Change management in construction industry is crucial and we discuss the role it plays. We also talk about the steps involved in change.

The construction industry is mostly project-based and each one goes through multiple stages, such as planning, estimation, bidding, contracting, designing, and engineering to finally deliver the output, which is a completed project. And while you are a part of a project, it is natural for you to see many multiple decisions flying the air, many of which are incomplete information. In a construction company, information is highly critical and you need to have a proper grab on it.

Despite the size, scope, and complexity of a project being significantly different, change is the common factor and you need to constantly play with it. And this makes the process of change management in the construction sector highly significant. The construction change management process is highly integral to the success of projects.

For a construction firm, change is a positive thing. It can have a serious impact, especially when you do it in the right way. You need to confirm that the proper systems and procedures are in place if you want to set your team up for success and mitigate risk.

What is Change Management in Construction?

While moving forward, the significant question that deserves an answer is what basically the process of change management in the construction industry is. In simple words, change management refers to the preparation, guidance, and tools that a firm gives to its employees to help them successfully adopt practices that support positive changes inside. Though all organization changes are unique as the employees they have, there are structured approaches to influence people and support any changes a construction business might face both internally and externally.

What causes construction change?

In a construction firm, changes happen due to:

  • Projects that overrun
  • Differing site conditions
  • Regulatory changes
  • Missing information from contract documents
  • Project delays
  • Labor turnover
  • Internal restructuring

How can you manage changes in a construction organization?

The ideal way to face the change is to prepare for the worst. You need to have a plan B in advance. A good leader is someone who can anticipate things and can lead the team through the problem. W2hen you are in the business for a long time, you can foresee where the organization is heading and can take precautions when it is on the wrong path. It is imperative that you take steps to prepare.

There are 5 steps to take while you have to manage change at the job site:

Identify

The timing of change during a project has a significant effect on its impact. While you can detect the areas for a change at its early phase, it is easier to handle and bring outcomes without a great impact on the overall project. You need to visually document job site conditions and get access to related documents anywhere in real-time. This way, you can quickly communicate that from the field to the office.

Assess

When you realize a change must occur in order for a project to move on, you must consider four primary factors that are going to be affected.

  • Time
  • Cost
  • Scope
  • Risk

You need to analyze these factors that will impact the project timeline. Project Managers must weigh a project’s change against the entire project to assess the impact it will have on those four areas.

Approve

Once you realize the outcome of these changes, you’ll need approval. When you have a proper plan, approval will be easier and faster.

Formalize

When you have the plan to resolve the problem, finalize the changes. Communication between the field and office should be seamless.

Execute

When you are sure to have taken all precautions, execute the changes. Ensure that all documentation and approvals are in order, and you need to communicate all your work to your General Contractor so they know what you’re doing.