Costly Mistakes in Construction Projects: How to Avoid Them

July 12, 2023

Some construction errors and delays are inevitable. But you can minimize the effects of these costly mistakes by preparing for them before they occur. Here are three things you can do to keep your construction projects moving smoothly.

Effective Project Planning

The best way to minimize construction errors is to take the time to fully plan out each project in advance. This will allow you to more accurately estimate costs, as well as to identify potential risks and come up with a plan to avoid them. Make sure you thoroughly map out each phase of the project, from initial designs through inspection and final client sign-off.

Resource Management

The global pandemic laid bare the risks associated with just-in-time (JIT) deliveries. Although most resource shortages have eased, we now know that anything can happen. Careful resource management can ensure that you have the materials you need when you need them at a reasonable cost. Remember, it’s always better to err on the side of caution to account for overruns, damage, and other drains on resources.

Risk Mitigation Techniques

While project planning and resource management can reduce the likelihood of construction errors, risk mitigation means having a plan to deal with them if they occur. During the planning phase, you should have identified areas of particular risk. Now is the time to decide what you can do about those risks. This can help you save substantial amounts of money by averting potential accidents, minimizing delays, and lowering the likelihood of legal complications.

Construction errors are inevitable. If left unchecked, they can cause costs to skyrocket or even sink a project altogether. But effective planning and resource management, coupled with strong risk mitigation techniques, can dramatically reduce the effects of errors on your project. This means stronger and healthier teams, happier customers, higher profits, and preserving your good name in the industry. With so much on the line, it only makes sense to do what you can to reduce and mitigate these errors.

Need a Skilled Trade Professional?

At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and contact us today!

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Overcoming Common Challenges in Urban Commercial Construction

March 27, 2024

Urban commercial construction brings a whole set of challenges that contractors in the suburbs and rural areas never have to consider. But revitalization is extremely important for urban cores to survive and thrive, so these projects can be quite lucrative. Here are some common difficulties, along with tips to overcome them and remain on good terms with the neighbors. Tight Spaces In urban areas, there simply isn’t as much space to move around. You might have difficulty getting some of your heavy machinery to fit, or your subcontractors could be trying to paint an apartment the size of an average broom closet. Rise to the challenge by thinking outside the box. Carefully survey the entire space before you get started, and develop a detailed project plan in advance. Be sure to include entry and egress routes, alternative ways of getting things done, and even subcontractor schedules that minimize the number of people working in the same space at the same time. Local Regulations Many urban areas have byzantine construction regulations that are confusing and hard to follow. Take the time to research these regulations and understand what you need to do. Then, boil it all down into a simple, easy-to-read document that you distribute to everyone involved. Get to know the local authorities and find someone whom you can call whenever you have questions or concerns. Make sure your team members are ready to pivot if you find out that you missed or misinterpreted something significant. Always have a backup plan. Community Engagement Transparency can go a long way toward getting the local community on your side. Let people know what you’re working on and how it will benefit them. Explain why the project is happening, how long it will take, and whether it will impact their costs (such as taxes). If you’re redeveloping a historic building, be especially sensitive to the concerns of preservationists and meet with them separately to explain your plans. Noise Control You won’t endear yourself to the local community if you’re making a lot of noise when residents are trying to sleep. And remember, even if you’re working on an office building, there could be luxury apartments right next door. Use sound baffling measures to reduce noise. Whenever possible, work during daylight hours. Minimizing Disruptions No matter how careful you are, urban commercial construction projects are inherently disruptive to the neighborhood. But you can mitigate this with careful planning. Try not to block streets during morning or evening rush hours. Be considerate of any upcoming local events. Do your best not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns. When you do need to create a blockage, be sure to put up signage and work as quickly as you can without compromising safety. Need a Skilled Trade Professional? At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and then contact us today!