7 Steps to a Risk Free Project

Last month, StructureTec's Building Construction Technology Educational Center (BCTEC) hosted a webinar entitled “7 Steps to a Risk Free Project”. During the webinar, three in-house experts shared some great case studies and explained the steps necessary to ensure the successful completion of your construction projects.

Here are some of our favorite insights and key takeaways from this webinar:

1. Defining the Problem / Objective. Performing pre-construction due diligence is critical to assess potential risks and protect your interest in any construction project. Testing and surveys must be done to ensure that you have all vital information before continuing on.

2. Alignment (The Best Solution). Define the project goals and outline your organization’s objectives. Be sure the priority between cost, schedule and required project objectives are clear.

3. Develop the Project Manual. An accurate project manual is a key component of a successful project. The scope, including the materials and workmanship of the project needs to be clearly and accurately defined in the project manual. Project policies, procedures, guidelines, drawings, bidding requirements, contract forms, and conditions of the contract are all necessary information to include.

4. Selecting the Right Project Team. Whether its roofs, walls, parking lots or parking structures, when you are look at the remedial aspect of maintaining sites, you must have the right team in place. When pre-screening your approved contractors, look at their experience, specialties, financial history, current workload, insurance requirements, and safety protocol. As you pick your team, make sure your contractors have a clear understanding of the specifications and details of the project.

5. Construction Review and Administration (Quality Assurance). Once you have established your qualified project team, it is critical to have an expert representing your companies best interests monitoring the progress of the contractors work. Make sure your rep knows the scope of the project to ensure that no corners are being cut.

6. Maintenance Program.  We highly recommend that you put in place a Warranty Audit Program for after the completion of the project. Perform a 12 month and 24 month post-construction inspection on all projects. No matter how smooth your project went, the weather will be the ultimate commissioning agent.

7. Long-term Risk Mitigation. Maximize your warranties. You want to make sure that all documents are properly filed and accessible downstream as things come up. Incorporate continuous improvement practices, keep good records, and log any maintenance you are doing.

By using the seven steps listed above, you can significantly mitigate risks and ensure your projects go as smooth as possible."It's all about the process".