6 Key Tips for Successful Construction Projects

The US construction industry is expected to be worth an estimated $2.4 trillion in 2030. And with the economy continuing to recover from the depths of the COVD-19 crisis, construction will only continue to boom in many areas.

With the pandemic no longer a factor, this may be the ideal time for your construction project to break ground. As you’re going to find out, seeing through a construction project successfully is no walk in the park.

Take the time to check and double-check the estimated cost of the project with multiple wall cladding panel suppliers and contractors.

Construction projects involve many teams and strict deadlines, making things challenging. To help ensure optimal construction quality without exceeding the set project budget or deadline, here are six time-tested guidelines you need to follow.

1. Approach the Contracting Process Carefully

Besides the actual construction, the contract is the most vital part of a construction project. The written terms need to clearly and carefully define the agreements, expectations, risks, and obligations of each party.

Take extra care to ensure that the contract isn’t one-sided. No party should shift responsibility for all risks to the other party. A one-sided contract often generates just as many claims as it prevents.

To the greatest extent possible, aim to allocate project risks fairly. Ideally, a contract allocates risks first to the party with direct control over the part of construction that creates risk. If no party is in direct control, then risks are allocated to the party best positioned to protect against unexpected losses.

After the contract is drafted, go through it carefully once again. Ensure you understand and are comfortable with the terms.

2. Get Independent Cost Estimates

A key part of good construction management is to ensure that you don’t run out of resources before the project is complete. That’s why you need to have as close a cost estimate of the project as possible from the very start.

Take the time to check and double-check the estimated cost of the project with multiple suppliers and contractors. Make sure the experts you’re talking to are familiar with the type of project you’re embarking on, as they’re best positioned to provide more accurate estimates.

You can also consider using an outside construction consultant to get objective information on how much you can expect to spend on your project. Sure, you’ll need to pay for this service, but the price is usually modest and worth it.

3. Establish a Budget

Now that you know the potential cost of your project, it’s time to come up with a realistic budget. Try to make the budget as firm as possible to minimize the likelihood of overruns. Instruct your architect and engineers to draw designs that fit the set budget.

While drawing up contracts with your designers, include clauses that require them to revise the plans in the event that the bids you receive from contractors exceed your budget by a given percentage.

4. Get the Designs Peer-Reviewed

The best way to reduce risk and offer optimal protection to the owner during a construction project is to ensure that all designs are accurate, complete, and well-coordinated. An incomplete or inaccurate design can lead to a project that has conflicts, extra costs, and delays.

Consider using an independent architect to review the plans before you embark on the actual construction project. Such an expert may be able to spot any errors, inconsistencies, and omissions. This way, you get to avoid the disruptions, delays, and added costs involved when design errors get discovered in the construction site after the project gets underway.

5. Set a Schedule for the Project

The amount of time a construction project takes can vary significantly based on the actual needs and scope of the project. On average, a new house takes 7.7 months on average to complete when the house is meant for sale. When the project is done by the homeowner, the project takes approximately 12.5 months.

These numbers are meant to guide you as you set your schedule, especially if you’re looking to build a house. Avoid starting your project under too much time pressure, as this will make your project suffer. Placing undue pressure on your contractor can motivate them to cut corners, causing poor workmanship and construction defects.

Allocate a reasonable amount of time for your project. Take into account potential disruptions that may be occasioned by adverse weather, slow lead times on construction supplies due to market conditions, and so on.

6. Keep Reviewing Construction Activities

As the building’s owner, you may be asking yourself “how do air compressors work?” or what each construction material is meant for. But that’s no excuse to shun the construction site and leave everything to the construction workers.

Prudent owners keep a close eye on the project’s progress. You need to be aware of any challenges that come up in the field. The last thing you want is for issues to come to your attention when it’s already too late.

When you review the construction activities regularly, you get to improve the chances of unearthing any disputes that need resolution. It’s also easy to detect potential design mistakes, as well as any poor construction practices that need rectification.

Keeping Construction Quality High Is Achievable

There’s a lot of money, time, and effort that goes into a construction project. That’s why you need to pay attention to every little detail to ensure that the final product achieves the highest possible construction quality. By following the guidelines we’ve recommended here, you can ensure your next construction project goes successfully.

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