Table of Contents
Intro:
The year 2020 made remote work en vogue. Individuals have worked as freelancers online in significant numbers since 2008. However, the events of 2020 gave companies the confidence that they needed to move into remote operations.
In 2022, project managers can manage construction projects remotely too.
As the economy runs in cycles, so do real estate development projects. The United States consists of almost 20,000 cities and towns. Although the bulk has populations of less than 5,000 residents, each experiences times of boom and deterioration.
When towns deteriorate, they present an opportunity for developers. Traveling to these opportunities is the norm. However, the manager travels to the location too.
Thanks to technology and confidence in remote working, it’s possible to manage these projects from offices in different locations.
Finding the right communication platform and project management software makes the remote task easier. So does hiring the best onsite crew.
The following are seven tips on managing your construction projects remotely.
1. Set Expectations with a Kickoff Meeting
Before the crew leaves for their destination, hold a kickoff meeting. Use the time to set expectations and detail the project.
Elements to incorporate into the meeting are:
- Introductions
- Timeline
- Roles and responsibilities
- Housing
- Budgets
- Communication methods
It helps to hold this meeting in person. However, if you must hold it remotely, too, do so. The same technology that will allow you to manage operations away from the site will help you hold this meeting.
2. Find a Communication Platform
A fine balance between communication and micromanaging exists. Therefore, establish how often you will communicate with the onsite leads. Then, find a communication platform that suits your needs.
Some business meeting online platforms to consider include:
- Zoom
- Microsoft Teams
- Google Hangouts
- Slack
Text messaging and phone calls work well, too, for one-on-one meetings. However, video conferencing helps participants see body language. Plus, you can add more than one participant.
Before the team heads out to the site, double-check that they have access to the platform and an account, if necessary.
Most communication platforms have a low learning curve. Nonetheless, ensure that the leads know how to operate them before they start working.
3. Use Project Management Software
In addition to obtaining a communication platform service, acquire project management software that caters to the needs of construction professionals.
The software comes in handy for remote and onsite project management. It allows you to input the estimated timeline, budgets, invoices, and payroll information.
The goal is to optimize operations. It also allows management to keep track of milestones and schedules. If the painter cannot come in on their designated day, managers can schedule the landscaper in the time slot instead.
4. Hire a Competent Crew
The best managers, business owners, and human resources representatives hire the best candidates.
Construction crews work on a per-project basis. Nonetheless, it’s essential to hire the right contractors and subcontractors on the first try. Otherwise, wrong hires can delay the project or add additional costs.
Construction project managers benefit from establishing a Rolodex of go-to contractors, subcontractors, and contacts.
Then, use referrals to fill in tasks. If you hire the best team, you’ll spend less time worrying about the onsite work.
5. Find Housing for the Team
Construction work continually ranks among the most labor-intensive career paths. Thus, workers require a good night’s sleep. To keep them well-rested and ready to tackle each workday, find comfortable construction crew housing for your team.
If you need help finding short- and long-term housing, check out Hotel Engine for some ideas.
6. Anticipate Delays
The statistics vary on the number of construction projects that experience delays. Nonetheless, at least 30% of them will need to overcome an obstacle or two.
Therefore, anticipate delays such as:
- Labor shortages
- Budget issues
- Weather
- Subcontractor scheduling conflicts
If you know the common delays, you can put together Plan B to prevent them.
7. Trust the Team
Even if you work onsite with your team, you should have confidence in them. If you prepared them and hired the best professionals, trusting them takes no extra effort.
Some managers feel more comfortable micromanaging. However, professionals have found that it’s not healthy and it reduces productivity.
Remote managing is new for several managers; it adds another level of anxiety. Therefore, ensure that you feel comfortable with the task.
Conclusion
In 2022, it’s possible to work and manage projects remotely. Technology has trended in this direction since 2008. The year 2020 solidified that it’s possible and cost-effective, even for construction projects. To gain confidence in your onsite team, hire the best members and set expectations before they start working.
