Timely project completion is imperative in the construction industry. But unfortunately, delays can often cause a domino effect, throwing off entire completion schedules and resulting in costly overruns. In some cases, they may even lead to litigation. Either way, these fees and penalties can make or break a construction business so they should be made a top priority.
There are several reasons why construction delays occur, including poor weather conditions, material shortages, changes in the scope of work, and unforeseen site conditions. But whatever the cause, construction delays can have far-reaching consequences.
Wondering how to overcome construction delays? For one, a workforce planning software for general contractors can be a helpful accessory, especially if it comes with real-time updates, seamless integrations, and next-gen forecasting.
Apart from that, there are many ways to overcome construction delays. Here is an overview of the penalties for delays and how to avoid them.
What Is A Delay Penalty?
In construction, a delay penalty is a financial penalty that a contractor may incur if they fail to complete the project by the due date. The penalties are generally outlined in the contract and are based on a daily or weekly rate.
In some cases, the penalty may be a lump sum payment to be paid by the builder. For example, suppose the contract stipulates that the contractor will pay $500 per day for every day the project is delayed, and the project is delayed by ten days. In that case, the contractor will owe the owner $5,000 in delay penalties.
In other cases, the penalty may be a deduction from the final builder payment.
For example, if the construction contract spells out that the contractor will forfeit 3% of the final payment for every extra week, and the project is delayed by four weeks, the contractor will forfeit 12% of the final payment.
What Are The Consequences Of Construction Delays?
Many consequences can arise from construction delays. Here are some of the most common results for builders.
● Increased Costs - One of the most immediate consequences of delays is increased costs. If the project is delayed, the contractor will likely incur additional charges. These include storage fees for materials, demobilization and remobilization expenses, and the cost of personnel idled during the delay. Sometimes, the contractor may even be required to pay liquidated damages.
● Damage To Reputation - In the construction industry, reputation is everything. Contractors who consistently deliver late projects will quickly develop a reputation for being unreliable, which will make it difficult to win future work.
● Legal Action - In some cases, construction delays may result in legal action. If the contractor is in breach of contract, they may be required to pay damages to the owner. In extreme cases, they may even be barred from future work on the project. Common causes of construction delays Depending on the project's scope, there are many potential causes of construction delays. Here are some of the most common.
● Weather - Weather is one of the most common causes of construction delays. Heavy rains, high winds, and snowstorms can all impede construction progress and cause delays.
● Material Shortages - Another common cause of construction delays is material shortages. If important materials are not available when needed, it can cause delays. For example, a shortage of concrete may delay the pouring of foundations.
● Changes In Scope - Changes in the scope of work are another common cause of construction delays. If the owner changes plans or specifications, it can often result in delays.
● Unforeseen Site Conditions - Finally, unpredictable site conditions can also cause delays. For instance, if the contractor encounters unexpected situations, such as underground utility lines.
How To Overcome Construction Delays
Instead of dealing with a delay and losing money, it is best to avoid it in the first place. Here are a few ways to accomplish this.
Offer Accurate Estimates
Inaccurate budget estimates can become the bane of your existence during a construction project, quickly leading to cost overruns and delays if you are not careful. To avoid this, it is essential to take the time to develop accurate budget estimates.
If you are unsure of how to do this, many software programs can help. Additionally, there are many budgeting methods in project management. Some of them include:
● Analogs Estimating - In this method, you use the cost of similar projects to calculate the cost of your project. For instance, you will base the project's budget on a similar construction you have done in the past.
● Parametric Estimating - The parametric estimating method involves mathematical algorithms for budgeting.
● Resource Planning - You can also create a budget for your construction project by considering the necessary resources.
Communicate Effectively With All Stakeholders
Communicating effectively with all stakeholders, such as the owner, architect, and subcontractors, is essential. By doing this, you can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there are no misunderstandings that could lead to delays.
Many communication tools can help with this, such as conference calls, video conferencing, and project management software.
Ensure That You Have A Detailed Contract
Having a detailed contract before starting work on a project is essential. The contract should clearly outline the scope of work, the schedule, and the budget.
It should also spell out the roles and responsibilities of all parties involved.
Review Designs Thoroughly
When reviewing the designs for a project, it is essential to look for potential problems that could lead to delays. For example, you should ensure that the drawings are accurate and that there are no errors.
You should also ensure that the design meets all building codes and regulations.
Prepare For Weather Delays
The weather app on your phone is not going to cut it. You need to be prepared for weather delays by having a contingency plan.
The plan should include alternative construction methods, such as working inside a building or under a canopy. You should also plan how you will procure materials in bad weather.
Construction Conclusion
While delays are sometimes inevitable in construction, you can avoid them in most cases by taking the proper precautions. By following the tips in this article, you can increase the chances of your building project being completed on time and within budget.
