Talk.build’s Post

Fed up with "us vs. them" contracts where everything seems to be a fight and low price is king - well that could be about to change. https://lnkd.in/e-647Gwm #construction #building #contractors #contracts #engineering #architects

The Cost of Cutting Corners: A Reflection on Rebuilding Trust in Construction As architects, project managers, and owners of engineering companies, we are often faced with the challenging scenario of a client opting for a cheaper alternative, only to return to us after realizing the costly mistakes they have made. This situation is all too familiar in the construction industry, where errors can lead to significant financial losses and delays that are sometimes irreparable. When a client approaches us after such a setback, our first instinct may be to refuse their business, feeling vindicated in our initial recommendations. However, as professionals with a deep commitment to our craft and the communities we serve, we must approach this situation with empathy and a willingness to rebuild trust. One approach is to assess the extent of the mistakes and determine what can be salvaged. While some errors may be irreversible, there are often opportunities to mitigate the damage and salvage elements of the project. This not only demonstrates our expertise and commitment to quality but also helps to restore the client's confidence in our abilities. On the other hand, accepting the client back into our fold is not without its risks. We must carefully evaluate whether the client has learned from their mistakes and is willing to trust our expertise moving forward. It is essential to have open and honest discussions about what went wrong and how we can work together to prevent similar issues in the future. Ultimately, the decision to take back a client who has previously opted for a cheaper alternative is a complex one that requires careful consideration of all factors involved. However, by approaching the situation with empathy, professionalism, and a commitment to quality, we can rebuild trust and ensure that future projects are executed to the highest standards. We encourage our fellow architects, project managers, and engineering professionals to share their thoughts and experiences on this important topic. How have you handled similar situations in your work? What strategies have you found to be effective in rebuilding trust with clients who have faced setbacks? Together, we can continue to learn and grow as professionals, ensuring that our industry remains a beacon of integrity and excellence. Nader Osseiran Owner/General Manager of IBDAA for Engineering Consultancy & Contracting

Key Topic: Construction Process Topic #3 – Lack of trust across the construction industry has led to conflict and a lack of respect for the expertise of all parties involved. The Observation: Over the past few years, we have come to accept cost increases as the norm, delays in everything supply chain, and turnover as an industry norm. None of these factors have resulted in a benefit to the owner, contractor, or subcontractor but somehow it has negatively impacted the ‘trust’ between all parties. When trust diminishes parties become less collaborative and conflict becomes normal. My thoughts: Most of the construction industry ‘mishaps’ were all driven by external forces and fear. The construction industry got caught in the crossfire and we all lost because of it. Let’s get back to collaborating so all parties can win, open and honest feedback to simply designs, and prioritize an approach that delivers a product that we can all be proud of. Let’s get away from pointing fingers and back to trusting the expertise of all those involved to drive successful projects. The Question: What can we do to re-establish an industry of ‘trust’ and get back to leaning on our areas of expertise to deliver projects the way they should be?

Understanding the Reasons Behind Construction Delays: Construction projects are often a symphony of moving parts, meticulously planned and executed to bring visions to life. However, despite the best-laid plans, delays can sometimes cast a shadow over progress. Let's delve into some common reasons behind these setbacks and explore how they shape the construction landscape. Supply Chain Hiccups: One of the primary culprits behind construction delays is disruptions in the supply chain. From materials and equipment to specialized components, any hiccup along the supply chain can ripple through the project timeline. Factors such as transportation delays, material shortages, and global supply chain disruptions can all contribute to this challenge. Weather Woes: Mother Nature is an unpredictable force that construction teams must reckon with. Adverse weather conditions, ranging from heavy rain and snow to extreme heat, can halt outdoor construction activities, delay deliveries, and even cause damage to existing structures. As climate patterns become increasingly erratic, weather-related delays are becoming more prevalent in the construction industry. Regulatory Roadblocks: Navigating the maze of permits, approvals, and regulatory requirements is a necessary but often time-consuming aspect of construction projects. Delays in obtaining necessary permits or approvals from local authorities can stall progress and lead to frustration among project stakeholders. Moreover, changes in regulations or unforeseen compliance issues can further compound these challenges. Design Dilemmas: The design phase lays the foundation for a successful construction project, but it can also be a source of delays. Design revisions, discrepancies, or conflicts discovered during the construction phase may necessitate adjustments to plans and specifications. While ensuring design integrity is paramount, frequent revisions can extend project timelines and increase costs. Labor Shortages: Skilled labor is the lifeblood of the construction industry, yet labor shortages have become increasingly prevalent in recent years. From experienced tradespeople to specialized professionals, finding and retaining qualified workers can be a daunting task. Labor shortages can lead to manpower gaps, productivity issues, and ultimately, delays in project completion. Despite these challenges, proactive project management, effective communication, and strategic planning can help mitigate delays and keep construction projects on track. By addressing these common pain points head-on, construction teams can navigate obstacles more effectively and deliver successful outcomes. In conclusion, while construction delays may seem like an inevitable part of the industry, understanding their root causes can empower stakeholders to proactively address challenges and drive project success. Andreas Thras. Bechtel Corporation

