Construction planning is an important step when building a structure because it outlines the project and provides guidelines to ensure the project is a success. Project managers know that having a thorough construction plan can save them time and money.
Contents
Why is planning important in the construction industry?
The first undertaking of any major project is the early planning phase, the process of defining the owner’s program and evaluating its feasibility with regard to land use and existing buildings and constraints. The planning phase is often hastily and perfunctorily performed without proper consideration, in favor of leaping into design and the creation of drawings and construction documents.
- Proper planning is what will determine how to accomplish the owner’s vision.
- Industry studies have proven a consistent correlation between effective planning and project success and uphold the premise that decisions made at the early definition stages set the strategic framework for the project.
- Think of project planning as a kind of insurance or investment—the more you’ve invested in the beginning, the more likely you are covered for unexpected events.
Having a construction phase plan represents a small cost of the project, but has immense impact in the construction phase where 90% of the cost and liability occur. Consider the Ability to Influence Outcome curve in relationship to the Ability to Influence Cost curve noted below. 
A good construction manager’s influence on a project’s outcome is similarly greatest at the planning phase. The ability to optimize results starts with an evaluation of all project variables to create a carefully conceived and well-defined construction project plan that incorporates scope and costs and clarifies programmatic and budgetary objectives.
The earlier the construction manager is involved the better, as most savings opportunities are identified during the early planning phase of construction projects. Being onboard early allows the construction manager the opportunity to assist the owner in assembling the right professional team at the outset.
The most important task in a project is to assemble the right professional team at the outset. Many professionals are required for large projects—architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, designers, landscaping, AV/ IT, lighting and specialty consultants, etc.
For a project to be successful given this enormous number of “moving parts”, it is critical the right team is assembled at the outset and is managed to bring out their best work to meet the client’s vision and goals. For instance, selecting the best architect for your project is more than a matter of design and inspiration.
No one wants an initial design that is impractical or beyond their budget. Be realistic when evaluating whether an architectural firm’s temperamental and procedural compatibility fits with yours and the balance of the project team. This is the stage at which an experienced construction manager can be of great value.
- Every design decision has a cost and schedule implication.
- It is essential to integrate management of the design and cost seamlessly during the entire process to keep a finger on the pulse of cost and schedule.
- The early or conceptual design phase is a dynamic process of discovery.
- It is important to apply proper resources during the entire lifecycle of a project, including all four construction project phases.
The early or conceptual design phase is a process of discovery in which the architect and owner begin to articulate and define the goals for the project. Owners are usually eager to describe their vision of a project that fits their business model, or in the case of a residence their needs, lifestyle and image, but there are many other project parameters the architect must incorporate that will impact the developing program.
The construction project planning checklist could include code analysis, planning requirements or restrictions, site feasibility and analysis, environmental issues and neighbor concerns. Early planning is a dynamic process in which the owner and design team take the time to listen to each other, formulate ideas, evaluate design options and concepts and begin to move toward a project design.
Architects often utilize conceptual sketches, physical and three dimensional digital models to aid the owner’s visualization of ideas being discussed. This is the point at which clients may include a preliminary investigation into whether a project can incorporate various energy and water savings, green building techniques, or meet LEED certification criteria if desired.
It’s also the time to review requirements for the planning approval process with local jurisdictional authorities. Residential construction is a creative process. At this juncture it’s important to bring in others on your team to get their input on the developing design. The more discussion and free exchange of ideas among the owner and project team, the more the project design evolves.
Eventually, conceptual drawings are further developed into schematic design drawings that include building plans, elevations, sections and site plans, but these drawings cost money and should be based on a solid understanding of the client’s program.
- Not understanding the dynamics of construction, owners may pressure the team to reduce the time spent planning and have unrealistic expectations of the savings of “fast track” project delivery.
- It is important to reassure clients of the valuable benefits engendered by honing the plan, which has likely morphed due to the input of the project team that got them to this point.
This will lead to a better client understanding and foster trust in the construction manager and project team to create a realistic plan that is clearly articulated, feasible and that fits into their budget and schedule constraints. Every design decision has a cost and schedule implication.
- Preconstruction,
- An essential part of preconstruction requires early retention of a general contractor to provide cost estimates, which inform the conceptual total construction project budget,
- This enables the construction manager to establish a rough order of magnitude budget as early as possible to correlate cost and value to project scope.
