Construction delays are often under the discussion of researchers
and scientists for qualitative as well as quantitative analyses. Deeper
analyses have made the distinction in causes of various delays more
comprehensive now.
For project managers to save their projects from critical delays
and cost escalations, it is primarily important to understand the categories of
delays with respect to the source and cause.
This article aims to elaborate on the eight categories of
construction delay causes.
Eight categories of causes of construction delays
Construction delays are a common occurrence in construction
projects. Delay in one activity leads to the late beginning of multiple other
activities that are dependent on it. In this way, the chain of delays continues
if not mitigated carefully.
The common causes of delays can be categorized as follows in
traditional contracts:
1. Client related factors
Clients in construction projects are often very picky and thus
cause delays in the progress of the project. Client related delays generally
include the finances and non-payment of erstwhile completed work. Besides, many
projects have their progress halted due to the owner’s interference, or slow
decision making in case of changes or improvements in the project work.
Sometimes the project owner tries to impose an unrealistic
contract duration as well. All of these delays are easy to identify, but the
impacts are difficult to mitigate. Thus you need to stay in touch with a delay
expert throughout the lifecycle of the project. In this way, you can save the
project from last-minute cardinal changes in contractual terms.
2. Contractor related factors
Contractors are usually responsible for site management and
planning. The delay causing factors related to contractor include improper
planning, mismanagement on-site, lack of experience or inadequate experience of
the contractor in the field, construction mistakes, and use of improper
construction methods.
The delays which are caused due to the negligence, incompetence,
or under the eye of a subcontractor also fall under the category of contractor
related factors causing construction delays.
3. Consultant factors
Consultants are an essential party for any construction project.
The consultant related factors that cause delays in construction projects are
contract management, quality assurance, and quality control, drawing
preparation and approval, etc. Besides these, a consultant related factor of
prime importance is extended waiting time period for inspections and test
approvals.
4. Material factors
Material is an indispensable part of any construction process. You
need to procure material and equipment in batches, because of space, logistics
as well as budgetary concerns. With time, the costs of material rise.
The quality of material may also vary for every procurement, and
you can never be sure of the stock and supply situation in the material market.
So, material related factors that cause delays in construction are quality and
shortage of material.
5. Labor and equipment factors
Labor and equipment factors are the gravest factors causing delays
in construction projects very frequently. The primary factors include but are
not limited to labor supply, labor productivity, availability of equipment or
failure, or any of its parts.
If the labor is being negligent and violating the terms of the
contract, then you must penalize the labor force. If you have a delay expert in the loop, you can
mitigate the impacts in due time without letting the project progress to make a
halt. These are the most common factors,
and a consultant can help keep an eye on the root causes.
6. Contractual relationships related factors
Contractual relationships are the relations of the various
parties, which are formed as a result of signing the contract in a traditional
construction project. These relations remain healthy when the terms of the contract
are elaborate, and the responsibilities and liabilities are clear.
The factors causing delays that stem from contractual
relationships are major negotiations and disputes during the construction
process and an inappropriate organizational structure that binds the parties of
the project under the contract. Another key factor in this regard is the lack
of effective communication between any two of the project manager, contractors,
consultants, and the project owner.
7. External factors
External factors include changes in regulations of the state
for the relevant industry, varying site conditions, bad relations with the
neighbors of the construction site, or ever-changing weather conditions.
8. Contract factors
The contract is the single binding element between all the parties
involved in the project and serves as the guiding star, as who is responsible
for what. The contract related factors include mistakes and discrepancies in
contract documents and change orders.
Save your construction project from delays!
Delays are almost inevitable. But when you have a keen eye
and have hired the experienced project managers, contractors, and consultants,
you are more likely to avoid these. Make sure the expert witnesses are looking
at the project processes and progress throughout the project lifecycle!
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