As experienced structural engineers and chartered surveyors in Cornwall and Devon, we are no stranger to construction sites.
To ensure your project is a success, proper site management will be essential.
Successful site managers guarantee that the project is kept within budget, on schedule and in accordance with the relevant codes and regulations. They are agents of coordination and communication who strive to create a safe and efficient working environment.
Stages of Site Management
Effectively managing a site and a project can be broken down into these main stages:
1. Project Initiation: this is when the initial documents for the construction plan would be outlined.
2. Planning: planning the costs, deadlines and schedules would be done at this stage.
3. Execution phase: this is when the actual construction would take place (monitoring and controlling are also included in this phase).
4. Closure: the closing phase signifies the official completion of the project and the stage when the project report would be conducted.
Below, we expand on some of the ways you can make these four stages flow smoothly.
General Organisation
This should be a fairly obvious point when embarking on any kind of project.
To ensure that you are running a fully operational and efficient site, it will be essential to have designated places for everything. It will be easier to keep track of finances, tools, materials and paperwork if you are organised from the start.
Make a Schedule
Making a clear and reliable schedule will be critical when trying to run a successful site. Update the schedule regularly if things change or go wrong; it might be helpful to build time into your initial schedule in anticipation for things going amiss.
Give yourself as much time as possible to complete the project. You will always have an encroaching deadline, but try to give yourself time to get it right the first time around.
Rushing a project will only be to its detriment, and there will be a higher chance of issues down the line; this is why it’s important to keep to your schedule.
Familiarise Yourself with the Contractors
When the design is completed, contractors can be chosen. Choosing the appropriate contractors that meet with your standards, expectations, and budget will be important.
When your contractors arrive at the site, make sure you know who’s doing what job, so things don’t fall through the cracks. Make sure everyone on site keeps to the negotiated schedule and is working to the best of their ability.
Know Your Codes
Being aware of the various building regulations and codes is also an important aspect of site management. Following the rules from the beginning and understanding where your project stands within the legal parameters will help prevent any mishaps or costly halts in construction.
Knowing exactly what you can build and where is an obvious part of the major planning stage. Abiding by the building regulations will also make sure the site is as safe as possible.
Pay Attention to Health and Safety
The safety of your site should always be at the forefront of your mind. Make yourself aware of all potential safety hazards and have extensive procedures in place in case anything were to go wrong.
For optimal safety, make sure everyone else who enters the site is also brought up to speed on the safety procedures and emergency systems.
Construction is complex and has many components that need to come together harmoniously; managing a site successfully can be challenging. Hopefully, we have provided a starting point if you are beginning a new project.
For more guidance on building site practises, planning or design, why not get in touch today to find out how we can help your latest project?
