Many things can go wrong when working on a project. We’ve laid out nine common mistakes at a job site so that you can take the proper steps to avoid these issues.
Communicating Poorly
The project manager is responsible for setting up a proper communication channel between the stakeholders involved in the project. If there are misunderstandings or confusion, the project may be delayed or tasks may be executed improperly. Allow for time for questions to be answered and ensure you know the best way to reach anyone you may need to discuss details with, like an architect or contractor.
Being Unclear About Budget Constraints
Knowing what you can and can’t afford can help streamline the project and identify the scope of the work. It’s essential to be clear about how much money is allotted for the project and what financing options are available to secure more capital.
Rushing Preconstruction
Rushing the planning phase may be one of the biggest common mistakes at a job site. During this phase, you are testing the feasibility of the project, ensuring you have the capital to pull it off, and developing important strategies. These strategies include developing cost estimates, setting the schedule, assessing risks, and establishing procurement methods. If everything is not planned ahead of time, mistakes can happen during construction.
Not Sticking to a Completion Date
A good project plan will pad the schedule to allow for any small issues that may arise. In some cases, it may be okay to push a completion date. Unforeseen circumstances like bad weather or Acts of God would be reasons to push the project date. However, these situations should be an exception. Set a firm completion date for your project and then stick to it. Financial incentives for on-time completion may further encourage timeliness.
Performing Tasks Out of Order
It may not seem like a problem to complete tasks out of order, but there can be unexpected consequences to doing so. Sometimes, certain things have to be done before other parts of a project can be completed. If a wall is added before finalizing the wiring behind it, that wall will have to be taken down, wasting resources and delaying the project.
Forgetting Permits
If you don’t have the proper permits for your project, local authorities may give you penalties and even order you to stop working. This can drastically affect your project’s budget and timeline. To avoid this issue, ensure you have all the necessary permits before starting work. Construction licenses are expensive and take a while to be processed, so apply early! Most cities require that you have your permits and plans available on-site in case inspectors want to check in on the work.
Ignoring Safety Measures
Accidents on a construction site are dangerous to the workers and can delay the project. Following proper safety measures and using the right equipment will ensure that workers stay safe and keep the project on track.
Using Old Processes
Using old information, software, and applications will make it hard for you to compete with modern contractors. These inefficient systems are susceptible to mistakes and inconsistencies and do not boost flexibility and productivity. It’s also imperative to use updated blueprints and plans. Using an old project plan can cause delays and miscommunications, which costs you time and money.
Not Planning for Plan B
While there are situations that may catch you off guard, typical risks at a job site should be planned for. A contingency plan will prepare you for these issues and can prevent a lot of stress and delay. As a general rule, reserve 7-10 percent of your budget to cater to these risks.