We suggest clients pay for estimating services so they don’t feel obliged to retain the contractor if the eventual construction bid isn’t competitive. With an early project budget in hand, a good construction manager will oversee the architect and team to design to that budget.
- Constructability Review,
- The owner generally isn’t technically savvy enough to review drawings and documents for constructability, accuracy and completeness.
- These tasks require a high level of skills, experience and collaborative construction best coordinated by the construction manager.
- As they review the developing plans, team members evaluate scope, requirements, cost, schedule, involvement, communication needs, etc.
This process referred to as a constructability review ideally occurs on an ongoing basis throughout design development. This proactive team input can reveal potential opportunities and conflicts while it is still possible to incorporate or remedy them before they negatively affect the project.
Changes made after construction commences may have budget consequences such as delays and change orders. Contrary to widely held belief, it is the design drawings that determine the cost of the project. It is critical the architectural firm produce design drawings that are well established, clear and coordinated and in sufficient detail for the contractor to build efficiently.
Contrary to popular understanding, it is the architects design and drawings that determine the cost of the project —much more so than the contractor who can only bid on what is drawn. Your construction manager should be heavily involved in this stage.
While the architect focuses on designing what the owner desires, this perspective often competes with the need to keep a finger on the pulse of cost and schedule. Runaway design with ever-increasing scope is a problem that can be mitigated by proper construction management procedures. Your construction manager should attend design meetings along with the owner and continually review drawings as they are being developed to ensure the design and scope of work remain consistent with the original intention and budget.
It is important to demand full design and coordinated engineering drawings to save on expensive change orders later. Value engineering is often a euphemism for whittling elements out of a project when it is over-budget at the end of the design process—after the bids are received and the project is too costly.
- It is expensive and upsetting to the owner to eliminate design components that they became emotionally attached to.
- The owner always has the option to increase the scope of course, but should be able to make informed decisions based on the associated cost implications to those changes.
- It is much better to integrate management of the design and cost during the entire process rather than try to fix it at the end.
Early planning for construction can make or break the success of your project. A professional construction manager will provide guidance on developing a comprehensive and accurate scope of work and defining functional and technical requirements for the management and execution of the construction project plan.
Planning for developing the budget and schedule involves construction scheduling techniques, defining scopes of work, estimating required resources and durations, project organization, decisions on collaborative project software, which firms will be invited to bid and other project planning steps. Is your project a candidate for Building Information Modeling (BIM) or Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)? Effective, early project planning leads to improved performance in terms of cost, schedule and operations, balancing the competing needs of a project,
Properly planned projects reduce expensive change orders and cost overruns, limit liability and can make or break the success of your project. 
What was the most important part of the planning of the construction?
Planning – Detailed and strategic planning is the most important aspect of successful construction project management. The more complex the project, the more planning will be required. A well-planned project maximizes efficiency and provides a step by step roadmap for completing the work on schedule and within budget.
- During the planning process, you’ll develop deliverables, define goals, and establish project milestones.
- When planning out a construction project, you have to determine what equipment will be needed, how much labor will be needed, coordinate your subcontractors, and make sure building materials are all lined up and scheduled.
Other aspects that need to be established during the planning phase include developing a safety plan, communication plan, and conducting a risk assessment and creating a response plan. There are so many ways a project can get off track. Having a carefully crafted plan that is well executed can go a long way in mitigating and resolving issues before they arise.
What’s planning in construction?
Construction phase plan – A construction phase plan must be prepared for a project before the construction phase begins. The plan must outline the health and safety arrangements, site rules and specific measures concerning any work involving the risks listed in Schedule 3 of the CDM 2015 Regulations,
The principal contractor for projects involving more than one contractor; and The contractor for single contractor projects.
Pre-construction information and any key design information, identifying risks that need to be managed during construction work, will be helpful in planning the construction phase and drawing up the construction phase plan.
What is the most important function of planning?
Importance of Planning – Planning is definitely significant as it directs us where to go, it furnishes direction and decreases the danger of risk by making predictions. The significant advantages of planning are provided below:
- Planning provides directions : Planning assures that the objectives are certainly asserted so that they serve as a model for determining what action should be taken and in which direction. If objects are well established, employees are informed of what the company has to do and what they need do to accomplish those purposes.
