How to Avoid Common Construction Mistakes: Tips for Contractors and Architects

Understanding the risk factors is one of the most vital elements to mitigating the risk of error. Be it within the construction industry, or any other. However, truly comprehending these risks, and properly addressing them may vary in intensity across an array of verticals. For the purpose of this article, we are focusing on risk identification for contractors and architects within the construction industry. Below are five steps contractors and architects can take to avoid mistakes within this booming industry.

#1 Unclear Project Specifications 

Many projects require several project leads. This may be a project manager for one element, architect for another, and so on. However, incomplete or unclear product specifications may lead to miscommunication between the contractors, architects, and the client. The result may lead to duplicated work or the work not getting done at all, overall mistakes within the build, and delayed timelines. To properly avoid this, there must be consistent and clear expectations and communication amongst all involved parties.

#2 Inadequate Risk Assessments and Best Practices

Failing to properly conduct a full risk assessment of the project in its entirety may lead to delays and unexpected issues. For example, properly assessing and anticipating potential risk factors such as weather, site-specific challenges, or regulatory changes will proactively help keep projects moving forward. It is worth noting, that because some of these risk factors, like weather, change throughout the life of project completion, these risk assessments must be ongoing. 

Additionally, best practices are a must when talking about construction. Before any project gets underway all underground power and utility lines should be properly marked using construction flags. If a single, best practice step, such as this is not done it could lead to more than just downed power for the region.

#3 Communication Faults

Although this is touched on in the first point, it is certainly worth reiterating. By clearly listing out roles and responsibilities, each party can identify what tasks they are accountable for. By identifying who is responsible for what, each person will know who they need to communicate with about certain action items. To assist with smooth collaboration amongst each party, the contractors and architects may opt for the utilization of checklists to help outline the project timeline, understand who needs to communicate with whom and when, as well as be able to clearly see the project’s overall progress towards completion.

#4 Regulatory and Compliance Issues

Meeting regulatory and compliance regulations has been a requirement within the construction industry since the beginning of time. However, regulations are consistently evolving with new legislation, and ensuring up-to-date knowledge of these new requirements is vital for project completion. Simply because something has always been done a certain way, no longer means that it is within these guidelines or is acceptable for the specific project. To avoid this misstep, always be aware of any changes to regulatory compliance within the specific job being done, as well as keep a pulse on any upcoming trends within the industry that may be implemented moving forward. 

#5 Identifying Safety Risks

Unfortunately, construction is one of the top industries for workman’s compensation claims. The industry inherently carries an array of risks within its very nature, from the large machinery used to the labor intensity of the job itself. The best way to avoid these injuries is to implement workplace safety training. This should include training on not only the equipment used but also ergonomics. This will help employees lift and maneuver equipment and supplies safely to avoid long-term injury. Additionally, using safety features like locking mechanisms to ensure equipment stays in place, will enhance the safety of the overall site. Also, always be sure to have the proper authorities mark any underground pipes and wires before digging within a site.

Reduce the Risks

By addressing these five key risk factors, architects and contractors will be able to reduce the risk of project delay, duplicated work efforts, and workplace injury. This within itself will result in a safer work environment, the ability to create and stay aligned with an accurate timeline for the client, and propagate accountability across the entire project.

To foster success, the integration of these steps must be ongoing and become a part of the project implementation strategy. In an industry where risk and delays are inherent, choose to be proactive and set yourself apart from the rest.