There are two types of people in this world. Those who make “to-do” lists – and those who rely on them! Which one are you?
Knowing what to expect helps you prepare. Being prepared empowers you to be present. Like going on vacation. If you thought through everything you need and double-checked your luggage, you’ll be far better positioned to enjoy the ride.
Of course, you don’t have to plan the life out of everything you engage in. Spontaneity has its place. But you don’t want to walk into your life’s biggest moments with a blindfold on.
Taking on a construction project is a defining moment in an organization’s life. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most people. While passionate, the leaders, key stakeholders, and invested members may not know where to begin when drafting a “to-do” list.
We do.
Our team has been helping churches, schools, and other organizations take their building projects from conception to completion. We see more than 45 projects cross the finish line – annually. Let our experience shine some light on the overlooked construction priorities so you can maximize this moment.
Top 5 Overlooked Priorities of a Construction Project
Have you ever found yourself saying, “I wish I knew then what I know now?” Me too. That’s why I want you to know what we’ve learned about a construction project’s top five overlooked aspects!
1. Emotions Matter in Construction Projects
Building buildings is about more than nuts and bolts. Ultimately, it’s about people. Communities. Future generations. If you focus all of your energy on the bottom line, timelines, and deadlines – you’ll miss what’s most important.
Your construction project impacts everyone who is, has been, or will be involved in your organization. A new building may attract staff if you’re in the education space. However, it may also cause former staff to feel a sense of loss as the classroom they served in will no longer be utilized.
Or perhaps you’re considering taking on a church construction project. Almost everyone involved will wonder if you should spend the money on a building when your community has so many unmet needs.
So many different emotions will run through your organization. Multiple people will feel different emotions at the same time. One person will be excited, while another will be anxious. That’s ok. It’s normal.
Don’t try to talk people into or out of a feeling. Walk with them. Caring well for your team is one of the most important – and commonly overlooked – construction priorities.
2. Momentum is a Priority for a Construction Project
Construction projects are an absolute gold mine of momentum-building, memory-making moments. You don’t have to wait until the building is completed before inviting people to engage in the process.
Here are a few momentum builders you can consider implementing.
- Host tours for the community, staff, and others
- Invite people to write prayers on rocks that will be placed within the building’s foundation
- Throw a groundbreaking party
St. Marcus North Campus Groundbreaking Event in Milwaukee
Implementing momentum-building events like these raises awareness, increases engagement, and enhances excitement. It’s not uncommon to see an uptick in funding and volunteering after people have been invited to engage in the process.
The memories built during the construction process can be magical. Handprints in the concrete, prayers buried in the foundation, pictures taken throughout the construction process – don’t miss them. These moments won’t return.
3. Orchestration Must be a Priority in a Construction Project
Before Marvel introduced the world to “post-credit scenes,” few people would sit through a movie’s credits. The credits for the 2013 Ironman movie included over 3,700 people! Unless you’re involved in creating films, you have no idea how much orchestration is required to create one.
The same is true for a construction project.
Sometimes, people think a construction project is just a bigger version of building a shed. It’s not. Many more people must be involved. Construction projects are massive undertakings, from coordinating volunteers and contractors to communicating with civic authorities and neighbors.
And that’s just the logistics! Remember, emotions matter. If they are not appropriately involved, people can feel overlooked or minimized as decisions are made or progress unfolds.
How can you ensure that people are cared for and the project is efficiently coordinated? You need to have a healthy leadership structure and a strategic communication plan.
It took all 3,700 people to get Ironman into theaters. It will take all hands on deck to get your construction project to the finish line. Don’t overlook the importance of having the right people communicating the right information at the right time.
4. Humility is a Crucial Construction Priority
One common mistake in construction projects is valuing competency over character, especially at the leadership level.
Many organizational leaders think they need to find people within their organization with expertise in construction when embarking on a construction project.
Particular knowledge and experience can be helpful. But it’s far more important to have humble, spiritually mature, trust-worthy people making and communicating decisions that will impact everyone.
You don’t need a team of construction experts from within your organization to complete a successful construction project. You do need high-character people who fully buy into your vision and mission.
An experienced construction company can provide the guidance and expertise you need to get your construction project to the finish line.
5. Everyone Involved in a Construction Project Must be Prioritized
When it comes to construction projects, opportunities abound for people to engage. Now, only skilled laborers should use power tools! However, many other aspects of the project can and should be enjoyed by all.
A construction project is something most people have never been a part of – or will be a part of again. Make it special. Make it peaceful. Make it last.
While building a new building can be exciting, it can also be stressful. The two most common stressors people feel are finances and timelines. When leaders are stressed over those issues, it’s hard to infuse the team with excitement or confidence.
This is one of the key reasons you need a guide on your side. But not just an expert in construction – you need an expert who understands your unique industry and cares about your community.
We have people on our team who have sat in your seat. Our leadership comprises people who have served in churches, senior living facilities, schools, and more. Our aim is greater than building an impressive portfolio. We’re partnering with people like you – to build communities.
This is why we offer a two-year warranty—double the industry standard. We’ll stay involved in your project as long as you want! Our bids include comprehensive, transparent pricing so you won’t be unpleasantly surprised.
Further, we offer several free services that other construction companies will charge for. Why? Because we believe that everyone matters. We want you to have the confidence and peace of mind to lead your team to maximize this once-in-a-lifetime moment.
We would be honored to guide you in developing healthy priorities for your construction project.
Get the Guidance You Need to Get the Most out of Your Construction Project
Let’s go back to our original question. Are you a list maker? If so, then you know that this list is just the tip of the iceberg! Now, if you’re the type of person who relies on the list makers – we’ve got you.
When you’re ready, our team of friendly experts is ready to guide you.
Reach out today for a free consultation, and let us help you start building your dreams!
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