Construction projects are notorious for going over budget and falling behind schedule. However, with careful planning and proactive management, it is possible to keep construction projects on time and on budget. Here are some tips for ensuring a construction project in the UK stays on track and delays are minimised.
Create a Realistic Schedule
The schedule is the backbone of any civil, commercial, or leisure construction project. Be sure to build in adequate time for all tasks, factoring in potential delays. Allow extra time for more complex tasks, inclement weather days, and contingencies. Consult with contractors when creating the schedule to get accurate estimates. Scheduling reviews throughout the project lifecycle can identify any timeline issues early. Use scheduling software to make tracking and managing the schedule easier.
Get Approvals and Permits Upfront
Waiting on approvals and permits from local authorities is one of the biggest causes of delays. Submit applications for all required approvals and permits as early as possible. Follow up frequently to expedite the process. Having permits in hand ahead of time will avoid potential delays down the road. Keep track of all approval requirements and deadlines in a permit log.
Carefully Manage Contracts and Scope Changes
Any changes to project scope or contracts must go through a formal change order process. Scope creep without proper documentation can slow down work and lead to disputes. Carefully manage contract changes and get written approval before additional work proceeds. Discourage excessive owner changes to minimise potential delays. Hold regular meetings to discuss any pending contract or scope modifications.
Maintain Open Communication Among All Parties
Communication breakdowns can quickly cause a project to go off track. Establish clear project reporting procedures and keep all stakeholders looped in through regular status updates. Raise any issues or risks as soon as they are identified. Keeping everyone on the same page is key for early issue resolution. Good communication also builds trust and facilitates collaboration between teams.
Closely Track Progress and Identify Potential Problems
Monitor project progress continuously and require contractors to provide frequent status reports. Look out for warning signs like missed deadlines or resource constraints. As soon as a potential issue emerges, implement corrective actions like adding more workers or revising the schedule. Being proactive prevents small problems from ballooning into major delays. Use KPIs to quantify progress and slippage across various project areas.
Implement a Delay Response Plan
Having a plan in place to address delays if they do occur can minimise their impact. The plan should designate responsible parties, require documentation, and outline steps for schedule recovery. Extra manpower, extended work hours, and schedule resequencing are common delay response tactics. Test the plan before delays happen to improve its effectiveness.
Maintain Adequate Staffing Levels
Inadequate labour availability is a main driver of delays, whether you’re building a retail unit or managing a leisure and recreation construction project. Discuss labour requirements and availability with contractors well in advance. Have contingency plans for supplementing staff if key activities fall behind schedule. Avoid overloading teams with too many concurrent tasks. Plan realistically for worker absenteeism and turnover as well.
With careful planning, resource allocation, contract management, progress tracking, and a delay response plan, construction projects in the UK can stay on schedule and within budget. Following these best practices will help minimise delays and keep work moving smoothly towards the finish line.
