7 Tips for The Most Efficient Construction Project

The demands on the modern construction industry are more strenuous than ever. There is an insatiable demand for high-quality commercial and residential space to go up as quickly and affordably as possible.

Needless to say, this is too much to ask in many cases, with construction projects notorious for going over budget and missing deadlines. To help your next job from going awry, keep reading as we break down 7 practical tips for the most efficient construction project.

1. Plan and Prepare

Most construction projects are made or broken by the quality of the project management. It is so tempting to start hammering away without a big-picture view, but the results are often catastrophic.

Without the proper planning and preparation, jobs are highly likely to go over budget and miss their deadline. Some are forced to stop altogether in a state of partial-completion. Have detailed plans made for every step of the construction project. Create a meticulous budget, building in a 20% premium for unexpected costs. Check both the short-term and long-term weather forecasts. Perform a detailed risk assessment and have contingencies in place.

2. Know the Codes

“Call before you dig.” Even people outside the construction industry have seen the billboard. Unfortunately, not everyone heeds the advice, and their projects get shut down due to local code violations. There is really no way to be too meticulous in this regard.

Check with all city and county authorities before beginning construction. Have all necessary plans submitted and permits in place. Make sure all contractors have the necessary bonds and licenses to do the work required.

3. Invest in Technology

Technology continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the construction industry. Computer-animated design (CAD) is now taken to the next level with augmented and virtual reality programs. These immersive technologies can help builders see how their designs perform in action and make the necessary adjustments beforehand to streamline construction.

Comprehensive project management software facilitates communication between all project stakeholders and serves as a central repository for all pertinent forms, documents, receipts, invoices, and any other paperwork. Just-in-time material delivery uses GPS technology to help ensure that projects have the correct quantity of building supplies at the right spot, at the right time.

4. Take a Tiered Approach

Life is more fast-paced than ever today. There is not much free time to wait around for a construction project to get finished. To waste as little time as possible, take a tiered approach to construction. Have certain aspects of the building ready to go live while subsequent areas are still being worked on.

Use demountable wall partitions and temporary construction walls to keep usable areas safe and sequestered from ongoing construction. Apply HVAC silencers and sound attenuators to stifle noisy generators. Set up portable air scrubbers and directional fans to limit toxicity and promote ongoing air quality.

5. Keep the Job Site Organized

A construction site is an ongoing sea of tools, machinery, raw materials, and waste. Without intentional organization efforts, the job site can become cluttered in a hurry. Clutter not only creates inefficient workflows, but poses a safety hazard as well.

Therefore, make sure all machinery and tools are parked and put away at the end of each work day. Safely store raw materials to limit the threat of theft and weather damage. Invest in a residential dumpster to efficiently clear the work area of construction waste before it starts to build up.

6. Source the Most Innovative Materials

There are many innovative building materials that can aid the efficiency of a construction project. They are easier to work with and require less labor and fewer machine resources at the construction site. Insulated concrete forms (ICF) use a series of interlocking blocks that simply need to be filled with concrete to create the building’s frame.

Engineered quartz countertops come in a one-piece fabrication that does not require adhering sections during installation. Radiant floor heating for basements involves a simple series of electrical floor mats that limits the need to run elaborate ductwork to below-grade areas of the structure.

7. Know Your Limits As a DIYer

With ceaseless resources at our fingertips, it is easy to take a crash course on home improvement and feel prepared to tackle even the most ambitious jobs. While it can be personally rewarding and potentially cost effective to complete DIY construction projects, it is also critical to be honest with yourself on what you can safely and efficiently handle.

There is no harm in calling a roofing company or other type of professional contractor if you are not 100% confident in your ability to perform a task. It will not only give you peace of mind, but can save serious time, money, and heartache.

The Devil Is in the Details: Expert Tips for Seamless Construction

From proper planning and preparation to knowing your limits as a DIYer, the 7 tips listed above can help you add efficiency to your next construction project. For more of the latest construction and home improvements trends, explore the resources at Handyman Tips for ideas and inspiration!