10 Ways to Keep Your Construction Projects on Track

By Cotney Attorneys & Consultants. 

Stay on schedule and avoid penalties with these time-saving tips for contractors. 

Finishing any construction project on time is crucial if a contractor wants to keep a positive cash flow between projects. If you fail to meet a deadline, it could lead to legal damages and penalties. This construction lawyer in Wilmington, North Carolina offers these 10 tips for contractors who want to stay on track with their construction projects:  

1 - Form a plan 

A master schedule should be prepared far in advance of breaking ground. This schedule should compartmentalize the project into phases that can be better managed. These phases can be further dissected as needed. During this planning phase, tasks should be prioritized and delegated accordingly. All questions regarding scheduling and provisions of equipment, labor and materials should be answered in this planning phase. 

2 - Get it in writing 

Most construction disputes occur because the provisions of the contract were not adhered to. In order to avoid scheduling conflicts, ensure that the scope of work is properly defined in the contract. Not only will this provide a clear path to success, but it will also help to prevent any last-minute design changes that could delay a project. 

3 - Communication is key 

Nothing is going to better inform you of potential scheduling problems than your own workforce. Fostering collaboration, idea sharing and problem-solving among your workers will go a long way towards mitigating delays. Additionally, you must be able to communicate with other parties on a construction project. Fewer things cause more of a delay than when a subcontractor sits on a problem because they are too afraid to approach their general contractor. Have an open-door policy and encourage everyone under you to come forward with their concerns so that schedules can be adjusted accordingly. 

4 - Invest in software 

As forthcoming as your workforce may be, they can never be as straightforward as a computer program. Project management software is incredibly useful for compiling data and flagging potential problems. With the use of this software, contractors can look at their site’s material usage, subcontractor productivity and budget in real time to make on-the-fly changes to operations and keep projects on schedule. 

5 - Monitor daily progress 

From start to finish, contractors should keep track of a project’s progress every day. Aspects of the project that fall behind schedule should be addressed immediately. Tasks that are completed behind or ahead of schedule should be looked at to determine the cause of the discrepancy. This will mitigate delays on current projects and highlight promising approaches that can be applied to future projects. It’s not just about seeing one project through to completion; it’s about ensuring that all of your projects are completed on time. 

6 - No problem is too small 

Many jobs on a construction project must be performed sequentially, with one job only being able to begin when another ends. Seemingly small problems can cause massive delays down the line, from one subcontractor to the next. When a problem arises on a project, don’t put it off. Ignoring a problem may lead to short-term savings, but it will also lead to long-term problems and scheduling conflicts. 

7 - Prefabricated construction 

We’ve written before on the immense impact that prefabricated construction is having on the construction industry. Projects that would normally take months are now being completed in a matter of days. By crafting building components in a climate-controlled environment and moving them onsite, contractors are able to stay on schedule. Speaking of climate control… 

8 - Weather watching 

In addition to being a potentially dangerous hazard for your workforce, inclement weather can wreak havoc on project schedules. Contractors must monitor weather reports and plan accordingly by scheduling overtime around poor weather or supplementing their workforce with temporary workers to get back on track after a weather delay. Remember to never allow your employees to work in hazardous weather conditions. 

9 - Proper training and hiring practices 

Your project’s success will largely depend on how much you invest in your workforce. An inexperienced worker could cause delays, construction defects and even injuries onsite. It’s imperative that your workforce is trained in the tools and techniques needed for them to excel in their positions. With many construction companies contending with labor shortages, you may have to rely on your older, more experienced workers to train and guide younger workers. 

10 - Hope for the best, prepare for the worst 

There’s simply no way to predict and plan for everything that could possibly go wrong on a construction project. Having a contingency plan in place could be the difference between project completion and failure. This plan should incorporate speaking with an Asheville contractor attorney. Partnering with our experienced legal team at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants can ensure that your rights are always protected when scheduling conflicts and legal disputes arise. 

Learn more about Cotney Attorneys and Consultants in their RoofersCoffeeShop® Directory or visit www.cotneycl.com. 

Original article source: Cotney Attorneys & Consultants 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.