The success of any construction project relies on everyone involved being on the same page. When everyone shares the same vision, goals, and ambition for a project, it’s that much easier to meet deadlines, stay on budget, and create an outcome that exceeds expectations.
Whether it’s new construction, a remodel, or a bid for ongoing maintenance, every construction project will involve collaboration between several experts and coordination of many moving parts. To keep a project moving in the right direction, regular check-ins, discussions, and confirmations are key. Without them, stakeholders may go unheard, key deliverables can go unmet, and targets get missed.
Critically, alignment can’t just happen at the start or end of a project. For best results, it has to be integrated throughout the entire project.
What Does Alignment in a Construction Project Look Like?
Construction project alignment means taking into account everyone’s needs and expectations from start to finish. It involves:
- Specifying project goals and scope, including identifying budgets, schedules, and contractors
- Focusing on resource management and efficiency regarding costs, personnel, and equipment
- Collaboratively coordinating planning, design, estimating, and contracting
- Regularly communicating with stakeholders and working together to resolve issues, handle requests, or manage expectations
When a contractor or project manager focuses on alignment, they’re able to:
- Set priorities and make decisions that take these into account when challenges arise or new information comes to light
- Work within critical constraints such as those relating to time, budget, environment, zoning, heritage, or engineering needs
- Course correct to ensure the needs of stakeholders are met at all times
The Benefits of Project Alignment
Without project alignment, all manner of things can go wrong. The end result may not meet expectations: colors, trims, materials, and designs not be ideal. Budgets and schedules can run over, permitting and engineering requirements can languish, and non-preferred contractors might be brought in to handle the job. Alignment not only helps manage expectations – it helps meet them.
Signs of a well-managed, highly aligned project include:
- A clear, properly defined scope
- Planning that begins well in advance
- Positive relationships and active stakeholder engagement
- Responsiveness and willingness to adapt to changes
- Excellent leadership with clear lines of accountability
- A holistic approach to a project that goes both top-down and vice-versa
At Manders, we know the value of project alignment. Our client relationships and portfolio speak to this fact. We take into account every aspect of a project – from the high-level to the granular – and communicate our decision-making and thinking clearly every step along the way.
From painting ceiling tiles and drywall seams to goals and objectives, our experts ensure we’re aligned with our client’s expectations. Beginning at the project award, we actively engage our key stakeholders to establish a shared plan for project success.
To see how we can make your project a success, get in touch!
