Delays and setbacks will occur during any type of project. While it may be impossible to avoid construction project delays completely, some steps can help avoid setbacks and the loss of money.
Working with a construction company means there are many moving parts to deal with. Delays are almost normal when you need materials, equipment, and human resources to complete them. EK Bailey Construction has been a trusted construction company for many years and does our very best to avoid delays.
Whether you are a client of a construction company, a construction manager, or looking into starting your construction project, below are some ways to avoid delays and frustration when they arise.
1- Be Flexible With Materials And Equipment
Building a healthcare facility, shopping center, or office building will require different types of materials for them to function properly. While you want your construction project to look its best, being flexible with changes in materials will help you avoid construction project delays because some colors or materials may be easier to obtain. If you are willing to adapt or look at similar options, your project can still look presentable and be completed on your timeline.
2- Require Suppliers To Provide Progress Updates
All workers on a project should provide updates and shipping timelines for a project to stay on schedule. Suppliers of materials or rented equipment should stay in contact with a contractor or independent buyer so you can keep track of your progress toward your goal. Even after receiving materials, keeping detailed records will help you track how the project is progressing and avoid unnecessary delays.
3- Be Cautious When Giving Bids And Timelines
For building companies, transparency about timelines and potential delays is essential if you want to keep your clients. Keeping up your reputation can be done by being cautious when giving quick turnaround times or bids you can simply not complete. Being open and communicative with a client will help prepare them for delays and give you a grace period if something does come up.
Setting clear expectations with the client will give you a little wiggle room when delays or backorders do arise.
4- Clearly Understand What A Contract Says About Delays
While you may not be able to avoid construction project delays completely, reading your contract can help prepare you for what to do when they do arise. A contract will outline what the construction company or contractor will do when a delay occurs. It may also discuss what you need to do as the client, or how you will be compensated for loss of time or money.
Read the fine print of your construction contract and ask any questions before signing and before beginning a large construction project.
5- Treat The Building Team Well
While treating your workers or team with respect may be common sense, spreading positivity and kindness will help your project go smoother. Retention, dedication, attention to detail, and communication are all benefits that can come from praise and good treatment.
Construction managers should reward their team for hard work but also help them with anything they may need to complete the work on time. Letting your team struggle or deal with angry clients on their own, won’t do any good. The job needs to be completed, but leading by example or taking a step back to improve working situations may lead to better results in the end.
6- Keep Open Communication
Hold consistent team meetings, stay in contact with your contractor, and ensure all project team members know the estimated timeline to avoid construction project delays. Discussing problems as they arise, will also help you brainstorm solutions that could prevent delays or limit them.
Communication is important when it comes to construction. The project and purchasing will go much smoother when every person knows what is expected of them.
Projects From EK Bailey Construction
Our team has completed many commercial projects across the state of Utah and continues to receive positive feedback from our clients. EK Bailey builds office buildings, gas stations, fast food restaurants, auto dealerships, and more. We also offer land development for those who want to tackle projects on their own or spaces that need some prep work before the building begins. No matter the size of your project, you can have peace of mind knowing that we will give you an accurate timeline for your project and transparent pricing.
Reach out to our team by filling out our contact form to ask any questions or schedule a pre-construction consultation!