Mastering Construction Project Management: Key Skills & Insights

Bhavin Lakhani is qualified in project management, project planning & scheduling, risk management, and estimating. Having received PMP, CCM, and Chartered Engineer qualifications, as well as being a Fellow of several renowned engineering organizations, he has successfully run key projects in top companies. He is skilled in Environment Technology & Sustainability and Civil Engineering which helps him combine his technical skills with esteem in his profession.

What Essential Skills Drive Success for an Estimator-Project Engineer in Construction?

A talented Estimator-Project Engineer is expected to have various skills. An understanding of how the technical aspects of project work must first be known. All about construction systems is the time when pre-laminated flooring was chosen for building a township.

Technologies such as BIM were later mastered. Doing without it cannot be done. One case in point was when a problem with the plumbing was noticed earlier than expected by BIM, and the project developer was saved USD 8,000. Logical thinking is needed for calculating estimates. By using Bentley Systems, it was determined that 91 percent of the commercial project’s materials would be used, and one percent of what was left over was saved.

Talking with friends is of high importance. By using SAP, help was given to vendors, and the cement price was lowered, which saved 2 percent on all 12,000 tons. Flexibility is what allows projects to remain on track. When materials ran out, beams already pre-finished from the factory were used, and four days were saved. Being PMP and CCM certified ensures the following of required standards.

Being tech-savvy, skilled at analysis, good at communicating, flexible, and a follower of rules is what makes someone special in construction project management.

How Does Bhavin Lakhani Use Bluebeam and Viewpoint to Optimize Cost Estimation and Project Management?

Bluebeam and Viewpoint are tools by which a construction project management system for estimations can be improved. Estimating costs is made easy with Bluebeam Revu. The take-off is ensured to be very precise. By measuring electrical conduits at 90 percent accuracy, 2 percent in extra expenses was saved. People in the same group are allowed to work on the same page easily. Thus, the façade prints were modified, and 2 percent was saved by adjusting the sizes of the panels. The designs in Bluebeam can be easily fit with the ones done in BIM.

Project management is made easier with Viewpoint. Both the budget and schedule are ensured to be recorded accurately by the project. A 1.10 mark was given by the CPI, helping the agreed-upon budget to be maintained. A 2 percent saving was made by securing HVAC duct tools for a 2-year contract. By seeing the primary data, such as delivery statistics, a 5 percent saving on storage was made by implementing just-in-time delivery.

With both Bluebeam and Viewpoint, 65 percent fewer mistakes were made, and a 4 percent reduction in the total costs of the last project was recorded. The amount of effort involved in doing the job is reduced by using these tools.

What Strategies Ensure Accurate Quantity Take-offs and Cost Control in Construction Projects?

BIM is relied on for doing quantity take-offs. A BOQ is possible to be made using 3D models in Navisworks. The roofing section of the project was completed with 90 percent accuracy, meaning 1 percent less material was used by the company. As a result, a $10,000 structural conflict was prevented due to clash detection. When designs are standardized, a decrease in cost is observed. The same type of light fixtures was employed as tags, and 3 percent was saved on the cost along with 3 days during installation.

When costs are continuously tracked in real time, expenses can be kept under control. ERP systems were used to complete the high-rise at 0.3 percent less than the budget and with a CPI of 0.99. For instance, during the model’s design, the costs in 5D BIM are altered automatically. By working with vendors, stable prices can be set by the company. Using plumbing pipes under a two-year contract allowed a 1 percent cost cut.

Using SAP, storage costs were lowered by the company by 3 percent. A stable area is considered 1 percent contingent on Monte Carlo simulations, and areas likely to have monsoons are considered 5 percent. Therefore, contingencies were kept at 2 percent of the costs involved. A 4 percent saving was achieved by the team in the last project they worked on.

How Does Effective Communication with Project Managers Boost Bidding Success?

The ability to discuss the project freely with project managers is what can result in getting the bid. In manufacturing, a desire to work at low costs was shown by companies. Prefabricated walls were referred to the client, which made the choice fall on me, and the job was received. Because of the easy-to-read annotations in Bluebeam, the same information was understood by everyone.

An open attitude is what creates trust between individuals. A Viewpoint estimate with 1 percent risk math allocated was included in my commercial bid using the Risk Management module. The deal was won, and a 6 percent increase in the success rate was seen. Adjustments in the bid are also necessary for the position. To save 1 percent while still meeting the requirements, factory-finished ceilings were recommended for the retail project. It was then completely settled.

The reviewing of lost bids enhances a person’s strengths. Because 4 percent seemed excessive, a contingency of 1 percent was ensured, and a 5 percent increase in competitiveness was achieved by the company. If communication in the app is kept clear, easier management of the auction will be enabled.

What Best Practices Ensure Compliance with Design Codes and Safety Standards?

BIM is what ensures projects meet the required regulations. Seismic regulations and similar aspects are reviewed by Navisworks. A worrying issue with the job’s foundation was detected by the drone before construction began, and money on rework was saved. Things like security are not to be skipped. A check is done each time to ensure that maintenance workers wear protective gear. No accidents occurred during the commercial project, and hazards were reduced by 6 percent thanks to iAuditor.

Also Read: Prefabricated Structures: Real Estate's Next Big Revolution

Everyone attending the training is expected to perform well in the workplace. Certification by CCM is held by me, and its set of requirements is what guides me. Precise following of the guidelines for electrical work is expected from each worker on an industrial site. Senior personnel are trained, and subcontractors are also given training.

Compliance is monitored at every stage by Procore. An issue with the code was found on a high-rise and was repaired in just a day, saving the building from any fines. A monthly check is done by the team to see if the MEP measures are being followed. An insulation upgrade was once done, and it reduced energy costs by 1 percent. The necessary procedures are what guarantee that everything is always done right and without any corners being cut.