The most common construction project delays vary based on the country, project type, scale, and management of supervision and contractors. While each project is unique, it is possible to analyze the most frequent delays impacting project completion in a general manner. Even between developed and developing countries, there are similarities in the most prevalent delays observed between developed and developing countries.
The ten causes with the greatest impact and most likely to happened on a construction projects have been compiled below. They are not listed in order of importance, as each country and project face unique circumstances. Consequently, determining the most probable cause of delay can be extremely challenging.”
1. Design Changes and Change Orders
In construction projects, a well-defined engineering process comprises three crucial phases. The first phase involves conceptual engineering, where project feasibility, both technically and economically, is thoroughly assessed. Moving on to the second phase, we have basic engineering, which focuses on laying out essential specifications.
The third phase, detailed engineering, is when all identified issues and challenges from the previous stages are addressed, and meticulous documentation is generated. This documentation precisely defines all components, resources, facilities, and relevant aspects that pave the way for the project’s successful realization.
Especially in large-scale construction projects featuring complex infrastructures and ambitious designs, changes during the detailed engineering stage are not uncommon. Unfortunately, these modifications can lead to potential delays in the project’s delivery date. In such cases, the impact of these delays can become critical if they are prolonged or entail significant alterations. Waiting for the complete definition of detailed engineering before proceeding with subsequent stages is often impractical due to project constraints.
Even with detailed engineering supported by high-quality documentation, certain adjustments may still be necessary during the construction stage through change orders. These changes might arise due to various factors, such as land measurement errors, shifts in the project scope or design, or changes in preferences from project promoters or owners.
Understanding the intricacies of the engineering phases and anticipating potential design changes or change orders can empower construction projects to navigate challenges effectively and enhance overall project management and success.
2. Unrealistic Contract Duration
Contractors often provide overly positive estimates during the bidding phase, aiming to secure project awards. Additionally, in later phases, they might maintain excessively optimistic forecasts driven by overconfidence or lack of experience. To ensure a realistic work duration estimation, detailed planning is essential. Utilizing specialized planning software, such as Primavera P6, allows for effective management of numerous activities, logical relationship, resource-based activity duration estimates, critical path analysis, and resource load assessment, among other advantages.
3. Economic Challenges
Project costs can vary significantly from the initial budget due to fluctuations in material and process expenses. External factors, such as the impact of the COVID pandemic on maritime transport prices in 2020 and 2021, have disrupted logistics and led to cost overruns. These variations can result in activity delay due to material shortages or lack of resources.
Moreover, the financial liquidity of the builder or contractor significantly influences project success. Inadequate financial resources can lead to payment difficulties, affecting salaries, material rentals, public services, material orders, insurance policies, and more. Consequently, payment issues may lead to job shutdowns and critical delays in project completion.
4. Inadequate Project Planning
Project planning stands as a crucial initial process, as it involves resource allocation, calculation of task timelines, analysis of potential conflicts or interferences, and determination of the critical path. A well-detailed plan leads to a realistic project completion date and approximate cost estimation.
During the execution phase, effective planning aims to minimize delays’ impact, ensure clear understanding among all stakeholders, identify and address work front interferences and conflicts. A competent planning team can also mitigate penalties for delays and build a strong foundation for legal claims by conducting a comprehensive analysis of project delays.
Inadequate planning often results in work batch interferences, delays due to resource scarcity (personnel, materials, machinery), lack of forecasted work completion, and underutilized resources, among other problems.
5. Permit Delay and Sociopolitical Instability
In construction projects, obtaining necessary permits and licenses is critical before commencing work execution. Delays in permit processing, for any reason, directly impact the start of multiple or all tasks. Understanding the required documentation and regulations specific to each country or region is essential.
Many large projects take place in developing countries, which may experience lower sociopolitical stability and labor rights compared to developed countries. Consequently, situations such as strikes, armed conflicts, or extortion may halt all or part of the project execution. Being aware of these potential challenges is vital for successful project management.
6. Poor Communication and Coordination Among Project Parties
Inefficient or inadequate communication between project members creates numerous issues and inefficiencies, significantly impacting work deadlines, budget, and worker safety. Over time, this situation can erode trust and, in extreme cases, escalate into conflicts leading to legal disputes.
Effective written communication in construction relies on various documents, such as manuals, daily reports, progress curves, plans, photographs, Requests for Information (RFI), change orders, burofax, and emails. Additionally, verbal communication plays a vital role through construction meetings and telephone calls.
However, the mere existence of communication does not guarantee effectiveness. Information must not only reach the correct recipients on time but also be readily understood. Delays in document transmission can disrupt critical activities, while misunderstandings can result in execution errors or coordination problems.
Within the project team, a shared understanding of the final objective is essential for successful coordination and timely completion. The importance of efficient communication on construction projects can be illustrated through the following example.
Optimizing communication and coordination among project parties is paramount to ensure smooth project execution and mitigate potential issues that could adversely affect the project’s success.
7. Delay in Decision Making
Despite effective communication and timely understanding of issues, large companies with extensive organizational structures often face internal bureaucracy. Necessary procedures for making relevant decisions, though essential, can lead to significant delays.
Personnel planning issues, such as unbalanced personnel rotations, can also cause delays in decision-making, especially when the expertise or input of specific experts or authorities is required.
8. Shortage of Skilled and Experienced Workers
In developing countries, finding a sufficient number of skilled and experienced workers for large construction projects can be challenging. With multiple projects occurring simultaneously in growing economies, the availability of trained and experienced labor becomes even scarcer.
When experienced staff is critical, proper identification and planning can allow for hiring foreign workers to train local staff adequately, thereby ensuring timely project completion. This approach reduces the need to expatriate a large number of employees, leading to cost savings.
9. Delay in Procurement of Materials
Procurement involves acquiring and transporting various materials and equipment essential for the project. Countries with low labor costs and significant production capacities often monopolize numerous orders, leading to factory saturation and long waiting lists for product supply.
Additionally, the further materials must be transported, the higher the risk of delays due to weather conditions, road closures, traffic congestion, human errors, and other factors. In time-sensitive projects with substantial penalties, it’s crucial to consider the cost-risk tradeoff when selecting materials, as opting for cheaper options might not compensate for the transportation-related delays.
10. Adverse Weather Conditions Impacting Construction Projects
Weather conditions can often become a limiting factor for certain construction works. Extreme temperatures, strong winds, and heavy rainfall can force construction activities to halt until safe and suitable conditions prevail.
Planning for adverse weather is crucial in projects where specific conditions can impede progress. For instance, in wind farm construction, lifting wind turbine components during strong winds is impossible. Ironically, wind farm locations are known for their windy conditions.
Proper planning must consider weather conditions when scheduling activities. Failing to account for weather patterns can lead to delays, such as spreading clayey material (earthworks) during the rainy season, causing performance delays.
Furthermore, extreme weather conditions can damage already executed work, resulting in delays and various issues. By anticipating and accounting for adverse weather conditions, construction projects can mitigate potential delays, enhance safety, and maintain project efficiency.