The complete guide to planning construction projects
Posted: Tue Jan 28, 2025 10:13 am
Construction planning is an essential process to ensure the successful execution of a construction project.
This process must be carried out based on a series of steps, such as regularizing the work, surveying activities and preparing financial and execution schedules.
For example, imagine the construction of a commercial building. Without proper planning, the project could face several problems, such as a lack of regularization with the competent authorities, which could lead to fines and embargoes, or even the interruption of work.
In this scenario, failure to comply with the schedule and the absence of a detailed survey of activities and resources could generate significant delays, increase costs and compromise the final delivery of the project.
In other words, one of the main aspects that highlights the importance of construction planning is its ability to anticipate and minimize risks, in addition to ensuring compliance with deadlines and cost control .
It is also important to consider that construction lithuania whatsapp data planning is not just a formality, but a strategic process that enables the orderly and efficient execution of a project, ensuring the efficiency and assertiveness of all technical, financial, legal and quality aspects of a project.
But how can you carry out effective planning that generates positive impacts on the execution of works? Keep reading and check it out!
How to plan a construction project ?
As we have seen, the planning stage must consider several aspects, from the legal and regulatory aspects of the work to those related to the architectural and structural design. Below, we explain each one in detail.
1. Regularization of the work
Regularizing a project is essential to ensure that it complies with current laws and regulations . For example:
Building Code;
City Statute;
Land occupation;
Environmental license.
Before construction begins, the administration and management of the work must obtain permits and licenses from the competent bodies, such as the city hall, environmental agencies or, in some cases, agencies for the protection of cultural and historical heritage.
This stage includes checking aspects such as land use and safety. Failure to comply with regulations may result in fines, embargoes or even demolition of the project, in addition to preventing the sale or legalization of the property after its completion.
2. Activity survey
The activity survey consists of identifying all the tasks involved in the execution of the work , from site preparation to final finishing. This phase is essential for planning, as it allows the visualization of all stages of the construction process.
Therefore, each activity must be detailed, specifying its nature, necessary resources and technical requirements.
A thorough survey avoids risk scenarios and waste, as well as ensuring the efficient execution of each phase. In other words, the prior survey facilitates the management of teams and resources, in addition to allowing better organization of the execution schedule.
3. Average time for each activity
Determining the average time spent on each activity requires analyzing the execution history of similar projects , as well as consultations with specialized professionals and an assessment of the specific conditions of the construction site.
This estimate should consider factors such as:
Weather conditions;
Availability of labor;
Technical complexity of the project;
Possible external interference (changes in legislation, for example).
Proper calculation prevents delays and team overload, ensuring a feasible and realistic schedule. Correct planning of the average time allows synchronization between activities and optimization of resources.
4. Dependency and hierarchy between tasks
Dependency and hierarchy between tasks refer to the order in which activities are executed and how tasks are interconnected , depending on one another's completion.
When planning construction projects, it is essential to understand this sequence to avoid delays and inefficiencies. For example, some activities, such as installing foundations, must be completed before starting others, such as building walls.
In this sense, correct planning of these interdependencies ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, without overlaps or periods of inactivity.
Take advantage and learn about the Steel Frame construction system !
5. Survey of quantities for each service
This step, also known as service quantity , is essential to ensure that all resources are forecasted intelligently and accurately.
As an example, one of the conventionally used survey methodologies involves measuring areas, volumes and units that will be used in each phase of the project.
Therefore, at this stage of construction planning, an accurate survey can minimize waste and unforeseen costs, as well as being essential for preparing budgets and purchase orders with suppliers.
6. Cost assessment
In construction planning, the cost assessment stage is critical, as it includes the pricing of all materials, labor, equipment and services required for execution.
To create an accurate budget, it is essential to consider supplier quotes, salaries, and possible unforeseen events, such as increases in the price of inputs. In addition, indirect costs, such as administrative expenses and fees, must be included.
It is worth noting that a good cost survey allows the assessment of the financial viability of the work and helps to identify possible cost reductions, without compromising quality.
7. Work schedule
By organizing the execution time of each activity, the work schedule considers the dependencies between them and the availability of resources.
This schedule details the deadlines and when each task should start and finish , thus enabling the monitoring of the progress of the work. This tool allows you to identify potential delays and adjust activities so that the project stays within the stipulated deadline.
