Although construction projects may start with what seems like a realistic schedule, that is not always the case. Sometimes the schedule does not account for potential delays, resource constraints or the collaboration that must happen among the trades involved. This can lead to schedule compression—when companies try to do all the work in a shorter period than anticipated, which can be costly and dangerous.
For Construction Pros shares the following perils of schedule compression.
- Increased risk of accidents. Rushing tasks and cutting corners leads to a higher likelihood of safety incidents, putting worker safety at risk and potentially resulting in significant costs and reputational damage.
- Diminished quality. When workers are focused on getting the job done rather than getting it done right, the quality of workmanship suffers. This can lead to costly rework, long-term maintenance issues and unhappy clients.
- Heightened materials waste. Hasty procurement and handling of materials can result in damage, loss and inefficient use, which can increase project costs.
- Falling further behind schedule. Problems caused by schedule compression often can lead to new problems and more delays.
- Increased costs. Schedule compression often results in higher costs because of overtime pay, expedited shipping, rework and potential penalties for late completion.
- Damaged relationships. Trying to rush through a project can strain relationships between the general contractor, subcontractors and the customer, sometimes leading to legal battles.
- Decreased team morale. Schedule compression can lead to a stressed, overworked team who is less productive and engaged. As a result, companies can experience high turnover and difficulty attracting new employees.
For Construction Pros recommends creating a more realistic project schedule. This can be done by including a more diverse range of people in the scheduling process, such as project managers, superintendents, foremen and key subcontractors who understand the tasks and potential challenges involved.
