The 6 phases of construction project management (CPM)

It’s hard to think of an industry with more moving pieces and active stakeholders than the construction industry. From materials to suppliers, keeping your construction project in order, on time, and on budget is a task unto itself. 

Luckily, that’s where construction project management (CPM) comes in. With effective CPM, you can track your work, your team members, and your deliverables in one easy place. While CPM won’t help your project build itself, it will help you bring cross-team clarity so you can work more efficiently and effectively as a team.

What is construction project management (CPM)?

Construction project management (CPM) is the process of managing, regulating, and supervising construction processes. CPM can vary from a single project to managing an entire construction management company. Either way, CPM can help your team plan your project work during the pre-construction phase, track deliverables during the construction phase, evaluate project delivery, and close out at the end of the initiative. 

Construction project management is deadline driven. These projects always begin with a planning phase and always have a defined deliverable at the end of the project life cycle. And though there are a variety of construction-specific needs, many elements of the project life cycle are similar to general project management.

What makes project management for construction projects so challenging?

In CPM, it’s particularly important to pay attention to project constraints and safety details. A construction project has many similarities and a few key differences to a more traditional project you might have worked on. 

For one thing, construction projects often have a wide variety of stakeholders who need to work together closely but cross-functionally. This includes:

• The project owner

• The project supervisor

• The client

• Construction project managers

• Engineers

• Architects

• Designers

• General contractors

• Subcontractors

• City planners

• Civil engineers

• Public workers

Construction-specific project needs

As you can imagine, construction projects have specific needs that are unique to this type of workflow. As you begin thinking about CPM, make sure you have a way to manage:

• Vendor management

• Budget tracking

• Cost estimation

• Change orders

• Project schedules

• Daily, weekly, and monthly inspection logs

• Bidding processes and contract negotiations

• Quality control

• Safety management

• Job site monitoring

General project management needs

At its core, every construction project is just that—a project. While you shouldn’t neglect any of the construction elements of CPM, make sure you’re also following project management best practices. 

You can do this by:

• Running a feasibility study before beginning the project.

• Following every step in the project initiation phase to make sure your team is prepared for success.

• Setting up a proactive risk management process, like a risk register.

• Creating a work breakdown structure (WBS) to capture all of your project deliverables and sub-deliverables.

• Using the critical path method to identify the best timeline for the project.

• Following cost management best practices both before and during the project.

• Effectively communicating with your project team and stakeholders.

• Following resource management best practices.

• Defining clear workflows in a centralized source of information.

7 types of construction project management

Managing a construction project is no small feat—it’s like conducting an orchestra where every player has to hit their note at just the right moment.

With so many moving parts, the delivery method you choose can make or break your success. The right CPM method can help you juggle tight project schedules, lead teams through the stages of construction with confidence, and stick to your project budget without losing sleep.

Below, we’ve broken down the most effective approaches to project management in construction to help you choose the one that aligns best with your goals.

1. Traditional project management

This is the tried-and-true method most commonly used in the construction industry. Here’s how it works: the project owner hires a designer to draft construction plans, and then a general contractor comes in to bring them to life.

While it’s a familiar process, it can sometimes create silos between the design and execution teams, leading to delays or costly change orders during the construction phase.

2. Design-build project management

Why split design and construction between two teams when one can do it all? That’s the premise of design-building project management.

This approach assigns a single entity to manage both aspects of the construction process, cutting down on miscommunication and wasted time. For construction teams looking for faster project delivery, this CPM method improves workflows and keeps things on schedule.

3. Construction management at risk (CMAR)

CMAR gives you a construction manager who guarantees the project won’t exceed a maximum cost. With early involvement in the preconstruction phase, this method combines cost management and risk management to keep surprises—and budget overruns—to a minimum. It’s a reliable choice for project owners who need more financial predictability.

4. Integrated project delivery (IPD)

Think teamwork makes the dream work? That’s IPD in a nutshell. This approach brings all stakeholders—from the general contractor to the designers and subcontractors—together from the start. By aligning goals and sharing risks, IPD fosters innovation, reduces waste, and keeps project schedules on track.

