Tips from a Pro on Managing a Construction Project

Table of contents

• Meet Mike Ernst and Enclave
• What Makes a Construction Project Successful?
• How to Manage Construction Projects
• How to Manage Multiple Construction Projects
• What are the Types of Construction Management
• How to Manage a Construction Site
• Advice on How to Effectively Manage a Construction Project
• Transform Your Construction Management Process 

‍

Managing a construction project—from planning to execution and closeout—requires dedication, adaptability, and strong leadership. Whether you’re new to the field or aiming to sharpen your skills, mastering this process is critical for success.

Mike Ernst, President of Construction at Enclave, shares his expert insights on tackling construction project management with us.

But first, let’s get to know Mike! 

‍

‍

‍

About Mike

With a career spanning over three decades, Mike Ernst is highly regarded in the construction industry for his exceptional technical expertise and his commitment to people-first leadership.

A construction engineering graduate from Iowa State University, Mike began his journey as a project manager, overseeing diverse construction projects across the Midwest.

Early in his career, he spearheaded a construction management and ERP platform overhaul, gaining valuable insights into company operations. This experience led him to focus on refining construction processes, policies, workflow, and fostering collaboration. Mike then moved to focus on program management, national construction operations, innovation and leadership development.

Before joining Enclave, Mike honed his ability to manage tight timelines, foster team collaboration, and deliver exceptional projects.

Today, as the President of Construction at Enclave, Mike oversees staffing, growth strategy, and risk management. He focuses on improving processes, training, and systems. This helps operations run more smoothly. He also gives teams the tools and support they need to succeed, fostering professional growth and teamwork.

‍

‍

About Enclave

Enclave is a unified real estate investment firm specializing in development, construction, and property management. Focused on private commercial construction, Enclave's portfolio is geared towards multifamily, industrial, financial, retail, mixed-use and healthcare.

Enclave has over $230 million in annual construction volume each year and a team of about 250 people. The company keeps growing while staying true to its core values; these include care for each other, do the honorable thing, be empowered and promote innovation. 

‍

‍

Success in construction depends on many factors, but Mike says it boils down to communication and collaboration.

Clear and consistent communication ensures every team member understands their role and responsibilities. Collaboration creates an environment where everyone is working toward a common goal.

Mike emphasizes the importance of establishing strong communication paths early on. “Many projects fail because people do not align on goals and expectations,” he explains. When teams communicate openly and honestly, they achieve better results. They must discuss their scopes of work, clarify who is in charge, and find ways to support each other.

Beyond communication, Mike measures success with “soft factors.” At the end of a project, Mike figures out important nuances such as:

• Do team members want to work together again?
• Are designers and subcontractors eager to partner on future projects?

A truly successful project not only meets its schedule and financial goals but also strengthens professional relationships.

‍

‍

The construction management process can be officially outlined into five phases: concept (initiation), planning, execution, monitoring and closeout.

However, it can help to break it down into three main parts. The first part is concept and planning. The second part is execution and tracking. The last part is solid completion. Each plays a critical role in ensuring a project runs smoothly.

When someone first joins the construction industry, they might need support in determining how to project manage construction.

According to Mike, knowing how to effectively manage a construction project starts with careful planning to set a project up for success. From coordinating schedules to maintaining safety, this stage lays the groundwork for the rest of the project.

‍

‍

Concept & Planning

Mike says the planning phase is important for a successful project and helps with making informed decisions.

Before planning begins, the team defines the project scope and key stakeholders and determines preliminary goals, budgets, and feasibility.

At the start, teams go over site limitations, regulations, budget and schedule; this ensures the project is ready to move ahead. Once there is a green light, teams collaborate to transform concepts into actionable construction plans.

The planning phase, typically led by the project manager, creates a detailed roadmap for execution. Key activities include but are not limited to:

• Team Alignment: Assigning clear roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability and prevent overlaps. (This is most crucial according to Mike!)
  
  
• Schedule: Creating a timeline that accounts for all necessary tasks and milestones.
  
  
• Safety Planning: Establishing safety protocols and hazard-free environments.
  
  
• Logistics Coordination: Mapping out delivery schedules, site access, and storage solutions.
  
  
• Resource Allocation: Securing labor, materials, equipment, and funds.
  
  
• Cost Estimation: Developing an accurate estimate of the project's cost, taking into consideration labor, materials, equipment, and other expenses.
  
  
• Risk Assessment: Identifying potential risks and developing strategies to mitigate or prevent them.
  
  
• Resource Management: Planning for the allocation of resources such as personnel, materials, and equipment.
  
  
• Communication Plan: Establishing channels and protocols for communication among team members and stakeholders throughout the project.
  
  
• Quality Control: Defining standards for quality control and establishing processes for monitoring and ensuring adherence to those standards

These are just some of the key components that should be included when pre-planning. 

‍

"All great projects start with pre-planning. The more you can anticipate issues, the better positioned you'll be to handle them." - Mike Ernst

‍

Execution & Tracking

The execution phase is where plans turn into action, marking the official start of construction. During this phase, the construction team carries out their assigned tasks based on the project plans, designs, and project schedules.

On-site leaders ensure the team works safely, efficiently, and follows regulations and design plans.

This phase is all about making sure everything runs smoothly, stays on schedule, on budget, and meets the right quality standards.

The project manager monitors progress against the schedule and budget while maintaining open communication with all stakeholders.

Mike emphasizes the importance of adaptability during execution. “Remember, plans are guidelines, not absolutes,” he explains. “When new issues arise, address them immediately. Adjust your strategies as needed and move forward.”

Key tips for effective execution include:

• Regular Schedule Updates: Adjust deadlines as circumstances change.
• Thorough Documentation: Track RFIs, submittals, and approvals to stay aligned.
• Cost Monitoring and Projections: Record change orders and financial impacts to forecast financial health at project completion.

