When constructing a building, completing a project within budget and on time is crucial. Most construction projects face similar challenges, including deadlines, tight budgets, and high expectations. 

Construction delays are frustrating and often lead to an increase in construction costs, as listed here in an article by Bridgit. That’s mainly because, unlike in other fields, construction projects have no definitive shortcut to ensure successful completion. One mistake and your project could fall into pieces. 

This article will discuss 10 helpful tips to help you overcome delays in construction projects. 

What are some common reasons for delays in construction projects? 

Various factors lead to delays in construction projects. Most of them are unexpected and occur suddenly, while a few can be anticipated. Some common reasons for construction project delays include the following.

Changes in project scope 

Project scope is a contextual document designed before the beginning of a project that defines the desired outcome. Changes or modifications in project scope, such as alterations or additional demands by the client, can delay the project. 

Budget shortage 

A project’s budget is often estimated at the start of the project. A budget running out can lead to significant loss, especially if the customer has already paid dues to management. 

Unpredictable weather 

Unexpected harsh weather conditions can significantly delay a construction project. Damages to equipment and the job site can cause a project to fall behind a scheduled timeline, affecting the project’s profit margin.

Poor planning

As previously mentioned, planning is important in executing a successful project. It creates a solid framework for the entire project to follow. Accurate data and precise distribution of tasks can eliminate possible setbacks. Conversely, any inaccurate data can cause a delay. 

Understanding these reasons allows you to design a well-defined and effective strategy to overcome or prevent construction delays. 

10 tips to avoid delays in construction projects 

Here are 10 practical tips to prevent delays in construction projects.

1. 1. Plan correctly

The first step to preventing delays is paying close attention to project planning. Proper planning sets the contextual structure of the project and ensures that the necessary details are right. 

By developing a well-defined plan, you can minimize the risk of uncertainty and prevent the occurrence of any issues. Here’s what to include in your project plan:

• A defined project scope
• Distributed work tasks 
• Estimated durations of processes
• Added blueprints and illustrations to represent a design
• Quality control 
• Risk management 

1. 2. Keep realistic deadlines 

When setting deadlines, get insights from similar projects to develop deadlines for every process. Never set deadlines based on loose predictions or imagination. 

Typically, realistic deadlines are less likely to cause any trouble, while those based on expectations can cause immense damage to cost, effort, and time. 

1. 3. Improve management processes 

Incompetent and unprofessional management is a common reason for project delays. Managers and constructors responsible for supervising the project plan must coordinate with workers to ensure workflows are on schedule. 

1. 4. Conduct frequent meetings 

Meetings are imperative. It’s important to have each project member on the same page, so all of them can understand and acknowledge their role in project completion. 

Set realistic goals, objectives, and timelines for each team member to work on. You can conduct weekly meetings to evaluate the project's progress and clarify potential risks and concerns. 

1. 5. Data management and effective collaboration 

Having inaccurate or scattered data related to a construction project can result in unexpected delays. Thus, it’s essential to have a cloud-based platform to manage and monitor data for construction and design variations.

Easy access to real-time data can reduce unnecessary time and effort spent asking for RFIs (i.e., requests for information). 

1. 6. Assign roles and responsibilities 

Having a well-defined and clear schedule is not enough to execute a construction project on time. You must distribute and assign roles and responsibilities according to every worker’s capabilities. Doing so eliminates confusion and promotes a consistent approach toward project execution.

Every construction project involves several employees, including contractors, managers, laborers, legal workers, and other personnel—therefore, every employee must have a clear understanding of their responsibilities in the project. 

Ambiguity and lack of understanding when it comes to project roles can lead to delays or setbacks in completing the project. 

1. 7. Forecast

Forecasting is vital in construction projects, involving estimating the materials involved in a project's current phase.

When a project reaches 25% of its completion, you’ll have sufficient information to make well-evaluated forecasts.

1. 8. Material and equipment management 

Having good materials is key to enhancing project site productivity. Every construction project is different, so you must consider the project’s main points and material needs before you initiate it.

For example, a limited quantity of loading elevators and docks can create challenges for high-rise building projects. Overcoming these roadblocks demands open coordination and close supervision with the distributor. 

1. 9. Streamline approvals and requests 

Waiting for requests and approvals also leads to project delays, restricting a project crew from moving forward with work. 

As a project manager, you must align structured workflows with reminders for approvals and requests to continue the project smoothly. If your contractors need approval for construction, ensure you give reviewers a particular deadline. 

1. 10. Use a cloud-based software 

Another great way to prevent or overcome construction delays is to incorporate responsive cloud-based software into your project. For example, an online construction management software will allow you to input data into one place, including project details, client expectations, budget, task allocation, and schedule. 

Moreover, it becomes easier to highlight and address potential risks through provided data. 

Conclusion

Overcoming unexpected project delays can be stressful and challenging. But with these 10 tips we’ve mentioned, you can get your project back on track. 

The next time you sense a delay in your construction project, ensure that you have planned correctly, kept deadlines realistic, conducted meetings, and assigned roles and responsibilities to capable workers. 

When your workflow seems too much to handle, consider using construction project management software to streamline all processes in one place.