It is important to consider the use of specialized management software to help create accurate schedules and monitor progress in real time, facilitating quick and efficient decision-making.
Take advantage and learn about the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology!
8. Financial schedule
Determining a financial schedule represents one of the essential steps in construction planning, with the aim of ensuring that financial resources are available at the right time .
This approach and management process, included in the planning of works, avoids stoppages due to lack of payment to suppliers or service providers.
This schedule must be in sync with the construction schedule, anticipating peaks in demand and identifying periods of lower spending. Good financial planning also includes a margin for unforeseen events, helping to maintain the financial health of the project throughout its execution.
9. Architectural and structural design
The architectural and structural design is the starting point for planning works, serving as the basis for all subsequent stages .
Essentially, the architectural project defines the aesthetic and functional design of the building, while the structural design determines all the technical elements that guarantee the safety and stability of the work.
For these reasons, both the architectural and structural projects must be approved by regulatory bodies and follow current technical standards. Furthermore, it is essential that these projects are aligned to avoid incompatibilities that could compromise the execution and schedule of the work.
10. Technical drawings
Technical drawings are detailed representations of architectural and structural solutions , essential for guiding the execution of the work, integrating the structure of the architectural and work execution projects.
Thus, technical drawings include documentation that informs the field team of the project specifications. Among others:
Floor plans;
Courteous;
Elevations;
Construction details.
At the same time, the drawings also help to ensure compatibility between the different systems in the building, such as electrical, hydraulic and structural installations. For example, the inclusion or not of a shaft in the building.
It is worth noting that the accuracy and clarity of these documents are essential to avoid errors during construction and ensure that the work is carried out as planned.
11. Risk management
Considering construction planning, the future risk management stage consists of a number of actions. For example, identifying, analyzing and mitigating potential problems that could impact the schedule, budget or quality of construction.
This includes everything from technical issues, such as structural failure scenarios, to external factors, such as climate change or possible delays in the delivery of materials.
For these reasons, it is common among construction companies to create contingency plans and allocate financial reserves for unforeseen events. This allows for greater predictability of the project and reduces the impact of possible adversities throughout the work.
This process must be carried out based on a series of steps, such as regularizing the work, surveying activities and preparing financial and execution schedules.
For example, imagine the construction of a commercial building. Without proper planning, the project could face several problems, such as a lack of regularization with the competent authorities, which could lead to fines and embargoes, or even the interruption of work.
In this scenario, failure to comply with the schedule and the absence of a detailed survey of activities and resources could generate significant delays, increase costs and compromise the final delivery of the project.
In other words, one of the main aspects that highlights the importance of construction planning is its ability to anticipate and minimize risks, in addition to ensuring compliance with deadlines and cost control .
It is also important to consider that construction lithuania whatsapp data planning is not just a formality, but a strategic process that enables the orderly and efficient execution of a project, ensuring the efficiency and assertiveness of all technical, financial, legal and quality aspects of a project.
But how can you carry out effective planning that generates positive impacts on the execution of works? Keep reading and check it out!
How to plan a construction project ?
As we have seen, the planning stage must consider several aspects, from the legal and regulatory aspects of the work to those related to the architectural and structural design. Below, we explain each one in detail.
1. Regularization of the work
Regularizing a project is essential to ensure that it complies with current laws and regulations . For example:
Building Code;
City Statute;
Land occupation;
Environmental license.
Before construction begins, the administration and management of the work must obtain permits and licenses from the competent bodies, such as the city hall, environmental agencies or, in some cases, agencies for the protection of cultural and historical heritage.
This stage includes checking aspects such as land use and safety. Failure to comply with regulations may result in fines, embargoes or even demolition of the project, in addition to preventing the sale or legalization of the property after its completion.
2. Activity survey
The activity survey consists of identifying all the tasks involved in the execution of the work , from site preparation to final finishing. This phase is essential for planning, as it allows the visualization of all stages of the construction process.
Therefore, each activity must be detailed, specifying its nature, necessary resources and technical requirements.
A thorough survey avoids risk scenarios and waste, as well as ensuring the efficient execution of each phase. In other words, the prior survey facilitates the management of teams and resources, in addition to allowing better organization of the execution schedule.
