A brief guide to the importance of communication in achieving great outcomes for construction projects

1. The mark of Great construction

2.  We’ve all seen examples of bad construction
 LATE
 OVER BUDGET
 SHODDY

4.  Good construction delivers what the client
wants
 On time
 On budget
 Meets expectations

5.  Great Construction delivers what the client
wants AND what they never realised they
needed.
 Under budget
 Early
 Exceeds expectations

6.  Things don’t always go to plan. We know this.
 Costs overrun
 Issues crop up
 Need we mention the weather?

7.  What makes “Good” “Great” is the ability to
manage the issues to still deliver the best
possible project.

8.  Get your ducks in a row before starting
.
Picture courtesy of Dawn Huczek
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Get_all_your_ducks_in_a_row_AND_in_step_(4326206563).jpg?uselang=en-gb

9. We all know the saying
“Proper Preparation Prevents Poor
Performance”
but how many of us really follow it?

10. The key is collaboration and
communication
A clear coordination policy is the
foundation of any Great project

11.  Every great project starts with clear
communication:
 Get everyone involved
 Set a clear coordination plan

12. Set an agenda and stick to it
As obvious as it sounds how many times have
you sat through a meeting which got derailed
in the first five minutes?
How much did it achieve?

13.  Make sure everyone is on the same
page
 Signpost points, come back to them
and reiterate in a different way to
ensure everyone understands
 Does everyone know theirs and
others responsibilities?
 Is there a clear programme of works?

14.  Address issues before they arise
 Are there any difficult to obtain
supplies which need to be sourced?
 What are the potential issues on site?
 What is the chain of communication
if the need arises?

15.  Keep everyone in the loop
 Do the subcontractors know who has
finished what and when they can
start on their part of the project?
 Do the suppliers know when to arrive
at site?
 Does the client know how their
project is progressing?

16.  At the end of the day Great construction comes
down to effective collaboration and
communication.
 Before the first set up is done get your ducks in a
row
 Picture courtesy of Tomas Castelazo https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ducks_in_a_row.jpg?uselang=en-gb

17. Melhuish and Saunders has built up an excellent reputation as a
high quality building contractor since it was established in
1923.
Based in Glastonbury, Somerset, we complete numerous
projects each year in the South West of England. Operating in a
60 mile radius of our head office allows us to complete
contracts in Somerset, Devon, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire and
Dorset, however, projects further afield will always be given
consideration.
Our extensive experience in the industry, coupled with our
dedicated team of professionals ensures that we are able to
undertake all types of construction work from minor to major
projects, to a value in excess of £4.5 million
We have had and continue to have repeat business from a
number of clients following the successful completion of
projects undertaken.