, utility hookups, ventilation, and fire safety.
  • Safety Considerations: Due to the nature of industrial operations, these projects must prioritize safety. This can involve designing for the safe movement of workers and materials, explosion-proof construction in certain settings, and comprehensive fire safety systems.
  • Compliance with Industry Standards: Industrial projects must adhere to a range of industry-specific standards and regulations. This can include building codes, environmental regulations, and industry-specific safety and operational efficiency standards.

Heavy Civil Construction Projects

Heavy civil construction projects involve creating and maintaining large-scale public infrastructure that serves the broader community or nation. This type of construction includes highways, bridges, airports, sewage systems, dams, and other public works projects. 

Due to the scale and complexity of these projects, they present unique challenges and requirements that distinguish them from other construction project types.

Examples of Heavy Civil Construction

  • Highways and Bridges: These projects involve the construction of critical transportation infrastructure. They require careful planning and design to ensure safety, durability, and efficient traffic flow.
  • Sewage Systems: These projects include the creation of infrastructure for wastewater management, such as sewage treatment plants and sewer lines. They play a crucial role in public health and environmental protection.
  • Dams and Water Reservoirs: These large-scale projects involve significant earthmoving and complex engineering to control water flow and store water for various uses.
  • Airports: Airport construction involves not only the building of runways but also terminals, hangars, control towers, and other necessary facilities. These projects must adhere to strict safety and regulatory standards.

Unique Requirements of Heavy Civil Construction

Due to their scale and complexity, heavy civil construction projects present unique requirements:

  • Project Scale: The large scale of these projects often involves significant logistical challenges, from sourcing and transporting materials to coordinating large teams of workers.
  • Complex Engineering: These projects often involve complex engineering challenges, requiring a deep understanding of structural engineering, geotechnical considerations, and in some cases, hydrodynamics.
  • Public Safety and Impact: Given their public nature, these projects must prioritize safety during both construction and operation. They also need to consider their impact on the surrounding community, from noise and disruption during construction to the ongoing impact of the completed project.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Heavy civil construction projects are often subject to strict regulatory standards. This can include environmental regulations, safety standards, and standards related to the specific type of infrastructure being built.

Project Type By Building Occupancy

Building occupancy classification refers to categorizing buildings based on their intended usage. This is a crucial element in the planning and execution of construction projects, affecting design decisions, building codes, safety considerations, and more.

Below, we’ll explore the ten primary types of construction projects according to building occupancy classification.

Each building occupancy classification involves unique requirements and considerations, making a deep understanding of these classifications essential for any construction professional.

Project Type By Fire Resistance Rating

Fire resistance rating refers to a measure of a construction material’s ability to withstand fire, or its ability to insulate the other side of the structure from the fire, thereby preventing the spread. 

These ratings play a crucial role in the planning and execution of construction projects, influencing decisions regarding building design, material selection, and adherence to safety standards.

Below, we’ll explore five primary types of construction projects according to fire resistance ratings.

A firm understanding of these classifications is key to designing safe, compliant buildings that can effectively resist the spread of fire.

Embracing Technology in Construction Project Management

Understanding the multitude of construction project types is fundamental to the industry’s professionals. Each project type, from residential to heavy civil, comes with unique considerations and requirements that demand specific knowledge and expertise. While the diversity of these projects poses challenges, technology has emerged as a vital tool in navigating and managing these complexities.

For instance, construction management software like Workyard is becoming an invaluable resource. Workyard offers a wide range of tools designed to streamline project management, foster collaboration, and enhance productivity across all types of construction projects.

Workyard integrates seamlessly with various phases of a construction project . It allows you to effectively plan, execute, and monitor projects, ensuring they stay on track and within budget. The platform also provides tools for efficient communication and documentation, reducing the risk of errors and misunderstandings that can delay project completion.

In the rapidly evolving construction industry, adapting and leveraging technology can be the key to staying competitive. Utilizing construction management software like Workyard can significantly enhance your ability to manage various project types efficiently and successfully.

As the saying goes, the best way to predict the future is to create it. So, why wait? Step into the future of construction management with Workyard. Sign up for a free trial today!

Did you find this post helpful? Please rate it!

The Business Research Company. “Construction Global Market Report 2023.” Accessed on June 6, 2023.

IBIS World. “Value of Residential Construction.” Accessed on June 6, 2023.

Gensler. “Mixed Use & Retail Centers.” Accessed on June 6, 2023.

Seed Scientific. “Green Building Statistics: Important Step Towards Sustainability.” Accessed on June 6, 2023.

U.S. Green Building Council. “LEED rating system.” Accessed on June 6, 2023.

International Code Council. “2018 International Building Code.” Accessed on June 6, 2023.

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Construction Project Plan

Construction Project Plan Examples

A well-directed construction project can help the project team become more organized. The usage of this document can also make the construction schedule and construction processes that are needed to be implemented be more realistic and effective.

However, formulating a construction  project plan is not an easy task. It needs to undergo several processes and it also needs to consider a variety of quality standards and other measures to ensure that call-to-actions and strategies fit the requirements of the particular construction project.

Having a detailed construction project plan that is applicable and relevant to be used by the project team for its current undertaking can make the development of the construction project more efficient. We have put together different kinds of construction project plan examples that you can browse through and download if you need references when making the specified document.

Construction Project Plan Template

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Size: 35 KB

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construction project action plan template

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construction project communication plan template

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construction project risk management plan template

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construction schedule management plan template

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construction project site specific safety plan template

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communication management plan for construction project template

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Size: 94 KB

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  • Google Sheets

Size: 128 KB

Managerial Approach on Construction Project Planning Example

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Construction Project Management Plan Example

construction project management plan example

Things to Focus on When Making a Construction Project Plan

Construction project management is an important process that is always needed to be present in every construction undertaking. It is essential for a document that can guide not only the team but the entire construction operations and activities to be developed. There are several items that you need to give focus on and always remember within the processes of making a construction project plan.

A few of these things or information are as follows:

1. Ensure that you are knowledgeable of the philosophy, essence, and basic guidelines of construction project plan development . You have to be aware of the regulations within the industry as well as the demands and requests of clients so you can make particular project plans as relevant and highly usable as possible.

Knowing how to properly format the document’s content can help you become more organized when putting together all the details of the construction project plan.

2. It is important for you to set the objectives of the construction project.

You have to know the goals that you would like to achieve so that you can come up with action plans that can make it closer and easier for you to get what you want. Make sure that your objectives are realistic and can be attained by the construction team and all the entities within the project development processes. You can create a construction checklist that can also have the specification of all the goals that are necessary to be attained at the end of the project.

3. Differentiate a construction project plan with a construction schedule plan. In terms of scope of usage, a construction project plan is wider as it covers the entire operations and management of the construction project—time frames and deadlines included.

4. The completion of all the details of the construction project plan is critical. You have to present all the details that are needed to be known by the clients, the project team, and all the other project stakeholders. From the construction project budget allocation up to its performance and workforce requirements, you have to ensure that your discussion are detailed, specific, and understandable. You may also see weekly plan examples.

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Elements of a Comprehensive Construction Project Plan

Creating a SMART action plan and strategic management plan for your construction project can help you attain your desired goals. With the help of a construction project plan, you can make sure that proper metrics and measures of action plans will guide the construction project team during all the procedures of construction. You have to make sure that the details of the construction project plan are complete so that you can make the most out of the plan’s actual usage.

Listed below are the elements that are essential to be discussed within a project management plan for it to be deemed comprehensive:

1. Present the expected returns and results of the project to its stakeholders including the construction team, the clients, and other entities who are involved in the project execution and management processes. It is essential for the professional goals , objectives and vision of the construction project to be concise and clear.

