Tips for avoiding delays in construction projects
As a well-known family-owned custom building company offering new home builds and renovations, we at Bruin Builders have been part of countless construction projects across the greater Brisbane and Gold Coast region.
We’re also often involved from right at the very start, during the pre-construction process for new home building projects. So, it makes sense that we get a lot of questions from homeowners about the building process.
Many of these questions we get asked at the start of the new home build process are related to construction delays; (specifically, how to avoid delays in construction projects, how delays are caused, and how to reduce those delays once they happen).
We’ve created this guide on construction delays to answer all of these questions for you.
First, let’s take a look at how construction delays are caused.
How are construction delays caused?
Construction delays can happen for a variety of reasons, but we’ve identified some of the most common culprits, especially in the Brisbane and Gold Coast areas.
Some of the biggest reasons for construction delays for new home builds in Brisbane and the Gold Coast are:
- Variations
- Supply chain disruptions
- Weather and environmental factors
- Permit and regulation delays
Let’s take a quick look at each of these main delay causes in more detail.
More about common construction delay culprits
Variations in project plans
Sometimes, the initial plan for a home build or renovation needs to change during the build stage.
This could be due to new client requests, late changes to the construction contract, or any unexpected challenges that come up in the build stage.
While flexibility is key and we allow for change at Bruin Builders, it’s important to keep in mind any changes to the build plans or scope can lead to delays.
We’ll always let you know if a proposed change late in the piece is likely to blow out your project timelines for your house build, though. At Bruin Builders, we prioritise communication and transparency, keeping you informed along the way.
Supply chain disruptions for building materials
We’re all too familiar with the effect that global events or more local disasters can have on the availability of materials.
Whether it’s timber, hardware, or specialised fixtures, supply chain issues can set back timelines.
At Bruin Builders, we have a number of excellent working relationships with a range of suppliers and keep up to date with what’s happening in the industry. Because of this, we are able to anticipate when things look like they might take a little longer, and in most cases, reduce any delays.
Weather and environmental factors
In Brisbane and the Gold Coast, we have our share of weather challenges. Unpredictable weather can pause construction and cause delays during the build stage. This can especially impact timelines when it happens during critical phases of the build.
Permit and regulatory delays
Navigating the red tape can be tricky for many homeowners, which can sometimes mean delays in gaining the permits and certification needed to go ahead with a build. There can also be delays in the inspections needed for domestic building contracts, and these delays are often outside the control of the builder or homeowner, which can push back project timelines.
How to avoid delays in construction projects: our top tips to avoid construction delays
Here are a few tips to keep your construction project on track, whether it’s a new home build, a renovation, or a knockdown rebuild construction project:
Plan well and involve your builder early
The earlier in the construction project process that you engage with your builder, the better.
Here’s why:
- Involving your builder early in the process helps to keep the budget on track, addressing any potential budget areas early.
- This also minimises the need to go back and forth in the design stage, or go back to design later.
- A good builder (like our friendly team here at Bruin Builders) can assist with supplier suggestions for things like your sanitary and tapware, door furnishings, fixtures and fittings and more.
- We can help make sure you have everything ready to get the ball rolling as soon as possible. This way, as soon as your building approval is received, you’re good to go. You’ll be able to move in sooner as a result.
At Bruin Builders, we involve ourselves from the get-go, helping you through the pre-construction phase. This early involvement allows for a more accurate timeline and fewer surprises.
Ensure clear communication
Regular updates and open lines of communication between you and your builder can preempt many issues. At Bruin Builders, we’re a custom home builder that believes strongly in keeping you informed every step of the way.
Be realistic in your timeline goals
It’s important to set realistic expectations for practical completion of the construction process. The tighter your project timeline, the more likely things are to blow out. While it’s tempting to try to bring your timelines forward, if you’re too optimistic and experience delays as a result, those delays can add additional costs you’re not expecting. So, it’s best to be realistic right from the moment you set the home build deadlines.
When you work with Bruin Builders, we’ll help you understand what can be achieved within your timeframe, taking into account potential delays. This helps you be more prepared and set more realistic project timeframes for practical completion.
Choose a builder with good supply chain relationships
We pride ourselves on establishing strong relationships with suppliers throughout the construction industry.
This ensures a more reliable supply chain and reduces the risk of material shortages and supply chain delays.
How to reduce construction delays once they occur
Even with the best planning, delays can still happen, many of which are out of reasonable control.
Here’s how we tackle delays at Bruin Builders when they do occur on building projects:
Proactive problem solving
Our team works quickly to find solutions as soon as a delay is identified.
This might mean sourcing alternative materials, adjusting the workforce schedule, or reaching out to our contacts within the construction industry to find a solution where one is available.
The ability to pivot when things change
Being adaptable is key in the construction industry. We’re always ready to make necessary adjustments to keep the project moving forward, even when unexpected delays happen. We’ll let you know when we think a change is needed to meet a deadline, if a solution is in our reasonable control.
Early identification of construction delays
At Bruin Builders, our home building process involves regular progress reviews.
By regularly reviewing the progress of a home construction project, we can identify potential delays early and mitigate them before they become bigger issues or long delays.
We save time with our in-house carpenter team
One unique advantage when it comes to preventing construction delays at Bruin Builders is our in-house carpenter team. This means that you’ll have to wait less for the carpentry to be completed when you choose to build with Bruin Builders. You’ll benefit from reduced delays and reduced downtime that you’d otherwise get if relying on external contractors for your carpentry.
We’re here to make your home build run smoothly
Delays in construction projects can be frustrating, but with the right approach and the right team, they can be minimised.
At Bruin Builders, we pride ourselves on our ability to prevent, manage and reduce these delays, ensuring your dream home becomes a reality on time and within budget.
If you’ve got any more questions on preventing construction delays for Gold Coast and Brisbane new home builds, renovations or knockdown rebuilds, or if you’d like to learn more about working with Bruin Builders for your dream home build, get in touch with our team today. We’d love to hear from you.