A construction project doesn't simply commence with the signing of a contract; its inception begins long before that crucial moment. This article will delve into the comprehensive phases that a construction project traverses, starting from the initial decision-making stage and extending all the way through to the warranty period.

We've all been there - that itch to get started FAST on a new project. But hold on! Taking a closer look at your pre-construction planning can help avoid delays, stay on budget, and avoid major headaches later.💡 ➡️ Our latest blog post dives deep into why pre-construction planning is pivotal for project’s success. Check out the full blog from here-https://lnkd.in/g8fGAZzK #preconstructionplanning #construction #constructionindustry #generalcontractors #subcontractors #estimators #constructionplanning #constructionactivities #projectmanagement #beamai

Did you know that proper planning can reduce construction costs by 20%? Here are some tips to get you started. 1. Detailed Project Planning Scope Definition: Clearly define the project scope, objectives, and deliverables. This helps in avoiding scope creep, which can lead to increased costs. Timeline Creation: Develop a detailed timeline with milestones and deadlines for each phase of the project. This helps in tracking progress and ensuring timely completion. 2. Budgeting and Cost Estimation Accurate Cost Estimation: Use historical data, industry benchmarks, and expert input to create accurate cost estimates. This should include materials, labor, equipment, permits, and contingencies. Contingency Planning: Allocate a contingency budget (typically 10-15%) for unexpected expenses. This ensures that you are prepared for any unforeseen issues. 3. Resource Management Labor Optimization: Hire skilled workers and ensure they are properly trained. Efficient labor management can significantly reduce costs related to rework and delays. Equipment Utilization: Plan the use of equipment efficiently. Renting equipment as needed can be more cost-effective than purchasing. 4. Material Procurement Bulk Purchasing: Buying materials in bulk can result in significant discounts. However, ensure that the materials can be stored properly to avoid damage. Local Sourcing: Source materials locally to reduce transportation costs and support local businesses. Supplier Relationships: Build strong relationships with reliable suppliers. They can offer better prices, credit terms, and faster delivery. Follow me to Know more about Construction Tips.

#Plan_to_plan. In construction, a great project starts with a solid plan. Planning is the backbone of a successful construction. From timelines to budgets, materials to manpower, effective planning ensures that every phase of the project runs smoothly and efficiently. Without it, even the best designs and resources can struggle to come together. Key elements of good construction planning: # Clear project goals and milestones # Resource allocation of the right materials and right people # Risk management for unexpected challenges # Accurate scheduling to save time and costs At the core of it all is collaboration from engineers, architects, clients, and workers aligning to bring a vision to life. A well-planned project is about building trust, quality, and value and delivering on time. I am a service provider. I help clients bring their visions in residential, commercial and infrastructure projects to life while ensuring safety, quality, and efficiency in every aspect of construction.

We are here to proactively help in a wide array of intrinsic values on projects such as increasing profitability and project completion efficiency as well as the other intrinsic values in our post. Ask me how....

Construction delays are inevitable, but successful managers anticipate them, use delay analysis techniques, mitigate risks, and adjust plans to minimize downstream impacts when they occur. #ConstructionDelays #ProjectManagement https://lnkd.in/g-Urr9rv