Design to suit the client's needs No matter what size construction company you run, designing is an integral part of providing custom services to the client. This is true whether you build multi-million dollar casinos or remodel kitchens.

I recommend:  Hire designers with experience in the construction industry. Find qualified architects through the American Institute of Architects. For in-house design on a budget, locate user-friendly construction design software.

Streamline estimating accuracy Among your most valuable construction project management tools is the ability to estimate accurately and quickly. When financing is an issue, the lender will require material projections, land acquisition breakdowns, estimated labor expenditures, insurance and construction costs along with feasibility studies.

I recommend:  Hire a construction project management consulting firm when your proposed plan needs a detailed presentation to secure financing. For smaller ventures, draw up a business plan with user-friendly software programs. When estimating costs for a client, compare and purchase construction-estimating programs. Full service construction management companies include Zackry Construction, Turner, Kitchell and Christa.

Follow the construction process carefully Arguably, the greatest financial loss in construction project management occurs during the actual construction process if key control factors are not in place. Safety-related defects and quality control failures translate into financial losses. Among construction management tools, the need to monitor the jobsite and the construction process is high on the list.

I recommend:  Hire a professional construction project manager to monitor the day-to-day building process and enforce safety regulations. Follow the guidelines of the US Department of Labor when training a construction manager. Attend an American Management Association Seminar (AMA) to supplement your construction management skills.