The role of the site manager is vital to the success of all construction projects. Meeting deadlines, organising orders, supervising workers and liaising with clients are just some of the essential tasks in their hands.
However, there are several challenges in construction project management that threaten to derail even the most well-planned projects. Discover what they are and the best ways to protect against them.
Budget constraints
It’s difficult to quote accurately for a construction project because there are so many moving parts. Adverse weather conditions and issues with supply and demand can lengthen projects unexpectedly while changes in design and escalated material costs can cause a dramatic hike in price. This makes completing projects within previously agreed budget constraints extremely difficult.
Make sure to protect yourself against spiralling costs by building a buffer into your original quote. Your contract should also include a clause confirming that there may be additional costs incurred for changes or in the event of unforeseen circumstances.
Supply shortages
Especially following Brexit and the pandemic, there were widespread supply chain issues across the UK and beyond. This left construction businesses without key materials such as concrete blocks, stone, steel and timber for weeks on end, leaving projects on hold for months at a time. Even when these supply chain issues began to be resolved, many companies were priced out of vital products.
For those who can afford to, stockpiling essential components is a great way to beat supply chain shortages. Regular customers often benefit from the best prices as well. Companies just starting out can safeguard against shortages by agreeing to projects well in advance and preparing accordingly.
Legal compliance
Many rules and regulations apply to companies in the construction industry. For example, the Building Safety Act passed in 2022 outlines exactly how UK buildings should be constructed and maintained including essential safety features to ensure resident wellbeing. Failing to comply with legal guidelines could see you facing fines or even the end of your business.
Ensure legal compliance at all times by putting together an in-house legal team or using the services of a specialised solicitor. This gives you instant access to the latest laws and clear instructions on how to meet them, from the products you use to the way you build.
Health & safety
Finally, construction sites are considered highly hazardous thanks to their high proportion of common workplace risks including equipment and machinery, manual handling and vibration, working at height and slips and trips.
Managing health & safety requirements while trying to complete projects on time can seem impossible, but you must prioritise the physical and mental health of your employees. This isn’t just a moral duty – it’s a legal obligation. Make sure everyone has adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), takes regular breaks, and does frequent refresher courses on using equipment and fire safety.
