Construction reworking means working on the same activities that you have completed earlier. For example, you have prepared the roof, but it requires work from point one due to some material issue. Construction reworking is common only in the projects led by unskilled managers. It is quite important to pay attention to all the little details to avoid reworking.
Construction reworking not only disturbs the schedule but also undermines the reputation of the project manager and owner. Therefore, avoiding rework in the construction industry is significantly important to establish a reputation and win more projects.
Major Causes of Construction Rework
Construction rework can emerge in the middle of the project or by the time of its completion. In every situation, it increases the workload, expense, and time of the project. Here are some of the major causes of construction rework, which you should identify at earlier stages to avoid loss.
- Design errors or changes
- Scope changes
- Omission in documents
- Improper planning
- Unrealistic schedule planning
- Unavailability of proper material
- Lack of skilled workforce
- Lack of proper communication
- Constructability issues
- Lack of proper safety measures
This article aims to discuss how you can avoid reworking in the construction industry.
Top 8 Strategies to Reduce Reworking in Construction Projects
Construction reworking can emerge due to a wide variety of reasons. However, all of these reasons highlight the incapability of project managers. Just fixing the issues on the spot is not enough to reduce reworking in construction. You need to develop a plan and follow strategies to make construction planning successful.
Here are some important strategies to reduce reworking in construction projects.
1). Adopt Digital Construction Tools
This is an advanced era, which works through technology. The construction industry is no exception. On the other hand, project managers not using technology face issues like reworking. Adopting digital construction tools can help you stay ahead of progress and complete them efficiently.
2). Optimize Communication at All Levels
Lack of proper communication is the biggest reason for reworking in construction. The contractors and subcontractors try to do what seems best for the project. However, the managers and owners of the project can ask for a rework. Such issues also lead to claims in construction. The parties also acquire the help of construction claim consultants to resolve the claims and complete the project on time while optimizing communication at all levels.
3). Set High Working Standards
High working standards play an important role in boosting the success of construction projects. Low standards do not only create safety issues on the site but also make the safety clearance difficult. Then, the project workers have to improve the quality of construction to get approval from authorities. Set high standards from the start to avoid reworking.
4). Align All Teams from the Get-Go
The input and opinion of all the construction stakeholders are important in the project from the initial stages. It includes the project managers, owners, contractors, subcontractors, designers, architects, engineers, claim consultants, and other experts. Utilize a communication system that helps all the stakeholders to share their real-time responses without having to join the site.
5). Pay Attention to Design and Implementation Phase
The design of the construction project is one of the most important elements, which should be given due attention. Before starting the project, you should test the design implications through 5D BIM in order to ensure that it is suitable and will not cause issues later on. In addition to it, pay heed to the reviews of designers and architectures in the implementation stage to minimize issues.
6). Ensure Workers’ Training
If you are working with an unskilled and untrained workforce, you are bound to make a few mistakes, which will surely add loss to your project. So, make proper arrangements for the training and guidance of the workforce to help them avoid silly mistakes that require reworking. In addition to it, make sure they are well rested to boost productivity.
7). Make Wise and Timely Decisions
Wise and timely decision making is the foundation of successful project completion in construction. Your hesitant attitude can delay important decisions and actions, which will later cost a fortune to the project. So, do not take the risk with the development of your project and make wise and timely decisions. You can take help from advanced technology as well.
8). Follow Schedules
The greatest mistake that you can make in construction is not following the schedule. It will leave you behind in progress, which is often covered by missing major activities. Plan the schedule carefully and follow it diligently. However, if claims are delaying the schedule, you can hire the service of construction claim consultants to review the evidence and help you resolve the situation.
Pay attention to construction activities, and reduce rework!
The construction project consists of numerous smaller activities. They may seem minor at one point but significantly contribute to the overall progress of the project. So, do not make the mistake of overlooking the small activities and details, or you have to rework on them. Consult the experts to optimize project activities and enjoy profitability.