5. Lean construction management

Want to do more with less? Lean construction focuses on maximizing value while minimizing waste. Inspired by Lean manufacturing principles, this CPM method drives efficiency through improved workflows, real-time decision-making, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

6. Agile construction management

Borrowed from the tech world, Agile divides the construction process into smaller, manageable chunks. This makes it easier to adapt to changes or tackle complex construction activities. If your construction contract demands flexibility, Agile could be the answer.

7. Owner-builder project management

For those who like to roll up their sleeves, owner-builder project management puts the project owner in the driver’s seat. From managing the job site to coordinating subcontractors, you’re in charge.

While it’s cost-effective, this CPM approach requires an extensive knowledge of building codes, permits, and project management for construction projects.

The 6 stages of construction project management

In general, every construction project follows six key stages. Each phase plays a key role in ensuring efficient project delivery and successful outcomes.

From setting clear goals to wrapping up with a detailed project closeout, here’s a step-by-step guide to navigating the stages of construction project management like a pro.

Stage 1. Initiation: Laying the groundwork for success

Every successful construction project begins with a solid foundation—literally and figuratively. The initiation phase, sometimes called the conception phase, is where your team collaborates with the project owner to define their needs and how you’ll meet them.

This phase might include running a feasibility study or creating a detailed business case to confirm the project is viable. Even without formal documentation, incorporating construction plans and early design sketches ensures you and your client are on the same page. Setting clear goals upfront is crucial for success in all later phases.

Stage 2. Pre-construction: Setting the stage with detailed planning

Once the details are finalized and the construction contract is signed, it’s time to move into the preconstruction phase. Here, you assemble your construction team, including general contractors and subcontractors, and start refining your workflows.

This phase is vital for identifying potential risks, clarifying project milestones, and establishing how you’ll handle cost management, risk management, resource allocation, and communication.

Use tools like a Gantt chart to visually map out the critical path and ensure every team member is on the same page. A well-prepared pre-construction phase sets the tone for successful project execution.

Stage 3. Execution: Bringing the project to life

The execution phase is where your construction activities come to life. During this stage, your team members and general contractors work together to build the project according to the approved construction plans.

Consistent communication is key here. Poor communication is one of the leading causes of construction project delays, so establish clear processes for sharing updates with stakeholders and keeping everyone informed.

Using project management software like Asana ensures real-time progress tracking and simplifies the sharing of project updates across all construction professionals involved.

Stage 4. Commissioning: Ensuring the final product is flawless

When the physical work is complete, it’s time to test and fine-tune the results. The commissioning stage of construction project management includes three main steps:

• Conduct a final walkthrough: Check every detail of the finished product and compile a punch list to document any last-minute fixes.

• Present the deliverables: Walk the client through the finished building, allowing them to inspect the construction site and test key systems. Address any issues they identify quickly.

• Train the client: Ensure the client knows how to operate and maintain critical systems, such as plumbing, electrical setups, or integrated software.

A well-organized commissioning phase ensures the project meets quality standards and leaves the client satisfied.

Stage 5. Occupancy and warranty: Supporting the handoff

In this phase, the client officially moves into the building. While your on-site work may be complete, your responsibilities could continue based on your construction contract and warranty agreements.

There are two common types of warranties:

• Contractual warranties, which are agreed upon in the project terms.

• Implied warranties, governed by local or federal laws.

Work with your legal team to clarify the warranty period and expectations. Providing responsive support during this stage builds trust and leaves a lasting impression on the project owner.

Stage 6. Closure: Wrapping up and reflecting

When the warranty period ends, the construction project life cycle officially comes to a close. But before you move on, take time to conduct a post-mortem meeting with your team. Review what went well, what could improve, and catalog all lessons learned in a centralized system.

By reflecting on past construction activities, you’ll have a head start on the next project. A thorough closeout phase ensures you’re not only closing the project but also setting up your team for even greater success in the future.

How to manage construction projects effectively

Managing a construction project is a high-stakes balancing act, requiring sharp instincts, strong leadership, and the ability to adapt on the fly. Whether you’re coordinating on-site operations, handling procurement, or ensuring everything meets building codes, these construction management steps can help you stay in control and deliver outstanding results.

