Every construction project is subject to delays, whether you encounter them as a general contractor or as an architect or engineer hired to design a project. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize the risk of delays and keep projects moving forward. Working with your client from the beginning to understand their needs, keeping project scope manageable, hiring competent workers, and planning ahead with careful scheduling are all ways to avoid construction delays. To learn more about how to avoid construction delays, read more below!
Start With a Detailed Requirements and Specs Audit
Before you begin designing the project, you need to understand exactly what the client wants in each part of the space. This will help you create a detailed design for the project that meets their needs and respects their budget. If you’re doing a design-build project, then it’ll be more difficult to avoid construction delays. However, if you are doing a design-only project, then you can start by conducting a detailed requirements and specs audit. This is a common practice in the construction industry and is used to make sure that the design meets all of the client’s needs and is within their budget. You’ll want to meet with the client in person to discuss the project and take detailed measurements of their space so that you can understand exactly what they need and how the design should reflect those needs. You can also use a construction documents review to find ways to reduce the cost of the project without sacrificing the design.
Be Careful About Scope Creep
Before you begin designing the project, the client should decide on the scope of the project. However, if the client is eager to start construction as quickly as possible or if they are not familiar with the construction process, they might not be able to resist scope creep. Scope creep is when a client or architect requests changes to the design that aren’t included in the project’s scope, or when the client thinks that they need something that isn’t included in the project scope. If you’re doing a design-build project, then you’ll want to be especially careful to avoid scope creep. Scope creep can cause delays in the construction process by requiring design changes and adding extra time to the design-build phase. If you’re doing a design-build project, you can use a contract that includes a design change management process. This will ensure that all design changes are managed and that the project stays within its scope.
Hire Skilled and Certified Contractors
If you’re doing a design-build project, then you’ll want to hire contractors who have the skills you need to successfully complete the project. The best way to do this is to hire contractors who are certified in the trades that are relevant to the project. If you’re doing a design-build project, then you’ll also want to make sure that the contractor has the experience and expertise to successfully complete these types of projects. This will help you avoid delays and make sure that the project is completed on time and within budget. You can find construction contractors near you on the website of the Associated General Contractors (AGC). The AGC is an organization of more than 70,000 construction professionals. Contractors who belong to the AGC are committed to providing high-quality results and professional service while adhering to the highest standards of ethics and integrity.
Have a Successful and Agreed-upon Communication Plan
When you’re designing a project, you’ll want to have a successful communication plan in place. This will help you reduce the chance of delays and make sure that everyone on the project is kept informed. There are a few key components to a successful communication plan. You’ll want to include your client, the general contractor, and the architect or engineer on a weekly basis. You’ll also want to have frequent meetings so that everyone involved in the project can share their progress, ask questions, and keep everyone informed of any changes to the project. You can also use technology to make sure that everyone stays on the same page and that delays are avoided. You can use cloud-based project management software to share the same project information with everyone involved in the project.
Plan for Potential Delays and Unforeseen Events
Every project is subject to delays, whether they are caused by scope creep or unforeseen events. To avoid construction delays, you’ll want to plan for potential delays and unforeseen events. This will help you remain flexible and responsive to the needs of the project. This means having a contingency plan in place for everything from weather issues to problems with materials and labor. You can also schedule meetings with the client and contractors to discuss potential problems and solutions. You can use technology to make sure that everyone on the project stays in the loop and that the information is available whenever it’s needed. You can also use technology to schedule meetings and monitor the progress of the project to make sure that everyone stays informed and on top of their tasks.
Conclusion
Construction delays can happen to anyone working on a project. This is why it’s important to be careful and diligent when designing and constructing a project. You can avoid construction delays by being proactive, careful, and thorough. This means starting with a detailed requirements and specs audit, being careful about scope creep, hiring skilled and certified contractors, having a successful communication plan, and planning for potential delays and unforeseen events. With the right planning and care, you can avoid construction delays and have a successful project.