All types of construction projects, regardless of their scale, go through a similar process. From ideation to planning, execution, and eventually closeout, each phase comes with its own set of challenges that construction teams need to overcome to deliver top-notch results.

The phases of construction have different names. According to the Construction Management Association of America, the five key phases of construction are as follows: Pre-design, Design, Procurement, Construction, and Post-Construction. Regardless of what each phase is called, professionals in the industry understand that each phase contributes to the overall outcome of the project.

Let’s look at the five construction phases and the common challenges that arise from each stage.

Phase 1: Pre-design (Initiation)

The pre-design phase, also called the initiation stage, is where ideas take shape, becoming more concrete through identifying actionable steps. During this phase, stakeholders must identify the project's goals and its parameters in terms of budget and timeline.

Key actions:

• Study the feasibility of the project and create the project initiation document.
• Map out the schematic design that shows the space, colours, textures, and main materials.
• Gather contract documents necessary for placing bids.

Challenges:

• Keeping all stakeholders aligned with the project goals, budget, and timeline.
• Differences in opinions and lack of clarity among the people involved in the initial phases of construction could set projects back.

Phase 2: Pre-construction

The pre-construction phase is essentially the foundation of the project and is essential before breaking ground. During this phase, design development takes place, and timelines and budgets become more concrete as materials, equipment, and workforce needs are identified based on the design.

In the pre-construction phase, essential matters such as legal discussions and environmental concerns (soil testing, noise pollution, and waste management, among others) also need to be part of the to-do list.

Key actions:

• Choose the right contractor for the project.
• Calculate the costs and communicate budget expectations.
• Identify potential onsite risks.
• Secure documentation and permits.

Challenges:

• Insufficient planning can lead to problems that can delay the project.
• Unclear expectations from stakeholders can lead to miscommunication and conflicts.
• Paperwork management can be a problem, especially when obtaining multiple permits and certifications prior to construction.

Phase 3: Procurement

The procurement phase is the last step before the build, and it is all about gathering all the necessary resources for the project. In this phase, the construction manager needs to purchase, rent, source, and arrange deliveries of all the materials outlined in the material takeoff.

Key actions:

• Identify the sources of materials for purchasing or renting.
• Arrange payments and deliveries.
• Create the bill of quantities document.

Challenges:

• Overspending and double-buying of purchases are common issues.
• Delivery timelines need to be coordinated.
• Storage of materials and equipment is another issue that needs to be considered.

Phase 4: Construction

The construction phase is where all the planning unfolds. In this stage, the execution of the construction plan is the main goal. However, it is also common to experience several changes during this phase. When this happens, it is best to create Requests for Information to gain a better understanding of these changes. During execution, technical submittals are also crucial to keep track of as part of compliance.

Other unexpected issues and problems may arise, and it is best to keep track of all aspects of the project execution, including maintaining clear and open lines of communication among team members and stakeholders.

Key actions:

• Keep track of tasks through daily logs of work and weekly activity reports.
• Stay updated with changes in order.
• Perform quality control and inspections with architects or engineers on the team.

Challenges:

• Mismanaged scheduling and lack of coordination among teams can lead to delays.
• Missing information and poor dissemination of information can cause miscommunication.
• Maintaining documentation management can be tedious.
• Payroll and human resource issues often arise during construction.

Phase 5: Post-construction

The post-construction phase is where all the finishing touches of the project are completed. It is also where teams are demobilised, rentals are returned, and the worksite is cleaned and prepared for turnover.

Key actions:

• Go over the punch list to ensure that all activities have been completed.
• Perform final inspections and prepare for the transfer of ownership.
• Turn over keys, manuals, and warranties.

Challenges:

• Last-minute negative feedback from clients can lead to legal disputes if the result does not meet the agreed-upon expectations.
• Managing all the documents can be tedious and is usually prone to human errors if not done correctly.

There are several problems that could occur throughout the construction lifecycle. Anticipating these challenges and creating an efficient construction plan to address these foreseen problems are essential to ensuring quality outcomes.

In addition to planning ahead, consider the right tools that could assist you from the initial phase until post-construction.

Adequate planning, combined with the right digital systems, can ensure that projects are delivered on time, on budget, and exceed expectations.