Construction projects are the primary source of income for many construction firms. For example, single-home construction costs around $300,000 to $400,000, and firms can pocket about 20% to 30% of that, depending on the agreement. Tall buildings such as skyscrapers can be even more lucrative, but they also come with more risks.
One of the main problems of working on a construction project is delays. Delays can cause a firm to lose money, often leading to construction projects being abandoned entirely. In this article, we’ll look at five ways to avoid delays in your construction project.
Know About COVID-19 Protocols
COVID-19 is one of the main reasons why delays happened at the start of 2021. All projects were forced to stop when the pandemic hit the country. This year, quarantine protocols might have eased, but a single infection can lead to you delaying your project. Therefore, it is essential to be informed about COVID-19 protocols so that you can avoid any delays in your project.
Here are some things that you should know about COVID-19 protocols:
- First, ensure you and your team are updated with the latest information about COVID-19. Following the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines is the best way to do this. You can find these guidelines on their website or other reliable sources like the CDC.
- Have a plan in place in case someone on your team gets infected with COVID-19. This plan should include what to do if someone gets sick, how to quarantine them, and how to clean and disinfect the work area.
- Follow the safety guidelines set by the government in your country or region. These guidelines will differ from place to place, so you must know what is required of you. For example, in some places, it might be mandatory to wear a mask in public, while in others, there might only be a need to do so when social distancing is impossible.
- Be flexible with your project timeline. Delays are to be expected with COVID-19 still being a concern. If you can, try to build some extra time into your timeline in case things get delayed.
Doing these things can drastically reduce the chances that an infection can delay your project.
Invest in Construction Equipment Accessories
Construction equipment can be lumbering behemoths, and they can cause damage to the construction floor. It can also be vice versa. Damaged construction equipment or floor can lead to massive delays in the project. One way to prevent this is by investing in surface protection products for construction. These products ensure that both equipment and floor are safe from damage. It can also drastically reduce the amount of time your equipment can depreciate. It’s helpful if the supplier you’re working with offers a wide range of equipment that you’re planning to liquidate in the future.
Hire an Experienced Project Manager
An experienced project manager can help you avoid delays in your construction project. They will have a deep understanding of the construction process and will be able to identify potential problems before they cause delays. They will also be able to develop contingency plans to quickly get the project back on track if there are delays.
A good project manager will also have a network of contractors and suppliers that they can rely on. This network can be invaluable for getting materials or equipment quickly. By having an experienced project manager, you can avoid many common causes of construction project delays.
Having an experienced project manager in your team is priceless. Therefore, you should do everything in your power to get one.
Invest in Insurance
Sometimes projects have to be delayed regardless of what you do. For example, bad weather can damage the construction site or equipment. When this happens, it’s helpful to have insurance to cover the cost of repairs or replacements. This way, you won’t have to bear the entire cost, and your project can continue without significant delays.
There are many different types of insurance that you can get for your construction project. The most common is general liability insurance, which covers you for any damage that your project causes to third parties. You can also get property insurance, which covers any damage to your equipment or construction site.
You should also consider getting workman’s compensation insurance. This type of insurance covers any injuries your workers sustain while working on the project. With this insurance, you can avoid delays caused by workers taking time off to recover from injuries.
Construction projects can be risky endeavors. By following the tips we’ve provided, you can reduce the chances of delays caused by COVID-19 or other unforeseen events. Minimizing the chances of delays means more profit for every project you take. It’s helpful if you need the revenue to keep your business afloat.