1. Define objectives and plan

Every successful project starts with clear goals. What are you building? What’s your timeline? How much can you spend? Answer these questions first, then break the work into a work breakdown structure (WBS) that lays out every task and responsibility. Solid planning in the preconstruction phase sets the tone for the entire project life cycle.

2. Assemble the right construction team

Your team can make or break your project. Bring in construction professionals with the right certifications, specialized skills, and years of experience. Whether you’re hiring general contractors or subcontractors, make sure you’re building a team you can count on.

3. Use project management tools

No one can keep track of everything manually. That’s where project management software comes in. Tools like Asana help you organize construction activities, manage cost estimates, and track project schedules in real time, keeping your job site running smoothly.

4. Monitor progress and adapt

Keep an eye on milestones and the critical path to make sure everything stays on schedule. But don’t be afraid to adapt. Whether it’s delays, change orders, or resource issues, a flexible mindset can keep your entire project moving forward.

5. Communicate consistently

Good communication isn’t just helpful—it’s essential. Regular updates, meetings, and reports keep everyone, from stakeholders to team members, on the same page. Clarity now avoids confusion later.

6. Manage risks and quality

Identify potential risks before they become real problems. A strong risk management plan and attention to quality control can prevent safety issues and keep the job site running smoothly, all while meeting building codes and other requirements.

7. Prepare for project closeout

The end is just as important as the beginning. Finalize the punch list, secure all necessary approvals, and ensure the space is ready for occupancy. A smooth closeout process ensures a happy project owner and sets the stage for your next big win.

Tools you need to run a successful construction project

Now that you understand the six phases of construction project management, you need to execute on those phases. That’s where construction project management software comes in. 

What is construction project management software? 

At its core, construction project management software is the backbone of a successful project. These tools empower construction professionals to plan, coordinate, and execute their work seamlessly, ensuring projects stay on schedule and within budget.

From managing construction activities to tracking project milestones, the right software keeps every moving piece of the construction process aligned. Whether you’re navigating tight deadlines or coordinating with subcontractors, these tools provide the clarity and control needed to keep your construction teams working efficiently—on-site and in the office.

Traditional tools vs. modern tools

• Traditional tools: Often built specifically for the construction industry, these solutions can include highly technical features tailored for experienced project managers. However, they tend to be harder to learn and require dedicated management to use effectively.

• Modern tools: Flexible, user-friendly solutions designed for teams of all skill levels. These modern construction project management tools help teams collaborate, track progress in real-time, and adapt to changes without extensive training.

How to choose the best construction project management software

In CPM, deadlines are of utmost importance. Missing a deadline has a cascading effect and can delay the entire project completion schedule.

If your team doesn’t know who’s doing what by when and who’s responsible for the work being done, deadlines are much more likely to fall through the cracks. In fact, according to our research, teams miss 26% of deadlines each week.

Regardless of whether you use traditional or modern tools, ensure your construction project management software includes these must-have features:

• Critical path visualization: Identify and monitor the longest sequence of tasks that must be completed on time for the entire project to stay on track. This feature helps you prioritize high-impact tasks and avoid cascading delays.

• Deadline tracking: Set and manage clear, actionable deadlines to avoid delays in your critical path.

• Timeline visualization: Use tools like Gantt charts to map out project milestones, dependencies, and schedules for better clarity.

• Resource management: Coordinate workloads across team members to avoid overbooking and ensure smooth execution on complex construction projects.

• Centralized communication: Keep all project updates, files, and decisions in one place to streamline collaboration with stakeholders and subcontractors.

• Budget tracking: Monitor costs in real-time to prevent overspending and keep your project budget on track.

• Mobile access: Look for a tool with a really good mobile app that allows you to update your work in real-time. That way, everyone—in the office and on the job site—are on the same page.

• Templates and workflows: Standardize processes with customizable templates to save time and improve consistency.

Better construction project management with Asana

Construction management is a high-intensity field, and you need a way to keep up with all of the changing plans and unexpected changes. There are construction project management tools out there, but that’s not what we focus on. Asana is a work management platform—which means we think about processes, not just projects. 

With Asana, you can plan and execute any project. From centralized decision making to streamlined information sharing, Asana is an all-in-one tool to help your team get their best work done and hit their goals.

FAQs about project management in construction projects