2. Discuss all the permits and other legal requirements that the construction management needs to get and acquire to ensure its smooth operations. Particular construction documents, simple agreements, and contracts must also be reviewed and listed in the construction project plan.

3. Develop the construction project design which includes your tactics for continuous and sustainable project development. You also have to create a blueprint that can guide the project team in making the construction objectives materialize. You may also see work plan examples.

4. Lay out all the action plans that you would like to implement. This discussion should include the step-by-step processes that can showcase the development of the project in every phase.

5. Come up with the number of workforce that is necessary to be hired for the construction project. You have to ensure that the project team will be complete so that all activities and action plans can be implemented properly.

6. Present the financial aspect of the construction project. It is important for you to break down construction costs and give an idea about the suppliers that you will be working with for the project to get all its required raw materials, equipment, items, and tools. You may also like daily plan examples.

7. Give the starting date and expected end date of the construction project. You have to develop a timeline that consists of all the time frames and duration where the project team will execute their activities and responsibilities. The timeliness of construction work processes is essential as it can reflect the effectiveness, productivity, and efficiency of the construction team. You may also check out risk plan examples.

The above mentioned details are only some of the basic information that can be seen in a simple construction project plan. Since a construction project plan document can be used in different kinds of construction projects, we highly recommend you to identify all the details that the clients and other stakeholders of your construction project would like to know about the transaction that they will be immersed in. You might be interested in transition plan examples.

Depend and base the content of your own construction project plan on the scope and range of your construction project’s operations and the kind of management technique that is expected to be executed within the processes of construction development. You may also check out quality plan examples.

Feel free to add, remove, and do different tweaks in the list above until the content of the document is already fit with the demands of the construction project that you are dealing with.

Detailed Construction Project Management Plan Example

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Construction Project Phase Plan Example

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Advantages of Creating and Implementing a Construction Project Plan

Without a construction project plan, the project team and other entities involved in the construction project will be clueless of their responsibilities, what to expect from the project, when to incorporate their deliverable, and how to ensure that strategies and tactics are developed in a way that it will fit the needs of the construction project at hand. Hence, it is really important for a construction project plan to be developed. You may also see sales plan examples.

Listed below are some of the advantages of creating and implementing a construction project plan.

1. A construction project plan can promote process organization, construction team collaboration, and open line communication implementation. If you have this document on hand, you can designate all processes in their proper places. This can give you a higher possibility of smoothly maintaining the entire construction project undertaking. You may also like annual plan examples.

2. A construction project plan is a construction project tool that will help you address all issues and concerns, may it be about the construction management or other areas that are needed to be given focus with. A construction project plan can give the clients and other entities an idea about the roadblocks that can stop or hinder the project team to execute their best efforts to complete the project as desired. You may also check out job plan examples.

3. A construction project plan can give clarity to the direction that the entire team should focus on. If there is a construction project plan at hand, the team can exert its efforts and energy in accomplishing tasks especially those that are time-sensitive. Hence, they can properly address the concerns associated with the usage of the construction project timeline. You might be interested in action plan examples.

4. A construction project plan can serve as a reference every time there is a need to clarify information or if there is an essential item that must be changed based on the development of the construction project.

This will allow the construction team to be more adaptive and resilient which is a great way to ensure that they will remain focused when it comes to achieving the end goal of the construction project even if there are different changes that might occur. You may also see personal plan examples.

5. A construction project plan can give you an idea about the coverage of the construction project transaction. This can discuss different areas of the construction planning and management. As an example, a construction project plan can present the usage of a  construction loan agreement  if there is a need for financial support to achieve desired results.

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Tips and Guidelines That Can Help You Draft an Outstanding Construction Project Plan

If you still do not have the full grip and capacity to create a construction project plan from scratch, there are several guidelines that can help the process become easier for you. Some of the tips that you can follow and refer to if you want to develop an outstanding construction project plan draft include the following:

1. Coordination is one of your keys to success. It is important for your construction project plan to present an organizational structure that can provide a representation of the decision-making and communication flow in the workplace. Aside from ensuring that an open line communication is present, a construction project plan can also make sure that there is a reference for accountability showcasing. You may also see business plan examples .

2. You have to look into the proper and maximum usage of your resources. For you to be truly efficient within the processes of construction project management and development , you have to ensure that all the construction materials, equipment, and labor requirements are used accordingly.

Think of ways on how you can interlink these resources cohesively so that you can make the most out of their presence in all areas of the construction project. Hence, your construction project plan must be able to provide the workforce with strategies that can resolve certain issues and concerns about the specified matter. You may also like assessment plan examples.

3. Do not just rely on the raw information that you have gathered, assessed, and developed. When putting together the content of the construction project plan, you have to consider the format that you will use. The layout of the document can affect the perception and impression of your target audience, which is why you need to make the construction project plan as presentable as possible. You may also check out financial plan examples.

Just like any other kind of project action plan , it will be best if you will use a downloadable example as your reference if you want to create a construction project plan. Aside from ensuring that you can give focus on how the entire document looks like, referring to examples can also help you become more observant about the completion of your discussion details.

The more comprehensive, specific, and detailed your construction project plan is, the more effective and relevant it will be. Select any of our construction project plan examples and draft the initial planning document for your construction project.

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construction projects examples

Helsinki Airport extension rendering. Credit: T2 Alliance

What do the Helsinki Airport, the Big One Roller Coaster, and a temporary bridge over the Corrèze River all have in common?

These projects are among 10 of the best structural designs and construction projects using building information modeling (BIM) around the world. Each has been awarded a Tekla Global BIM Award for 2022.

What are the Tekla BIM Awards 2022?

The Tekla BIM Awards is a biennial global competition that rewards the world's most impressive structural designs modeled with Tekla BIM software. The competition entries are the winners of local Tekla BIM awards. This year, 132 projects from 37 countries won local Tekla BIM awards.

From the local winners, a selection jury decides the overall winners, split amongst different project-type categories. The jury uses the following judging criteria to determine the winners:

  • Use of BIM and collaboration : Model life cycle, collaboration between multiple participants, and use of IFC and open BIM
  • Innovative use of Tekla BIM software: Challenges solved with Tekla and innovative ways of utilizing BIM 
  • Constructability: Level of Development (LOD), multi-material aspect, and geometry complexity
  • Environmental benefits: Energy savings, reduced waste, and logistics
  • Cool factor: Impressiveness, uniqueness, and creativity of project execution

In addition to the project type categories, there are special categories for a student winner and a software developer winner. So, without further adieu, the Tekla BIM Awards 2022 winners are:

construction projects examples

What: T2 Alliance, Helsinki Airport,  an extension of Terminal 2 in Finland

Who: Ramboll Finland Oy, Finavia Corporation, SRV Rakennus Oy, ALA Architects Ltd., HKP Architects Ltd., Gravicon Oy

Why: The project owner, Finavia Corporation, recognized the value of BIM, incorporating it wherever possible to manage project scale and complexity.

