Controlling Construction Costs 3/5: Avoid Delays

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To help stay on budget, it is important to stay on schedule. There are many factors that could cause a project to veer off course, but there are ways to help avoid the possible delays. For the third part of our five ways to control construction costs, we’ll discuss how you can avoid delays. 

Tight Timelines 

Strict adherence to the schedule will be one of the most effective ways to minimize delays. Keep track of all moving parts, and don’t just guess how long each aspect will take. Your ability to finish the job in a timely manner relates directly to the client’s feedback. Your reputation relies on minimal delays and effective communication to impress current and future customers. 

Closely Monitor Your Staff 

While you want to avoid a micromanaging leadership style, you do want to keep a keen eye on your trades. Your team relies on you to lead them through the plan and keep everyone on task. Each day on the job, a worker should have a specific role to take on or job to complete. Communicate this explicitly: use email, text, even a bulletin board — talk with your team about the most helpful way to relay information and make it happen. 

Different Types of Delays 

Other delays arise because of human error – a mistake made on a task, staff turnover, slip-ups that can cost some time. While the schedule may be strict, it’s important to understand that a dedicated team can get back on track and keep things moving in the right direction. 

Some delays are time-based postponements such as waiting for a certain trade to complete their piece before the entire job can continue. If the concrete takes a while to dry, the mason will have to be pushed back. If your plumber bails and a new hire is needed, the work won’t be able to continue.  

Still, others come up spontaneously: mudslides, hurricanes, budget shortcomings, and permit concerns. This variety tends to be pretty unavoidable and it’s up to you to adapt and show some flexibility within the plan. 

Cultivate Your Project Plan 

Any construction project requires a strict schedule and precise instructions. Your construction plan is critical to project completion. Having a timeline and grand scheme to refer to throughout the work is essential for your management abilities and for the success of your trades on the job. When you have a carefully-laid plan, you can analyze costs and anticipate potential pain points.  

Hire Outstanding Staff with CCS Construction Staffing 

For more project management tips or to check out the rest of our “Controlling Construction Costs” series, visit our website. CCS Construction Staffing, a top Southeast temporary staffing firm, can help you identify ways to take your construction team to the next level. 

 

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