Delay in construction: main causes and how to avoid them

Delays in construction projects are a common reality in Brazil. According to some research, about 95% of real estate developments are delivered late in the country.

Various technologies have helped reduce this number. Still, it is a problem that requires attention in all types of construction.

To understand how to solve this challenge, or at least mitigate it, it is necessary to understand the factors that cause the dreaded delays in project delivery. Below, we list some causes of this problem.

Main causes of delays in construction

Lack of Planning: Many delays are caused by inadequate planning. This can include the absence of a detailed schedule, lack of coordination among different teams, and lack of a contingency plan to deal with unforeseen events.
Communication Issues: Inefficient communication between teams can lead to misunderstandings and delays. It is important to ensure that all parties involved are on the same page regarding the schedule and project expectations.
Rework: Rework requires additional time to correct errors or defects, resulting in delays and extra costs for materials and labor. A lack of planning and efficient communication among the professionals involved can cause even more rework and schedule failures.
Lack of Labor: A shortage of suitable labor can result in significant delays. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a lack of qualified workers and high employee turnover.
Supplier Issues: Delays in the delivery of materials or equipment can have a significant impact on a project's schedule. It is important to have a contingency plan to address these types of issues.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions can cause significant delays in construction projects. Although we cannot control the weather, we can plan adequately to minimize its impact.

The construction industry has evolved significantly with robots capable of aiding in construction and entire structures being manufactured in an industrial and pre-fabricated manner. Nonetheless, delays remain constant.

With the evolution of the sector, there has also been an exponential increase in data, information, rules, and procedures that need to be followed. Today, each of these exists in a different software or spreadsheet. This decentralization affects planning, communication, and relationships with suppliers.

Technology, therefore, remains one of the most effective solutions to reduce unwanted delays, especially when applied strategically, based on well-structured planning and organizational processes.

Solutions to keep construction on schedule

The first step to ensuring deadlines for a construction project is planning. Establishing a realistic schedule that takes into account all aspects of the project, as well as contingencies for possible delays, is a fundamental part of the process.

Communication between the involved areas and continuous monitoring of the project's progress are also essential factors to avoid potential delays, as they help resolve problems more quickly, before they escalate or cause more rework.

Visi by Construct IN, a 360° management and documentation platform, has been assisting construction and retail companies in tracking project execution, organizing information, and facilitating communication among different sectors.

This technology allows for remote monitoring of the construction site, centralizing key project data in one place, such as 360° images of the site, Daily Work Reports (RDO), checklists, notes, and much more.

In addition to reducing the number of trips to the construction site, the 360° documentation helps quickly identify and solve problems without having to wait for on-site visits to find errors or make decisions.

In this way, it is possible to optimize the exchange of information between teams and suppliers, reduce time and additional costs with rework, and make processes more agile, contributing to keep the construction projects on the established schedule.

Fill out the following form to receive a free trial of the platform that is transforming construction management.

Delays in construction projects are a common reality in Brazil. According to some research, about 95% of real estate developments are delivered late in the country.

Various technologies have helped reduce this number. Still, it is a problem that requires attention in all types of construction.

To understand how to solve this challenge, or at least mitigate it, it is necessary to understand the factors that cause the dreaded delays in project delivery. Below, we list some causes of this problem.

Main causes of delays in construction

Lack of Planning: Many delays are caused by inadequate planning. This can include the absence of a detailed schedule, lack of coordination among different teams, and lack of a contingency plan to deal with unforeseen events.
Communication Issues: Inefficient communication between teams can lead to misunderstandings and delays. It is important to ensure that all parties involved are on the same page regarding the schedule and project expectations.
Rework: Rework requires additional time to correct errors or defects, resulting in delays and extra costs for materials and labor. A lack of planning and efficient communication among the professionals involved can cause even more rework and schedule failures.
Lack of Labor: A shortage of suitable labor can result in significant delays. This can be caused by a number of factors, including a lack of qualified workers and high employee turnover.
Supplier Issues: Delays in the delivery of materials or equipment can have a significant impact on a project's schedule. It is important to have a contingency plan to address these types of issues.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather conditions can cause significant delays in construction projects. Although we cannot control the weather, we can plan adequately to minimize its impact.