A construction plan can be described as a detailed blueprint marking the direct path from the project’s outset to its completion. Think of it as a roadmap guiding each construction process step. It outlines the project scope, the specific tasks to be accomplished, the timeline to follow, and the resources needed.
This comprehensive document captures everything from the type of materials required to the manpower engaged, ensuring that everyone involved clearly understands what needs to be done, when, and by whom. For a detailed understanding of your workforce planning, check out this post by Bridgit.
5 phases of a construction project
We’ve outlined the five phases of a typical construction project below.
1. Initiation phase
This is the conceptualization stage, wherein the project’s feasibility is evaluated. It involves identifying the project’s goals, objectives, and defining the scope of work. Once a project is deemed feasible, a project charter is drawn up that authorizes its launch.
2. Planning phase
This is perhaps the most critical stage of a construction project. It involves creating a detailed construction plan, as described above, which outlines the project scope, specific tasks, timeline, and resources needed. It also involves risk management planning, budgeting, and project schedule creation.
3. Execution phase
This is the phase where actual construction begins according to the construction plan. It involves resource allocation, team management, and implementation of the plans prepared in the earlier phase. It’s a phase of action where the project plan is transformed into a physical reality.
4. Monitoring and control phase
This phase runs concurrently with the execution phase. Tracking, reviewing, and regulating the progress and performance of a project to ensure everything conforms with its plan. Any deviation from said plan is identified quickly so corrections may be implemented immediately to get it back on course.
5. Closure phase
This is the project’s final phase, where the completed project is delivered to the owner. It involves a thorough project review to capture lessons learned and best practices for future projects. It also involves releasing the project resources and officially closing all project contracts.
Ten steps of the construction planning process
Now that we’ve established the five phases of a construction project – let’s rundown the ten steps of construction planning:
- Identify your project goals: Set clear goals for the project – for instance, building a five-story residential building with 20 apartments may be one example.
- Determine your scope of work: This step involves providing detailed descriptions of all the tasks required and the end product, such as clearing a site, laying the foundation, building the structure, installing utilities, finishing off, and landscaping.
- Develop a detailed schedule: This includes all tasks, their start and end dates, and dependencies. For example, you cannot start the roof until the walls are up. Use a Gantt chart for this purpose.
- Resource planning: Decide your needed resources, including staffing, materials, and equipment. For instance, you may need 20 workers, 5000 bricks, 10 tons of cement, and a crane.
- Risk management planning: Identify potential risks and how to mitigate them. For example, bad weather can delay construction, so have a backup plan ready.
- Budget planning: Calculate the cost of all tasks and resources to ensure the project stays within budget. For instance, if the cost of materials rises, you may need to adjust your budget or seek additional funding.
- Quality management planning: Define the quality standards that the work must meet and how to achieve them. For example, all apartments must meet local building regulations.
- Communication planning: Decide who needs to know what, when and how they will receive the information. For instance, the project manager might provide weekly updates to stakeholders via email.
- Procurement planning: Outsource tasks according to necessity, such as hiring an electrician for electrical system installation. After obtaining approval from all parties involved, work can start without delay.
- Approval: Once your plan is complete, it must be approved by all relevant stakeholders before work begins. This might include the project owner, local government bodies, or financial institutions.
In conclusion, a construction plan is a fundamental tool in the realm of construction projects, serving as a comprehensive blueprint guiding each step from initiation to completion. This document encompasses the project’s scope, specific tasks, timeline, and necessary resources, ensuring clarity and understanding for all parties involved.
The construction process follows five key phases:
- Initiation
- Planning
- Execution
- Monitoring and control
- Closure
Creating an effective construction plan involves setting project goals, outlining its scope of work, developing an exhaustive schedule, resource and risk management planning, budgetary considerations, quality assurance planning, communication processes, procurement logistics, and stakeholder approval processes.
By following these steps, you can ensure your construction plan is both comprehensive and practical, setting up your project for a success story.