- Planning decreases the chances of risk : Planning is an activity which permits a manager to look forward and predict changes. By determining in prior the tasks to be completed, planning notes the way to deal with changes and unpredictable effects.
- Planning decreases overlapping and wasteful activities : Planning works as the foundation of organising the activities and purposes of distinct branches, departments, and people. It assists in avoiding chaos and confusion. Since planning guarantees precision in understanding and action, work is conducted on easily without delays.
- Planning encourages innovative ideas : Since it is the primary function of management, new approaches can take the form of actual plans. It is the most challenging project for the management as it leads all planned actions pointing to growth and of the business.
- Planning aids decision making : It encourages the manager to look into the future and make a decision from amongst several alternative plans of action. The manager has to assess each option and pick the most viable plan.
Related read:
| MEANING OF PLANNING | Planning bridges the gap between where we are (present) and where we want to go (future). In simple words, foreseeing the future contingencies and plan for it to accomplish an objective. |
table>
- Through planning, the efforts of various individuals and departments are coordinated properly to eliminate overlapping & wasteful activities.
- It ensures clarity in thoughts and actions, work is carried on smoothly without any confusion and misunderstanding.
- Useless and wasteful activities are reduced or eliminated.
- It is easier to detect inefficiencies and take corrective measures to deal with them.
-
- By stating in advance how work is to be done, planning provides direction for action.
- Planning guarantees that goals and aim are distinctly defined so that they
- operate as a pattern for determining what direction should be taken.
- Planning makes the goals and objectives clear in the minds of all individuals working in different capacities.
- Lack of planning brings chaos and lack of coordination.
Example: A car manufacturing company gives targets to employees who decide their direction of work.
- Planning is thinking in advance what to do and how to do it.
- New ideas can take the shape of concrete plans and innovation.
- Innovation is required to modify the plans for the growth and expansion of the business.
- Example:
- Through innovative products, the companies maintain a competitive edge in the market and it is planning through which it is decided how to innovate.
- In a company of real estate, there are different departments like Marketing, HR, Sales, and Finance. Each department has assigned targets and jobs. This reduces overlapping of work and wastage of efforts.
- Planning is done for the future and the future is full of uncertainties.
- Planning enables a manager to look forward and take appropriate steps to deal with future uncertainties and changes.
- Mis-happenings and uncertain events cannot be eliminated completely but their effect on the organisation can be minimised if we plan how to overcome such situations.
- Example: An organization might ensure its inventory yet an accident can take place and damage its assets. So, the future is uncertain yet we can minimise the risks by proper planning.
- Through planning, managers compare different alternatives with their benefits and limitations.
- Planning helps make rational decisions by choosing the best most profitable alternative which may bring lower cost, adaptable to the organisation and situations.
- Example: A group of marketing experts (deciding for best marketing strategy for the product) chalk out different alternatives evaluates these alternatives and finally selects the best alternative.
- Planning involves the setting of goals and these predetermined goals are accomplished with the help of managerial functions like planning, organising, staffing, directing and controlling.
- Planning provides standards against which actual performance is measured.
- Without standards, the actual performance of each individual, department, and division cannot be measured.
- With the help of standards, deviations in the performance are found and such deviations become the basis of effective planning for future planning.
- Planning provides a basis to bring the desired output under controlling function and result of controlling function provides guidelines for effective planning.
- Example: A torch manufacturing company decides to manufacture 8000 torches in the month of December. However with the passage of 15 days only 2000 torches were manufactured. So the company decided to revise its standard for production,
table>
- b. Planning reduces overlapping and wasteful activities
- c. Planning provides directions
- d. None of the above
- Answer : d, None of the above
- b. Direction
- c. Coordination
- d. None of the above
- Answer : b, Direction
- b. Directing
- c. Coordination
- d. Standards
- Answer : a, Planning
table>
- (OR)
- DEFINE ‘PLANNING’ STATE ANY FOUR POINTS OF IMPORTANCE OF PLANNING. (OUTSIDE DELHI 2014)
- (OR)
IN ADDITION TO PROVIDING DIRECTIONS AND REDUCING THE RISK OF UNCERTAINTY PLANNING HELPS MANAGERS IN THE MANY OTHER WAYS.’ EXPLAIN ANY FOUR SUCH WAYS. (DELHI COMPTT.2014) (OR) IS PLANNING ACTUALLY WORTH THE HUGE COSTS INVOLVED? EXPLAIN. (NCERT)
- Planning bridges the gap between where we are (present) and where we want to go (future).
