The construction industry is dynamic in nature, owing to a myriad difference in project scope, nature, and size. The project owners and contractors have to agree on certain conditions while working mutually on a construction venture.
However, the success of the project depends on many factors, including collaboration, trust, availability of resources, and effective project management. A minor act of negligence can derail the whole project leading to delays in the construction. It has many causes, along with prospective results.
The article is aimed at highlighting the significant stakeholders or elements that can cause delays or disruption in the project along with potential impact and possible remedies. Consider reading the article to have a comprehensive overview!
All you need to know about delays in construction projects
Every project is complicated when it comes to the construction sector. It is owing to the fact that industries are evolving at a greater pace, which has given rise to the risks associated with delays and disruption. However, it is imperative to have a comprehensive understanding of the critical causes, impact, and essential resolving tips for dealing with delays.
Let’s consider all this in one go to stay aware, stay safe from the probability of project failure in the construction industry.
Factors causing delays
Running a construction project is not as easy as you have to drive on a bumpy road. In this way, you have a deal with a lot of things which comes on the way expectedly or unexpectedly. However, the responsible factors for construction disruption are the following:
Owner-triggered delays
First, the client-led delays are the major hurdles in the way of successful project completion. It is evident from the fact that project owners have a significant impact on the construction in some way or the other. A few clients triggered factors can be:
- Change of project scope
- Late approval of architectural drawings
- Delayed payments
- Slow acceptance project
- Lack of acknowledgment
In a case that contractors perceive a disturbance in the project owing to low or no cooperation from the project owners, discuss the issues promptly. Besides this, you should hire an experienced construction delay expert for the overall evaluation of the situation to gauge the disruptions timely.
Contractor-led delays
Contractors are the key players in making or breaking a project. It is because the contractors have to look after the projects for accomplishing all the building processes. However, negligence on the part of contractors may lead to severe disruption in the project. A few reasons are as given:
- Lack of experience
- Poor management of the project
- Lack of construction supervision
- Lack of suitable method selection
- No control over the cost and time
- Inadequate quality assurance during work
Impact of delay on the construction projects
Ask a contract about their likeness of delays, and they will tell you how much it is hateful. The same is the case with the project owners. It is because project delays can lead to the suspension of construction in severe cases.
It is highly risky for the contractors as their reputation is on stake. No doubt, it is easy to win a bid than accomplishing the responsibilities within the given deadlines. On the other hand, the project owners have to handle the risks associate with loss of investment if the project is delayed. In worst cases, the project owners need to deal with claims in construction if they caused the delay.
It is imperative to examine construction delays at the national level because construction is the backbone of the economy. In this scenario, no industry can afford a loss of revenue generated from the projects. So, it is better to devise a strategy for mitigating the risks in construction projects.
Remedies to mitigate delay risks in construction
Risks are everywhere, but mitigation strategies are limited. It creates loopholes for the delays and disruptions to enter into the project and cause havoc for both the contractors and project owners. So, they should focus on keeping their project on track by understanding mitigating solutions. Let’s have a look:
- Firstly, contractors should understand the project requirements thoroughly before making a bid. It will help to have a clear picture of the overall project scope.
- Secondly, it is essential to discuss everything related to the project in detail to avoid misconceptions at the later stages of construction.
- Thirdly, the contractors should devise a plan to accomplish all construction processes according to the accepted deadline.
- Fourthly, the project owners should stay updated with the process of construction for mitigating the risks of delays at earlier stages.
- Fifthly, the contractors and project owners should negotiate the issues under the supervision of construction claim consultants to avoid claims as a result of delays.
Know delays in detail for avoiding claims in construction!
Summing up, construction projects may vary in requirements and scope. However, expectations remain the same! So, the project contractors and owners must pay greater attention to the management of the project for in-time delivery.
For this, it is imperative to stay on the right track of working, leaving no stone unturned for successful completion. Don’t forget to know the risks associated with construction delays for improved working. All the best!
