Construction project planning is a process of documenting action based plans for completion of project in time. Construction project planning includes defining the work task, sequence of work, construction methods, roles and responsibilities and planning of resources to complete the work as per schedule.
The documents for construction planning includes designs and drawings, quantity estimates, construction methods to be adopted, contract documents, site conditions, market survey, local resources, project environment and the client’s requirements.
The objectives of a construction project planning should be:
1. Planning of each activity:
The construction project planning should identify and include every activity of the project in a sequential order. Every activity should be scheduled in a timeline for tracking of construction project.
2. Construction Methods:
Plans should include construction methods to be adopted for different construction activities and tools and planning for tools and tackles for each activity so that they can be made available whenever required.
3. Planning for Construction Equipments and Machinery:
Cost of a construction varies greatly with the use of construction equipments and heavy machinery as their renting cost could be very high per day. So, planning and scheduling for such equipments and machinery should be done in advance so that project activities goes on smoothly without keeping these equipments in waiting. Project should be planned in such a way that the use of these machinery can be made to maximum during the given period to make it cost effective.
4. Procurement of materials:
Project planning should also include procurement planning for materials. It is not advisable to keep the material unused for site for long time. This can degrade the material as well as much of the cost is spent on such materials. So, proper planning of material procurement also helps to complete the project within budget.
5. Planning for employee skills:
Some of the construction activities requires availability of skilled person to execute that work. It is not necessary to employ such person throughout the project, so proper planning of such work can reduce the cost of operation for that activity.
6. Planning for required documents and drawings:
Construction projects are executed based on the drawings and specifications. It is necessary to track and make available these drawings at site on time so that the construction activities are not stopped. Thus construction project planning should also include the schedules of drawings, specifications and other documents to be made available at site for review and execution without delaying the project.
7. Financial Planning:
Financial planning of construction is the most important aspects. Different amounts are required at different stages of construction project. Proper planning of funds for construction helps the project proceed smoothly. There is no point in investing all the budgeted amount on the construction project during start of the project. This can be done in phases as and when required.
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