The bigger the construction project, the more likely that contractors, architects, engineers, and designers will encounter delays. Any construction professional who has been involved in at least a few projects knows this inevitability all too well. Through planning, experience, and a little luck, construction professionals can mitigate delays in a project. Being able to mitigate delays, however, requires project owners and developers to understand the potential vulnerabilities of a particular project.
- Inadequate Planning.
A proper construction plan makes stipulations for all the factors within the project owner’s and manager’s control. A spending plan, management plan, communications plan, and estimated time frame are all important in executing a project. Effective construction plans also take foreseeable contingencies into account and provide for a range of accommodations. This will manage expectations and help ensure that construction crews are properly booked for the job.
- Lack of Innovative Software.
These days, “traditional” construction project tracking methods are shorthand for inefficient and inaccurate tracking methods. One of the most useful programs for construction projects is one that allows input from every party and centralizes pertinent information. This reduces miscommunications and time spent relaying important messages.
DDA Engineers, P.A. has experience using a variety of engineering software. These programs allow for greater certainty in the design stage, more precise calculations and analyses, and better, more efficient execution of services.
- Labor Shortages.
Employers in a wide variety of industries are having trouble plugging holes in their workforces coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic. In mid-July, there were more than 400,000 unfilled positions in the construction industry. The reasons for the post-pandemic labor shortage are varied, but there’s usually just one primary consequence for construction projects: delays.
- Environmental/Weather Factors.
This contributor to project delays is one in which construction professionals have the least amount of control over. Hurricanes, tornadoes, blizzards, earthquakes, heavy storms, constant rain, and freezing temperatures are all weather events that can seriously affect the end date of a construction project. The Miami area rarely contends with freezing temperatures and earthquakes, but hurricanes and tropical storms frequently loom over construction projects in South Florida. The best ways to combat hostile weather conditions are to allow for contingencies and optimize your contracts.
Conclusion
With more than 50 years of experience providing consultative structural engineering services, our firm has had to contend with nearly every factor that delays projects. We can quickly recognize factors within our control and minimize potential disruptions. Other times, we can get creative to make sure you get the engineering services you paid for. Call us at (305) 666-0711 today to discuss your needs.
DDA Engineers, P.A.
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