  • Throughout the project, more than 100 users from 8 different organizations used Trimble Connect and Tekla Model Sharing to collaborate and manage over 400 project models. 
  • BIM models are referenced in stakeholder meetings and weekly update meetings to make informed construction and operational decisions.
  • The Tekla Structures Model Sharing models were highly detailed, with the cast-in-place and precast reinforcement, steel roof trusses, and foundation piles all modeled.

construction projects examples

What:   King's Cross R8, a mixed-use project with two 13-story buildings in the United Kingdom

Who:  ARUP, Argent, McLaren Construction, Piercy & Company, Severfield UK, and Getjar

Why:  The project's structural BIM model, created with a Tekla-Grasshopper Live Link, enabled faster design through collaboration and automation, allowing the team to advance design delivery.

construction projects examples

How BIM helped speed up the design process

  • The project site bordered three active shallow brickwork train tunnels sensitive to ground movements, adding a design coordination challenge with Network Rail.
  • The team quickly compared structural framing options in early design stages using Tekla Structures and a Grasshopper script that generated the full structural frame and foundations.
  • Another Grasshopper script automated the calculation of piles and pilecaps, while Tekla Structures was used to 3D model the project's challenging reinforcement.

construction projects examples

What: Ovalo Monitor Bridge, a complex reinforced concrete bridge in Peru

Who:  TSC Innovation, Aceros Arequipa, INCOT

Why:  The execution of this 870-meter bridge with straight and curved sections was only possible with an impressive BIM software stack.

construction projects examples

A tech stack of BIM software managed project design and data

  • The complex geometric configuration of the bridge was parametrically modeled with Tekla-Grasshopper, allowing a quicker modeling time and simplifying any future changes.
  • Tekla Model Sharing was an essential tool that enabled designers located in different areas to work within the same project models.
  • Trimble Connect rounded out the project's software stack -- the cloud-based common data environment managed and stored all project information, so it was easilyl accessible by any party, anywhere.

construction projects examples

What:   Pierrefonds Waste Management Plant, a multi-sector hub critical for Reunion Island's energy transition

Who:  SEEI (Sud Etude et Equipment Industrie)

Why:  BIM models enabled proper construction division coordination to deliver this critical waste management project.

construction projects examples

Division coordination made easier with BIM

  • Completion of this critical project treats the waste of 60% of Reunion's population, produces renewable energy for more than 10,000 households, and puts an end to landfilling in the region.
  • Coordination among the piping, equipment, and civil engineering divisions was successful with detailed Tekla Structures BIM models and Tekla Model Sharing.
  • The models were also used to coordinate the envelope of an adjacent building being designed by another firm.

construction projects examples

What:   ScaffPlan, BIM plug-ins for scaffolding modeling made in Australia

Who:  ScaffPlan

Why:  This developer-built tool quickly engineers scaffolding within Tekla Structures to reduce designing time and increase profits. 

  • ScaffPlan is the world's first intelligent scaffolding software, allowing users to draft complex scaffolding designs in minutes.
  • Developed by industry-leading scaffolders, the plug-in words on top of Tekla Structures to engineer a project's scaffolding solution 360 times faster than traditional methods.
  • ScaffPlan is designed to streamline plans, calculate engineering, remotely manage projects, and control operations to an exceptional standard. 

construction projects examples

What:   Tampere Deck and Arena, a multi-purpose activity center located directly above railway tracks in Finland

Who:  SRV Rakennus Oy, Ramboll Finland Oy, ARCO Architecture Company

Why:  With all project parties extensively using BIM, the arena was designed efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy.

construction projects examples

  • Every party involved in the major project used BIM to manage the project's large scope, numerous design disciplines, and overlapping areas of responsibility
  • Using Tekla Structures and Tekla Model Sharing sitewide enabled design precision. For example, sewer pipes fit perfectly into the deck structures, lighting met strict organizational requirements, and each arena seat enjoyed an unobstructed view.
  • Additionally, BIM was essential throughout construction. Project management could monitor real-time progress and material delivery statuses to inform contractor coordination and labor scheduling.

construction projects examples

What: The Big One, Season 2, the replacement of nine roller coaster tracks in the United Kingdom

Who:  Taziker Industrial

Why:  The extensive capabilities of Tekla Structures made redesigning this roller coaster's curve for better dynamics achievable. 

  • Three Tekla Structures tools enabled this complex geometry engineering feat: point cloud import, layout manager, and Grasshopper link.
  • Point cloud import was used to determine the geometry of the existing roller coaster track, which was then backchecked with a Robotic Total Station.
  • Using Tekla Structures easily allowed specific design criteria to be met. Compound radii were not used on any pieces of rolled tube and butt-welded joints were minimized to reduce cost.
  • The fabricated tracks had an exceptional fit up to the existing ride -- a testament to the BIM technology and the work of the fabricators. 

construction projects examples

What: Pidekso Dam, a new dam designed to prevent floods in Indonesia

Who:  PT PP, Balai Besar River Basin Dam (BBWS), Bengawan Solo project

Why: Using BIM tools to design faster and better allowed this project to finish far ahead of projections. 

construction projects examples

BIM project planning reduced errors and enabled project success

  • Tekla Structures BIM models accelerated design with faster project shop drawing production, minimized rework, reduced material waste, and maximized natural resources.
  • When protests disrupted the project site, surveys were conducted with drone photogrammetry and BIM technology, allowing precise existing measurements.
  • Using Tekla Structures, Trimble Connect, and Trimble Laser Scanner SX 104 as part of a project-wide BIM collaboration allowed this project to finish 1.5 years earlier than initially projected.

construction projects examples

What: Corrèze Bridge, a viaduct over the Corrèze River in France

Who: Students from IUT Departement GC EGLETONS

Why:  In a short timeframe, a group of students modeled a temporary viaduct crucial to constructing the MALEMORT SUR CORREZE bypass using Tekla Structures.

construction projects examples

BIM used to quickly model a temporary bridge solution

  • A group of 6 students provided a design solution for a temporary bridge over the Corrèze River in just 13 days.
  • In this timeline, the students reviewed the bridge under construction and the concrete and steel execution plans, then used the information to model a temporary bridge with Tekla Structures. 
  • The final design, including the detailed reinforcement cages, was presented to the EXE method engineer, project manager, and project owner.

construction projects examples

What:   E6 Ranheim-Værnes, a highway widening project with three tunnels and multiple structures in Norway

Who: ACCIONA Engineering, Ramboll, ACCIONA Construction, COWI, Statens Vegvesen vegdirektoratet (Norwegian road authorities), Nye Veier

Why: The project team incorporated BIM solutions wherever possible to design efficiently and maintain live design collaboration.

construction projects examples

  • The engineering team and project stakeholders used an integrated, model-based design to leverage wide-scale BIM during initial design through construction and into future operations.
  • Tekla Model Sharing enabled model sharing amongst the design team, and Trimble Quadri allowed interdisciplinary coordination and clash detection workflows.
  • Design files were regularly exported from Tekla into Trimble Connect and Trimble Quadri to ensure up-to-date data exchange.
  • Tekla-Grasshopper parametric models allowed design optioneering and analysis into value-added solutions to promote design efficiency.

construction projects examples

just a test

Construction project wbs – examples to get you started.

construction project wbs examples to get your started

When it comes to planning a construction project, many of us prefer to re-use elements from previous plans and schedules.

But what if you’re starting from scratch with no construction project examples to draw from?

And are your past projects adhering to construction WBS best practices?

Most project planners start building their construction schedule by establishing a Work Breakdown Structure. Just like when constructing a tower or a bridge, it’s important to start with a solid foundation. Your work breakdown structure (WBS) should establish a solid foundation for your construction project schedule.

Although every construction project is unique, there are principles & best practices to developing a good construction project WBS.

Let me teach you how to plan a solid WBS for your construction project schedule. I’ll take you through real construction WBS examples that can you use to get started.

Construction Project Work Breakdown Structure – Examples

I don’t want to rehash what a Work Breakdown Structure is and why we need one for your construction project schedule.

But, I do want to discuss how to setup your WBS for common types of construction projects whether they fall into Civil, Oil & Gas, Buildings, Aerospace or another industry.

Check out these examples of a construction project WBS . Use these sample WBS’s as a basis for your own construction project schedule.

