Not communicating clearly with all parties.

Avoiding Pitfall #3: Not communicating clearly with all parties

Communication is key in any project—it will be the difference between success and failure. One of the most important things you can do is to keep all parties informed on a regular basis, whether that means having frequent meetings or using a project management tool (like Asana, Basecamp, or Trello) to ensure everyone has access to the latest version of the project plan. With clear communication channels in place from beginning to end, you’ll set yourself up for success no matter what surprises arise during your construction project.

Failing to plan for the unexpected.

In construction, as in life, things often don’t go according to plan. Changes happen. Delays occur. Unexpected costs arise. And while you can’t prepare for everything that might happen, you must prepare for the unexpected—especially if a project has a long timeline and involves multiple parties.

Construction projects are complex by nature. They typically involve many people with different skill sets and responsibilities, so it’s important to have contingency plans in case delays or budget overruns occur. If a key person quits or becomes ill during the project, who will step up and manage his or her work? If materials need replacing because they aren’t of good quality or have been damaged, where can they be purchased quickly? These are just two examples of how projects can veer off course; when dealing with such large-scale endeavors complete with big risks and budgets, it’s critical that you’re prepared for any scenario that could arise

Planning is key to a successful construction project.

So you have decided to embark on a construction project, but you are not sure where to begin. This is a great time to learn about the importance of planning and how it can help you succeed in your venture. You can start by taking these three steps:

• Take stock of what you care about
• Look at all your options
• Craft a plan, with contingencies

Planning is key because it helps you make sense of the world around you. It’s about asking yourself questions like “What does my building need?” and “How do I want it to look?” By exploring the answers to these questions, you will be better able to understand what matters most when constructing your structure. This way, nothing important falls through the cracks or gets forgotten!