Project Delays to Consider

As a contractor, there are a few things that are simply unavoidable and can result in project delays. Sometimes even when one thinks they know of potential delays, something always manages to arise and can delay a project – which can sometimes lead to increased costs and working hours.

When it comes to project delays, a few things to consider are:

Weather

While we can easily rely on the weatherman to tell us what is in store – sometimes these predictions are not as accurate or rather, the weather can change just as fast as materials can go out of stock. Weather can not only delay projects but it can result in damages to the foundation, equipment and materials. While weather is truly uncontrollable, most contractors will plough through and work through the weather; however, it is always important to keep in mind that when it comes to safety and getting the project completed – if it is necessary to take time and inform the client of the delay it should be done. Safety on-site is essential and while no one likes a project delay, jeopardizing one is safety and the project to finish on time is not worth it.

For some clients this can be frustrating and can sometimes lead to increased costs; however, clients understand that the weather is beyond a contractor's control and for the most part are very much understanding and would not want anything to further delay their project.

Budget Shortage

Funding allows a project to not only continue but to remain in progress. If a client under-estimates their budget this can result in project delays. Sometimes it is not even the client underestimating their project but rather under estimating the costs of material and potentially the labour. As a contractor working with a client to budget accordingly will prevent any budget shortfalls but more importantly, it can prevent project delays.

While clients sometimes may believe they have budgeted accordingly – it is important as contractors to step in and provide realistic numbers. An experienced contractor knows the costs of certain materials but more importantly, they understand how much time is required for a job. A budget shortage can happen but by mitigating it before hand through preparation and properly budgeting this can prevent project delays.

Staffing

While a contractor may be the only person that one assumes to do the work – there is actually a slew of people on a job site at any given time which is why one of the delays of a project can actually be a result of staffing. This can be everything from being understaffed to having unqualified individuals. With many individual contracting companies all vying for reliable and knowledgeable staff it can be difficult to ensure you have enough men for the job; however, by factoring the number of people you have to work with a reasonable and realistic timeline delays can be avoided.

Timeline

Contractors know their role, their job and the tasks at hand, which in one way makes them knowledgeable in being able to determine a reasonable timeline for completion. If however, there is a shortage in staffing, the weather is not cooperating or there are delays in finance and supplies – these factors can contribute to the timeline being pushed back. Sometimes the delays are not as significant and a contractor can find their way back to ensuring a timely finish; however, if these factors are beyond his control and that threshold of recovery is not reached, timelines unfortunately are just pushed back.

Contractors would much rather have a delay on their project and provide a quality piece of work than to rush through everything with the potential of missing or not providing the same quality of work that would normally be expected.

While as contractors and businesses we may think we are prepared for the unknown, it is still important to consider that sometimes we can’t predict or know what will happen a day, week or month from the project start date. At Best Access Doors, we understand that when it comes to ordering equipment – not having an order arrive on time or a backorder can have costly delays, which is why we offer a wide range of options and solutions to help any contractor.

To view our inventory or to speak with our knowledgeable customer service, Call us today.