Anyone who has hired contractors to get something around the house is well aware that these projects can take a lot longer than initially planned. Why do these delays happen? Is it because of the contractors, or is there more at play here?
In most cases, delays in construction happen because of weather conditions, incomplete permits, too many shortcuts, bad planning, and collaboration. While some of these issues can happen because of contractors, there are other factors that impact delays too.
Do you want to learn more about what causes your contractors to complete projects so slowly? We’ll take a look at the factors that can impact your construction timelines, along with some tips on how to reduce delays! Keep reading to learn more about construction delays!
Why Do Construction Projects Take So Long To Complete?
It’s a question we have all asked at some point – whether you are getting some part of your house repaired or if a road nearby has been under construction for months – why do construction projects take so long? There are actually a number of reasons why your construction plans can get slowed down, but here are the most common factors involved:
Weather Conditions
One of the most significant factors that can impact the time it takes to complete a construction project is the weather conditions at the time the project is taken up.
There are many ways that weather conditions can delay a project – for example, if it is too cold and snow, that can halt all construction projects. The same goes for rain.
Imagine you are at the painting stage of a project. Until the rain stops and the weather becomes dry enough, applying paint will not just be a waste of time but also a waste of materials. In most cases, when the weather is not right, you will not be able to proceed with construction until things clear out.
Permits And Paperwork
Another significant delay you may experience when it comes to construction is that there is a lot of paperwork that goes into getting things done. Whether you are carrying out construction on private property or on a government area, there is always government regulation to consider.
Based on whatever your zoning laws are, you will need to get the proper permits to carry out construction. Sometimes, getting permits can take longer than expected, and in some cases, you may not be aware of specific permits until you have already started construction.
This is another factor that lies outside the control of the contractor, and the issue can get even more convoluted when different kinds of government agencies are involved in the construction regulation.
Bad Collaborations
When you are getting a construction project done, you will notice that there are many different types of contractors involved. It is highly unlikely that you will need just one person to complete the work you want to be done.
However, when different people are involved, it opens up the door to many problems that can arise because of conflict between contractors or a lack of collaboration on their respective skill sets.
If even one of the contractors involved does not keep up with the agreed-upon schedule, for example, it can cause huge delays for the entire project. This is because, in construction, each contractor must complete their part before the next person can come in and work. If the next person also faces delays, the problem can grow exponentially.
Unwanted Shortcuts
One of the ways your construction project can get seriously delayed is if one or more of the contractors decide to opt for shortcuts. Cutting corners on the work may help you save money in the short term, but the process will only delay you further in the long run.
Instead, it is always better to opt for higher-quality materials and processes to ensure the work is done correctly. If you take shortcuts, you will probably be delayed because the issue will have to be resolved by redoing that part of the project, which leads to even more delays.
Improper Planning
Finally, one of the ways any project gets stalled beyond what its timeline should be is because of bad planning. Not being able to sit with all constructors and create a realistic timeline can be a huge flaw with most construction projects.
You need to understand the project’s scope, how long it will take, the budget, and more. If you don’t have the right people on your side, you may hear underestimated amounts for the timeline and budget of the project.
This only hurts you in the long run, as you will need to adjust your expectations as the project goes along. It also helps if the people involved are efficient with time, arrive on time, bring materials as needed, etc.
How To Avoid Delays With Projects
You are now aware of the most common reasons why your constructors take so long to complete their projects. But how do you make plans efficiently, so these delays don’t happen in the first place? Here are some of our tips on creating projects that are not prone to delays:
- Plan ahead: before you get started on your project, invite all of the contractors to come together and plan for the project ahead. This will help you clear out any miscommunications.
- Invest in the right contractors: instead of hiring the contractor with the lowest ask, look for people who will be able to get the job done right.
- Use the right materials: using higher quality materials will leave you at an advantage and will keep your construction project stable for a longer time.
- Plan for delays: consider delays when making the plan, and work on how you can limit them using efficient techniques.
With these tips in mind, you can reduce the overall cost of your project and ensure that it is completed within a reasonable time frame!
Final Thoughts
Construction delays can be frustrating and costly, but by understanding the common causes of them and taking steps to prevent them, you can save yourself from added stress and expenses. Good luck with your construction project!