When planning a commercial construction project, you may also review an estimated timeline for the completion of the project. This is typically prepared for you by your commercial general contractor, or it may be refined by your contractor very early on in the building process. Through this timeline, you may be able to better plan what dates to pre-lease units for, how to structure your financing and more. With so many things riding on your timeline, you understandably want to stick to your construction schedule as closely as possible. However, you may have heard stories about construction projects going haywire with weeks-long or months-long delays, or you may have even been involved in previous projects that took weeks or months longer than originally planned. By following a few helpful tips, you can improve the likelihood that your project will be completed on time.
Choose a Dependable Commercial Construction Contractor
Most people will use the services of a commercial contractor with skills in related construction work when building a new office, retail center or other type of building. One of the best steps that you can take to ensure the fast completion of your project is to hire the right contractor. A skilled, experienced contractor has the knowledge and expertise to juggle timelines and schedules of different sub-contractors, to coordinate various services and more in an effort to keep the project on time. As you review contractor qualifications, look for a contractor who has a reputation for delivering timely results, like Nationwide Construction.
Make Firm Decisions
While much of the timeline lies with your contractor, some of it lies with you. When a client changes his or her mind about the scope of the project, the plans may need to be adjusted. In some cases, entire blueprints may need to be re-drawn. In other instances, work that has already been completed needs to be adjusted or torn down, or work may need to halt while new plans are created. Avoid backtracking on the project by making firm decisions the first time.
Avoid Changing Your Mind About Materials
Changing your mind about the use of different materials can also have an impact on the timeline. Consider, for example, if you change your mind about the type of roof that you want to install. Some roofing materials require installation on a reinforced structure, so the roof may need to be reinforced before the roofing material can be installed. In some cases, new materials that the client wants to use may be on back order and may delay the project by several weeks. Do your research about building materials now to avoid delays later.
Review Work Periodically With Your Contractor
Another helpful tip to follow to help you keep your project on track is to review the work of your team periodically with your contractor. The best contractors will have walk-through appointments with their clients at regular intervals throughout the process. For example, it is common to do a walk-through before the drywall is hung, and this is so you can see the position of the HVAC vents, the electrical power outlets, the water faucets and more. If you need more walk-through appointments, talk to your contractor about this.
Maintain Open Communications With Your Contractor
A final tip to follow is to maintain open communications with your contractor throughout the process. There may be times when your contractor urgently needs to reach you, and you need to be reachable to avoid delays with the project. Always respond to calls and text messages as quickly as possible. Be aware when your decision-making process is holding up the construction process.
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