8 Delay Makers In Construction
Projects can get behind schedule for thousands of different reasons. Here’s a list of most common reasons of construction project delays and tips for dealing with them.
Unpredictable weatherConstruction happens outside and one of the top reasons for delays is bad weather. Weather predictions are getting better and better these days and project managers should consider looking at the weather forecasts during project planning.
Bad time estimatesTime estimating is one of the most critical elements of project planning. Sometimes, inexperienced project managers produce unrealistic and overly optimistic time schedules. Consider involving all key players (owner, architects, consultants, subcontractors etc.) experienced people in the project planning phase to reduce the risk of delays due to bad project schedules.
Lack of finances Inability to pay contractors on time or to purchase the material needed for the job can significantly impact the project schedule. Make sure that you involve the people who will perform the work in the estimation process and secure required funding needed for the smooth project delivery.
Scope creepFailure to define to scope clearly and set unreasonable expectations can start the project on the wrong foot and derail it as time goes by. It is very important to have a clear vision for the project. Not only that, project goals and objectives should be clearly communicated with all they key players.
Lack of information Getting the right information at the right time, at the right place is as important as producing that information. Building from outdated drawings is a widely known AEC problem. Put appropriate processes and tools in place to organise, manage and distribute project information.
Inadequate communicationInadequate communication can derail a project very easily. Every week, or at every month, all the key players should receive a status report explaining what is happening on the project. If the project is behind schedule, everyone should get together and find out the reasons and corrective actions.
Inadequate project trackingProjects that are not tracked daily, can fall behind very quickly. Project performance should be tracked in real time and important costs and time KPIs should be monitored carefully. All they key players should get together every week to compare the performance with the expectations and take corrective actions.
Unpredictable weatherConstruction happens outside and one of the top reasons for delays is bad weather. Weather predictions are getting better and better these days and project managers should consider looking at the weather forecasts during project planning.
Bad time estimatesTime estimating is one of the most critical elements of project planning. Sometimes, inexperienced project managers produce unrealistic and overly optimistic time schedules. Consider involving all key players (owner, architects, consultants, subcontractors etc.) experienced people in the project planning phase to reduce the risk of delays due to bad project schedules.
Lack of finances Inability to pay contractors on time or to purchase the material needed for the job can significantly impact the project schedule. Make sure that you involve the people who will perform the work in the estimation process and secure required funding needed for the smooth project delivery.
Scope creepFailure to define to scope clearly and set unreasonable expectations can start the project on the wrong foot and derail it as time goes by. It is very important to have a clear vision for the project. Not only that, project goals and objectives should be clearly communicated with all they key players.
Lack of information Getting the right information at the right time, at the right place is as important as producing that information. Building from outdated drawings is a widely known AEC problem. Put appropriate processes and tools in place to organise, manage and distribute project information.
Inadequate communicationInadequate communication can derail a project very easily. Every week, or at every month, all the key players should receive a status report explaining what is happening on the project. If the project is behind schedule, everyone should get together and find out the reasons and corrective actions.
Inadequate project trackingProjects that are not tracked daily, can fall behind very quickly. Project performance should be tracked in real time and important costs and time KPIs should be monitored carefully. All they key players should get together every week to compare the performance with the expectations and take corrective actions.
- Lack of collaboration
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