commercial construction common issues

11 Common Challenges in Commercial Construction and How to Overcome Them

Are you planning for commercial construction? Do you want to build a mall office or a complete commercial building? Whatever you need, you have landed at the best place. We know it is a big and complicated task. Multiple steps need your attention. 

Many people think it’s effortless, but that’s not the truth. Commercial construction faces numerous challenges that can be frustrating and even cause financial losses. Your project can be delayed. Learn about all these common problems beforehand. This way, you can prepare better. Here are the main commercial project challenges.

1. Budget Overruns

At the top of the list is the most common problem: budget overruns. Commercial construction projects go over budget. Costs skyrocket. They can get much higher than your plans. The common causes can be a sudden increase in the materials prices. Labor costs can go higher. These issues often arise once building starts.

Budget problems can be a very big issue. You have to plan every detail and think about all issues before the project starts. Find any trustworthy construction company. They will give detailed cost estimates before they begin work. 

You must include some extra money for emergencies. Keep a record of all the weekly payments to see where the money moves. Avoid last-minute design changes. They can cause material losses. 

2. Delays in Timeline

It is not uncommon that people assume the building will take 6 months to complete, but it takes 9 months. The timelines are not followed. This creates construction project management risks. The project takes much longer than the initial plans. It can be due to bad weather, which delays work immensely. Workers can be unavailable due to illness. If the delivery of materials is late, such issues can arise. 

Delays in work mean the labor costs will increase. You have to make a realistic schedule. Include a few extra days to handle any sudden issues. Evaluate the performance every day and match it with the timeline of the project. Communicate with your team to sort out any issues. 

3. Poor Communication

Construction is a complicated process that includes work from a plethora of teams. You will have some architects, engineers, contractors, and workers. You have to communicate clearly. Poor communication ends up as big mistakes. The team may use the wrong materials. They can misunderstand the design. Such issues are quite frustrating. They also cause a loss of time and money.

Arrange regular meetings to prevent issues with communication in building projects. Share updates through calls or emails. Make sure every team member understands their tasks. A good construction company knows how to handle this issue well. 

4. Quality Control Issues

Building quality is very important. Any cheap contractor can bring problems later due to poor work. Low-quality work is not acceptable. Some workers may not follow building standards.

To maintain quality, set clear guidelines for all teams. Inspect work regularly and correct mistakes immediately. Hire experienced supervisors to monitor work. Use reliable and durable materials. Check the construction process every day to see if anything goes wrong. Also, explore things while choosing the right contractor for commercial projects.

5. Safety Issues

Construction sites are dangerous. We hear news of accidents on construction sites frequently. Workers can get hurt. This happens when the workers ignore safety. Accidents can stop the project and increase costs. They can also cause legal problems.

Make sure all workers you hire are trained and licensed. Ask the company if all its workers have licenses. Safety gear is mandatory at all times. You should check the site daily for hazards. Always support the workers to highlight any safety issues they encounter. 

6. Shortage of Labor

In peak seasons, it’s hard to find good laborers. Commercial projects need many types of tradespeople. Big projects need dozens of workers. The work slows down due to labor shortages in construction. 

Hire workers early and plan schedules in advance. Keep a backup list of skilled workers. You can also benefit from temporary staffing agencies. Offering good pay and benefits attracts more experienced workers.

7. Getting the Local Permits

Construction is a massive project. You have to notify the local authorities and follow the rules they have set. You require approvals from local authorities. These permits often take a long time to obtain. Plus, they have strict regulations. You must not ignore these rules, as they can stop the projects.

Learn about the local rules before starting any project. Submit permit applications early. It’s recommended to hire experts who can handle regulations. If you follow all the rules, you will stay away from legal issues. 

8. Material Shortages

Sometimes materials are difficult to find. Their delivery is often delayed due to supply chain issues in commercial building work. It can take a lot more days than you’re planning. This stops the construction work for days or weeks. It is a prominent issue, so you must know how to handle it.

Ensure that you have all materials in advance. The team must have extra supplies. Pay attention to your relationship with suppliers. Any issues can delay or cancel your deliveries. Check all the materials to avoid interruptions. This makes sure that the construction works as per schedule.

9. Weather Challenges

The weather has a major impact on the construction timelines. If it’s raining or snowing, the work has to stop. Even extreme heat will slow work. Some tasks, such as roofing, venting, or exterior finishing, cannot be done in bad weather.

When you are working on a construction project, check the weather forecasts. It’s important to plan outdoor work. You should have a backup plan for weather delays. Protect all the materials from rain and wind.

10. Site Conditions

The construction areas frequently come up with some surprise issues. You have not thought of them before. For example, when work starts, you may notice the soil is unstable. Sometimes, the underground pipes can create problems. These issues will increase the costs. It also affects the project timelines.

You should inspect the site before construction starts. It’s done before you purchase the land. Conduct any surveys and soil tests. This will highlight any issues in advance. You should plan solutions for common issues.

11. Technology Challenges

Modern construction projects heavily rely on technology. Modern companies use it for planning and management. Some teams may struggle with the new software, and technical glitches can delay progress. Software errors can be a cause of delay in work.

Make sure all the workers and supervisors are trained. You must pick any easy-to-use software tool. Always back up project data to avoid loss. Utilize technology for your advantage.

Wrap Up !

Commercial construction is a complex process that faces many hurdles. These issues require your attention even before they occur. It requires experience and expertise. You must have a reliable partner to manage all issues. 

Tarzia Group provides trustworthy commercial construction services. Our team can handle all these hurdles without any issues. Reach out for a free consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do commercial projects exceed the budget?

The budget can increase due to:

  • An increase in materials and labor costs
  • Inaccurate upfront cost
  • Poor risk management
  • Inefficient resources

How to make sure that the construction project is completed on time?

Create a timeline for all tasks. Check it daily to see if anything is delayed and what the issue is. 

How to prevent accidents on a construction site?

Hire a reliable team that has training in construction work. You should also keep some emergency funds.