- Planning is deciding in advance what to do, how to do when to do it and by whom it is to be done.
- Through planning, the efforts of various individuals and departments are coordinated properly.
- Thus, useless and wasteful activities are reduced or eliminated.
- It ensures clarity in thoughts and actions, work is carried on smoothly without any confusion and misunderstanding.
- By stating in advance how work is to be done, planning provides direction for action.
- Planning ensures that goals and objectives are clearly defined so that, they act as a guide for deciding what action should be taken and in which direction.
- Planning is deciding in advance what to do and how to do it.
- New ideas can take the shape of concrete plans and innovation.
- Innovation is required to modify the plans for the growth and expansion of the business.
- Example: Deciding in advance helps to innovate as a company can foresee what they may be facing in future and accordingly it can bring innovation in their products.
- Planning is done for the future and the future is full of uncertainties.
- Planning enables a manager to look forward and take appropriate steps to deal with future uncertainties and changes.
- Mishappenings and uncertain events cannot be eliminated completely but their effect on the organisation can be minimised with proper planning.
- Example: An organisation might take every step to prevent an accident; still, it can take place and damage its assets. So, the future is uncertain but we can minimise the risks by proper planning.
-
- Through planning, managers compare different alternatives with their benefits and limitations.
- Planning helps to make rational decisions by choosing the best possible alternative.
- With correct planning, cost-effective methods can be chosen which can also prove to be the most profitable one.
- Example:
Marketing experts in a company choose the best marketing strategy out of available alternatives, to promote the product of a company.
- Planning involves the setting of goals and whether these predetermined goals are accomplished that is ensured with controlling.
- Planning provides standards against which actual performance is measured.
- With the help of standards, deviations in the performance are found and corrective actions are taken.
- Therefore, planning set standards for controlling.
- Example: A torch manufacturing company decides to manufacture 8000 torches in the month of December. However, with the passage of 15 days, only 3000 torches were manufactured. Thus, the company took corrective actions and made some changes and arrangements to make the remaining 5000 torches in 15 days.
table>
- (a) What is to be done?
- (b) How it is to be done?
- (c) Where is it to be done?
- (d) When is to be done?
- (e) By whom it is to be done?
The above mentioned is the concept, that is elucidated in detail about the ‘Planning’ for the class 12 Commerce students. To know more, stay tuned to BYJU’S. Other Important Topics in Business Studies : Planning – Meaning and Top 5 Importances of Planning
What is the most important thing to have in planning?
Procedures are some of the most important components of planning. They describe the exact manner in which something has to be done. They basically guide actions for activities that managers and employees perform. Procedures also include step-by-step methods.
What is most important project planning?
THE IMPORTANCE OF PROJECT PLANNING IN PROJECT MANAGEMENT Good project planning is the bedrock of successful project delivery A good project plan is an essential guidebook for your project team. It clearly defines the scope of your project, the processes and procedures involved in delivery, and the desired outcomes.
For each activity in the schedule it should seek to define the answers to questions like ‘What is being done?’, ‘When is it happening?’, ‘Who is going to do it?’, ‘Where on the project will it occur?’, and ‘How much will it cost?’ If you don’t have a clearly defined project plan in place, then the risks of poor performance significantly increase.
The has reported that organizations waste ‘an average of $97 million for every $1 billion invested, due to poor project performance.’ This sum could be greatly reduced by better planning and taking a more structured approach to delivery. Project planning is the bedrock of delivery Why do some projects not have a plan? Ideally, all projects would be subject to a formalized and agreed plan.
- A mismatch between project expectations and achievable outcomes: Where stakeholders are particularly set on an outcome, it can be challenging for project managers to push back, even if they feel that the outcome is unachievable. This becomes a real issue where the main sponsors are the ones pushing in a particular direction. The pressure to progress can lead to project initiation without a well-thought-out plan in place.