Aircraft Systems Project WBS – Example #1

example aircraft systems project wbs

Check out the Aircraft Systems project work breakdown structure. This sample WBS is ideal for a systems implementation in Aerospace or Defense projects.

Note that we have a WBS element for “Systems Engineering” to capture any design or engineering Work Packages.

Also we have a space for “Program Management”. This highlights the fact that a project schedule can contain many different types of deliverables and work – Program or Project Management included.

As a Project Controls trainer myself, I’m happy to see a “Training” entry in this construction project WBS example.

Typical Construction Project 1 WBS – Example #2

example construction project work breakdown structure #1

Click the image to enlarge it.

This is my example of a typical construction project work breakdown structure.

It captures important WBS elements at level 1 like “ Contract Milestones “, “Submittals”, “Design & Engineering”, “ Procurement ” and “Pre-Construction”.

Construction Project WBS Templates for Primavera P6 >> FREE WBS Templates for P6 Download <<

If you’ve ever taken a project management training course , the WBS training module will not mention any of these important WBS elements. However, experienced construction planners & schedulers know to include these in their project’s WBS as an industry best practice.

This sample project WBS has work broken down by Area first, then by construction Discipline. However, you can always reverse these if it makes more sense or ensure clarity for your construction project schedule. You can also continue to develop your WBS deeper than level 4 shown here.

Typical Construction Project 2 WBS – Example #3

example construction wbs #2

My 2nd example for a typical construction project WBS is based on example #2 above, but this one incorporates an extra WBS level 2 that represents the project’s Phase. Again this is a very common example work breakdown structure for many large-scale construction projects .

Tunneling Construction Project WBS – Example #4

example construction tunneling project wbs

This tunneling construction project example is based on a few real projects I have personally developped construction project schedules for. It’s also from a project I use when I teach my Advanced P6 Schedule Building for Contractors course.

With many tunneling projects, the work progresses linearly and it can make it easy to establish your WBS to follow the work as well. A linear WBS will make the project schedule very easy to read and understand.

This construction WBS sample goes to level 5, thus the work packages would comprise level 6. Most construction projects aim to be level 5 to 7 in detail, however it is possible to include too much detail .

Commercial Building Project WBS – Example #5

Example Office Building Construction WBS

The example WBS for a commercial building above provides a good starting outline for a real project.

Note that this sample construction building project work breakdown structure has a detailed multi-level section for Design work .

The construction work is broken down first by trade discipline, then by work type or perhaps phase. With so many types of work and disciplines involved, I can be difficult to see the sequence of the work represented in the project’s WBS. However, a strong hierarchy keeps the project’s activities well-organized.

Construction Project WBS – Best Practices

When it comes to construction schedules, there are some unique best practices you should follow when developing your project’s WBS.

In the video below, I’ll discuss the examples above and explain what best practices they incorporate for a good construction WBS.

construction projects examples

Here are the best practices I highly recommend you follow:

#1 Put Your Milestones Up Top

Make your first WBS node at level 1 a place to put your major milestones. I like to label it “Contract Milestones” and ensure that all of my major contract milestones live here.

This makes it very easy to find your milestones without having to use a filter , and to keep an eye on them for changes as you work on the project schedule.

#2 Break Out Pre-Construction Work

Most projects will have some pre-construction work like site assessments, approvals, permits and other such adminstrative items or pre-work that will need to be tracked on the schedule.

Create a Pre-Construction WBS area to capture those items. Add additional sub-nodes if necessary to help organize the pre-construction activities.

#3 Keep Design & Construction Separate

Depending on the type of construction project you may have Design or Value Engineering activities to capture in your schedule. Keep those activities in a WBS tree of their own, away from the construction work. This will ensure your schedule is well organized and keep it easy to understand and analyze.

#4 Have a Section for Submittals

Submittals might be a pain in your side if you’re a contractor, but nowadays owners want to see major submittals on the construction schedule. Create a section in your work breakdown structure for capturing submittal activities.

That way you can easily see them all together and ensure you’re tracking & progressing them.

#5 Sequence Your Project’s WBS

Hierarchies are great and can really help you to organize your project’s activities. But there’s a real benefit to organizing your work in the order you will execute it in the field.

Try to structure your work breakdown structure to match the sequence of work as you plan to execute it.

For example, look at the Tunneling Project WBS example above. If I was to plan to work first at Shaft S2, then at S1, followed by S3, I would order my WBS to match this sequence.

Remember, you’re not the only person who will use your schedule. There’s a real benefit to developing a construction project schedule that’s easy for everyone to understand.

Whether you’re a beginning planner, or a seasoned expert, crafting a good WBS for your construction project isn’t always a walk in the park.

You might not have realized how much there is to consider for something as simple as your project’s WBS. However, a work breakdown structure IS the foundation of a well-built construction project schedule.

Use the examples and best practices above to help you develop a project schedule that you can deliver on-time and on-budget.

And don’t forget that you can download these example WBS templates for Primavera P6 here . Enjoy!

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Author: Michael Lepage

Website: https://www.planacademy.com

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What Is a Project? Definition, Types & Examples

ProjectManager

What is a project, exactly? We talk a lot about specific facets of project management, but it’s sometimes valuable to start at the root and dig into the basics.

To fully understand high-level project management concepts, it’s important to know the simple answers. When you can call on this knowledge, more complicated concepts are easier to master. Whether you’re the project manager or a stakeholder, give your next project definition with these project management tips in mind.

Project Definition

A project is a set of tasks that must be completed within a defined timeline to accomplish a specific set of goals. These tasks are completed by a group of people known as the project team, which is led by a project manager, who oversees the planning , scheduling, tracking and successful completion of projects.

construction projects examples

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Project Plan Template

Use this free Project Plan Template for Word to manage your projects better.

Besides the project team, projects require resources such as labor, materials and equipment. Organizations and individuals manage projects with a wide range of objectives. These can take many forms, from constructing a building to planning an event and even completing a certain duty. Retailers, for example, may pursue projects that improve the way they track order fulfillment. Construction teams complete projects any time they plan and build something—and so on!

Project management software gives you the tools to manage all the parts of a project so it is delivered on time and within budget. ProjectManager is award-winning project management software with features to plan, manage and track your project in real time. Organize tasks on our robust Gantt, link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays and save your project plan by setting a baseline. This allows you to track your actual progress against your planned progress to help you stay on track. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart

What Are the Characteristics of a Project?

There are certain features or characteristics that are unique to projects and differentiate them from the daily operations or other types of activities of an organization. Here are the main characteristics of a project.

1. Any Project Needs a Project Manager and a Project Team

One of the most important characteristics of a project is that it’s a team effort. While the structure of project teams might change from one organization to another, projects usually involve a project manager and a team of individuals with the necessary skills to execute the tasks that are needed.

2. Every Project Needs a Project Plan

Project team members need clear directions from the project manager and other project leaders so that they can execute the work that’s expected from them. These directions come in the form of a project plan. However, a project plan is more than just a set of instructions for the project team. It’s a comprehensive document that describes every aspect of a project, such as the project goals, project schedule and project budget among other important details.

3. All Projects Go Through the Same Project Lifecycle

The project life cycle refers to the five phases all projects must progress through, from start to finish. The five phases of a project lifecycle serve as the most basic outline that gives a project definition. These five phases are initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and closure.

4. All Projects Share the Same Project Constraints

All projects no matter their size or complexity are subject to three main constraints: time, scope and cost. This simply means that projects must be completed within a defined timeline, achieve a defined set of tasks and goals and be delivered under a certain budget .

These project constraints are known as the triple constraint or the project management triangle and are one of the most important project features to know about.

