How To Avoid Delays In Commercial Construction

Everyone who has experience working with commercial contractors knows that there are unforeseen circumstances which will create delays for a project. There are many things to consider with a construction project due to its complexity and size. Some jobs will include the construction company, multiple subcontractors, and vendors. To have a smooth construction process their must be accurate planning in resources management and logistics to keep the project running.

Create A Plan

If you do not plan, then you plan to fail. Proper planning is a key aspect for any project’s success. Whether you are looking for tenant improvements for your commercial property or wanting to upgrade your entire facility with ADA Compliance, the project will need a plan. It is important to plan for the entire construction process from start to finish. To plan effectively, you should consider the most common reasons for project delays. These include unrealistic deadlines, weather conditions, change orders, building permits, and inspections. 

Work with your contractor in establishing realistic deadlines for each stage of construction process. If you provide a contractor an unrealistic deadline, then it will just lead to further delay, errors, and poor-quality craftsmanship. When planning, it is important to consider the weather. For example, when painting the exterior of a building, you would want to pick a time when it is not raining. 

Change orders will affect the timeline of your project. It is important to plan what you want ahead of time; it will save you time and money. Building permits can delay a project and prevent construction in the first place. Communicate with your contractor if your project needs any permits. Ask the contractor when the permits would be obtained, so the project may begin or continue. Getting an inspector on the job can be difficult at times because you are working on their time. It is important to have your contractor work with the inspector in setting the date of inspection. All materials of the construction project should be picked out and scheduled for delivery before construction work week begins.

Preparing An Accurate Budget and Funding

Many people fail to have an accurate budget and secure the proper funding to their project. This failure can be avoided by establishing a realistic project timeline. When you hire a contractor ensure that you set up affordable payment plans based off the progress of the construction project. Knowing the timeline of the project you can carefully budget how much money you will need and when. If you are to concern about the price of a costly project, then trying to split it up the project into multiple sections.

Remember, it is not always better to go with a cheaper contractor. Cheap contractors are more likely to be unexperienced, have poor quality craftmanship, and use cheap materials. I know its appealing to hire the cheapest contractor, however, it may haunt your later with liability issues. In the construction industry, corners should not be cut due to structures being built which can cause a safety concern for you or anyone else. For example, a wall that was added to a room was built with cheap unskilled labor and low-quality materials could fall on someone. Ultimately, by spending more on an experienced and quality contractor you can save money in the long run.

Hire The Right Contractor

Find a contractor who is the best fit for your project. Get a pool of contractors, at least three, and do a job walk with them. Identify which contractor was the most knowledgeable. Ask yourself if you were confident with them? Did they seem to know what they were talking about? Once you weed out the contractors that are clearly not up to your standards, have the remaining contractors send you a bid. Review the bids and compare them with each other. Is one contractor too high or too low on price? 

It is important to communicate with potential contractors on what materials will they use, what subcontractors do they hire, and about their relevant experience to their project. This information can always be verified by testimonials and review sites, to see what previous customers say about the contractor. Once you hire the contractor, evaluate them throughout the process. Fire them if they are an issue and rehire them for your next project if they are reliable. For more information on hiring the right contractor, Click Here.

Routine Progress Updates

It is important to hold your general contractor accountable in getting the job done. High accountability will drive your contractor to meet your project results. Always communicate with your contractor or project manager for routine updates, changes, and other concerns. Routine progress updates will enable you to adapt to any changes and prevent any unnecessary delays.

Summary: How To Avoid Delays In Commercial Construction

Avoiding delays in your construction project can save you time, money, and a headache. To minimize the number of delays, create a plan, prepare an accurate budget and proper funding for the project, hire the right contractor, and have routine progress updates.