Effective, early project planning leads to improved performance in terms of cost, schedule and operations, balancing the competing needs of a project. Properly planned projects reduce expensive change orders and cost overruns, limit liability and can make or break the success of your project. Consider the Ability to Influence Outcome curve in relationship to the Ability to Influence Cost curve noted below. Fortunately, the ability to influence project outcome occurs most when costs have not yet been committed and there is the ability to change course. Owners should be encouraged to take advantage of the clear benefits of early planning. A good construction manager’s influence on a project’s outcome is similarly greatest at the planning phase. The ability to optimize results starts with an evaluation of all project variables to create a carefully conceived and well-defined construction project plan that incorporates scope and costs and clarifies programmatic and budgetary objectives. The earlier the construction manager is involved the better, as most savings opportunities are identified during the early planning phase of construction projects. Being onboard early allows the construction manager the opportunity to assist the owner in assembling the right professional team at the outset.