5. Every Project Needs Resources

A resource is anything necessary to complete a project, such as for example, labor, raw materials, machinery and equipment. For example, in construction, raw materials such as wood, glass or paint are essential project resources . That said, other resources — like time, labor and equipment — are just as important.

A project manager must be able to identify all of the project resources in order to create a resource plan and manage the resources accordingly. When resources are left unaccounted for, it is easy to mismanage them.

resource plan template

Types of Projects

Projects can take many shapes and forms, which makes classifying them into types a very difficult task that requires different approaches. Here are some of the types of projects grouped by funding source, industry and project management methodology .

Types of Projects By Funding Source

One simple way to categorize projects is to look at their source of capital.

  • Private projects: Projects that are financed by businesses or private organizations.
  • Public projects: Projects which are funded by Government agencies.
  • Mixed projects: Projects that are financed by a public-private partnership.

Types of Projects By Industry

Projects can be executed by large or small organizations from any industry. However, some industries are more project-intensive than others. Here are some of the most common types of projects by industry.

  • Construction projects: The main goal of any construction project is to make a building that can be used for different purposes such as infrastructure, residential or commercial use.
  • Manufacturing projects: Manufacturing projects consist of manufacturing physical products to generate profits for a company.
  • IT projects: Information technology projects consist in establishing an IT framework for the processing of data at a company-wide scale.
  • Software development projects: The main goal of a software development project is to create a software product for a client.
  • Business projects: The term business project could refer to creating a new business, creating a new business unit for an existing company or simply launching a new business initiative.

Types of Projects By Project Management Methodology

Besides the types of projects mentioned above, projects can also be classified by the project management methodology that’s used to plan, schedule and execute them.

  • Waterfall projects: Waterfall is the most traditional project management methodology, where the project plan is defined before the project begins and each major project phase must be completed in sequence.
  • Agile projects: Agile projects are planned and executed in short iterations known as sprints , where project teams plan their activities as they execute the project.

Project Examples

Now that we’ve reviewed the main characteristics of a project and the various project types that exist, let’s review some common project examples to better illustrate what a project is.

Construction Project Examples

  • Construction infrastructure projects: Building a bridge, a road, a mass transportation system or a water treatment facility.
  • Residential construction projects: Building a house, a residential building or an apartment complex.
  • Commercial construction projects: Building a shopping mall, a parking lot or a hotel.

Manufacturing Project Examples

  • Building a factory from scratch
  • Manufacturing products for retail sale
  • Manufacturing products for a B2B purchase order
  • Improving an existing production line by acquiring new machinery and training employees

Key Project Terms to Know

No matter the project, there are universal project terms that are used regardless of project type, project size or any other factor. Know these seven terms like the back of your hand and you’ll be a step ahead before the project begins:

Project Scope

Project scope is a key aspect of the project planning stage. In many ways, it is the starting point. Determining project scope requires the project manager and their team to set goals and objectives, detail deliverables, create tasks, establish important dates and more. Project scope defines desired outcomes and all specific factors which will affect reaching them.

project scope template for managing projects

Project Stakeholder

A stakeholder refers to anyone and everyone involved in a project. A stakeholder can be involved at every stage of the project, or just in a certain way. Stakeholder analysis helps categorize how investors, team members, vendors, contractors and more can affect your project.

Project Deliverables

A deliverable refers to the specific outcome(s) a project creates. Deliverables can be “tangible” or “intangible,” meaning they can be a physical product or something conceptual. Typically, deliverables are the need that inspired the project in the first place. If someone contracts a builder to design and construct an office space, the office is a tangible deliverable.

Project Milestones

Milestones are predetermined achievements that help track project progress. Think of milestones as checkpoints. These checkpoints are decided on before a project begins, so the project manager and team know when they are on track to achieve deliverables. Without milestones, it’s difficult to know if the project is on the road to success or needs to reroute.

Project Dependencies

Project dependencies refer to how resources must be shared and allocated within a project. Many projects will use the same physical materials for different purposes and across different stages. Understanding this dependency is the only way to ensure there is enough resources to go around. Similarly, all projects are broken down into tasks. When one task cannot begin before another is completed, these tasks share a dependency.

What It Means to Work on a Project

Whether it’s the project manager, a team member or any other project stakeholder, they’re a member of the greater project team and their actions directly affect other team members. Like any team, you “win” or “lose” as a unit, so it’s incredibly important to communicate and listen to other team members in order to coordinate efforts and succeed. Most project mishaps and project failures are the direct results of poor communication or lack of collaboration.

Why does this matter as long as the work is getting done? Working on a project is about understanding the project as a whole just as much as it is about doing the work. The only way to see this big picture is by listening to the team and learning from one another.

What Is Project Management?

The process of project management starts with the conception of the project and continues all the way through the project lifecycle. This requires detailed knowledge of company resources and how to assign them in order to complete tasks, duties, events and other projects.

A wide range of industries relies on project management methods and tools to execute projects. A few examples of these industries are construction, IT, engineering, marketing and advertising. Any team working together to reach a shared objective is engaging in some form of project management.

What Does a Project Manager Do?

A project manager is more than just a manager, in the traditional sense. This individual is the leader of the project team and oversees every aspect of the project, from beginning to end. The project manager will typically write the project plan, run team meetings, assign tasks and do quality control tests to ensure everything is running smoothly. A project manager can’t carry the entire project on their back, though. One of their key duties, in fact, is knowing how to entrust various responsibilities to team members.

With the help of their team, project managers will create project schedules and budgets. They will also create project reports throughout the project lifecycle.

As you can see, their responsibilities are widespread, but that doesn’t mean spreading too thin. Ideally, a project manager creates the foundation of the project—like the foundation of a house. They then appoint other individuals to finish out each room.

Project Definition: Best Practices for Project Management

Regardless of the project, the size of the team, or anything else, there are practices that exponentially increase the chances of success. As vital as it is to hit goals and achieve deliverables , it’s just as important to create a positive culture within the project. These five tips may seem simple, but they make a big difference:

Set Regular Team Check-ins

It’s easy to meet with the team “as needed,” but once a project begins it gets harder to find time in everyone’s schedule. Instead, schedule regular meetings before a project even starts. These meetings serve as check-ins where team members can give each other updates, voice concerns, ask questions, make adjustments and do anything else they may need. When these check-ins are already built into the schedule, no one is waiting to meet until there’s a mishap or issue.

Part of what gives a project definition is knowing how to delegate. Whether it’s the project managers or a team member, they’ll more than likely need help with a task at some point. Now, this doesn’t mean just passing along the task to someone else. It means that every team member has equal responsibilities. Instead, the best project managers know how to relinquish some control and delegate to team members.

Know the Team

Everyone on the project management team should be familiar with each other’s strengths, weaknesses and specialties. For example, if a team member needs information from a different department, they should know exactly who to ask. This familiarity cuts down on lost time. It is especially important for a project manager to know their team extremely well.

When a project member knows these things, they can make decisions that play to their team members’ strengths, not around their weaknesses. Knowing the team is a huge aspect of creating a positive culture within a project, as it celebrates everyone’s abilities.

team charter template for project management

Celebrate Milestones

Speaking of positive culture, never underestimate the power of taking a moment to mark meeting a milestone . Reaching one means the team has made significant progress and the project is still on track. At the very least, it’s important to announce reaching milestones during team check-ins. This keeps everyone on the same page and improves team efficacy.

Choose Superior PM Tools

Project management is an extremely complex job. Without the proper tools, it’s easy to make mistakes, become disorganized and even fail to complete the project. The best way to protect your project from these missteps is by choosing tools that simplify the entire process.

The best project management software does just that. Using project management software unleashes your team’s and the project’s full potential and takes the end result to new heights. The key is finding an intuitive, user-friendly project management software that makes no compromises in functionality.

