Key Reasons for Delays in Construction Projects

Construction projects go through several stages of development, introducing potential for delays and schedule overruns. Large-scale projects that involve multiple stakeholders can also experience delays caused by liquidity issues, information access, labour skill mismatch, and site productivity challenges. Developers that are facing recurring issues caused by the pandemic will also find it challenging to quickly digitize processes to harness the potential of technology.

It is important for developers to manage construction risks, such as delays, using the right technology solution like Zepth. By mapping and analysing various risks prevalent within construction projects, critical delays can be minimized through faster issue identification, remediation, and analysis. Stakeholders can be integrated within the construction management software to also expedite execution and provide rapid updates to managers using the right workflows.

1. Planning & design-stage challenges

Planning stage challenges can put a significant strain on profitability for construction projects, especially as managers focus on scalability of key processes. Problems with approvals, designs, specifications, and layouts can cause delays later during execution of site work. A leading BIM software solution can help organize design and planning, while automating routine tasks for expediting pre-construction work.

2. Scheduling and coordination issues within projects

Scheduling is a significant challenge within many construction projects, as firms must manage several teams, workers, materials, equipment, tools, etc. These issues can be resolved by focusing on the implementation of a connected construction ecosystem that integrates all resources, assets, and teams. In fact, connected ecosystems can offer significant cost reduction benefits of around 10% in build costs, owing to better productivity and expedited execution.

3. Challenges with capital and cost management

Nearly 76% of engineering & construction firms are likely to invest in a digital technology to solve some of the pressing challenges that cause delays. Budgeting and liquidity issues are some of the most important ones to manage within construction projects, especially as cashflow is key to project completion. Mismanagement of capital and a lack of daily financial consumption tracking can lead to significant delays and stalling. Stalled work can lead to secondary issues with quality and safety, requiring reworking in some cases as well.

4. Procurement issues with material fulfilment

Procurement is a critical challenge area for several construction firms that want to fulfil requirements on time across multiple sites. With around 54% of contractors experiencing the shortage of at least one construction material on-site, procurement is a key issue that needs to be addressed holistically. Procurement delays can cause scheduling overruns and excess cost due to non-performance at the site caused by lack of required materials.

5. Disconnected construction processes within projects

Nearly 30% of engineering & construction firms are using disconnected applications that can’t communicate with one another for seamless information sharing. This naturally extends to construction processes that end up being fragmented and lower performing. There can be issues with labour unavailability, resource locking, scheduling issues, and information access challenges that can cause significant delays.

6. Constant scope change introduced

Scope change, especially as projects progress from one stage to another, can create cost overruns and scheduling delays. They can also occur at any point during the foundation, formwork, or finishing section of the project, which is why it is important to gain collaborative approvals for all proposed work. Scope change can be better managed through construction project management solutions that allow for version control and automated reporting of all changes.

7. Compliance issues within project

There can be potential compliance issues in areas such as HVAC, built up area, material specifications, and technical quality. These compliance issues can lead to further delays that can introduce scope changes, remediation costs, rescheduling of workers, material costs, etc. Digitization of compliance and risk management can help reduce the chances of delays through integration of all workflows.

8. Safety issues identified on-site

Safety issues are vital to identify early on as they can cause significant delays in terms of injuries, damages, and reworking. Conducting site inspections and regular audits can help in streamlining safety governance and compliance. With nearly 24% of construction firms investing in drones and robotics, the process of safety inspections is set to become more productive and efficient over time.

Author has bachelor degree in civil engineering, he is as project manager since 5 year in construction business. He has vast knowledge of civil engineering and project management.