Beginner’s Guide to Construction Project Management

If you’re new to the industry, navigating the world of Construction Project Management (CPM) can feel like trying to find your way through a complex maze. Did you know CPM has specialized techniques, tools and resources that are critical for project success?

Construction companies wanting to improve their processes, should consider investing in cutting-edge technology like XYZ’s AR tool suite to improve efficiency and productivity. This beginner’s guide to construction project management was written to make your journey to success easier. We’ll unravel the basics of CPM from phases, key principles, qualifications needed and more.

What is Construction Project Management (CPM)?

Construction Project Management (CPM) is the task of planning, coordinating and overseeing construction projects from start to finish. It requires specific skills, tools, and resources to complete projects on time and within the budget.

CPM includes making plans for the project, managing the people and things needed for the job, looking after risks or problems that may pop up and keeping everyone involved in the loop about what is going on.

Scheduling tasks at the right time, checks on safety and fixed costs are all part of this job too. Construction project managers should have knowledge across several fields such as finance, business, how to manage resources effectively and laws and legal matters related to contracts, added Jacob Murphy Australia, a certified HVAC technician and licensed civil pilot. He holds his OSHA 10-HR certification and HR unrestricted truck license. Mr. Murphy holds his Bachelor of Construction Management from the University of Newcastle in Australia and has a Trade Associates Degree—Electrician from the Hunter Institute of TAFE. He works for PM Pediatric Urgent Care and Pinnacle Fertility as the Director of Construction, Real Estate & Design.

The 5 Stages of Construction Project Management

Construction project management can be broken into five stages, including the pre-contract stage, design, procurement, construction, and handover processes. Let’s look at what each one entails.

1. Pre-Contract stage

The pre-contract stage is very important. Here, the construction manager makes a solid plan for the work to be done. This plan organizes all necessary details in one place. Often, they use software to keep everything on track.

During this stage, teams decide what needs to be done and when, and how much things will cost. The pre-contract stage helps everyone start out on the right foot!

2. Design

Design is an important phase in construction project management. During this stage, construction project managers review design documents, and contract agreements and handle public relations aspects.

As part of their process, managers collaborate alongside architects and engineers to ensure the design satisfies clients’ requirements and budgets. Furthermore, they conduct a design review in order to identify any issues or opportunities for improvements before proceeding further.

It is crucial for construction teams to effectively manage information during this phase using efficient software tools. With proper coordination and attention to detail, the design phase sets the foundation for a successful construction project.

3. Procurement

The procurement phase is an important part of construction project management. It involves developing strategies for obtaining the necessary materials, equipment, and services needed for the project. This includes selecting suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing the process of obtaining necessary materials, supplies and personnel.

Effective procurement management is vital to keeping projects on time and on budget, and construction project managers play a critical role in overseeing this phase to ensure their projects receive all of the resources required for success.

4. Construction

This phase is when the designs and materials begin to come together. There are a number of steps and layers involved in this phase but to give a general overview, contractors, subcontractors and management teams work together to ensure all parts of the project are completed on time and within the budget.

During this phase construction managers will often deploy software solutions and other resources to track the progress of projects, and communicate this to stakeholders while also ensuring things get completed on time, within budget, and to the proper standards outlined in the contract.

Overseeing a construction site and project is a busy job!