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Construction delays can be a big issue for both builders and clients on commercial and domestic projects. With large costs coming with delays and issues for clients who require the building, what other problems are delays causing?

Construction delays can happen to even the biggest companies. Tottenham Hotspur had their stadium, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, scheduled for completion before their match against Liverpool on 15th September. However, the opening has now been confirmed for 2019. Exactly what consequences does this have?

Extra Cost of Construction Delays

A survey completed by Construction Plant News showed that construction delays cost companies up to 20% more than the estimated cost in 2017. Whilst this isn’t the case for all projects, it is an exceptionally large amount of money to some companies. Whether you require alterations or new build properties, construction is part of every project.

Construction should always be complete by the expected time. Failure to do this could easily lead to many factors costing the construction company and frustrating the client. To avoid delays, you should always choose a fully qualified construction company. Having experience with previous commercial and domestic projects will often show reliability and reduce the risk of construction delays.

What Causes Construction Delays?

Projects must have the correct plan before the construction begins, including the staff and design on the project. Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was delayed as it failed to meet the criteria of critical safety systems. This was the second delay after a design error which meant the required seating capacity would not be met.

However, these aren’t the only problems that can cause delays and there are many other difficulties that could occur. Some of the most common construction delays occur due to:

  • Budget Shortages
  • Poor Weather
  • Too Many/ Little Staff
  • Unexpected Changes
  • Unreliable Staff

Unexpected changes can be the most expensive issue for many projects. Especially if these changes require you to change work that has already been completed, rather than simply re-planning the remaining construction work. Construction companies must always manage expectations correctly to prevent delays. Failure to do so will only lead to construction delays, ultimately increasing costs.

What Factors Cause Extra Construction Costs?

There are a number of factors that can contribute to extra construction costs. With several issues that could lead to a delay in work, why does this then lead to extra costs? Firstly, as delays increase, the staff required for the project may also rise. Employing staff means using more and more of a budget and with no timescale on delays, it can be unknown how long these staff will be employed for.

Construction delays often mean you will require new materials and resources as well. Depending on the size of the project, these resources will vary in cost, but it will always increase project costs. This can often be the consequences of errors or large changes made to an ongoing project. If changes are made, the cost of new construction materials can eat away at any budget, large or small.

Delays can occur for many reasons, whether this is due to design, management or construction faults. Regardless of why this happens, having to continue a project beyond scheduled completion time will always increase costs. This could also cost a business other jobs. If other projects were scheduled, they will have to be cancelled due to delays, leading to even more lost time and money.

Construction delays can also cost your business’ reputation. Failure to meet requirements on time can show unreliability, leading to unsatisfied customers. Customers should always look for construction companies who keep customers satisfied on complex, large and small projects.

How to Prevent Construction Delays

Preventing construction delays also means reducing the costs of the project, so how can this be done? Effective management is the key to all construction projects, regardless of how basic or small it is. Planning dates and fall back dates for finished construction will prepare you for any minor delays. Setting a completion date well in advance can also help you. This could mean you finish early and there is less pressure on staff.

Delays occur when something doesn’t go according to plan. Identifying delays early and resolving problems will reduce delay time. You must also ensure that you have the correct amount of resources available to you. Whether this is construction materials or the staff working on the project, having the right number available is vital.

Most construction projects should also have a leftover budget. Resolving a problem is always easier with extra funds available. With the cost of delays potentially being 20% more than expected, it is always best to have prevention methods in place to avoid any chance of delays.

Chamberlain Bros. Construction Ltd

Author Chamberlain Bros. Construction Ltd

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