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5 Common Building Construction Delays (and How to Avoid Them!)

June 13th, 2022 |

Many factors and considerations go into planning a construction project. As a property investor, you want your remodel or renovation project to stay on schedule and on budget. Some potential construction delays, such as holidays, can be anticipated. But what about weather conditions and other unforeseen problems? The following post looks at common construction delays and how to avoid them.

1. Scheduling Gaps

Scheduling gaps can cause construction delays for a variety of reasons. For example, an electrician may run into a problem that causes setbacks for other subcontractors. You may even have to wait a month or more just to have your first meeting with an architect or designer. Then there are wait times for bidding and ordering materials 

That’s why it’s a good idea to schedule contractors at least three months in advance. Also, extra time should be built into the project timeline to allow for unforeseen setbacks and delays.  

2. Design Flaws

Sometimes a general contractor will discover a design flaw after the construction phase has begun. It may take an experienced contractor’s eye to discover a structural flaw, even after the blueprints are complete and approved. Needless to say, a flaw in the design itself can cause major delays and cost overruns, especially if part of the project must be dismantled and rebuilt.

One way to avoid such delays is to hire a general contracting company that includes in-house design and other pre-construction services. When stakeholders work together from start to finish, issues are resolved before they cause delays. 

3. Weather Problems

Weather conditions are beyond anyone’s control, but there are ways to avoid weather-related construction delays. If inclement weather prevents completion of outdoor work, for example, work can begin on indoor parts of the project.  

Weather can cause many types of construction delays. Muddy conditions may prevent operation of heavy equipment. Hazardous roads may prevent workers from driving to the project site. Shipping delays may cause materials to arrive late. Extra time should be built into the project schedule to prevent disruption from weather delays. 

4. Holidays and Vacations  

Of course, time off for holidays should be factored into the project timeline. Buffer time for major holidays and vacations can be worked into the schedule in advance. However, it’s also important to keep the lines of communication open during holidays. If you are on vacation, the project team should be able to contact you to help resolve any problems that could cause delays. 

5. Overbooked Subcontractors  

An experienced general contractor will have a long-standing network of reliable subcontractors. Unfortunately, some less reliable subcontractors will overbook their workers. Eventually, work on one project suffers while overextended workers are catching up on another project.  

You can prevent this type of delay by hiring an established general contractor who has built relationships with dependable subcontractors. Through years of experience, the general contractor will know which subcontractors will keep your project on schedule. 

For more than a decade, RH Blanchard has been providing general contracting and project development services to Boston-area property investors. Get in touch today for your free quote.