FREE Construction Project Management Template
Master construction project management timelines with our intuitive construction project management Gantt chart template.
Get started for free
Master construction project management timelines with our intuitive construction project management Gantt chart template.
Get started for freeWhat is project management in construction? At its core, construction project management (CPM) is really just the combination of planning, coordinating, and overseeing construction activities to achieve specific goals. Think of them as construction management basics, or CPM 101.
Whether you’re managing a skyscraper build or renovating a residential home, building project management gives you the framework to make sure projects are completed on time, within budget, and up to quality standards.
This area combines technical knowledge, strong leadership, and organizational skills. There’s more to construction management projects than managing resources, however. It’s about handling complexities, mitigating risks, and delivering measurable results that meet client expectations and regulatory requirements.
Construction requires the right tools: saws, drills, nail guns, and so much more. However, that need extends far
beyond the physical construction process. You also need to use the right tools in your construction
management
process. And while there are plenty of options out there that will help you tame your construction project management
workflow, one of the must-haves is the Gantt chart.
Why should you use a Gantt chart in building
construction project management? There are plenty of reasons to make one central to the phases of construction project
management. Here are just a few:
As you can see, a Gantt chart is an important item in your construction project management toolbox.
In an industry as multifaceted as construction, effective construction and project management is essential. Without a
structured approach, delays, cost overruns, and quality problems can quickly derail even the best plans. It’s
surprisingly easy to go from having an on-track project to finding that things have gone off the rails while you
weren’t looking and now your construction project is in danger of failing.
Project management for construction projects helps guarantee a few important things, including:
It’s really all about making sure that you know what resources are needed, where and when, that you know the
challenges you face and how you’ll overcome them, that your teams are up to the task, and that you have a plan to keep
everyone in the loop.
How does a construction project manager balance all those things? It comes down to using the right tools at the right
time. A Gantt chart gives you the flexibility and visibility necessary even with very complex construction projects.
Whether managing construction projects at a large scale or working on building construction project management for
smaller developments, CPM provides the guidance and structure required.
Want to make sure your construction project goes to plan? Just follow these five tips.
Outline every phase of your project. That includes timelines, your budget, and resource allocation for teams. A Gantt chart helps you get the visibility you need for accurate management of construction projects.
Bring together skilled professionals, from architects to subcontractors, and clarify what each person’s role will be, and how those roles help manage the construction project.
The right tools make a big difference in your project’s success. Use Tom’s Planner’s Gantt chart to manage construction workflows, assign tasks, and track progress in real-time.
Hold regular meetings and use collaboration platforms so everyone stays on the same page.
Track milestones, review KPIs, and make adjustments to keep the project aligned with its goals.
Managing a construction project requires understanding the steps involved. These include:
For a construction project to be successful, it must be managed correctly. That means understanding and following a handful of core ideas.
You’ll need to choose a project delivery method specific to your needs. Each method has its own pros and cons, but here’s a brief breakdown to help you understand the landscape here:
You’ll find other methods, too. Examples of those include construction management multi-prime and public-private partnerships.
You can break the construction project management process down into several key stages. Let’s take a closer look at them.