Project Lifecycle: Demobilizing the Project

Construction is an expensive business to be in. Projects run late all the time, and usually at the cost of the general contractor. Including stakeholders and building the team early in the planning phase can help address potential problems or delays, but certain things, like weather or design errors, often can’t be predicted from the very start of a project.

That is one of the many reasons that construction site demobilization is a crucial part of the project lifecycle. This step is the removal of a company, equipment, and employees from a work site. The good news is that contractors can do more than ship heavy equipment and used or surplus materials back to a holding site.

When thinking about demobilizing some of your biggest assets – equipment and materials – what is the most cost-effective way to handle this task? If the item isn’t a rental, and isn’t traveling with you to the next site, perhaps it’s time to think about selling it off. This can help reduce unnecessary additional handling, plus freight and storage costs. In fact, Eiffel Trading helps companies find buyers for their used and surplus materials, sometimes even before demobilization actually occurs. Learn how buying and selling with works Eiffel Trading.

Keep reading to learn more about the project lifecycle and how a smart demobilization process can both reduce headache and be cost-effective.

Typical Construction Project Lifecycle

1. Conception and Initiation: At this stage, a need has been identified, a feasibility study conducted, and a business case document compiled. If the project is approved, a project initiation document (PID) will be prepared.
2. Planning: This stage of the lifecycle takes the broader scope of the project defined above and narrows it down to a very detailed project management plan, where the design is completed and a roadmap/timeframe and clearly defined goals/KPIs are laid forth. Costs are estimated for labor, materials, and equipment – it is important to factor in mobilization and demobilization costs at this stage to avoid surprises later.
3. Execution: Construction begins, and the project starts to come to life. Teams are assigned, status meetings are scheduled and held, and the project schedule is continually evaluated and updated as needed.
4. Performance/Monitoring: This stage occurs in sync with the execution stage. The project manager tracks costs and progress and compares them against the schedule and goals/KPIs set in the planning stage.
5. Closure: Once all deliverables have been met, closeout can begin. The team evaluates what went well, what could use improvement, and what needs to be changed for similar projects in the future. Site cleanup occurs at this stage, including the removal of workers, utilities, and equipment and material no longer needed. All documentation is handed over to the owner.

Planning the Demobilization

Create a plan for each phase of demobilization. For example, have a plan for cleaning up the site, equipment and material removal, have utilities disconnected, close the project office and vendor accounts, and phase out project staff. Six to 12 months out is a good time to start thinking about how to proceed with demobilization.

We recommend creating a plan for demobilization during the planning stage of the project lifecycle. Consider the following:
Estimate costs: Include both mobilization and demobilization costs in the estimate. Create a timeline for demobilization including expected start date, and a detailed checklist for returning or relocating equipment and materials, as well as assigning these tasks to a team member. Set clear expectations.

1. Estimate costs: Include both mobilization and demobilization costs in the estimate. Create a timeline for demobilization including expected start date, and a detailed checklist for returning or relocating equipment and materials, as well as assigning these tasks to a team member. Set clear expectations.
2. Evaluate equipment: Consider what your used heavy equipment might be worth. Learn how to price your used equipment here.
3. Make a list: What materials is your company keeping as part of its property, and what can be reused or sold? Some of the most popular materials our customers buy are used sheet pile, used H-pile, used barrier wall, and used wide flange beams.
4. Create a listing: Whether you’re six months or six weeks out from demobilization, creating a free listing on our online marketplace for your used equipment or material can help get it off of your hands more quickly. Sellers don’t pay buyers’ or freight fees to Eiffel Trading, so you can be sure you’re getting the highest return on your time and investment.

We regularly help customers list used equipment and material before for sale the before end of a project. Users can create a listing in our online marketplace for material or equipment based on an estimated availability date. ?lick here to read how Eiffel Trading helped Tappan Zee Constructors (TZC) save money on their demobilization costs (and increase the salvage value) of 860,000 pounds of sheet pile by connecting them with a buyer who needed the sheet pile TZC no longer had use for. And that’s just one example – we helped many customers list and find buyers for their used sheet pile or used steel beams before they’ve even left the ground.

Get Started Selling Today

Eiffel Trading never charges sellers a fee to list, and never charges sellers a commission fee. Our dedicated and experienced team is available to help buyers and sellers connect, negotiations, free freight quotes, and more. Let us help you every step of the way.

All of our listings are constantly being updated, but if you don’t see what you’re looking for, create a wanted listing for free.

Ready to sell your used heavy equipment or construction material? List your products today for free on Eiffel Trading’s online marketplace.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please call us at 1-800-541-7998 or email sales@eiffeltrading.com.