Table of Contents

• Weather
• Material Delays
• Labor Shortages
• Denied Permits 
• Late Design Changes
• Unforeseen Site Conditions
• Commercial Construction From EK Bailey

Working on a construction project is a large undertaking, especially if you run into delays. Common setbacks and delays in construction can affect your completion timeline and cost the client more money. While some delays can’t be avoided, you and your construction team can plan ahead for some of these common pitfalls to hopefully complete the project on time. This blog will share some of the most common setbacks and delays in construction, as well as how they could change the overall scope of a construction project.

Weather

The most common delay is weather conditions that make work more difficult or impossible. There is no way for us to control the weather, but accounting for down days when presenting a timeline to the client is the best way to avoid frustration. Rain, snow, excessive heat, or freezes will impact your materials and your workers. Staying out of extreme weather is best for the safety of your team, as it can cause slips and falls or burns that injure your workers, slowing down the entire process. 

If you prefer to work through the weather, you may benefit from setting up temporary structures to block out the weather or using protective tarps to cover electrical components from water damage. 

Material Delays

Another common delay is backordered materials or shipping delays. Especially if you are requesting a material that is in high demand, you may get staggered deliveries or a severe delay of certain materials. If you or your client wants a material that is in high demand, make sure to plan this into your timeline or communicate this delay with the client before a project begins. 

In order to avoid delays in your project, you may want to try to schedule some deliveries before the project begins. Certain materials may also be needed later in the project, but ordering them at the start of the project can help things go smoothly later on. 

Labor Shortages

In the current job market, you may find it more difficult to find workers or contractors who are available on your timeline or open to work at all. Labor shortages can slow down the project before it even begins, especially if you aren’t able to obtain permits or starting materials. 

Labor shortages can also affect your crew size up front. Keeping quality workers on your team through multiple projects can be challenging, especially when you are trying to balance rising material costs, project revenue, and higher employee payment rates. If you can hire a project coordinator who has relationships with labor crews could help you in case of an emergency. 

Denied Permits 

Obtaining building permits and additional permits for construction is necessary for residential or commercial projects. Permits are needed in order for you and the client to avoid harsh legal action from the local authorities. Filing permits takes a lot of paperwork and time, including the time it takes for an authority to approve the building parameters. 

When a permit is denied, you will have to start the entire process over or make adjustments to the project in order for it to be approved. Having an in-depth understanding of each city or state’s requirements can increase the likelihood of your permits being approved the first time.

Late Design Changes

When a client wants to adjust the design or scope of the project later in the construction process, it will alter the completion timeline. Delays in construction often occur when the client makes major changes right before the step of the project is ready to begin. Contractors must communicate clearly with clients about what can be changed during the design phase and when changes are no longer accepted. This provides legal protection for your construction team and ensures that the project is completed on the timeline you provided to local authorities and listed on building permits.

Unforeseen Site Conditions

As previously mentioned, all delays in construction can not be avoided, especially on a job site or in an existing building. Even if a client has money to spend on a new build or a commercial remodel, they may not be able to obtain a better piece of land. Damage to the existing structure or building is something that the client can’t control, but it can be a massive delay for contractors who are unprepared. Surveying the site or existing business before you sign onto the project can help you determine if you have the time, tools, and team members to handle the scope of the project.

Commercial Construction From EK Bailey

EK Bailey has been in the construction industry for many years, working on commercial projects in every industry. Our team provides design services, pre-consulting, and commercial construction, which means you will have an industry expert on your side through the entire process. We understand the common setbacks and delays in construction and do our best to avoid them. If your timeline needs to be adjusted, we will clearly communicate that before the project is severely delayed. Reach out to EK Bailey to learn more about our services or view some of our recent builds.