Construction Period

Myriad problems can ensue during the construction period, most of which -- such as the weather, or late delivery of materials -- are difficult to control. Develop contingency plans, patience and flexibility.

Most construction period nightmares postpone completion, increasing costs. Common stumbling blocks:

• To save money, organizations choose not to hire a construction manager, eventually costing themselves both time and money.
  
• Decisions on design elements are made too late, and accommodating them requires redoing or adding to the construction plans. This happens when:
  • Ideas about the design change,
  • The project has been rushed through,
  • Too many people are making decisions, and are taking too long to reach a consensus, or
  • The decision-maker is overextended.
    
• The organization or contractor has cash flow problems during the construction. For some time, more money flows out than comes in. Contractors must to wait to be paid, which can cause problems.
  
• An organization wrongly relies upon its architects to know and understand all city, state and federal regulations, which cost time and money.