If there is anything that construction project managers don’t like, it’s the delays in their work. Going off the schedule is a major problem and it will cost money. That is why when you have the job of managing a construction project, you need to minimize the downtime as much as possible.
Here are some of the things you can do to avoid delays:
Move the Deadline
The best way to ensure that you don’t go past your deadline is to have a distant one. Overestimate the time that you need for the project. If your initial estimate of the project will take three months, then you should add two weeks or even another month. This will give you a comfortable cushion of time. It can stop you from having to do things in a hurry.
The great thing about the longer deadline is that it will also preserve your company’s reputation. Be reasonable about the extension though. Discuss with your client about what would be a reasonable extension time to accommodate potential delays.
Streamline Your Processes
The first step you can take to reduce downtime is to make your processes more efficient. Do an audit of your processes and see what you can do better. For example, if it is possible for you to do some work off-site and to transfer it to the site properly. Doing pre-fab construction like this can reduce the workload on your people and allows you to do more.
Other things you can change include quicker communication between the various groups in your project. Better communication allows you to respond to various situations more quickly.
Routine Maintenance is Important
One of the best ways to reduce downtime is routine maintenance. Equipment breakdowns are a major cause of delays. This is why you should schedule heavy equipment repair in Salt Lake City and other urban areas to look over your equipment. This is cheaper than calling them to repair your machinery. They will look over your trucks, trailers, and more to see potential problems. If they detect problems, then they will fix them immediately. This ensures that your equipment is ready for use and the repairs are not going to be expensive or take a long time.
Proper Training for Your People
A potential cause of downtime is accidents. This is usually because of carelessness and lack of training. This is why you should implement proper training for your workers. Have them go through regular refresher courses so that they know the best practices on the field and that they remember them. Besides ensuring good performance, the right training will also ensure that your workers will use the equipment right. This reduces the damage done to them and the potential for accidents.
Delays will cost you money, so it is a good idea to reduce them. As the head of the project, it will be up to you to ensure that the chances for downtime are lower. The tips above will be able to help you eliminate the odds of a delay. By following them, you can see immediate results in the construction projects you manage.
