To the casual observer, construction projects go one of two ways: they’re completed in record time, or they take what feels like a decade and a half to complete. In reality, the latter observation is a little bit closer to the truth. There is a myriad of obstacles that rise up for construction crews as a project gets underway, from communication disasters to unforeseen delays.
Unexpected Delays
An inspection is skipped, maintenance is put on the backburner, and essential machinery breaks down the day it’s actually needed. A worker with the niche skillset required to complete a task is out sick. The 7-day forecast suddenly changed from sunny and warm to perpetual thunderstorms. There are countless causes for unexpected delays, all of which can create a monstrous obstacle for construction projects.
Unanticipated Expenses
When a piece of equipment fails, it costs money. When the weather extends the deadline, it costs money. When a mistake is made and part of the project has to be redone, it costs money. Unexpected expenses such as these and others are one of the most common obstacles in construction projects.
The good news is that many of these expenses can be mitigated from the start. Examples include:
- Regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment
- Assessing the construction site for soil-related concerns
- Assessing the site for rodent or insect infestations
- Ensuring clear communication between project managers and crew
Human Error
While everyone goes to work expecting to do a job well done, mistakes happen. An inexperienced worker could dream up a shortcut that they think is perfect—until it poses a serious safety concern. Or a worker could bypass the blueprints to build something they think is even better. Perhaps a less intentional error, a worker could simply misunderstand his orders.
Poor Management
When a construction crew isn’t managed properly, the results can be devastating. But what does management look like on a construction site? And what does it look like when management goes wrong?
- Communication. Communication is one of the most important aspects of a manager’s job. When expectations aren’t clear, safety concerns aren’t discussed, or important details aren’t shared, disaster can strike the construction site.
- Performance management. A construction manager is in charge of not only giving directions, but ensuring the project stays on budget, and keeping the crew safe, but they are also tasked with keeping the crew motivated and the construction site running efficiently.