What Is Construction Planning?

Summary

This video script delves into the critical aspects of construction planning, highlighting six key types of planning involved in the construction process. It emphasizes the importance of starting planning early, even before securing a project, and the significance of understanding the 'hero's journey' in client relations. The script provides actionable steps for creating macro-level attack plans, logistics, zoning strategies, and 3D models to guide clients effectively. It also covers planning during the design phase, pre-construction, production, scope, and task-specific planning, stressing the necessity of thorough preparation and collaboration for project success.

Takeaways

• 🏗️ Construction planning is crucial from the very beginning, even before a project is officially secured, emphasizing the importance of early engagement and planning.
• 🤝 The client is the 'hero' in the construction process, and the contractor acts as the 'guide', helping the client overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
• 📈 A macro-level attack plan is essential, providing a high-level overview of the project strategy on a single page, making it easier to understand and communicate.
• 📚 Understanding the logistics, including crane and hoist placements, is key to addressing potential problems and showcasing the value of the contractor's expertise.
• 🗺️ Zoning strategies are vital for determining how to shorten or extend project phases, ensuring that deadlines are met and clients' expectations are managed.
• 🏙️ A 3D model is an effective tool for visualizing the project, helping to identify and address potential issues early in the planning process.
• 💡 Supporting the design team is crucial, helping them stay within budget and develop a feasible design that aligns with the project's overall goals and timeline.
• 🚀 Starting the project off strong is essential, with detailed planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and efficient start to the construction phase.
• 🔍 A detailed schedule and quality meetings are critical in the early stages of the project, setting the foundation for a successful construction process.
• 🔄 Production planning involves collaboration and coordination among all team members, with a focus on pull planning, look-ahead planning, and daily work planning.
• 🛠️ Task-specific planning by the foreman is the final step, ensuring that all necessary preparations are in place for each specific task, including labor, materials, and equipment.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of construction planning?

The primary purpose of construction planning is to outline the steps and strategies necessary to successfully complete a construction project, ensuring it stays within budget, timeline, and meets quality standards.

What are the six types of planning involved in the construction process according to the video?

The six types of planning are: planning to win the job, planning inside the design of the project, planning to start the project off right, production planning, scope planning, and task-specific planning.

Why is it important to start planning during the proposal and interview phase?

Starting planning during the proposal and interview phase is crucial because it allows the contractor to understand the client's needs, identify potential problems, and demonstrate their ability to guide the client to a successful project outcome.

What is the 'hero's journey' concept mentioned in the script, and how does it apply to construction planning?

The 'hero's journey' is a narrative framework where the client is the hero with a problem, and the contractor is the guide who helps the hero overcome the problem. It applies to construction planning by positioning the contractor as a crucial part of the solution, helping the client achieve their goals.

Why is creating a macro-level attack plan important in the early stages of construction planning?

A macro-level attack plan is important because it provides a high-level overview of the project strategy on one page, making it easier for all stakeholders to understand the phases, end dates, and key items that will address the client's problems.

What is the significance of logistics planning in construction projects?

Logistics planning is significant because it outlines where equipment like cranes and hoists will be placed, access points, and how the project will interface with neighbors. It's crucial for identifying potential issues and showcasing solutions to the client.

How does the number of zones in a construction project affect the planning process?

The number of zones determines how phases can be shortened or extended, which is essential for meeting deadlines and creating a sense of certainty around the project timeline for the client.

What role does the 3D model play in the planning process?

The 3D model provides a visual canvas to showcase the project's design, helping to identify and communicate key aspects of the construction process, such as potential problems and solutions.

Why is supporting the design team during the concept, schematic, and design development phases important?

Supporting the design team is important to ensure the project stays within budget, identifies the overall project duration, and addresses constructability issues in real-time, helping to form a solid foundation for the building's design.

What are some key activities involved in planning to start a project off right?

Key activities include planning for utilities to ensure nothing hinders construction, obtaining permits, setting up quality meetings, mobilizing resources to the site, and creating detailed schedules with trade partners for a 90-day startup plan.