How ProjectManager Makes Managing Projects Easy

ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software that makes managing projects easier than ever. Our online software allows the entire team to work on the project while in the field or on the go, and our modern interface combines functionality with user-friendly navigation. This means no more wasted time just trying to familiarize yourself with a new tool and more time perfecting your project definition.

Plan on Gantt Charts

Plan your projects from start to finish with ProjectManager’s powerful Gantt chart feature, which allows you to map out project tasks in phases. You can even create dependencies and set milestones. Plus, you can import Excel files and Microsoft Project files, so switching over to our software is seamless.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart

Track on Project Dashboards

As the project team moves forward with tasks, project managers can track every status update on our real-time dashboard that you can personalize to show the most important metrics. Every change to a task is tracked and automatically updates the colorful, easy-to-read charts and graphs. Keeping an eye on your project’s progress has never been easier!

ProjectManager’s dashboard view, which shows six key metrics on a project

Get all these features and more when you use ProjectManager. All of these tools are available in our software to help you plan, track and report on your project in real time. See what it can do for you by taking this free 30-day trial run!

Click here to browse ProjectManager's free templates

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Make it easier to manage construction.

How to build efficient construction workflows.

Last Updated Feb 23, 2024

Photo of people's hands as they collaborate over a construction drawing

It’s not uncommon for one construction project to finish right on time and on budget while another, similar project falls hopelessly behind and loses money at every turn. Some of the reasons this happens can’t be helped, such as weather, issues with procuring specialized materials or getting caught in the red tape of local government. However, a surprisingly large number of factors that lead to these disparities aren’t random, and can be accounted for by understanding, designing and improving construction workflows . 

Construction workflows are processes for completing common sets of tasks, actions or project phases. Workflows standardize sequences of operational tasks so they can be reviewed, streamlined and repeated from project to project, increasing a team’s adaptability, making planning easier and saving money and time.

In this article, we explore common construction workflows and the keys to making them more efficient.

Table of contents

Construction Workflows: The Basics

A workflow takes a given operational activity or phase of a project, defines the required tasks, puts them in order and establishes the person responsible . Workflows are particularly helpful when facilitating processes that require collaboration between numerous people, exchanging information or sequencing dependent tasks. In construction, workflows can help with something as discrete as managing a project directory or something as sweeping as project planning. 

Most workflows are made or managed by someone on the operational side of the project, often a chief operations officer, an operations manager or a project manager. However, the tasks that comprise a workflow can be assigned to anyone working on the project. 

For example, a project manager might oversee the workflow for getting contractors paid, but the process will require contractors to submit invoices, someone in the office to log and file the invoices, and someone to cut the checks. 

Standard operating procedures (SOPs) often define the required steps to complete a workflow and the responsible party for each step — such as submittals, or the individual tasks that comprise a workflow, such as the review of a submittal. 

Procore Support: Learn how Procore enables companies to customize their own SOPs .

6 Characteristics of Efficient Workflows

Workflows vary depending on the task, the size of the team, and important project information , such as size, budget, timeline, and type of project (commercial, residential, healthcare, infrastructure, etc.). However, all effective workflows share the same characteristics.

1. Repeatable

It’s beneficial to standardize workflows so they can be repeated by different people and on different projects. This saves valuable time since processes don’t have to be created anew for every project.

For example, the invoicing workflow needn’t be reimagined every time a GC starts a new project. A standardized workflow makes invoices easier to fill and track, and eliminates delays due to formatting mistakes or missing information. 

2. Connected

Efficient workflows operate best when each person in the process connects to the same real-time information. Silos are created when one person has access to data or documents that aren’t connected to a single source of truth. 

When a process becomes too rote or rigid, people are isolated in their work. This leads to situations where people don’t have enough information — or outdated information — and make changes that aren’t checked, or do repeat work.

We live and work in an age where information silos don’t need to exist. Construction management software can help create more efficient workflows by connecting everyone in the process access to the same, up-to-date information.  

See how Procore enables real-time collaboration .

3. Transparent

All parts of a workflow should be easily understood by everyone involved. People understand what happens, in what order and by whom — which can improve communication, buy-in, and accountability.

For example, punch lists require that all workers need to be clear on defective or incomplete items, who is responsible for them, and the process for checking them off. This not only helps people do their job, but it also helps them see how their work impacts the whole project.

4. Collaborative

Workflows should create effective ways for people to work together. This keeps team members from working in isolation where issues are less likely to be discovered, questions are less likely to be answered, and mistakes are more likely to be repeated.

For example, the design review process should ensure the design team, owner and contractors can view the current version of each drawing and discuss constructability issues or changes in real-time.

5. Automated

Workflows should define what happens and the order in which it happens. One of the simplest ways to improve a workflow is by identifying sequences or tasks that can be automated to simplify the process and reduce human error. Once part of a task is complete, many digital workflow tools will automatically deliver all updated information to the next person working on it.

For example, transferring data from an estimate to a budget can be as simple as a single button click. And an effective RFI workflow can allow anyone on the project team to submit an RFI for instant delivery to the GC or design team. The response to the RFI should be immediately reflected in the building plans and distributed to all stakeholders. 

6. Streamlined

A workflow should optimize how work gets done by reducing steps, making the process easier to track or improving organization. A workflow should place tasks in the hands of the right people at the right time and be clear on the best way to move forward. As opposed to creating more work, workflows should complement the systems, tools, and processes that are already effectively in place.

Workflows should also be designed to capture the right amount of information at each step of the process and deliver it to the next person in line. This reduces communication delays that stem from stakeholders having to follow up to verify or collect data – or parse through an information dump to find the critical details. 

For example, when a contractor sends a vendor or owner an email, their response can be filed in the project management platform as a PDF. This reduces the steps needed to log and organize documents, without needing to abandon the commonly used email.

Illustration showing framers assembling a wooden wall

Common Workflows in Construction

Preconstruction.

Preconstruction includes all activities and planning prior to the start of actual construction to ensure a project is ready for execution.

Workflows to manage the financial aspects of a project include tracking budgets, change orders, invoicing, and processing payments.

Requests for Information (RFIs)

During preconstruction and construction, contractors and architects follow the RFI workflow to address and clarify information.

The submittals workflow ensures that all planned work conforms to the specifications.

Change Management

The project’s change order workflow is designed to address alterations in the project's design, scope, timeline, or costs.

Quality & Safety

Workflows for quality control and safety management ensure the work meets specifications and code requirements, and jobsite practices comply with safety standards and practices.

Closeout procedures finalize the project, including document submission and final inspections .

Workflows are a work in progress.

Even workflows that meet all key characteristics and flow smoothly have room for improvement. Often, improving a process can be as simple as encouraging users to raise concerns when the workflow is no longer serving them or has become inefficient.

Completing projects that regularly finish on time and under budget starts with taking the time to identify, define, and improve workflows. Whether during the handoff between estimators and project managers, or submitting closeout documents, an effective workflow should define the right tasks and assign them to the right people at the right point in the process. 

Categories:

Construction Management

Jacob Kunken

10 articles

Jake Kunken currently works as Solutions Engineer for Procore's Heavy Civil division. He brings 14 years of experience working in various construction roles in New York and Colorado, including laborer, assistant carpenter, carpenter, assistant superintendent, superintendent, construction manager, safety manager, and project manager. Jake also spent time in EHS as an environmental engineer for Skanska. He’s worked on more than 40 commercial projects from ground-up, to heavy civil, hospital work, and tenant improvement. Jake studied Ecological Technology Design at the University of Maryland.

