Construction projects are unparalleled in their nature. Each project possesses its own distinctiveness, involving diverse participants, fluctuating conditions, and unique necessities. However, amidst these diversities, the phases of construction project management exhibit remarkable similarities.In general, the phases of a construction project progress along a linear timeline. Now, let us examine the six primary phases of construction project management that are commonly encountered throughout most project life cycles.

Phases of Construction Project Management: Designing the Project

The initial Phases of Construction Project Management commence with its design. During this phase, the owner establishes the rationale for undertaking the project. However, upon careful consideration, the owner may discover that the project is not feasible.

Developing the Business Case

Irrespective of whether it involves constructing a towering office complex or a multi-family residential development, owners must always present a compelling business case for the project. Within this aspect of the design phase, the owner envisions the intended use of the property and the financial benefits associated with that use.

Conducting Feasibility Analysis

The feasibility analysis serves to either convince the owner of the project’s viability, identify necessary adjustments, or determine that the project is not feasible. During this stage of the design phase, the owner evaluates various factors, ranging from land utilization to construction costs, while refining the optimal utilization of the property. If the project is deemed feasible, it progresses to the next phase.

Defining the Project Scope

In the scoping phase, the owner collaborates closely with architects, engineers, and occasionally contractors to determine the size and features of the project. The aim is to align the final outcome of the project with its immediate purpose upon completion and to accommodate potential future uses as the project matures. In this phase, the design team produces all the necessary drawings and specifications required for the construction process.

Project Procurement

Once the project plans are finalized, the owner proceeds to the subsequent phase. In this second stage of the construction project, the objective is to assemble the team responsible for executing the construction work.

Selecting the Delivery Method

Choosing an appropriate delivery method is a crucial consideration for any project. In the past, the design-bid-build method was predominantly favored by owners. However, nowadays, there is a growing trend towards embracing design-build and integrated project delivery approaches. These collaborative methods result in cost savings and improved project outcomes. The owner selects the delivery method that aligns best with the project’s objectives.

Selecting Project Participants

The owner often invites contractors or construction managers to bid on the project in order to select the project participants. In certain cases, the owner may already have established relationships with specific contractors, particularly in situations involving corporate owners, and may extend invitations to them to participate in the project.

Phases of Construction Project Management: Preparing for Construction

Once the contracts are signed, the general contractor or construction manager initiates the necessary preparations to commence construction. Firstly, they must ensure they have the required workforce. Most general contractors and construction managers already have a network of subcontractors they work with. However, certain specialized aspects of the project may necessitate finding and collaborating with specialists. During this phase, significant time is dedicated to bringing together people, materials, and equipment, as well as meticulous planning.

Obtaining Permits

Obtaining permits is a crucial step in almost all construction projects, as nearly every locality mandates them. Contractors diligently work on securing permits for various aspects, including utility work and compliance with building codes.

Conducting Site Surveys

Contractors refer to site surveys to verify their understanding of the existing conditions on the construction site. These surveys often reveal conditions that were not included in the initial contract documents. This serves as the first opportunity for contractors to document and proactively manage the inevitable surprises that arise during any construction project.

Developing a Risk Management Plan

In today’s construction contracts, it is common for contractors to be required to have a formal risk management plan. Contractors must assess all project risks and develop strategies to eliminate, mitigate, or insure against them. These plans not only protect the owner’s interests but also enable the contractor to anticipate and avoid unexpected costs associated with risks.

Establishing a Safety Plan

While safety is also considered a risk factor in construction projects, contractors typically address it separately due to its far-reaching implications. Safety risks often involve matters of life and death, making them a top priority for contractors.

Phases of Construction Project Management: Project Execution

The fourth phase is where all the previous groundwork is put into action and validated.

Preconstruction Meetings

Contractors commence the project with pre construction meetings, during which all involved parties review the project to gain a comprehensive understanding of their respective roles and how they contribute to the overall project.

Procuring Resources

General contractors and specialty contractors proceed with purchasing and ordering all the necessary materials, components, and equipment required for their specific tasks. They also organize their work crews and develop labor management plans.

Phases of Construction Project Management: Project Monitoring and Control

Effective controls are essential in construction projects to prevent significant deviations. With numerous components and variables at play, operating without controls is highly challenging.

Monitoring Work Progress

Once construction is underway, this phase becomes the most critical in construction project management. Without proper monitoring, it becomes easy to lose control over project activities. Many project managers rely on web-based construction management software as it provides real-time project information and ensures constant accessibility.

Tracking Activities against Time Objectives

Each construction schedule establishes specific time limits for individual activities. It is important to assess whether the crews are adhering to the scheduled times closely, as completing tasks too early or too late can disrupt the timeline.

Monitoring the Quality of Activities and Tasks

Without quality checks, rework and change orders can consume valuable time. Each task must meet the assigned quality standards to ensure subsequent tasks also meet the required quality levels.

Adjusting the Schedule

Project managers may need to make schedule adjustments based on the analysis of time and quality aspects to align with the project’s current trajectory.

Monitoring the Budget

All project participants have their own budgets to track, but it is the responsibility of the general contractor or construction manager to monitor the overall project budget. If there are indications of the budget veering into deficit, the GC or CM must promptly identify the reasons and take appropriate actions.

Phases of Construction Project Management: Project Closure

Addressing the Punch List

The punch list enumerates all the issues and deficiencies that need to be addressed before project closure. Work crews focus on rectifying the items on the punch list relevant to their respective specialties.

Commissioning

For projects involving buildings, this final stage ensures that all equipment and systems are functioning properly and meet the required standards.

Budget Closure

Closing the budget signifies the completion of all financial obligations. It involves disbursing the final payments to all parties involved. If retainage was withheld by the owner and GC, it is settled as a lump sum payment during this phase as well.

Comprehensive Project Management Services for Successful Construction Projects

Welcome to Asia Pacific Projects, your trusted source for comprehensive project management services. We understand the unique challenges involved in construction projects and are committed to guiding you through every phase with expertise and efficiency. With our extensive knowledge and experience, we provide tailored solutions to ensure your project’s success from start to finish.

Our project management services are designed to align with industry best practices, and we draw inspiration from the six phases of construction project management as explained by Asia Pacific Projects, a leading authority in the field. By leveraging Asia Pacific Projects’ insights and methodologies, we offer a streamlined approach that encompasses the key stages of project design, procurement, preconstruction, execution, control, and closure.

At Asia Pacific Projects, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence and our ability to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. Our team of experienced professionals will work closely with you to define project goals, manage resources, track progress, and mitigate risks, ensuring a smooth and successful project delivery.

Trust us to be your guiding force throughout the entire project lifecycle. Let Asia Pacific Projects and Asia Pacific Projects’ proven methodologies empower you to achieve your construction project goals efficiently and effectively. Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and take the first step towards a successful construction journey.

Please send information or requests that you need to consult for Asia Pacific Projects via:

NGUYEN THI HIEU | Local Relations

Mobile phone: +84 918 331 489

Email: hieu.nguyen@appmvn.com