How does production planning differ from other types of planning in the construction process?

Production planning focuses on collaboration, involving last planners and trade partners in a meeting and huddle system with deliverables, and includes pull planning, look-ahead planning, weekly work planning, and day planning to ensure smooth workflow and productivity.

What is the importance of task-specific planning for a foreman?

Task-specific planning is crucial for a foreman as it involves pre-task planning, ensuring quality checklists are available, and training the crew to successfully execute tasks with the right labor, materials, permissions, layout, and equipment.

Why is it essential for a construction manager to excel in planning?

Planning is essential for a construction manager because it is the main skill that ensures the project's success, covering all aspects from winning the job to executing task-specific plans, and it is a key component taught in professional development programs like the Super PM Bootcamps.

Outlines

00:00

🏗️ Introduction to Construction Planning

This paragraph introduces the concept of construction planning and its various phases. It emphasizes the importance of planning from the very beginning, even before the project is secured, by preparing a written proposal and conducting interviews. The speaker highlights the 'hero's journey' narrative, positioning the client as the hero and the construction manager as the guide. The guide's role is to identify and solve the client's problems, ensuring the project's success. The paragraph also stresses the need for a macro-level attack plan, logistics planning, zoning considerations, and the use of a 3D model to communicate the project's strategy and potential issues effectively.

05:08

📘 Supporting Design and Pre-Construction Planning

This section delves into the planning involved in supporting the design phase, including concept design, schematic design, and design development. The focus is on ensuring the design team stays within budget and identifies the total project duration. The speaker discusses the importance of real-time budgeting, scheduling, and constructability reviews. The macro-level attack plan is used to map out logistics, zoning strategies, and overall alignment with the design. The paragraph also touches on the importance of constructability reviews and the selection process once the construction manager has been chosen for the project.

10:12

🚀 Starting Strong: Planning for Project Execution

The third paragraph focuses on the planning required to start a project effectively. It discusses the importance of beginning with a strong foundation, including planning for utilities, permitting, and developing detailed schedules with trade partners. The speaker advocates for a 90-day startup plan, emphasizing the need for quality meetings, mobilization to site, and the initiation of the first contractor's work. The paragraph also covers the transition from a macro-level to a norm-level attack plan, short interval scheduling, and the completion of fresh eyes meetings and risk reviews to ensure all planning deliverables are ready before breaking ground.

🔄 Production, Scope, and Task-Specific Planning

This paragraph outlines the different types of planning that occur during the construction process, including production planning, scope planning, and task-specific planning. Production planning involves collaboration through the last planner system, look-ahead planning, weekly work planning, and day planning. Scope planning ties into quality, ensuring detailed schedules, logistics, materials, and submittals are vetted and approved. Task-specific planning is the responsibility of the foreman, who prepares the crew and ensures all necessary elements are in place for successful task execution. The speaker concludes by stressing that task planning cannot be successful unless all other types of planning are completed first.

Keywords

💡Construction Planning

Construction planning is the process of organizing and preparing for a construction project, including the phases and strategies to be employed. It is central to the video's theme, which discusses the various types of planning involved in the construction process. The script emphasizes the importance of starting to plan even before the project is secured, highlighting the need for a macro-level attack plan and logistics planning.

💡Hero's Journey

The Hero's Journey is a narrative framework that the script uses to describe the client's experience in a construction project. In this context, the client is the 'hero' with a problem, and the construction manager or company acts as the 'guide' who helps the hero overcome challenges. The script suggests using this framework to identify and solve the client's problems, thereby winning their trust and the project.

💡Macro Level Attack Plan

A macro level attack plan is a high-level strategy that outlines the phases and end dates of a construction project on a single page. The video emphasizes its importance for providing a clear, concise overview of the project's strategy, which is essential for the client to understand the project's direction and the construction manager's approach.

💡Logistics

In the context of construction planning, logistics refers to the practical aspects of a project's execution, such as the placement of cranes, hoists, and access points. The script mentions logistics as a key component of the planning process, where potential problems for the owner are identified and addressed, ensuring smooth project execution.

