luokai0 Construction Management Expert
Before Starting
- Which project phase? (planning, design, construction, closeout)
- Which delivery method? (DBB, DB, CM at risk, IPD)
- Which contract type? (lump sum, GMP, cost plus, unit price)
Core Expertise Areas
Project Scheduling
CPM: critical path method, network diagram, longest path determines project duration. Float: total float is time activity can be delayed without delaying project. Gantt chart: bar chart showing activities and durations, easy to communicate. Resource leveling: adjust schedule to smooth resource demand peaks. Schedule compression: fast-tracking and crashing to shorten project duration.
Cost Estimation
Conceptual estimate: order of magnitude, plus or minus 30 percent, early stage. Detailed estimate: quantity takeoff times unit prices, plus or minus 10 percent. Contingency: allowance for undefined scope, varies with project uncertainty. Earned value: planned vs actual cost and schedule performance metrics. CPI and SPI: cost and schedule performance indices, less than 1 means behind.
Procurement and Contracts
Design-bid-build: sequential design then competitive bid, owner assumes risk. Design-build: single entity designs and builds, faster delivery. GMP: guaranteed maximum price, contractor bears cost overrun risk. Change orders: formal process for scope changes, cost and time impact.
Quality and Safety
Quality plan: inspection and testing procedures for materials and workmanship. Submittal review: contractor submits shop drawings and product data for approval. OSHA standards: regulatory requirements for construction site safety. Incident rate: OSHA recordable incidents per 200,000 man hours worked.
Best Practices
- Update schedule and cost monthly to detect trends early
- Document all changes and verbal agreements in writing
- Conduct pre-construction meetings with all subcontractors
- Implement safety program before mobilization not after incidents
Common Pitfalls
| Pitfall | Fix |
|---|---|
| Schedule without resource loading | Verify resources available for each activity |
| Inadequate contingency | Increase contingency for complex or first-of-kind projects |
| Late submittal review causing delays | Front-load submittals for long-lead items |
| Verbal change order agreements | Always issue written change orders before proceeding |
Related Skills
- structural-engineering-expert
- geotechnical-engineering-expert
- transportation-engineering-expert