Construction is a pretty straightforward process. Get the buildings blueprints and build the building. There are a lot of details between this and that, but the process remains largely the same. But just like in life, even the most straightforward process on paper can get off track with many factors outside of your control.
Here are some common issues that can crop up in the construction business, and how we cope with them as best we can.
Weather
Weather plays a huge role in construction. Many times, projects are scheduled around the calendar.
Ideally, the ground would be prepped and the exterior finished by the time the weather starts turning cold. If the weather is too cold, concrete may not set correctly. If the ground is too wet, none of the heavy machinery will be able to move around the site, which would stop progress until it dries up. There is a lot of watching the weather forecast and trying to plan accordingly.
Supply Issues
After the contract is signed, supplies are ordered. Unfortunately, building can’t start until supplies are delivered. This year in particular, supply chain disruptions are causing delays in materials. With a shortage of everything from steel to drywall finishing compound, the building timeline may be extended a few weeks to a couple months. A pre-engineered metal building that used to take 8-10 weeks now has a lead time of 6 months! Knowing the different lead times helps set the schedule for the project. Items may be ordered a lot earlier than usual to make sure it is there when they need it.
Pandemics
This would have seemed like an odd item to add a couple years ago, but as it has affected every other industry, it has also affected the construction industry. Quarantine orders and illness can remove workforce from the job site. There are additional safety and health requirements that add time but are used to protect our employees and clients.
Banks
If there are any issues with financing, this could slow down different phases of the project.
Unforeseen Site Conditions
If you have ever seen a home improvement show, you know that until you start your project you don’t know all the details. When we start prepping the ground for building, there are a lot of unknowns that need to be addressed. There is soil testing to make sure the ground will support the weight of the intended structure. Drainage is assessed. There are also checks to make sure there are no easements or wetlands on the property.
Being proactive is the best solution to many of these issues. When you know the worst-case scenario, you can work to lessen any impact these have on the project. Over the last 60 years, Janotta & Herner has been working through these known and new hiccups in the construction industry. If you have any questions on how we successfully work around these issues, please reach out to us.