Tracking progress is essential for ensuring timelines, budgets, and team performance remain on target. Empowering on-site project managers and superintendents to take ownership of tracking metrics fosters leadership and engagement.

"Decisions should be made by the people closest to the project, to train future leaders and keep teams empowered and invested" - Mike Ernst

‍

Effective tracking tools include but are not limited to: 

• Gantt Charts for visualizing timelines and meeting the project timeline
• Budget Reports to monitor expenses.
• Daily Log Updates for clear communication, tracking progress and hosting project information

As construction progresses, resource management also remains crucial. Coordinating labor, materials, equipment, and subcontractors is important to prevent bottlenecks and ensure seamless workflows.

The team handles any design changes, scope changes, or unexpected issues quickly. Plus, the team carefully assesses their impact on the schedule and budget. These adjustments, coupled with transparent communication, ensure the project maintains its integrity and aligns with its original vision.

The execution phase is where all the planning comes to life. With teamwork, careful monitoring, and flexibility, this is when ideas turn into reality. This is an important part of how to project manage a construction project.

Closeout

Project closeout is the final phase of the construction lifecycle. It encompasses the completion of all activities, resolution of outstanding tasks,  the formal closure of the construction project and the transition to ongoing building operations..

According to Mike, preparation is key during this stage, too, starting with early closeout meetings. These meetings allow teams to address crucial details like permanent insurance, building staff training, and tenant needs.

Before finishing the project, the team does a final walk. This is when the team fully addresses punch list items and the project meets the client's expectations.

Post-construction, the general contractor may handle any warranty claims or defects as outlined in the contract. Mike stresses that good documentation, like manuals and warranties, helps property managers and building engineers during turnover. In Enclave's case, they manage a large part of their properties and give the keys to their teammates at the end of a project.

Lastly, it is important to evaluate the project’s successes and lessons learned. Conducting a formal debrief with stakeholders helps identify areas for improvement, creating valuable insights that enhance future projects and advance construction management expertise.

‍

All the above still applies when learning how to manage construction projects effectively. However, with multiple projects, it's even more important to have a centralized system for tracking progress, communication and budgeting.

Utilizing Project Management Software

Construction project management software makes it easier to stay organized, track progress, and keep everyone in the loop.

Mike says to look for an integrated platform that lets you create tasks, set deadlines and maintain accountability, chat with your team, and manage budgets.

Technology is key to ensuring a successful construction management workflow on your projects. Construction companies should invest in software that they can rely on to ensure successful outcomes across multiple projects.

‍

‍

Types of construction project management can mean many things to many people.

For example, this could mean the different delivery methods when it comes to managing construction projects. This includes Construction Management at-Risk (CMAR), Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD).

These methods have their own benefits and challenges. However, they all aim to improve project efficiency and teamwork among stakeholders.

In addition, Construction project management can encompass various roles responsible for overseeing a project. These roles can include:

• A construction manager for the project owner
• A construction manager for a tenant
• A project manager at a general contractor
• A property manager

Each of these roles have different responsibilities and focuses within the project.

A few examples:

• A construction manager working for an owner oversees the whole project from start to finish. Their job is to make sure the project meets the owner's goals and stays within budget.
  
  
• A construction manager for a tenant will make sure the space is built for the end user.
  
  
• A project manager generally oversees all aspects of a project, including coordination between stakeholders, budget management, and scheduling. They act as a liaison between all parties involved in the project and ensure that everything runs smoothly.
  
  
• Lastly, a property manager could be overseeing a tenant improvement. This involves renovations or alterations to an existing space to meet the specific needs of a tenant. They are responsible for managing the construction process, ensuring compliance with regulations and contracts, and overseeing any necessary maintenance or repairs.

Regardless of the role, they aim for the project to be completed on time and within budget. Effective communication, attention to detail, and strong management skills are crucial for success in this field.

‍

Mike explains that on-site management requires a blend of safety standards, logistical coordination and quality standards. He stresses the importance of setting high expectations.

‍

"Safety always comes first." - Mike Ernst

‍

Mike also highlights how important it is to run the flow on the jobsite well. He explained that poor management of logistics and site organization affects production for all crews.

Project teams must actively plan and adjust for many elements. To name a few:

• Delivery locations
• On-site storage, movement and hoisting for materials
• Accessibility for subcontractor teams
• Parking and traffic flow for heavy machinery

In terms of how to manage site construction, it is crucial to have a detailed resource plan in place. This should list all materials and equipment needed for the project. The plan should also include an estimated timeline for when we will need them.

By carefully tracking and monitoring resources, site managers can avoid delays or costly mistakes due to shortages or miscommunication. It is also important to know how to manage workers on a construction site.

Another key aspect of how to run a construction project is ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and permits. This includes getting permits before work begins and conducting regular safety inspections to ensure compliance.

‍

“Be a sponge,” Mike advises. “The more perspectives you understand, the better equipped you’ll be to lead.”

For new project managers stepping into construction, Mike offers invaluable advice. “Construction is a people business,” he says. 

‍

"If you can connect with people, everything else becomes easier." - Mike Ernst

‍

He encourages new hires to:

• Spend time in the field, learning from superintendents and trade partners alike
• Understand financial tracking and documentation from project managers
• Know what your contracts say
• Always stay curious and seek mentorship opportunities
  
  

Managing a construction project is all about finding the right balance between solid planning, flexibility, and good communication. It's important to handle the many moving parts while leading by example.

Nail the basics, keep learning from your experiences, and you’ll deliver great projects and build lasting relationships.

Ready to elevate your construction management skills? Focus on empowering your teams, leveraging technology, and always putting people first.

‍