Commercial construction is challenging and risky. Contractors are expected to finish the work on time, on budget, and with the highest quality. No matter how well you prepare, problems are inevitable. Even the most experienced general contractors encounter problems from time to time. However, thanks to the extensive commercial contractor training and experience required to obtain licensure, many of these problems can be identified and resolved before becoming too costly or time-consuming to correct. Here are some common problems commercial contractors face and potential solutions to help you avoid these issues on your next project.
Inadequate Project Scope
A project’s scope is its definition and boundaries. If the scope of the project is not clear to all involved parties, there is a good chance that misunderstandings and miscommunications will creep in. This could lead to added costs and delays for the project as a whole. This problem can be caused by a number of factors. Perhaps the owner did not have enough experience to understand what was truly necessary for the project. Perhaps the architect failed to communicate his or her intent and expectations. Perhaps the contractor did not fully understand what was expected of him or her.No matter which party is responsible for this issue, it must be resolved quickly so that the scope of the project is clear and everyone can focus on their jobs without worrying about miscommunication.
Inadequate Planning and Risk Management
Risk management is the process of identifying potential hazards, risks, and concerns and planning accordingly. A project’s risk management plan should include a thorough analysis of all factors that could potentially impact the project’s timeline, budget, quality, and safety. If a project owner fails to consider all the potential risks and take appropriate action, his or her project could be delayed, over budget, or fail to meet quality standards.When the project is large and complex, it may be difficult to identify every potential risk and create a comprehensive risk management plan. In this scenario, a general contractor might find himself or herself overwhelmed and unable to meet the project’s deadlines. To avoid this issue, the owner should hire a project manager who has experience in risk management and can assist the contractor in creating a thorough and complete risk management strategy.
Inadequate Cost and Bill of Quantities
The cost and B/oQ is a detailed breakdown of the materials and labor needed to complete the project and the estimated costs and quantities associated with each. The B/oQ is an essential tool for managing the project and tracking expenses throughout the project. If the B/oQ is not accurate, the contractor could spend too much or too little money on certain materials or tasks. This could result in added costs and delays for the project as a whole. The B/oQ should be updated regularly throughout the project to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.
Inadequate Quality Control and Management
Quality control is the process of verifying the quality of work performed on the project. The contractor should implement a quality control plan and use various inspection tools and procedures to ensure that every aspect of the project is of the highest quality. If the contractor fails to implement a quality control plan, the project could be lower quality than intended. If the contractor skimps on spending for quality control, the project could suffer from a lack of quality.
Wrong Size of Contract
If the contractor’s bid for the project is too low, he or she might be tempted to skimp on quality or rush the project to finish it on time. If the contractor’s bid is too high, he or she might be tempted to spend too much money on the project. If the owner is unable or unwilling to pay a fair price for the project, the contractor might be forced to accept less than what he or she is truly worth.To avoid this issue, the contractor should ensure that the project’s scope, materials, and expected finish are accurately specified in the contract so that the owner knows exactly what to expect and how much the project should cost. Contractors can protect themselves from this issue by conducting a thorough and accurate cost estimate at the start of the project. If the contractor’s estimated cost is higher than the project’s budget, he or she may want to consider adjusting the scope of the project.
Lack of Communication During Construction
In addition to the problems listed above, commercial contractors often face communication issues throughout the project. If the owner and the architect are not in constant communication with the contractor, misunderstandings, miscommunications, and delays could creep up on the project. If the contractor and the architect are not in constant communication, the owner might not receive accurate and timely information regarding the project.To avoid this issue, the contractor should create a project communication plan that outlines how and when the contractor will communicate with the owner, architect, and other project stakeholders.
Conclusion
The construction industry is challenging and risky. Commercial contractors face many challenges on a daily basis, but thanks to the extensive commercial contractor training and experience required to obtain commercial contractor licensure, many of these problems can be identified and resolved before becoming too costly or time-consuming to correct. Here are some common problems commercial contractors face and potential solutions to help you avoid these issues on your next project.