James Hamilton

25 articles

James Hamilton is a writer based in Brooklyn, New York with experience in television, documentaries, journalism, comedy, and podcasts. His work has been featured on VICE TV and on The Moth. James was a writer and narrator for the show, VICE News Tonight, where he won an Emmy Award and was nominated for a Peabody Award.

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10 Innovations that Will Change Construction As We Know It

construction innovations shape the future of the industry

Construction innovations are progressing rapidly, and the industry now has a tremendous amount of resources to advance construction technology. Construction tech funding held steady at $5.38 billion in 2022 .  

These investments in innovations pay off significantly; research shows that firms that are rated as “digitally savvy” outperform companies by as much as 48% on revenue and 15% on net margin. And this is true across many fields, including AEC.   

Research also show that when asked to self-assess, 25% of businesses overate their ability to use data effectively and a whopping 80% of construction businesses are classified as beginner or emerging levels of data capabilities.  

There’s never been a more exciting time to be a part of the construction industry. As it continues to change at an accelerated pace, innovations will bring about even more developments and advancements. Here are 10 innovations we believe will shape the future of the industry as we know it today. 

1. AI and Machine Learning

Optimized workflows are essential to well-running projects and teams in the AEC industry. However, due to the complexity of construction, workflows have the tendency to be disconnected and manual in nature. The three most significant areas within optimized construction workflows are communication, data, and transparency. AI is making it easier to succeed across all three of these areas, resulting in greater productivity and profits. The fact that Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) proclaimed AI has the potential to increase industry profits by 71% by 2035 doesn’t hurt either. 

Machine learning is helping construction pros optimize their workflows and aid decision-making. Predictive analytics is quickly establishing its foothold in the construction industry’s core stack of technology tools. By leveraging current and historical data as well as machine learning, companies can make predictions about future outcomes. These predictions can then be used to make more informed decisions and strategize next moves. Research has also shown that data leaders in construction are 7x more likely to be using AI and machine learning.  

Predictive analytics and machine learning are especially valuable in today’s world of complex construction projects and operations. Companies need a precise way to mitigate risks, take advantage of opportunities, and prepare for challenges. This information also gives workers the freedom to focus on higher-value activities that are more likely to move the needle.  

BAM Ireland is an excellent example of this benefit. The multinational construction company leveraged Construction IQ, powered by Autodesk AI , as its predictive analytics tool for all projects. Doing so led to a 20% improvement in on-site quality and safety and a 25% increase in time spent on high-risk issues. 

Some construction AI innovations are even more subtle. For instance, another tool, AutoSpecs , allows you to find and track submittal items that may not have been added to the specification. The suggested submittals tool compares your current project specifications with historical project data and recommends potentially missing items to enhance accuracy and mitigate risks associated with overlooked details.

Watch to learn more:

What is AI’s Proper Place in Construction?

2. Resource and Workforce Management Software

Managing resources and a workforce are massive expenses for construction companies. Effective workforce management can help companies keep operations running smoothly, optimize resource allocation, and avoid unexpected expenses as well as delays. 

Today, more companies are turning to software platforms to bring more efficiency and actionable analytics to their workforce, whether they be remote, on-site, large, or small. 

Construction innovations in workforce management solutions include predictive tracking, forecasting, and mobile-first interfaces. These solutions remove many of the manual processes that come with resource planning. 

Bridgit Bench is a workforce planning solution built for contractors to track pursuits, project changes, and forecast workforce needs. Project teams can push awarded and opportunity projects from Autodesk Construction Cloud to Bridgit Bench, keeping projects up to date as changes are made. 

One tool, Riskcast provides a way for crews to easily capture labor, equipment, and production plus more, without multiple systems and complex spreadsheets. Teams can sync real-time data into Autodesk Cost Management Performance Tracking to see actuals vs. planned.  

Solutions like these allow companies to access metrics and forecasting analytics to better allocate resources to the right projects at the right time. Workforce management solutions are especially important in our current economy, where volatile markets require firms to be as precise and efficient in their operations as possible. 

3. The Next Wave of 3D Printing

3D printing has long been cited as one of the top modern construction innovations. However, its future is even brighter these days as the technology moves from a novelty to an emerging industry standard. 

With the right implementation strategy—and some creative thinking—3D printing can help speed up projects, make materials more accessible, and enable you to create beautiful designs.  

As Stephan Mansour, a 3D Printing & Emerging Technology Advisor at MaRiTama Ltd points out , “Everything can be 3D-printed; it’s just a matter of how far you want to go, how scalable it is, and how much money you’re going to put in.” 

In terms of use cases, you can 3D print design elements like facades to make them more intricate and detailed. 3D printing can also be used to print parts, fixtures, and furniture for your building. This is particularly useful when you’re dealing with supply shortages or when you’re working in a remote area. Rather than waiting weeks or months for the materials you need, you can print them within a few hours or days. 

We can expect to see 3D printing technologies continue to mature and grow in the future. As companies look for ways to improve quality control, address skilled labor shortages, and explore advanced designs, 3D printing will be here to help them make it a success. 

4. AR, VR, and the Metaverse

Extended Reality (XR) serves as the encompassing term for a spectrum of captivating and interactive technologies, including Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR). These transformative experiences are accessible through various devices, ranging from mobile devices to VR headsets. The allure of XR lies in its ability to seamlessly immerse individuals in the digital realm in real-time. 

This technology plays a pivotal role in revolutionizing Architectural, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) workflows as highlighted by the announcement of Autodesk Workshop XR, an immersive design review workspace. The evolution of XR is swiftly paving the way for more impactful and efficient work processes. With innovations like Workshop XR, AEC teams are discovering new avenues for issue tracking, error prevention, and enhanced spatial understanding, ultimately improving workflows and integration. 

The increasing adoption of XR signifies a paradigm shift in how we approach work, collaboration, and project success. This dynamic environment enables teams to scrutinize and problem-solve within their 3D models in a 1:1 scale, fostering a level of interaction that transcends traditional computer screens. 

Businesses—particularly those reliant on cross-departmental collaboration—stand to gain enormous benefits from extended reality solutions. Autodesk Workshop XR, with a connection to Autodesk Construction Cloud through Autodesk Docs, facilitates real-time collaboration within Revit or Navisworks models, making XR a driving force in the AEC industry’s technological wave. 

5. Sensor Data

Tracking the various components of your business—including manpower, jobsites, and equipment—is essential. Proper monitoring aids project planning, promotes smoother operations, and ensures compliance with safety and worker regulations.  

Here’s the good news: thanks to construction sensors and IoT technology, keeping an eye on the many moving parts of your projects is easier than ever. There are various solutions in the market that can enable you to monitor site conditions, track materials through the supply chain, improve worker safety, and empower better facility management. 

Forward-thinking firms are also using sensors to forecast and prepare for future events. “With the use of sensor data and Forge as a software foundation, we are able to predict future product failures,” explains Chris Schoneveld, BIM Manager at Alkondor Hengelo .  

“So for a maintenance task, we could analyse the use curve of a building and protect our products against future failures. And doing multiple tasks on a single maintenance job benefits our company’s eco footprint due to a minimization of traffic movement.” 

6. Digital Twins

Digital twins is certainly a buzzworthy term, but what benefit does it have for the construction industry? As it sounds, a digital twin is a digital replica of a physical entity, including its potential and current assets, systems, data, processes, workflows, people, and devices. In the context of construction, building out a digital twin from the very start is significant to better understand a physical structure for future operations. 

Having a duplicate source of a physical structure allows workers to assess, manipulate, and optimize the building. As they analyze the digital twin, they can uncover potential means of creating efficiencies, developing safety protocols, reducing risks, and improving quality. Digital twins also enhance BIM by serving as a digital thread, connected directly to a physical structure. 

