What is a construction management plan
Construction management plan (CMP) explained, what is it used for and what information should contain
The construction management process is certainly a delicate and complex activity. Mostly because a series of variables and unforeseen events come into play often making an uncertain workflow even less predictable. Fortunately, today technicians have a series of online tools and cloud platforms particularly useful to facilitate construction management planning.
In particular, these tools allow you to efficiently manage all problems that may arise in the various phases of the construction process. Therefore facilitating compliance with time and budget, while also ensuring not only the quality of the final product but also customers and working teams satisfaction. If you need to streamline your work activities and organizing them more efficiently, you absolutely need to try a construction management software.
Read this article to find out how to build a construction management plan and which project information can not be missing.

How to manage a construction site with a construction management software
What is a Construction Management Plan
A construction management plan (commonly referred to as a CMP) is a document with detailed technical information inclusive of the project’s goals and objectives, deliverables, features, financials, tasks, and deadlines and acts as a key information document for the project team, statutory authorities and other stakeholders.
A CMP presentation is becoming an increasingly common requirement, especially in countries such as the UK, where CMP is now an integral part of project documentation.
A typical CMP must contain an overview of the construction works with their likely impact on the surrounding environment, taking into account the work time schedule, logistics and traffic management. As well as health and safety of workers or beneficiaries within the area of intervention. A CMP can have many facets trying to cover all variables in relation to the project (even the least predictable ones).
In order to draw up a good construction management plan, it is advisable to explain all the building’s indispensable issues in depth, including not only the knowledge of the property itself but also of its surrounding environment. It is important to visualize the future construction framing it correctly in its context. A construction management plan’s main intent is to connect all the project “dots”. Thus ensuring its delivering on time and within estimated budget. This is why it is crucial to implement a CMP plan already at the initial stage of the project. The complexity of a construction management plan is directly proportional to the size and nature of the building project. In all cases, however, it is appropriate to include the following aspects:
- public safety and security in the construction site;
- scheduled times and deadlines;
- construction methodology and programme;
- devices and controls designed to reduce noise and vibration risen from works;
- air quality, dust, rainwater and drainage management, etc.
- site waste management and materials reuse;
- traffic management, including access routes to and from the construction site;
- site-specific details, particularly those requiring a detailed assessment, such as a list of area users (adjacent owners, etc.);
It is important to keep in mind that all these elements are addressed in a CMP, but they will be adapted and modified according to project and customer’s requirements.
To learn more, read also: What is construction management?“.
Documents included in a construction management plan
A construction management plan consists of many documents. Here are the 5 documents that are essential:
- WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) – a document that divides the entire work activity (relating to a single project) into sections. This division serves to simplify the workflow and to analyze the results of individual activities in a unique way;
- graphic documentation (renderings, floor plans, etc.) – these are project documents that represent the work to be realized. Moreover these documents can be shared with different parties (architectural studio, client, construction company, etc.) including project renderings, construction specifications, floor plants, sections, prospectuses, etc.;
- project characteristics – full list of all project technical characteristics, including objectives, deadlines, costs and functions. It can also be used to explain certain solution advantages. Hence presenting the overall purpose of a project as a whole;
- risk management plans – main content of this document are both: risk assessment and ways in which you intend to resolve them;
- communication plan – defines the project objectives (long and short term) and identifies methods to be used efficiently. Therefore providing all the information to the different parties involved (company, users and users of the area of interest, company, subcontractors, other professionals, suppliers, etc.).
Construction management plan template
To speed up your construction management plan drafting, here is a template that can be useful for your work.
A CMP template should contain the following information:
- project details;
- operational data and details of the undertaking;
- names of directors;
- name of the undertaking;
- company address;
- telephone number;
- etc.
- contact details of those responsible for CMP compliance;
- name;
- contacts;
- construction site manager;
- name;
- contacts;
- construction works;
- demolitions;
- excavations,
- new buildings;
- noise reduction;
- associated with machinery;
- associated with voices, workers, radio, etc.
- construction hours (work schedule);
- dust in the air;
- rainwater;
- removal of hazardous materials;
- assets subject to constraints or protection;
- construction waste on public land;
- traffic management;
- roads closure, alternating lanes, etc.;
- parking spaces for cars and vehicles;
- handling of heavy vehicles;
- etc.
Build your own custom CMP from this basic template and manage your workflows with a construction management software.