Architect |Â Writer
Common Causes For Delaying Renovation Projects
The mind goes into a frenzy when the word ‘renovation’ comes up, which is then followed by panic, and eventually ends up getting delayed. This happens due to the mere reason of it being an added burden to the already hectic lives we deal with. But, like every other problem, this too has a similar solution, let a third person handle the issue and make your work load lighter. A renovation company can be easily hired online that takes care of all the requirements and needs, follow the checklist and work on a schedule. The renovation services provided by them already have a system in place to keep in check the generic causes for delays in any renovation project.
​
Key reasons for delays in renovation projects:
1. Scheduling – inaccuracy in planning out the tasks at hand may cause errors which are time consuming to solve. As most aspects of renovation services are sequenced, it is essential to organise them well with buffer times to deal with any discrepancies.
2. Unexpected encounters – while estimating the amount of work to be done, certain things can go unnoticed as they may be hidden. During civil work and setting up base work for remodelling, new areas for correction tend to come up and are needed to be added in the schedule of work. Unavailability of material too can add to delay in getting things in place.
3. Climate – sometimes there may be halts in labour work due to weather conditions that are out of hands like heavy rainfall, high wind pressure, low temperature, etc. which may add to the time taken for a job to be done.
4. Labour constraints – many a times unavailability of sufficient workforce adds to the time taken by the people working to complete the given project. There can also be unforeseen strikes, holidays, personal issues that come up which result in delays.
5. Changes – most common cause for hold ups is when there are modifications in plans and drawings for design work. Keeping client satisfaction as goal, these changes may take place from both ends, the designer and the client. In either case, it hampers the work schedule and hence causes detainment.
​
These constraints are unpredictable and are needed to be dealt with as they arise. But, apart from the said problems, there are certain issues that arise from the renovation company’s end and the client needs to be aware about them before acquiring their renovation services. These may be:
1. Inaccurate Project Estimates – as a renovation company, the team needs to do an accurate job with making quotations. In not doing so, they may lose out on the job altogether or there might be delays which we want to avoid at all costs, time is money! Correct specifications, quantities and estimation of cost for same ensures that there is always enough money for materials, wages, and other resources. Sometimes, estimating software are used to determine the numbers. Although it is next to impossible to determine exact costs of any project beforehand, the best possible estimate is expected. Most of the times, as a consumer, we tend to opt for hiring the contractor with the lowest bid, which may not work out in our favour as they might have purposely quoted low to obtain work, which may end up being unrealistic and cause delays. To avoid such hassles, what project managers usually do is inflate the construction costs in order to suffice to the requirements.
2. Poor Site Management – experience in the field work matters the most as it determines the quality of outcome that can be expected out of any renovation company. It is the calibre of a good, professional contractor who overlooks on the work executed by his team and manage them well, act as aid to their queries and provide solutions for any obstacles that might occur. Having an inexperienced contractor on the job can affect the quality of the work being done and may even lead to having to redo the whole project because plumbing or electrical wasn’t done to code or the design wasn’t followed to the dot ,as specified by the designer. Where money is involved in such great numbers, the client wants every penny’s worth. Appointing the right contractor is a must which ensures that work would be done systematically with least wastage of time and resources. The manager will also adhere to his written deadlines and estimates.
3. Lack of Effective Communication or Not Hiring the Right Team – it’s not just about renovation services that the company provides, it is also about how well and timely do they go about it. A well-coordinated team works on site in harmony and as a single unit, which eventually leads in a faster completion of the project. Also, the head contractor needs to be an experienced professional who is aware of all the knowhow of the industry and recognises errors and precision quickly. If the leader is good, the team performs better. Not just the head, but the other labour needs to be skilled too, they are needed to be able to understand technical details involving construction and other kinds of assembling techniques.
​
Many people who are wanting to avoid most of these concerns, due to monetary reasons, time constraints or even trust issues, go ahead with DIY options. For the same, it is best to be aware of these problems and be prepared to avoid any last minute taxing situations. It will be untrue if it is said that there would be nothing unexpected on site while the renovation work is on. But, with the correct planning and an experienced, trustworthy contractor team, all hurdles can be overcome.