5 ways to be an effective construction project manager

In a perfect world, everything you’ve budgeted, organized and coordinated goes smoothly according to plan. In reality, we know that’s not how things play out during a construction project. Changes in scope, lack of communication and unrealistic timelines are just some of the challenges construction project managers face every day.

So what is it that makes a construction project manager successful?

There are numerous skills you can learn to be an effective CPM. We’ve put together a list of the top construction project management best practices you can implement now. Get ready to scale your business and stand out from the competition.

1. Improve communication with your team

As a construction project manager, you need to ensure that every team member, from field workers to back-office staff, are aware of their responsibilities and expectations. Draft a communication plan to clarify each member’s purpose and effectively deliver relevant information. When everyone understands what’s expected of them, the team can function like a well-oiled machine.

To prevent misunderstandings, use construction management software. This will keep your whole team in the loop. Issues arise when people stop communicating or responding effectively. By giving your team the tools they need to easily communicate with each other, collaboration improves and projects run more smoothly.

Implement both internal and external communication processes, so you can connect your team, your subs and your clients all in one place.

Learn how this custom home builder uses Buildertrend’s construction software to create an effective communication plan with everyone involved in their projects.

2. Plan and re-plan your projects

Ever heard the saying, “if you fail to plan, plan to fail”? It couldn’t be more accurate for a construction project manager. When you’re overseeing a project, each stage can be complicated and filled with challenges. Without proper planning, you’re setting yourself and your team up for potential disaster.

To begin, make sure you have a clear project scope with detailed information on timelines, selections and budget. You’ll need to continuously review your plans throughout the project to see what needs updating. Ensure the timeframe is still realistic, adjust the budget where necessary and create solutions for any potential issues down the line. Projects are ever-changing which means you need to be as well.

It can be a challenge to plan and manage the various project components while moving between the office and the job site. Luckily, a construction app gives you access to everything you need, right from your mobile device. Adjust plans in real-time – regardless of your location.

3. Lead and delegate with confidence

As a CPM, you’re responsible for managing your team, as well as the project. So, how do you lead and delegate effectively? Stop viewing yourself as a task manager.

Your role as construction project manager can be summarized to three main responsibilities:

1. Manage relationships between employees, subs, clients and your boss.
2. Create goals and benchmarks to ensure success of the project.
3. Assign appropriate tasks to your team members to carry the project to completion.

When it comes to delegation, your team members are experts in their field, so you don’t need to micromanage. Instead, give them the trust and respect they deserve. Ensure they report to you regularly and continuously provide progress updates.

To be an effective leader, develop deeper relationships with each of your team members. Learn who they are, how they work best and what motivates them to show up. By having a better understanding of your employees, you can give them the tools and the structure they need to be successful.

4. Solve one problem at a time 

Whether you’re building a house, remodeling a kitchen or replacing a roof, it’s easy to dive deep into every problem that pops up. From delays and dead days to unexpected changes and costs, avoid trying to tackle everything at once. Multitasking is ineffective and often results in errors and mistakes. So, start by solving one problem at a time.

If it’s a major problem, break it down into smaller tasks you can tackle with ease. Many problems you’ll face during a project can be solved with construction tech. Rely on the digital tools you have in your tool belt to do most of the heavy lifting.

When it comes to prioritization, try organizing the tasks according to urgency and level of difficulty. Focus on the challenging tasks first, like financial costs or losses in productivity, and then work your way to smaller concerns.

Communicate with your team to address problems and potential risks. Effective planning can reduce the number of issues that arise, allowing you to focus on managing your team well.

5. Be open and adaptable to change

No matter how detailed your plans are, many things can and will change over the duration of your project. Scope creep, budget overruns, setbacks and delays – just to name a few. Every CPM needs to be able to adapt when something unexpected happens so they can ensure successful completion of the project while keeping the client happy.

Being adaptable can begin before the project even kicks off. You can anticipate project setbacks by building extra time into the schedule or setting aside an emergency fund in the budget. Also think about past projects: What problems did you encounter that may come up again? Create a list of these known issues – called project “risks” – and ways you can proactively address them before they become a concern.

If you’re already onsite and there’s a bit of scope creep, don’t discard your original plan. Remember, you’re still leading a team. Communicate with your employees to make sure everyone is on the same page and lead them through any changes.

The most important aspect of change – and the easiest thing to control – is your attitude. Understand the problem, follow up with the appropriate steps and learn from your mistakes. Adopting a growth mindset will help you bounce back from any setbacks and improve your skills as a construction project manager.

Implement construction project management best practices

Managing multiple construction projects can be challenging. As a CPM, it’s your responsibility to make sure projects finish on time and on budget.

That’s why the best construction project managers understand the importance of communication and firm leadership. If you’re ready to improve your construction project management strategies, be sure to schedule a demo with us today.