Debunking the Myth: Monitoring Construction Projects from Abroad is Impossible
By Solomon Whyte, Junior Building Technician, MoreCribs
One of the most common misconceptions held by Ghanaians in the diaspora is the belief that it is difficult, if not impossible, to monitor construction projects from abroad. The fear of not being able to keep track of progress, ensure quality, or prevent delays can discourage many from investing in building their dream homes or properties in Ghana. At MoreCribs, we’ve heard these concerns time and again, and we have developed strategies to address this very issue.
The Root of the Myth
This myth stems from several negative experiences. For many in the diaspora, trying to remotely manage a construction project in Ghana may feel like a logistical nightmare. Horror stories about delayed timelines, lack of communication, or even disappearing contractors fuel this anxiety. Family members or friends are often relied upon to monitor construction, but without technical knowledge or oversight, problems such as substandard workmanship or cost overruns are common.
At MoreCribs, we’ve identified these challenges and implemented a series of strategies to provide peace of mind to our clients, no matter where they are in the world.
Our Strategies for Remote Project Management
- Transparent Communication and Regular Updates
At MoreCribs, communication is key. From the moment a project begins, we ensure that our clients are kept in the loop at every stage. We provide weekly progress reports that include detailed updates on completed milestones, current activities, and upcoming tasks. These reports come with photographs and videos that show real-time progress on the ground.
By maintaining open channels of communication, clients abroad can rest assured that they are fully informed about what’s happening on their site, which helps alleviate the feeling of being too far away to control the process.
- Leveraging Technology for Remote Monitoring
Modern technology is a game changer when it comes to managing construction projects remotely. At MoreCribs, we’ve adopted project management software that allows our clients to access their project’s status, timelines, and financials from anywhere. This software provides a dashboard where clients can view daily progress, track expenses, and compare actual progress to the project plan.
Additionally, we conduct live virtual site visits via video conferencing, where clients can interact with the project team, ask questions, and get a firsthand look at the ongoing work. This interactive approach eliminates the traditional barriers of distance and provides a high level of involvement.
- Professional Project Management
MoreCribs understands that remote construction management requires more than just regular updates. It requires professional oversight to ensure that the project meets quality standards and stays on schedule. We have a dedicated team of on-site project managers who oversee daily operations, ensuring that materials are sourced on time, quality control measures are adhered to, and that the construction aligns with the agreed timelines.
For clients in the diaspora, this professional oversight replaces the need for untrained family members or friends to manage projects, ensuring that everything runs smoothly under expert supervision.
- Financial Transparency and Cost Management
One of the key concerns for clients abroad is managing costs. At MoreCribs, we offer transparent budgeting and cost tracking. Our clients receive itemized breakdowns of expenses, and through our project management platform, they can monitor how their funds are being used. This level of financial transparency ensures there are no hidden costs or surprise expenses, which is a major concern for clients trying to build from abroad.
- Quality Assurance
A major part of remote monitoring is ensuring that the quality of work meets expected standards. At MoreCribs, we have a rigorous quality assurance system in place. Our project managers and on-site engineers conduct frequent inspections to verify that the workmanship and materials used are up to code. Clients are provided with detailed reports on these inspections, and any discrepancies are immediately addressed to maintain the integrity of the project.
Success Stories
Through the application of these strategies, MoreCribs has been able to successfully complete several projects for clients abroad, often exceeding their expectations. Our clients have praised the ease of monitoring their projects through our virtual systems, with many expressing how impressed they are with the level of transparency and professionalism we maintain.
By focusing on communication, technology, and quality control, we have been able to not only debunk the myth that managing construction remotely is impossible but also turn it into an advantage. Many of our clients in the diaspora now realize that with the right systems in place, they can build their dream homes or properties in Ghana with confidence and peace of mind.
Conclusion
At MoreCribs, we understand the concerns of our clients in the diaspora, and we have taken proactive steps to ensure that remote construction management is not only possible but also seamless. Through technology, transparent communication, and professional oversight, we have built a system that allows our clients to monitor and control their projects as if they were physically present on-site.
Building in Ghana from abroad is not only achievable but can be done with trust, efficiency, and success. It’s time to put the myth to rest.
