Project delays are a big problem in the construction industry. Recent information from KPMG found that a mere quarter of projects came within ten percent of their original deadlines within the last three years. Unfortunately, delays in the construction industry could prove incredibly costly.
As a small business owner, project delays could end up causing your company to crumble. Your reputation is integral to your growth. If you get the rep in your community that you are consistently late delivering your projects, no one will want to work with you in the future. Fortunately, there are some things that you can do to help complete your projects on time.
Move Into The 21st Century
One of the reasons why construction managers struggle to meet project deadlines is because their system processes are behind the times. Updating construction software could help streamline operations. For instance, instituting a mobile time clock app for employees could provide managers with real-time project data. Employees could use the mobile time clock app to log when they work on a project and how long they spent working on it.
Managers can then view this information in real time. If they notice that a project is falling off track, they could send other employees to the job site to help catch up. They won’t have to worry about their employees becoming lost along the way since the mobile time clock apps allow managers to provide employees with job site directions and information.
Lastly, the data that managers receive from these apps will allow them to quote projects in the future more accurately. That’s because managers will have a precise breakdown of how long it takes their employees to complete specific tasks. This way it provides managers an accurate number when they need to quote a project.
Establish Clear Expectations For The Project
Another reason why small business construction owners struggle to deliver projects on time is that they do not set clear expectations for the project. Owners should set expectations for all parties involved with the project, including:
- -Contractors
- -Employees
- -Vendors
- -Managers
Owners should make sure that they enter into contracts that clearly outline the expectations for the project. They should also draft an employee guide or handbook that spells out clearly how employees should act on the job site. Managers should also explain to employees how they wish for them to use the mobile time clock app. The more owners communicate with their team, the better chance they have of everyone being on the same page.
Furthermore, when entering into contracts with third parties, small business construction owners should not be afraid to hire an attorney. Doing so could help protect the company’s best interests. A trusted attorney could read through a contract to identify critical provisions that could not only cause disagreements but could also result in project delays as well.
Have A Mitigation System In Place
Disputes could also prove detrimental in delivering a project on time. If two parties are in dispute, a work stoppage may occur, which would result in project delays. Owners should make sure that they have a claims avoidance and mitigation system in place that allows them to resolve disputes quickly.
Communicate With Your Team
The more you keep in touch with your team, the more likely you are to complete projects on time. You should have your managers report to you continually from the job site. You should also communicate clearly with them. Open dialogue can go a long way toward getting things done.
