Costs that run rampant on construction projects are often due to the inability to be completed on time. If you are going to keep the budget and  avoid the project being delayed, you need to keep the schedule.

Here we give you six tips on how the best contractors in the industry maintain management and control of the projects and at the same time ensure profitability. ‍

How to avoid the project being delayed

#1. Get rid of delays and bottlenecks

There are two types of problems that make construction projects stay on schedule: delays and bottlenecks.

Examples of delays:

  • You have set aside two days for casting work, but it starts raining. The project must be postponed by two days.
  • A subcontractor does not show up at the agreed time
  • Work takes longer than expected
  • Delivery of materials is delayed

Bottlenecks occur when work can not be done because it depends on another work being done first. For example, the masonry must be postponed until the foundation is completed.

Good design is necessary to avoid delays, and bottlenecks must be identified long in advance so that they do not become obstacles.

#2. Better project management

As responsible for the result, the project manager has the overall management role in most construction projects, and he must plan so that the project is completed within the deadline.

Many projects fail due to poor project management.

A project manager must take care of everything from bidding, planning, coordination, procurement, technical and financial management, public case processing, customer contact and personnel responsibilities.

Good project managers juggle all these balls in the air while steering clear of delays and bottlenecks.

#3. Planning

The beginning is the most important part of the work, according to the Greek philosopher Plato. A good and flexible project plan is crucial for completing construction projects by following the plan and contract.

Many contractors start projects – large and small – without familiarising themselves well enough with the project’s impact goals and profit plan, without establishing a good enough framework for time and costs, and without maintaining good communication with owner and supplier interests.

All contingencies in the execution process that can cause delays and how to handle them must always be considered

#4. Clear division of roles and areas of responsibility

Construction projects consist of several workers, contractors, subcontractors, construction managers and other actors. Unclear division of duties can lead to misunderstandings, carelessness and significant delays. Therefore, it is necessary to clarify the division of roles and areas of responsibility.

What should be done, who is responsible for it, and when should it be done?

But avoid one-way communication – your employees must have a say in the team in order for them to own the project.

#5. Good communication between the parties

Poor communication can quickly turn minor problems into significant delays.

When unforeseen challenges arise, there must be open channels between the contractor, project management and stakeholders. You need to diagnose the problem and communicate it to all the key stakeholders – vital. Take a collection in stride and find a solution as soon as possible.

#6. Last but not least: real-time information

Mobile technology that can obtain real-time information in the field, such as progress, changes and deviations, results in fewer delays and bottlenecks in the construction project.
Real-time communication via, for example, a digital inspection ensures that all parties involved have access to the same information simultaneously. Thus, there are fewer errors – and it is faster to take care of problems before they lead to delays and construction stoppages.