💡Zones

Zones in construction planning represent different areas or stages of work within a project. The script explains that understanding the number of zones is crucial for determining how to manage project phases effectively, which in turn affects the overall timeline and ability to meet deadlines.

💡3D Model

A 3D model is a three-dimensional representation of a construction project, which can be used for visualization and planning purposes. The video script mentions the importance of having a 3D model to provide a visual canvas for discussing the project's details and to facilitate communication with the client and the design team.

💡Design Phase Support

Supporting the design phase involves working closely with the design team to ensure the project stays within budget and meets the required deadlines. The script discusses the importance of real-time budgeting, scheduling, and constructability reviews during this phase, which are crucial for the project's success.

💡Production Planning

Production planning in construction refers to the coordination and collaboration among all parties involved in the project to ensure efficient execution. The video script highlights the importance of involving last planners, conducting meetings, and using a pull planning system to keep everyone aligned and informed about the project's progress.

💡Scope Planning

Scope planning is the process of detailing the specific work to be done, including quality requirements and materials needed. The script explains that scope planning ties into quality planning and is essential for ensuring that all aspects of the project are well-defined and understood by the trades before they begin their work.

💡Task Specific Planning

Task specific planning is the final level of planning where the foreman prepares for the execution of specific tasks, ensuring they have the necessary resources, training, and preparation. The script emphasizes that this level of planning is contingent upon the successful completion of all other planning types, highlighting its importance in the overall planning process.

💡Quality Meetings

Quality meetings are sessions held to discuss and ensure the quality standards of the construction project. The script mentions the importance of setting up quality meetings as part of the planning process, especially during the startup phase, to ensure that all parties are aware of and committed to maintaining high-quality work.

Highlights

Construction planning involves six types of planning throughout the construction process.

Three habits are essential for long-term success in construction management.

People often forget the importance of starting planning early, even before the project is secured.

Understanding the 'hero's journey' concept is crucial for winning the job through effective proposals and interviews.

The client is the hero, and the construction manager acts as the guide in solving the client's problems.

Identifying and addressing at least three key issues in the proposal and interview can help secure the project.

Creating a macro-level attack plan is essential for a clear and concise project strategy.

Logistics planning, including crane and hoist placement, is critical for project success.

Zoning strategies are key to meeting deadlines and managing project phases.

A 3D model provides a visual aid for understanding project logistics and planning.

Supporting the design team with budgeting, scheduling, and constructability reviews is vital during the design phase.

Starting the project off right with strong planning and preparation is crucial for project success.

Utilizing a detailed schedule and trade partner involvement is important for the 90-day startup phase.

Production planning focuses on collaboration and involves the last planner system for effective project management.

Scope planning ties into quality planning, ensuring detailed schedules and logistics are vetted before construction begins.

Task-specific planning by the foreman is the final step, ensuring all necessary preparations are in place for each task.

All types of planning are interdependent, with task planning relying on the completion of the other five types.

Planning is a fundamental skill for construction managers, emphasized in professional development programs like the Super PM Boot Camp.

Transcripts

What is construction planning? In this video,  we're going to talk about construction planning  

and the purpose of each phase.

So what are the  six types of planning that you'll be involved

with in the construction process? What are the  three habits in the long term that every builder  

or construction manager should have? And what  is the one thing that people typically forget,  

we're going to share all of that right now. So  let's talk about number one planning to win the  

job. And this is key. So even before you have the  project, when you're about to submit a written  

proposal, and go interview, this is not just some  fancy marketing scheme, you are starting to plan  

the job right now. And that's one of the biggest  things that everybody forgets or tends to forget,  

is that you're starting right now, the contractors  that get selected the most for projects,  

if there's as long as there's no politics, or the  ones where the project team has already started to  

work on their project, already started to  plan the project. And the team is already  

integrating in a way that the client likes. So  that is one of the most forgotten things when  

it comes to planning. So when you start to plan  for your written proposal, and your interview,  

you will do the following things. Number  one, you have got to understand that this is  