3. Average time for each activity
Determining the average time spent on each activity requires analyzing the execution history of similar projects , as well as consultations with specialized professionals and an assessment of the specific conditions of the construction site.
This estimate should consider factors such as:
Weather conditions;
Availability of labor;
Technical complexity of the project;
Possible external interference (changes in legislation, for example).
Proper calculation prevents delays and team overload, ensuring a feasible and realistic schedule. Correct planning of the average time allows synchronization between activities and optimization of resources.
4. Dependency and hierarchy between tasks
Dependency and hierarchy between tasks refer to the order in which activities are executed and how tasks are interconnected , depending on one another's completion.
When planning construction projects, it is essential to understand this sequence to avoid delays and inefficiencies. For example, some activities, such as installing foundations, must be completed before starting others, such as building walls.
In this sense, correct planning of these interdependencies ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, without overlaps or periods of inactivity.
Take advantage and learn about the Steel Frame construction system !
5. Survey of quantities for each service
This step, also known as service quantity , is essential to ensure that all resources are forecasted intelligently and accurately.
As an example, one of the conventionally used survey methodologies involves measuring areas, volumes and units that will be used in each phase of the project.
Therefore, at this stage of construction planning, an accurate survey can minimize waste and unforeseen costs, as well as being essential for preparing budgets and purchase orders with suppliers.
6. Cost assessment
In construction planning, the cost assessment stage is critical, as it includes the pricing of all materials, labor, equipment and services required for execution.
To create an accurate budget, it is essential to consider supplier quotes, salaries, and possible unforeseen events, such as increases in the price of inputs. In addition, indirect costs, such as administrative expenses and fees, must be included.
It is worth noting that a good cost survey allows the assessment of the financial viability of the work and helps to identify possible cost reductions, without compromising quality.
7. Work schedule
By organizing the execution time of each activity, the work schedule considers the dependencies between them and the availability of resources.
This schedule details the deadlines and when each task should start and finish , thus enabling the monitoring of the progress of the work. This tool allows you to identify potential delays and adjust activities so that the project stays within the stipulated deadline.
It is important to consider the use of specialized management software to help create accurate schedules and monitor progress in real time, facilitating quick and efficient decision-making.
Take advantage and learn about the BIM (Building Information Modeling) methodology!
8. Financial schedule
Determining a financial schedule represents one of the essential steps in construction planning, with the aim of ensuring that financial resources are available at the right time .
This approach and management process, included in the planning of works, avoids stoppages due to lack of payment to suppliers or service providers.
This schedule must be in sync with the construction schedule, anticipating peaks in demand and identifying periods of lower spending. Good financial planning also includes a margin for unforeseen events, helping to maintain the financial health of the project throughout its execution.
9. Architectural and structural design
The architectural and structural design is the starting point for planning works, serving as the basis for all subsequent stages .
Essentially, the architectural project defines the aesthetic and functional design of the building, while the structural design determines all the technical elements that guarantee the safety and stability of the work.
For these reasons, both the architectural and structural projects must be approved by regulatory bodies and follow current technical standards. Furthermore, it is essential that these projects are aligned to avoid incompatibilities that could compromise the execution and schedule of the work.
10. Technical drawings
Technical drawings are detailed representations of architectural and structural solutions , essential for guiding the execution of the work, integrating the structure of the architectural and work execution projects.
Thus, technical drawings include documentation that informs the field team of the project specifications. Among others:
Floor plans;
Courteous;
Elevations;
Construction details.
At the same time, the drawings also help to ensure compatibility between the different systems in the building, such as electrical, hydraulic and structural installations. For example, the inclusion or not of a shaft in the building.
It is worth noting that the accuracy and clarity of these documents are essential to avoid errors during construction and ensure that the work is carried out as planned.
11. Risk management
Considering construction planning, the future risk management stage consists of a number of actions. For example, identifying, analyzing and mitigating potential problems that could impact the schedule, budget or quality of construction.
This includes everything from technical issues, such as structural failure scenarios, to external factors, such as climate change or possible delays in the delivery of materials.
For these reasons, it is common among construction companies to create contingency plans and allocate financial reserves for unforeseen events. This allows for greater predictability of the project and reduces the impact of possible adversities throughout the work.