Project managers and construction company owners can improve every aspect of their operation by addressing these unique issues from the outset.

Basic planning

Before any large scale construction or engineering project can get underway there are some basic considerations that need to be taken into account.  Many work sites combine traditional construction and engineering, and buildings, bridges and the creation of public areas like parks are just a few of them. Before work can go ahead all planning permission should be sought and legal aspects dealt with by the relevant solicitors, surveyors, engineers, architects and project managers. Plans will be drawn up and presented to those with an interest in the building or construction, and once the project has been green lighted the real work can begin.

Staffing

From groundbreaking through first fix to the final decor and finishing touches, overseers and managers will need to find the right workforce. Most construction and engineering jobs employ a core workforce who will be there for the duration of the work. Foremen, bricklayers, joiners, electricians and general labourers can all be considered permanent staff.  Many builders have their own preferred team who they use on every site, but there will be times when core workers need to be augmented for key stages.  The first fix stage of any construction project is one example.  This is one of the major parts of any construct and foremen will need teams of plumbers, pipe layers, electricians and labourers to assist their team with this important step in order to stay within their project’s time frame.

Supply

No project can go ahead without a good chain of supply. From ecologically sound timber to cement or bricks, every site requires a steady supply of essential building materials.  Projects can so easily go over budget due to inadequate supply, and everyone has heard of instances where the workforce has been idle simply because the cement didn’t arrive on time or the insulation wasn’t available. Sourcing reliable suppliers is vital, and most engineers and builders have several that they use time and again. Choose reputable local firms where possible.  Every mile adds to the cost of the project and also increases the risk of late delivery. Be sure to order an adequate amount of each required material at the start of each new job.

Budgeting

One of the elementary issues of any engineering or building project is funding and budgeting. A cost projection can be worked out with the help of banks or financiers, and this will give a basic overview of where money should be spent, and how much.  Many projects go over budget because of various steps taking longer or unplanned for events such as inclement weather.  Strategies should be put in place to allow back up finance to be sourced should extra costs be incurred. Taking the time to finance any project fully from the start is vital, and the more backers a site has the more likely it is to succeed and become a profitable concern.  Many builders and engineers do this by selling shares in the project if it is self-financed.  In the case of a client funded build, the customer should be made fully aware if there is a likelihood that the budget will be exceeded.

Safety

Safety is an issue on every construction site. Foremen should follow the code of practice that is relevant to each particular build to the letter to avoid being fined, and should take some simple basic steps.  Ensure that hazardous areas are properly signposted and make sure that basic equipment and materials are of the highest possible standard. Work footwear and clothing is essential for many key personnel.

Environmental issues

Today, it’s more important than ever that buildings and new projects are environmentally sound. This can include anything from ensuring that your chosen sight doesn’t infringe on any natural habitats nor affect protected species of plant, animal, insect, fish or bird to making certain that waste doesn’t contaminate the water table or pollute local rivers, ponds and waterways.  Local town halls will be able to give detailed information on the area, allowing engineers and builders to make their project as ecologically sound as possible.

Addressing these six issues fully from the start will increase awareness of possible pitfalls, and will help to ensure a successful and profitable build.