a hero's journey. And one of my favorite books is  a book called The Story brand. And it talks about  

how your client is the hero who has a problem  and meets a guide. And that guide is you Okay,  

in this proposal, in this interview, this  guide has a solution. And without this guide,  

the hero would have a higher chance of  failing or would fail. But with the guide,  

the hero reaches his or her full potential  and wins and really gets the benefits. And  

whatever it is they set out to do. So that's  the story. So you are not Luke Skywalker,  

you are Yoda your client is Luke Skywalker, your  client is the hero. And so through the proposal in  

the interview phase, it is your job to really dig  deep into their construction project and to say,  

hey, here are some really big red flags. Here are  some problems. I know you want this, but I as your  

guide, can help you to overcome these problems.  So number one, always remember the hero's journey,  

and that when you do the proposal, and when you  do the interview, you've got to dig in and find at  

least three key things that you can bring up, that  will solve their problem. And then they will think  

to themselves, Oh my gosh, I have got to have  this individual, I've got to have this company,  

they're going to help me achieve my goals. Number  two, once you understand the hero's journey,  

and that you are the guide and your client is the  hero, and that you are going to find those three  

problems, you must must must create what's called  a macro level attack plan. On a five day TAC time,  

it won't stay that way throughout the project. But  start on a five day TAC time and really start to  

put the project together so that the strategy can  be seen on one page. I hate hate hate when I see  

contractors, putting at 120 Page CPM schedules  in the proposals, nobody can see anything. All  

it does is say, Hey, I've done a lot of work. And  if the client is ignorant to the whole process,  

they'll go ahead and think that that's a  wonderful thing. But it's not, you want to  

create a macro level tech plan on one page to  where you can see the phases, their end date.  

And you actually have a place to draw and showcase  your three key items. Number three, the logistics,  

right? So this project, you're going to show the  plan view or the 3d model for your logistics,  

where's the crane going to be? Where's the hoist  going to be where has access but mainly and again,  

I'll anchor you back to those three key things,  you're going to find problems that the owner  

would have if they didn't have you. So that will  be clearly articulated. And this also provides a  

canvas where you can showcase those three items.  So looking at logistics, the interface with the  

neighbors, the things that the clients care about  are all wonderful things to put on your logistics  

plan. Number four zones. This is key because  however many zones you have, will determine  

how you can shorten or extend those phases.  So meeting the deadline and creating certainty  

behind how you're going to meet that deadline  is absolutely crucial for your clients and five,  

your 3d model. This provides another canvas, all  you got to do is make sure that you're asking your  

VDC group early enough to where they can get you  the images or the model content that you want. So  

when the when the job phase when you're starting  to plan the project, you really really need to  

have the right visuals, the right schedule, so you  can go find those three key things and dig deep  

and show your hero how you can guide them through  it. Number two, I'm going to mention planning  

inside the design of the project. This is concept  design schematic design, early design development  

right and The big goal here is to help the design  team to stay within budget to identify an overall  

total project duration, with the right general  conditions and general requirements to make sure  

that all of the budgeting and the scheduling  and any constructability that you need to do  

at the time, is real time and you help them form  the concept of that building, the floor plates,  

this shape, and you're really supporting the  designers as fast as you possibly can. Because  

they have a lot to do. Again, you'll use in real  time the macro level attack plan, you'll identify  

the right zoning strategy, you'll continue to  map out your logistics, you will start finalizing  

your overall strategy to pair and align with the  design and how it's going to be built. You'll make  

sure that we're staying on budget, and you'll do  constructability reviews throughout. And one thing  

that I forgot to mention is that obviously,  if you are in the support the design phase,  

you have the project and you've been selected.  So congratulations. Also like a congratulations  

to me, you're here. Thank you so much for being on  this YouTube channel. We love it when you're here,  

please subscribe, please stay with us, we  have great content. And now we're going to  

go into item number three. So the third phase of  planning is you're done winning the job. You've  

been supporting the designers through concept  design, schematic design, design, development,  

and now you're in that DD CD phase at the end  of the pre construction effort. And you really  

want to start the project off, right, this is  my jam, like I love this part. I love getting  

contractors set up with their quality meetings,  getting the buyout log all set up and detailed,  

