What do you do if your construction project is facing unexpected delays?

1 Assess Impact

When faced with delays, your first step should be to evaluate the situation comprehensively. Determine how the delay affects your project timeline, budget, and resource allocation. Communication with your team is key; ensure that everyone is aware of the issues and understands their role in mitigating the delay. Analyze contract terms for delay clauses that may offer relief or require specific actions, and consider the potential for cost overruns or penalties. This assessment will form the foundation of your strategy to address the delay.

3 Engage Suppliers

Engaging with suppliers and subcontractors is critical when delays occur. Reach out to discuss the situation and explore alternative solutions, such as expedited shipping for materials or adjusting work schedules to recover lost time. Strong relationships with your suppliers can be invaluable in these scenarios, as they may be willing to go the extra mile to help you overcome the challenges. Maintaining open lines of communication can help ensure that everyone is working towards a common goal: getting the project back on track.

5 Legal Considerations

It's important to understand the legal implications of construction delays. Review your contracts for force majeure clauses or other provisions that address delays and their consequences. If necessary, consult with legal counsel to explore your options and protect your interests. Documentation is key; ensure that all communication related to the delay is recorded and that you maintain detailed records of the delay's causes and effects. This can be crucial if disputes arise or if you need to file claims for extensions or compensation.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?