- A lack of time to plan: Some projects operate on such a tight timescale that operations start before a project plan is signed off. This can lead to the plan being led by activity rather than the other way round, and can introduce constraints on what goes into the plan.
- Poor understanding of the importance of planning: In organizations where project management isn’t necessarily the norm, some stakeholders may not appreciate the value of the time and effort needed to create a project plan. The link between good planning and successful execution is not always one that is seen and valued.
- The key elements of a project plan
- The project plan is, in essence, a communications tool. It’s the reference point for delivery, and as such, needs to communicate how the project team will achieve the desired end goal, which is important in the new 2021 business world where
- Work through the following elements when drafting a project plan. Each one plays a critical part in ensuring that the project team moves towards successful delivery:
- Definition of project objective: a clear, simple goal easily understood by all stakeholders
- Project description: focus on answering the questions such as ‘What,’ ‘When,’ ‘How much,’ ‘Who,’ ‘Where’, etc.
- Schedule and work breakdown structure: be clear about the deliverables needed to complete the project. Map out the various strands of work, with allocated responsibilities and dependencies
- Risk management plan: carry out a comprehensive risk assessment, with an associated management plan for treating or carrying those risks. Crucially, gain agreement to the plan from sponsors and stakeholders, to make sure that risk appetite is consistent across the board
- Quality assurance plan: much like with risk, make sure that there is agreement as to the agreed quality metrics
- Communication plan: be specific about reporting lines, reporting frequency, responsibilities for creating and delivering the reports, and report format
Considering all of these elements, and pulling them together into one cohesive document, can mean the difference between a smoothly running project and one which deviates to budget overspends and delivery overruns. A good project plan is all about balance Project success is based on keeping all the critical elements in balance.
The major inputs of time, people, and money all need to be controlled and managed so that project goals are delivered on schedule and within budget. If one of these elements is changed, for example if one of the goals becomes more challenging, then adjustments need to be made to ensure that delivery is still possible.
In this example, the budget may need to increase to achieve the new goal, or the number of people dedicated to the project may need to rise. The critical point is that a well-structured project plan gives project managers the visibility and flexibility to make those adjustments.
- Eeping all elements in balance means those risks can remain controlled throughout the project.
- A well-structured project plan can keep competing elements in balance Project planning provides the foundation for success The project plan is the master plan for delivery.
- Taking the time to create a comprehensive, realistic plan is a critical step in project management, as is communicating and gaining buy-in to that plan from sponsors and stakeholders.
If you need help pulling a plan together, then our expert Project Management Services team is on hand to assist. We can offer advice, guidance, or staff across all aspects of the project lifecycle and have experience pulling together project documentation for all types of capital improvement programs across multiple industries.
What is planning and its important?
Planning is essential both personally and professionally. It helps us achieve our goals, and allows for more efficient use of time and other resources. Planning means analyzing and studying the objectives, as well as the way in which we will achieve them. It is a method of action to decide what we are going to do and why. For that, we have to create a plan.
What are the four importance of planning?
Importance of Planning – The following image depicts the need and importance of planning, 
Image credits © Prof. Mudit Katyani. The main advantages of planning are as follows:
Planning increases the efficiency of an organization, It reduces the risks involved in modern business activities. It facilitates proper coordination within an organization. It aids in organizing all available resources. It gives a right direction to the organization. It is important to maintain good control, It helps to achieve the objectives of the organization. It motivates the personnel of an organization. It encourages managers’ creativity and innovation. It also helps in decision-making,
Discussed below are top ten benefits of planning.
Why planning is important mention any three reasons?
It is essential to have resource planning because of the following reasons: It helps to identify the various resources present in different regions of the country. It helps in the conservation of various non-renewable/extinguishable resources. It helps in reducing wastage of resources.
What is the most important stage of the planning process?
Steps in a Planning Process The first, and in some respects, the most important stage is ‘pre-planning,’ or preparing to plan. This stage consists of two steps: diagnosing the community and designing the planning process. Once local officials and the public understand the purpose, values and benefits of planning and agree on a process to prepare the plan, the following steps become much easier.
What are the three important parts of planning?
Components Of Planning In this tutorial, we will learn about the components of planning, which is a process that should be broken down into three separate, equally important parts: strategic thinking, long-range planning, and operational planning. Planning is one of the most critical aspects of management.