I love getting permits ready. This is a jam. So  here's some things to remember, when you're doing  

that kind of planning. First, you have to start  out strong. So getting out of the gate strong is  

crucial. You cannot do enough planning, you  cannot do enough preparation, you cannot do  

enough quality meetings, you've got to make sure  that people come out here ready to go because you  

have a string of activities or trades or scopes  that are like one offs or there's maybe two or  

three people on the project. And that's the time  to go fast. When you have 40 or 50 contractors in  

a sequence later on. For the exterior interior,  you have got to hold on to that consistent pace.  

So getting out of the ground strong is crucial.  So here's some things to remember, you're always  

going to plan for your utilities and make sure  that there's nothing in the way that will prevent  

your structure from going up, you will want to  look at permitting and make sure that all of your  

permitting requirements are up and running and  that you're ready and set to go. You will want  

to do a very detailed schedule, preferably  with the trade partners if you have them 90  

Day Startup meaning how are you going to set up  the quality meetings, get everything mobilized  

to site get on site, get your first contractor  started, and get through that first part of the  

project in the DVD and CD phase, this latter part  of pre construction, you will definitely bring in  

the builders hopefully you are the builder with  your trade partners. And you will take your macro  

level tag plan to the norm level tag plant and  have your day by day production schedule based  

on full plans where you can do six week make  ready looking at planning and all of that other  

short interval scheduling. And finally in this  phase, you will, you will complete your fresh  

eyes meeting and your risk review. And you will  make sure that all deliverables for planning are  

finalized and ready to go before you ever break  ground. Number four, the type of planning that  

you will do now is called production planning. The  focus here is collaboration and getting everybody  

to see as a group this will include involving  your last planners in the last planner system  

in your meeting and huddle system with the right  deliverables. So you will be doing pull planning  

for every phase look ahead planning at least  four to six weeks out weekly work planning with  

the trades to map out the next week and day  planning every day before the work. And when  

your trades are set up like that it's absolutely  perfect because then they can go into number five,  

which is scope planning and the scope planning  process ties into and I'll actually link you  

to some of the videos about quality here in the  description below. But quality planning is where  

the general contractor does a really good job with  the trades of two to three weeks beforehand during  

the pre construction meeting. And making sure that  everything is detailed, the schedule is vetted,  

the logistics are vetted materials are coming  submittals are approved. So that any planning  

that's required to permit the crew to start and  to enable them to install it the right way per  

expectations is done. And that brings us to number  six which is the task specific planning that the  

foreman will do so now the foreman has the long  term plan has the quality requirements it has the  

pull plan has already done the Look Ahead has done  the Weekly Work Plan and day planning with you and  

so he or she can fill out pre task plans can make  sure that the quality checklists are with him or  

her and that this individual trains the crew in  a way and prepares the task in a way that it can  

be successful which means that you will have the  right labor you will have my materials, you will  

have permissions, you will have layout you will  have equipment, everything that that individual  

needs to go ahead and lead the crew for the task  specifically. So again, you have the planning that  

is involved with winning the job. The planning  that is involved when you're supporting the  

designers, the planning that enables the project  to start the production planning where you are on  

the short interval with the last planners, the  scope planning that deals with quality and the  

task planning that is 100% in the purview of your  foreman. But I want to leave you with this bit of  

advice you cannot expect the formance will be  successful with task planning until all of the  

other five types of planning are done. That's  why if you have less planners, you will always  

have first planners in the planning process. And  so I just want you to know like as a senior super  

as a PM as a construction manager. Planning is  your main skill. It's your it's the main part  

of the game and we teach that in our super pm boot  camps to elevate construction. You can access that  

and I'll put it in the description below but at  Elevate construction events.com Please come. We  

take you through an actual example. You get to  do all of these types of planning. It's 100%  

fantastic. Again, I'll link you to the description  below and I'll hope to see you there. On we go.