How Steel Building Project Management Improves Construction Efficiency
The materials being used do not normally cause a construction project to fail, it fails because of lack of coordination, poor timelines, and lack of communication between the many parties involved in the project. For larger commercial or agricultural builds, for example, several trades, permits and suppliers need to hit it right off the bat to ensure that the project is on track and on budget.
Building a project entails much more than building walls and a roof. All of the aforementioned items are subject to a sequence of events and all of these trades need to occur in the proper sequence to ensure site preparation, permitting, engineering approval, material delivery, and multiple trades are completed. If just one of those pieces gets out of place, the entire sequence can move and result in expensive delays, and even a frustrated client. The key to coordinating these moving parts is steel building project management, which helps to minimize the typical back-and-forth that slows building projects down.
Fewer delays through better planning
The best part of good project management is being able to spot issues early and save money. Good project management professionals know how to plan deliveries, manage trades and understand the risks of the weather well in advance. A well managed project does not have to wait for problems to arise, it is one that anticipates problems and addresses them before they even occur, which directly translates to faster project completion times and fewer unanticipated expenses on the way.
If everyone involved in a project has been on the same page, the chance for miscommunication is significantly reduced. Having one point of contact who is responsible for the entire process helps prevent clients from having to wait for updates from numerous people and helps ensure issues are resolved promptly and not lost between teams.
One of the biggest frustrations in construction is cost overruns and they typically result from either inadequate planning at the beginning or any unplanned changes during the project. Good oversight requires in-depth preliminary estimates, close monitoring of material and labor expenses, and good communication where the possibility of a change could impact the budget. This transparency allows clients to not be surprised at the end of the bill.
Applying this approach to agricultural projects
The same principles apply directly to the construction of a farm; sometimes, the time of year is even more important due to seasonal pressures. Timely completion of structures is essential prior to harvest or calving season and/or harsh weather conditions, making efficient coordination a key factor for farmers. Well-managed agricultural storage buildings projects take these seasonal deadlines into account from the beginning, scheduling permits, foundation work and construction to get the building ready for use exactly when it is needed.
But in addition to the scheduling and budgeting, the correct supervision involves regular quality control throughout the construction process. The earlier that a structural or material problem is identified, the more affordable and simpler it will be to correct. The standards that are designed to be met by the finished structure are supported by regular inspections of the site, as well as clear accountability at each stage.
Why experience matters in this role
Not all contractors work with the same level of factory. The team who has real experience in all of the three types of building—steel, post frame and agricultural—will be expecting the types of questions that a less experienced builder might not anticipate. This type of planning can be the difference between a successful project and a project that has delays and additional expenses.
That is where Western Canadian Building Solutions really shines: handling permits, foundation work and turnkey construction all under one umbrella, without having to coordinate a number of different contractors or call around for updates. One team with one accountability for the entire build eliminates the risk of miscommunication and delays.
Final thoughts
Efficient construction is not only dependent on the materials or the crew on the job, it is also reliant on the way the entire thing is coordinated, from planning to completion. Whether building a commercial facility or a farm structure with a specific seasonal time limit, the less time that lapses, the more costs will be under control and the higher the quality will be at every stage in the process. For projects in the planning phase, if you’re looking for a team that will handle everything from start to finish, look to Western Canadian Building Solutions for a consultation to help plan a build that is on time and on budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does proper project management actually save money?
It eliminates unnecessary delays and catches problems before they become expensive, and helps control material and labour costs with careful planning up front. Partnering with a professional organization, such as Western Canadian Building Solutions, is a good way to make sure that the budget you are quoted is the one you’ll pay.
What is the lead time for a seasonal build?
Several months in advance, particularly for farm buildings requiring plantings, calvings and harvest dates. Permitting, engineering approval and sourcing of material can all be done during the early planning stages without rushing.
How will the project deal with unexpected problems that arise during construction?
A well-managed project would take into consideration contingencies from the beginning and would inform clients in advance if there are any issues that impact the timeline or budget of the project, instead of informing the client after the project when a problem has already arisen.