More than 60% of construction projects result in delays or cancelations in the US. While the owners of the property put up with 30% of the total project cost as an added expense, contractors aren’t spared from damages.
When projects face delays, it’s disheartening and costly for most contractors. However, even though some delays are inevitable, others can be prevented.
Here are six measures you can take to prevent delays:
1. Providing Accurate Estimates
One of the greatest reasons for construction delays is budget inaccuracy while always comes back to bite you as a contractor. Without the right funding, you can’t afford the material needed or pay your crew either.
To avoid delays due to budget issues, always do thorough research when creating a budget, and it’s best to state a little over since you can always return the extra without any problems.
2. Avoid Material Wastage
Apart from having the resources to complete the job, it’s important to use the material efficiently too. Some crew members can cause quite a waste of materials, which leads to unnecessary expenses and exceeding budget.
3. Effective Communication
Some delays are often a result of information lost during conversations. That’s why it’s best to communicate effectively when discussing matters with the members in the field, office, and the customer itself.
It’s best to establish a communication structure that allows organized and scheduled discussions while noting important information.
4. Review Designs
Often, there are errors in the plan’s design or the project itself, which aren’t visible until it is executed. Even if the error was minor, the efforts required to correct it could be drastic and costly.
The best practice is to make you review the design thoroughly and check for any errors that could have taken place, such as the specifications or the dimensions.
5. Streamline Approvals
Waiting for approvals leads to quite a waste of time as your crew is on hold until the previous tasks are approved. However, a more efficient process can be to streamline your approvals beforehand so that by the time the task is completed, the approval is made, and the crew can continue to the next task.
Plus, make sure you’re providing the reviewers with a strict deadline to avoid delays and snoozing from their end. A single day of delay can cost you a lot.
6. Clarify Project Scope
Homeowners can be indecisive. Initially, they would be sure about the design chosen for the project, but they’d pop up with unexpected scope changes down the road.
While these changes aren’t in your control, it’s best to walk the owner through the project before your team starts working to help them get a clear vision of the project scope. But even if there are changes required, propose realistic timelines to ensure you’re not burdened with the tasks.
Already Amidst a Delay? We Can Help!
While these are great ideas to prevent delays from occurring, these can’t be of much help if you’re already stuck in one. However, we can help you.
HPM Consultants excel at handling construction delay claims, whether you’re a contractor or the homeowner. Our team consists of Construction Expert Witness Bay Area who understand the nitty-gritties associated with these claims and provide assistance to reach a fair outcome.
Visit our website to get in touch with us today!