Time in Construction Projects

Time Management in Construction Projects

Providing Project Time Management

Projects are rarely completed as quickly as clients expect. For a large building, five years from first thought to occupation is common and even small projects can take two years or more.

The Early Decisions

The greatest opportunities for added value come at the start of a project when the end still seems a long way off and perhaps very unreal. If a construction project is the way ahead, opportunities, alternatives, risks, methods and design options should be thoroughly examined. Reaching a clear understanding of the project’s potential, seeing what exists in the way of successful projects for benchmarking and familiarizing with the construction industry take time, especially if the architectural client is new to such projects. Many of the early decisions will affect the entire project, so they need to be the right ones. The client has a lot to do and must make time available.

The most effective decisions are based on thorough knowledge. If the client wants to know what he could achieve, he needs to understand what others have been able to achieve. Although each project has unique features, best practice examples can act as an inspiration and as benchmarks to check how well he is doing.

Time for Design

The architecture client needs to be particularly careful to make sure that he allows appropriate resources for design. When the process does not allow sufficient time and opportunity for design consultation and feedback the quality of the final project can be seriously compromised, with unfortunate results. If initial design has already been carried out the client needs to make special efforts to communicate with the architect.

Time for Building Hand-Over

Allowing for time towards the end of a project to absorb the impact of any unexpected twists in the process is also a wise precaution. The client should avoid planning a rapid move immediately after the programmed end of construction, as this will cause problems if there are unexpected delays. After hand-over, the building systems are likely to need fine tuning and time must also be allowed for that.

Architect Daniel Trujillano
http://www.arquitectotrujillano.com/home.html
Architecture Services for Building Projects

Leadership Importance

Importance of Leadership in Building Projects

Time Management in Architecture

A successful project is usually fun most of the time for the people involved. Success is ultimately measured against the objectives of the client, so they must be understood and shared. It is best to set down the client’s vision for the project right from the start and to use it as a touchstone. The client can then expect the architect to test the vision and interpret it in ways that offer even more than he had imagined possible.

Role of the Client

The client is the central player. By setting the correct tone the client will help ensure that the relationship between him and the building is at the heart of the design. This means that the client needs to make his priorities clear, set down when he must be consulted or informed and establish what he expects from everyone else involved in the project. Confusion and ambiguity, which can arise out of internal disagreements and hidden agendas, are damaging and must be avoided. Enthusiasm and commitment are infectious and will help move towards success.

Leadership in Construction Projects

A successful project needs a strong individual who provides leadership and is supported by a good team. Strong leadership is about vision, good decision-making and proper communications all working within a robust and unified project structure. Effective decision-making is only possible if the client has a clear view of what he wants to achieve at each stage and is able to give and receive the necessary information at the right moments. Clear communications and a well-managed flow of information in both directions will help ensure that the project meets everyone’s needs, and is the first line of defense against costly changes.

Time Management in Construction Projects

A successful building will last many, many years. The value of putting in time when it is needed cannot be overestimated. The client needs time to explore options, to get data on which to base decisions, to communicate carefully to all concerned and to decide what help to seek. The client will find that he needs to put in more time and effort at the beginning than at later stages. As well as organizing his part in the construction project, he also needs to focus early on how he will manage and run the building when he moves in.