The construction industry is among the sectors that are facing many changes due to COVID-19. These changes are restricting how business used to be done before the pandemic. The shelter-in-place orders may have made your construction continue as an essential business. However, you still have to observe and maintain social distancing. But, some places are more restrictive when it comes to the construction type that is allowed. If you’re allowed to continue your construction project, here are tips to help you keep it moving.
Communication
In the current times where things are always changing, the involved parties should maintain constant communication. Therefore, make sure that consultants, lenders, workers, and owners maintain communication via email and phone. Video conferencing can also be used to communicate without a physical meeting of the team.
Inspections
The full crew might not be present at the construction site all the time. However, inspections are important to ensure the progress of the construction project. Virtual walk-through inspections can particularly be effective during COVID-19 for regulatory and safety reasons. Regular inspections will enable you to ensure that your project remains on track.
Materials
Some countries are experiencing delays in material supply due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, understand what and who is affected by the pandemic to ensure that delays in material supply won’t affect your project.
Schedule
Consider the way COVID-19 is affecting your country or location to determine whether it will impact your construction schedule. For instance, has the pandemic affected the availability of labor? Has COVID-19 affected the availability of inspectors? Consider such factors to come up with a more realistic schedule for your construction project.
Costs
Costs, materials, schedules, and labor go hand in hand. That’s because most problems can affect the project cost significantly. The general conditions and delays can impact the budget. Insisting on a strict schedule can lead to contention. This can occasion additional overtime claims or even a premium pay. To avoid this, review your project carefully and identify every item that can affect the budget. This can be due to a labor shortage, regulatory workforce decrease, or material shortages. That means you should review your budget with the help of a consultant.
Although COVID-19 could be temporary, things remain uncertain. Therefore, adapting quickly is very important when it comes to keeping your construction project going. Follow these tips to ensure that this pandemic doesn’t stop your project.
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