Checklists are an excellent way to oversee various tasks and ensure that nothing is forgotten during implementation. This is primarily true for the construction industry, where falling behind and running over budget is likely possible.
A construction checklist, however, allows project managers to highlight all elements of a project and detail specific activities and phases. You can click here to learn how the pre-construction checklist, for instance, helps streamline processes and boost productivity.
Most construction professionals today use checklists to keep stakeholders in the loop and mitigate risks. This article discusses more reasons for having a construction checklist, so let’s check them out.
9 reasons to have a checklist for
The United States Department of Labor highlights that 20% out of 5,333 workers who were working in the construction industry lost their lives on-site in the past. Construction managers can avoid risks and improve safety by outlining project details. It may include information about items, materials, equipment, or tasks.
We rounded up the top reasons you need one for an efficient workflow.
1.Make personalized and standardized checklists
Everybody prefers customization these days; the case isn’t any different for managers working in the construction industry. Fortunately, a reliable checklist application enables you to prepare and manage personalized checklists.
You can create comprehensive lists and sublists per your preferences. Digital checklists give you the freedom to test various versions and iterate the list to align it with the working site.
It isn’t uncommon for construction workers to double-handle tasks due to a lack of clarity and ambiguity. However, a customized project checklist reduces the chance of double handling, allowing professionals to focus on the project goal. Ultimately, this leads to effective, consistent, and accurate results.
2.Tackle complicated projects
Juggling a notebook with plenty of other items on the construction site only escalates uncertainty. Not only is it challenging to keep track of a writing pad, but it’ll also sacrifice on-site mobility and usability.
On the other hand, a digital checklist lets you handle complicated construction projects without compromising work quality.
3.Use several checklist templates
A notebook for a checklist might seem handy, but once you check the templates of an app, you’ll be exposed to a new world of possibilities.
A reliable checklist application has several in-built checklist templates. This allows you to pick a preferred, easy-to-work-with template and begin your work immediately. The massive number of template libraries helps kick-start your construction project that otherwise felt too complicated in your head.
It keeps you from cluelessly wandering about the upcoming tasks and squandering time and lets you utilize your existing knowledge to the maximum.
4.Enable detailed audits
Nothing is more important than ensuring your team’s safety on the construction site. However, with several other tasks to manage, doing so can be relatively challenging. You must take preventive measures and devise a suitable strategy to maintain your team’s health.
A construction checklist application, fortunately, lets you conduct quick and detailed audits. This draws your attention to crucial issues that otherwise go unnoticed. It helps you apprise stakeholders and the entire team regarding potential risks that may surface during the project.
Eventually, this helps mitigate the emerging issues – otherwise buried within a pile of paper documentation.
5.Collect real-time data
Accessing real-time data is crucial to the success of construction projects. Evaluating and inspecting your ongoing project helps you determine the progress and spot areas of improvement.
A checklist app lets you capture real-time data, allowing you to focus on project quality by checking every facet of your project.
You can save the data in the cloud with a tap and make it accessible to all team members on the go. This feature enables project managers to take appropriate actions before it’s too late.
6.Collaborate easily
Sharing paper checklists with the entire team can get daunting. A checklist application, on the other hand, makes up for hassle-free collaboration.
You can rope in everyone, discuss ideas, and share real-time feedback. The seamless flow of information improves construction workflow and boosts its quality. A few apps also offer unique collaborative features to work together effectively and streamline processes.
7.Reduce paperwork
Digital transformation has scaled down the need for paper for the most part. Even more, several green building projects encourage project managers to reduce their carbon footprint and execute paperless technology.
For instance, the US Green Building Council (USGBC) reports surpassing over 100,000 registered and certified green commercial projects.
In fact, the green building market size is forecasted to hit a whopping $511.2 billion by 2030. So, a digital checklist helps you keep up with the changing trends and stay in line with contemporary construction project practices.
Besides benefiting the environment, using less paper helps organizations boost efficiency. You do not need to monitor the checklist forum daily but rather complete the project inspection without dealing with paperwork.
8.Capture images
Gone are the days of carrying separate digital cameras to capture project photos. Applications make it easier to click real-time images on-site with your smartphone and generate reports on the go.
You no longer need to transfer files from your digital camera and share them with everyone on the team. Instead, the recipients will quickly comprehend what you’re trying to refer to within the images and have hassle-free access to the collected data.
9.Keep records for compliance
Construction sites risk the safety of workers. Therefore, you must meet a few regulations to complete your project without trouble.
The Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OHSA) highlights several laws and regulations related to construction sites. Besides, local authorities might demand a few more.
Keeping track of various details with dozens of other tasks can be challenging. However, checklists allow you to monitor everything timely and meet health, safety, quality, and environmental standards.
Storing checklists on the phone provides a permanent record, unlike traditional paper files, which are less secure. The documents indicate that the crew undertook specific actions in case of a legal matter.
Conclusion
With the digital world transforming at a rapid pace, workers increasingly seek ways to boost productivity and switch to more reliable data collection methods.
Checklists allow you to collaborate with the team more efficiently and manage various construction tasks seamlessly. They are a practical solution and certainly not to be overlooked, given their value to construction projects.