Since almost 80% of a building’s lifetime value is realized during operations , the data and insights provided by a digital twin helps owners better maintain their facilities, streamline operations, and improve capital planning.  

You can also use digital twins to determine if a built asset is meeting certain KPIs and metrics. “If you have certain sustainable goals, you’ll be able to see if you’re achieving them. If you have equipment and want to measure mean time between failure, having a digital twin helps you do that,” explains Bob Bray, Senior Director & General Manager for Autodesk Tandem . 

It can also help owners strategize for the future. As Bob points out, “A digital twin gives you the knowledge to inform, predict, and look at future decisions based on how that asset is performing in the real world.”  

Lastly, the advantages of digital twins are especially relevant during times of social distancing, remote work, and travel restrictions. Essential information about a property is readily accessible with a digital twin, avoiding the need to travel or even leave a home office. 

Check out Episode 59 of the Digital Builder podcast to learn more about Digital Twins.   

7. Truly Connected Construction

Simplicity in construction? It might not be a buzzword, but we’d argue that simplicity is the lifeblood of the most powerful of innovations. When data, workflows, and technology connect, they’re all the more powerful. Apple is a key example of this fact. The same information flows seamlessly between the company’s iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. These harmonious connections keep things simple and effective. 

We see the same concepts play out in connected construction. Construction companies often have to deal with information silos and paper-dependent processes. These challenges are exacerbated by the massive volumes of data and resources that make up the industry. For stakeholders to work efficiently on projects, they need a solid foundation, a single source of truth. 

This foundation can be built and maintained with connected construction. Connected construction equates to integrated and connected data, workflows, and technology. It brings information, processes, and people together in one common data environment . It powers effective decision-making, whether they occur during daily operations or as part of a long-term strategic plan. For companies that genuinely want to empower their people to make the most informed decisions possible, connected construction is the answer.  

8. Advanced Takeoff and Estimating Tools

The days of relying solely on spreadsheets to put together quantity takeoffs, estimates, and bids, are over. Or at least, they should be. The rise of advanced tools in preconstruction are helping construction pros implement robust bidding and estimating processes so they can focus more on winning more business and reducing risk.  

Modern takeoff, estimating, and bidding solutions work in the cloud, enabling you to view and manage bids and estimates from anywhere. These tools also help connect data and teams on one platform, leading to better collaboration and accuracy. And thanks to automation and 3D visualization, you’re able to work faster, produce competitive bids, and ultimately win more work.   

Autodesk Takeoff helps contractors easily perform 2D and 3D quantification and ProEst’s estimating solution helps translate project scope into material, labor and equipment costs to generate accurate project estimates. From there, contractors can use BuildingConnected’s bid management solution to choose the right builder for every project from the largest crowd-sourced construction network, reducing risk and protecting the bottom line. 

9. BIM Beyond Design

BIM, or building information technology modeling, is widely used in the design world but is often seen as complex and technical outside of it. However, BIM doesn’t have to be complicated. By sharing models between the design department and the field, BIM can be a simple and effective communication tool.  

There are many advantages to facilitating BIM access in the field. When models are distributed as PDF documents, valuable BIM data can be lost. By using BIM in the field, teams can improve communication, increase data visibility, and reduce rework costs.  

According to John Lim Ji Xiong, Chief Digital Officer, Gamuda Bhd, “In 2024, I think construction industry trends will morph from BIM and 3D modeling to more data-driven topics such as building dashboards, AI, and managing project data. BIM has become something that is mature in the industry and is a requirement in a lot of tenders. However, in the drive to modernize and improve, construction companies will be looking to drive efficiency and transparency through data in order to build better projects.” 

Expanding the use of BIM beyond design streamlines communication, provides a richer view of construction documents, promotes safety and reduces rework. By keeping design and field teams aligned through BIM, collaboration improves, and work gets done faster.  

Furthermore, new AI innovations open even more opportunities for BIM. “This year, we’ll see greater momentum and interest from the industry as firms leverage AI-driven technologies to automate tedious tasks, more deeply analyze information, and augment decision-making,” says Jim Lynch, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Autodesk. “Particularly, the integration of BIM with AI poses new and exciting opportunities. BIM’s rich data, paired with machine learning, can enable firms to improve efficiency and make smarter decisions beyond just the design phase of a building.” 

It’s time to rethink the role of BIM in construction. BIM is not just a design tool every team can use to deliver high-quality work and improve collaboration throughout the construction lifecycle.  

10. Robotics

The continued adoption of robotics in construction is another significant development that will shape the industry’s future. However, construction companies face barriers in implementing these technologies including cost of entry and a lack of skills with these specific technologies within teams  

On an episode of the Digital Builder podcast, Brooke Gemmell, Emerging Technology Partner at Skanska said, “We’re starting to see so many more robotic applications. I think one thing that may be a misconception is just how readily available they are on projects. Most of the tools out there are only being piloted on a select few projects because we’re still learning how can we really use these and what’s the biggest impact for these tools.” 

To overcome these hurdles, companies can start with more mature technologies like drones and offsite prefabrication. They also can invest in training programs and partnerships with technology providers to improve their workforce. Brooke believes there is already a strong appetite from the workforce to do so, “I’ve been on a lot of project sites where we’ve had robotic solutions deployed, and first off, people are really excited about it. They want to learn more and they want to engage.” 

Collaboration and communication with technology providers is crucial. By sharing specific needs and challenges, construction companies can shape the development of tailored AI and robotics solutions. It is also beneficial to learn from industry leaders who have effectively incorporated these technologies.  

By embracing AI and robotics, construction companies can unlock productivity, efficiency, and safety benefits. These technologies will greatly improve workflow, optimize resource management, and enable faster project delivery.  

“Robots are helping people go home earlier, less tired, and with less strain. We’re also taking people out of dangerous situations and using robots in those places,” added Brooke.  

The Real Impact of Robotics on Construction Sites

Moving Innovation in Construction Forward

The construction industry is truly evolving right in front of our eyes. We’re confident these 10 construction innovations will prove to be especially valuable in the industry today and in the future. 

Grace Ellis

Construction trends, tips, and news – delivered straight to your inbox, you might like..., demystifying autodesk technology: unlocking efficiency for factory planning and factory design, digital builder ep 77: what is ai’s proper place in construction, using digital technology for project success in denmark’s construction sector.

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Where Micron stands: Release of delayed federal money could unleash Clay project

  • Updated: Feb. 22, 2024, 6:39 p.m. |
  • Published: Feb. 22, 2024, 6:00 a.m.

Micron in Central New York

- A temporary sign marks the site where Micron Technology plans to build four massive semiconductor fabrication plants, or fabs, over the next 20 years. Glenn Coin | [email protected] Glenn Coin | [email protected]

Syracuse, N.Y. – Nearly two years after Congress agreed to give $39 billion to semiconductor companies to bring manufacturing back to the U.S., Micron Technology is still waiting to hear how much it will receive to build a massive chip-making plant in Clay.

Without billions from that federal CHIPS and Science Act, Micron has said, it can’t go forward on what could be a $100 billion complex over the next 20 years. Progress on Micron’s Clay project, announced in October 2022, has slowed recently while the wheels of the U.S Commerce Department grind.

Read more about Micron Technology in Clay

  • GlobalFoundries wins $3.1 billion in CHIPS Act subsidies for Upstate NY, Vermont expansion
  • Granting tax breaks for all housing is irresponsible public stewardship (Your Letters)
  • Proposal to expand tax breaks for new housing in Onondaga County receives pushback
  • Micron offering paid summer internships for Central NY college students
  • Cost to build sewer line in Clay more than doubles – and it’s not because of Micron

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