Photo from Unsplash
Originally Posted On: https://fourelementscontractors.com/on-time-and-within-budget-how-contractors-navigate-the-challenges-of-commercial-construction/
In the complex landscape of commercial construction, countless variables can derail even the most straightforward projects. From permitting delays to unreliable subcontractors and issues with securing materials, there’s a long list of potential problems for every contractor.
However, despite the plethora of challenges to successful commercial construction projects, there are builders who always manage to complete their work on time and within budget.
So, what’s their secret? How do contractors overcome construction challenges?
In this article, %COMPANY%’s skilled builders discuss common strategies commercial contractors use when planning and navigating a construction project. We shed light on some industry best practices, discuss the merits of adapting to new building strategies, and highlight how cutting-edge technology helps streamline construction.
Strategies for Delivering Top-Quality Construction Projects
Contending with multiple stakeholders, numerous subcontractors, and third parties is unavoidable when managing a commercial construction project. With so many different interests and perspectives, it can be easy for building times to be delayed, resulting in skyrocketing costs and long-term consequences. The best contractors adapt to challenges and use industry-tested strategies for overcoming obstacles to progress.
Some of the most common strategies for staying organized and ensuring top-quality work include the following:
- Detailed project planning
- Effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders
- Employing trusted subcontractors with long-standing business relationships
- Progress monitoring
- Quality assurance
- Adopting new technologies
- Contingency planning
- …and more!
Let’s explore some of the ways commercial contractors navigate worksite challenges.
Accurate Commercial Construction Cost Estimation Techniques
One of the most important steps involved in commercial construction is accurately estimating building, labor, and material costs. This process involves creating a thorough outline of the project scope, purchasing materials, and budgeting for unforeseen expenses.
Practical cost estimation also involves using sophisticated software to provide accurate data and analytics, ensuring comprehensive estimates. Accurate budget estimates and a clear, understood project scope allow all stakeholders to plan accordingly and minimize the risk of surprise costs in the long run.
Commercial Contractors Stay Current on Industry Developments
Another vital strategy for navigating the challenges of construction projects is embracing new technology and staying current on industry regulations and developments. This can be as simple as leveraging tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) or as complex as studying evolving building codes and developing sustainable business practices.
Contractors who prioritize continuous learning and adaptability are often better equipped to anticipate challenges and address hurdles to success. Embracing innovation and regulatory changes enhances project outcomes while contributing to an organizational culture of excellence.
Taking a Design-Build Approach to Commercial Construction
A design-build approach is a newer development in the commercial construction industry designed to improve upon the traditional method of awarding separate contracts for design and construction. It involves heavy collaboration between contractors, designers, subcontractors, and worksite owners to create a streamlined, cohesive project.
The design-build methodology can help eliminate errors, redundancies, and miscommunication between the parties involved in construction. It can result in cost savings, accelerated building schedules, and better relationships between clients and contractors.
Design-build strategies are straightforward and typically include the following steps:
- Team selection
- Pre-construction planning and discussion
- Defining budget, timeline, and construction location
- Architectural design and approval
- Construction
- Quality assurance
- Post-construction walkthroughs and assessment
Effective Project Management: Partnering With Reputable Subcontractors
In many instances, commercial construction projects can get bogged down when searching for and scheduling subcontractors.
Unlike general contractors, subcontractors perform specialized labor tasks that require technical knowledge and expertise. They may work on multiple projects simultaneously and are not beholden to the same organizational or procedural regulations as commercial general contractors. This can result in project delays or breakdowns in communication.
Effective project management requires hiring reputable subcontractors, preferably those with a previous working relationship, establishing clear expectations for their work, and attentive supervision to stay on schedule.
Staying Lean: Adopting Streamlined General Contracting Practices
Poor organization and inefficient construction practices are significant sources of bloated project budgets and delayed construction timelines. Adopting streamlined practices and focusing on lean construction is a standard solution for keeping projects on track.
Lean construction involves determining the customer’s exact values and wishes, as well as the specific amount of materials and labor required, in order to minimize waste by not overproducing or over-hiring. This approach requires meticulous planning and ongoing assessments of design and construction processes. It also encourages collaboration among various project stakeholders and emphasizes streamlined operations to reduce costs, deliver projects quickly, and improve building quality.
Lean construction is designed to improve client satisfaction while giving contractors and stakeholders a competitive advantage in the market.
Contingency Planning: Good Builders Prepare for the Unexpected
Finally, the most common strategy commercial general contractors use to navigate project challenges is preparing for the unexpected.
Developing contingency plans, setting aside a portion of the project budget for flexibility, and investing in comprehensive insurance coverage are just some of the ways that the best builders prepare for their work.
There may not be a one-size-fits-all approach for commercial construction, but the best builders leverage their knowledge to adapt to challenges. Experienced contractors apply multiple strategies to see a project through and deliver an exceptional final product.
Experienced Commercial Contractors Will Adapt to Challenges
When navigating the complicated world of commercial construction, finding a reputable builder with experience adapting to challenges successfully is crucial. Projects very rarely go exactly as planned, so flexibility and preparedness are essential for commercial general contractors to succeed.
Commercial construction involves coordinating numerous parties and stakeholders and requires meticulous attention to detail and a tireless work ethic to manage successfully.
Contact %COMPANY% to Work With an Industry Leader
At %COMPANY%, we adapt to the needs of our clients and have earned our reputation for excellence through years of hard work, dedicated service, and stunning construction projects. Whether you want help managing a worksite or need a licensed builder to conduct a safety inspection, we’re here to help.
As a local business, we’re proud to serve clients in the area, and our customer-centric approach to construction has helped us achieve professional success.
We’re an industry leader in commercial general contracting and are equipped to provide state-of-the-art concrete and plumbing services for clients in need. Reach us at %PHONE1% to schedule a friendly consultation and learn how we can support your commercial construction needs.
