Effective project startup includes getting the contractual details, planning, and the Schedule-of-Values right.
There is a standing joke about the last 10% of a construction project costing 20%. It only causes so much uncomfortable laughter because it happens so often. Effective close-out includes:
- Start with a detailed log of ALL deliverables required at the submittal stage before installation starts and the close-out stage, including warranties, testing certs, etc.
- Keep your change orders tightly managed throughout the project, reviewing progress weekly and escalating problems where appropriate.
- Do your own punch list walk of the project each week to identify little details that can be buttoned up BEFORE the inspector, engineer, architect, or your customer catches them. Integrate these into the "C-Level" tasks in your ABC Daily Planning.
- Start working on your close-out deliverables as soon as you can. Manage those items as rigorously as you manage your submittals during startup.
- Start having weekly demobilization planning meetings when you are within 6 weeks of completion to review every aspect of getting off the job efficiently.
