Welcome back, construction aficionados! We have been through
the territories of scheduling, then budgeting, and it is also essential to
mention the miracles of BIM. But today, we are going a little less technical
and therefore just as important for the construction project to be successfully
delivered: communication. Yes, it tells the realities of an organization of how
difficult it might be to get every associate on the same page-plus how this can
help to avoid costly misunderstandings that might transform your project into
‘the game of telephone’ gone wrong. So, grab your hard hats, because we’re
about to explore why communication is the glue that holds your construction
project together.
Why Communication is the Cornerstone of Project Success
Well, folks allow me to be very blunt about this,
construction projects are very complicated creatures. You have architects,
engineers, contractors, sub-contractors, suppliers, clients and all those
stakeholders each of whom have expectations, standards and time frames. But try
to think how all of the above would be possible without proper communication.
In construction, clear and effective communication is not
just a nice-to-have; it’s a must-have. It is what ensures that there is always
a clear understanding on the goals of the project, individual and corporate
accountabilities, and contingencies encountered then during the project. In
other words, effective communication is the life of your project: it oils the
wheels and makes them run.
The Role of Communication in Different Phases of
Construction Planning
Communication, therefore, is not just a one-time event. It
is a method that becomes constant during the different stages of your
construction project. Let’s break it down:
1) Pre-Construction
Phase
This is where things start rolling – or where they can get
messed up if the little matter of communication is left out of the equation. During
this phase, you’re finalizing the design, obtaining permits, and lining up your
team. There is normally a lot of interaction between the newly developed
characters and this aids in clearing up any confusion that may have been
created at this point in the script.
Example: During pre-construction meetings, the
architect has to explain to the engineers and contractors what the design
intends to be. Any confusion here will lead to accruing of cost through
redesigning or delay once construction is under way.
2) Planning and
Scheduling
Once the design is locked in, it’s time to plan and schedule
the project. This phase involves the synchronization of various activities,
resources, and excellent risk factors evaluation. Communication as a management
tool facilitates the provision of expectations in terms of what is required of
people at what time.
Example: The project manager ought to clearly
communicate on the schedule to the team and make sure everyone knows what are
the timeline of the project, and any foreseeable changes that would affect the
schedule.
3) Construction Phase
Here’s where the rubber meets the road— or where the
concrete hits the rebar, if you prefer. In construction, coordination is
crucial to facilitate the firm’s construction process, address emerging
problems or concerns and check on quality delivery.
Example: Daily briefings on-site aid in ensuring that
people are knowledgeable of daily tasks, potential risks, and modification in
the plans.
4) Post-Construction
and Handover
In fact, construction cannot be said to be complete until
all the activities that have to be carried out are over. Finally, during the
post-construction phase, it is essential to maintain effective communication
with the client, provide him/her with all necessary documentation as well as
discuss all the punch list items.
Example: The final project report accompanied by a
presentation of the overall building, and an explanation of how it should be
maintained makes the client satisfied.
The Consequences of Poor Communication
Communication is clear as to how it is applied in each phase
of conflict. Now let us see what goes wrong in implementing communication.
Spoiler alert: it’s not pretty.
1) Delays and Cost
Overruns
When there is either poor or no flow of communication or
lack of a clear line of communication, then the work gets delayed, as a result
cost overruns. Be it an aspect of time constraint, a misunderstood concept in
the design, a problematic aspect that was not presented early enough, final
results are always terrible.
Example: If a subcontractor isn’t informed about a
change in the schedule, they might not have the necessary materials or manpower
on-site, causing delays and entire project will be affected from this change.
2) Rework and Quality
Issues
The saying ‘There can be no understanding between those who
do not share the same view’ could never be truer when applied to working as a
team. Such mistakes lead to the added downside of resulting in rework that
consumes time, money, and quality of the final projects.
Example: The electrical contractor is likely to
install electrical wires that do not meet the new design specifications if they
were not informed of the change in design in advanced, this will result in
leading to costly and time-consuming rework.
3) Safety Risks
Lack of communication is also dangerous to the lives of
people working in the organization. Construction zones, in particular, are very
hazardous, and ideas have to be passed from one person to another effectively.
Example: In case a worker has not been alerted of a
dangerous area or malfunctioned equipment, the worker may be in great danger.
Best Practices for Effective Communication
So, how do you ensure that your communication is as solid as
your project’s foundation? Here are some best practices to keep in mind:
1) Establish Clear
Communication Channels
Ensure people have information on the means and the channels
they are to use in the course of their duties. This might be through physical
or telephonic weekly, monthly or any other agreed upon time or through project
management tools. The principle here is, therefore, consistency and clarity.
Tip: Specifically, use a communication tool: Procore
or Asana where all the messages are posted so that nothing can get lost.
2) Foster a
Collaborative Culture
Encourage staff to communicate openly and actively
participate in the creation of ideas and solutions. When people are relaxed
about providing information and seeking the information they require, issues
are addressed faster.
Tip: Create a culture where no question is too small
and no concern too minor. They can eliminate chances of small problems turning
to big issues due to constant reveal of the data.
3) Document Everything
That ‘if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen’ is the
general philosophy prevalent in construction. Document all interactions,
decisions and any change in the management of care. Everybody knows what has to
be done and this format also creates a record of what has been discussed and
agreed upon in case of a disagreement.
Tip: Operate on the cloud to ensure that everyone is
working from the updated copies of plans, contracts, and schedules at the
workplace or otherwise.
4) Regular Check-Ins
Meet as often as needed to review progress, issues; sharing
new information with the team. These meetings do not have to be long, but they
do have to be actually occurring.
Tip: Daily stand-up meetings on-site can be an
efficient way to ensure everyone knows what’s happening that day and what’s
expected of them.
Conclusion: Building Success Through Communication
In the world of construction, communication isn’t just about
talking—it’s about listening, understanding, and ensuring that everyone
involved in the project is aligned toward a common goal. Whether it’s
coordinating schedules, managing risks, or ensuring quality, effective
communication is the bedrock on which successful projects are built.
So, next time you’re planning a project, don’t just focus on
the bricks and mortar—focus on the conversations, the emails, the meetings, and
the updates. Because, in the end, it’s communication that turns plans into
reality.
Until next time, keep those lines of communication open,
those meetings productive, and let your words be as strong as the structures
you build!
Comments
Post a Comment