We often hear terrible stories of construction projects gone wrong. Some of them finished late or went over budget, while others faced accidents or legal battles.
These incidents are unavoidable in construction and negatively affect the contractor and the client. A delayed project will use up time, resources and money, so much so that exceeding the planned budget might lead to bankruptcy. Also, legal cases could put additional strain and costs.
You can minimise and prevent these problems with the right planning and management, and even the knowing where to find suppliers for your materials, from steel supports to concrete reinforcing mesh. Here are the common issues construction companies and builders experience.
Exceeding the Initial Budget
The International Journal of Innovation, Management and Technology stated that 90 percent of construction projects exceed their initial budget. The client might have given the wrong estimate. There might have been other additional costs they did not foresee as part of the project.
It’s best to allocate part of the budget for miscellaneous or unforeseen costs. It’s also best to frequently evaluate the budget and note the rising costs as the project progresses.
It also helps to contact reliable suppliers when purchasing materials. For example, when buying concrete reinforcing mesh, look for suppliers who could offer discounts when buying in bulk. Build a reliable and trusting relationship with your partners so they would always give you the best quality materials for your projects.
Project Delays
Delays are common in many construction projects. The scope of the project may often change, or the schedule might not be reasonable or achievable. A last-minute decision from the client can also delay a project. No matter what the reason, any delay can change a project’s schedule and affect its progress.
You can lessen delays with proper project management. Review the contract to make sure that the project’s milestones are realistic and could be done within schedule. It’s also important to inform the client about the situation so you can manage their expectations.
Adverse Weather
You can’t avoid adverse weather, but you can proactively limit how it can affect your project. Consider the weather forecast and how it can affect your project’s progress. Make concessions that can lessen the effect of the weather, especially on your workers and heavy machinery. The seasons could affect operations too, so make sure that you’re prepared for the elements.
Poor Safety
Safety is an essential part of any project management, and many companies are required to meet workplace safety standards. Warning signs and safety equipment are all essential, but they should also be regulated to ensure that these standards were met. Anything that affects safety in the workplace could lead to delays and damage to the existing infrastructure.
There are several approaches that companies use to ensure safety. First, you could train your staff on the proper use of equipment. You could also provide warnings and reminders to make sure that everyone stays focused on work.
It’s normal for every project to face some issues. When you know these issues are and take the precautionary steps such as using a proper project management software to lessen the risk of delay and overspending.
