5 Tips to Close Out Projects

Closing out a construction project is one of the most important aspects of a job. Taking the entire construction process, winding it down, and gathering all the information and documents needed for closeout can have its challenges. This seems especially true for larger projects.
November 5, 2019 | Contractor
By: John L.
I bring over 35 years of experience in the construction industry in both field and office positions to Acuity including carpentry, welding, project management, contract negotiation, and much more. Also, I founded my own commercial general contracting firm specializing in building grocery stores. Over the years I’ve worked closely with architects, civil engineers, and developers. I’ve found it instrumental to build solid relationships with all involved in the construction project, including insurance companies. This is why I am here, I want to help you the contractor better understand insurance and help Acuity to offer products and services that meet your unique needs. I feel a close connection to construction and with my background I feel that I can make sure contractors have a better insurance experience.

I recently wrote an article on “What to Do to Properly Close out a Project,” which touched on the punch list phase and listed some examples of closeout documents.

 

Closing out a construction project is one of the most important aspects of a job. Taking the entire construction process, winding it down, and gathering all the information and documents needed for closeout can have its challenges. This seems especially true for larger projects. 

 

Listed below are 5 tips that will help you with the administrative tasks of closing out a project.  

 

  1. Start early. Don’t wait until the end of the job to start your closeout procedure. Compiling the proper documents should be an ongoing process throughout construction. Reminding your subcontractors what is expected and the documentation required at the beginning of the job can help move the process along and minimize delay of final payment.
  2. Create a timeline for closeout activities. In addition to start and completion dates, this document can include information such as clarifying cleanup efforts, closeout actions and the people responsible, completion dates of any testing, and reminder of any tools or equipment that need to be returned. Critical action items needing execution on specific dates should be clearly stated in this document.
  3. Train everyone on the mindset of winding down a project. Removing scaffolding, unneeded materials, and equipment soon after use can help everyone visualize project completion. Providing resources such as dumpsters and brooms should encourage everyone to clean up after themselves.
  4. Assign an employee to monitor the closeout process. This individual must have a good understanding of how the company operates and the ability to communicate well with the field and office. Having the authority to discuss and uncover challenges with foremen, superintendents, and project managers is important. This individual can help make sure the project is completed and invoices are sent out on time. 
  5. Find a digital solution for document storage and organization. A communication strategy that includes a simple digital solution for storing paper and digital files can get everyone on the same page and standardize your closeout deliverables. This can help with document storage and organization. Working toward developing an easy-to-use digital platform can create a path for smarter closeouts.

 

Keeping the same energy from project start to completion is key. From my own experience, closing out a project as soon as possible helps eliminate stress and pressure while allowing you to focus your energy and resources on the projects at hand.

By: John L.
I bring over 35 years of experience in the construction industry in both field and office positions to Acuity including carpentry, welding, project management, contract negotiation, and much more. Also, I founded my own commercial general contracting firm specializing in building grocery stores. Over the years I’ve worked closely with architects, civil engineers, and developers. I’ve found it instrumental to build solid relationships with all involved in the construction project, including insurance companies. This is why I am here, I want to help you the contractor better understand insurance and help Acuity to offer products and services that meet your unique needs. I feel a close connection to construction and with my background I feel that I can make sure contractors have a better insurance experience.