Residential Construction Management: Managing According to the Project Lifecycle Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)REVIEW:
I have experience in residential construction having been the general contractor / manager overseeing construction within a family owned homebuilding business.In my experience, the most critical duty of a residential project manager is the ability to envision and plan how the project will be successfully completed, and then to execute that plan in an efficient manner.This means understanding the challenges one will face and being equipped to visualize the construction process so that you can always remain a few steps ahead, anticipating and correcting any problems before they truly become problems.

Residential Construction Management provides the project manager with the necessary tools to think through the challenges of the project from beginning to end and to evaluate and control the project as it progresses in order to be successful.It is thorough in its treatment of all aspects of the residential construction process from the very initial stages of securing a project to the final closing and review.

I not only have experience in residential construction, but I also am a CPA and found that the areas of the book that deal with cost controls (i.e. budgeting, job costing, reporting, etc.) were well written and stressed the importance of sound financial management as an integral part of the project manager's duties.

This is a very helpful book for the residential construction project manager that will guide them through the complexities of the homebuilding process.I would recommend this book to a new project manager wanting to understand each component of construction management and also to the more experienced builder who needs a step-by-step guide on how to better plan, execute and manage their projects.

SUMMARY:
Below is a summary of the book along with some additional comments:

The book begins by providing a good definition of a project, and then follows the natural flow of a project, discussing in detail five-steps of the project lifecycle:Initiation, Planning, Execution, Controlling and Closing.

The Initiation phase consists of determining how a project will be initiated, either from an internal source (i.e. a spec home) or an external source (i.e. a customer).Depending on the source, the project will have differing facets.Whether the project is internal or external, the book highlights the necessity to work through the initial process of creating a project, reviewing the potential positives and negatives of accepting the project, defining the criteria to consider in approving a project and then transitioning a project to the planning phase.

A large portion of the book is dedicated to the Planning stage, which, for the project manager, is the most critical phase of the project.The book outlines a key component of the Planning Phase which is to create a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and WBS Dictionary.The book gives step-by-step instructions in how to prepare the WBS along with useful diagrams that provide a visual structure of the WBS.The WBS provides an excellent overview of the project and forces the project manager to strategically think through the entire project.When I was building homes, I used a method similar to this but did not have it as well documented or streamlined as the book suggests.I can see how completing a thoroughly planned WBS would be a valuable planning tool.

Two methods of construction scheduling are the Critical Path Method (CPM) and Critical Chain Project Management (CCPM).The strengths and weaknesses of each of these methods are addressed.The book also mentions a few interesting behavioral observations, along with the dangers of multitasking, that need to be considered when using CCPM.

In addition to scheduling, the book discusses cost control, quality assurance, human resources, communication, risk management and purchase and contract administration.The book handles these areas in a thorough manner without getting too bogged down in the details.

The next section of the book is the Execution phase and it begins by highlighting some essential characteristics that a project manager needs in order to successfully execute a project.(Those characteristics are:disciplined, highly aware, service-oriented, a problem solver, and effective communicator).The Execution phase is fairly straightforward.While this section contains some steps that may be done differently in actual practice than what is presented due to differences in subcontractors, inspectors, vendors, etc., it touches on each aspect of the building process and the role of the project manager throughout the construction period and provides a helpful summary of the entire project.One aspect that was mentioned repeatedly during the Execution Phase was the project manager's responsibility to constantly inspect and review the work being done.This was drilled into the mind of the reader on purpose to highlight its importance.

The next phase of the project is Controlling the project.This involves monitoring the project through performance evaluation and integrated change control.A project plan is worthless if it cannot be evaluated and modified when necessary.The book walks through the various tools that can be implemented to properly evaluate if the project is on track.The book highlights four main areas that the project manager is seeking to control:1) Cost, 2) Schedule, 3) Quality, 4) Interpersonal.It goes on to discuss the specific tools and techniques of performance evaluation. In other words, how does one measure performance?The book lists three tools or methods of corrective action:1) Root cause analysis, (2) Earned Value Management (EVM), (3) Risk management plan.

Integrated change control is discussed in this section of the book, but it is also a big part of the execution phase of the project.The book states, "Integrated change control is one of the most difficult aspects of both executing and controlling the project."It goes on to discuss the two main types of changes that occur during a project:1) construction change control (i.e. change orders) and 2) process change control (i.e. switching from using the critical chain method to the critical path method).

The final stage is Closing the project.This last stage primarily involves getting the final inspection from the local building inspection office, obtaining the Certificate of Occupancy, securing lien waivers from subcontractors and receiving final approval from the client.Once those are satisfactorily completed then the legal closing can take place.In addition, the closing process includes warranty procedures, feedback from the client and internal performance reviews.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Residential Construction Management: Managing According to the Project Lifecycle

Product Description:
Residential Construction Management provides construction managers a concise and practical guide to managing residential construction projects. One of the fundamental reasons residential contractors fail to prosper is that they are poor managers. By presenting project management tools in their appropriate context of the project lifecycle -- initiation, planning, execution, monitoring and controlling, and closing -- you will more clearly understand the true nature of construction management, which is a key to successfully managing a construction project. You cannot afford to be without this indispensible working tool and its step-by-step instructions, project management templates, and real world case studies.

Key Features:
--Walks you through the entire project management lifecycle resulting in a better understanding of the iterative processes of construction management
--Offers the information and real world tools needed to successfully apply to a planned or current project
--Shows how various knowledge areas and project management tools interact when doing a project providing you with the knowledge to create your own project plan
--WAV offers a downloadable building specification form, change order authorization form, construction schedule, sample budget, construction flowchart, a guide to working with bankers for spec home loans, and much more -- available from the Web Added Value Download Resource Center at jrosspub.com

Get 10% OFF

Want to read more honest consumer review about Residential Construction Management: Managing According to the Project Lifecycle now ?