Since the COVID-19 pandemic struck the world, many construction projects have either stalled or got canceled. Unfortunately, most contractors and clients were not prepared for this kind of disruption. Therefore, the unexpected delays have negatively impacted many project schedules and profit margins.
From diminished workforce productivity due to lockdowns to delays in the supply of construction materials and increased cost of materials, the effects of the pandemic on the construction industry are immeasurable. The only good thing about this pandemic is that it has taught contractors to be fully prepared for such unforeseen contingencies. In this article, you will learn how to prepare for future COVID-related project delays.
How to Plan for COVID-Related Project Delays
Safety Measures
First of all, you need to prioritize the safety of your workforce. This means taking all the necessary precautions to protect your employees and their families. Safety measures at a construction site are essential, given that most of the construction work cannot be done remotely. Also, it is not practical for construction workers to maintain social distance while working.
However, specific safety measures can be taken to keep everybody safe. For instance, you should ensure that everyone goes for regular testing. You can even invite health professionals to test your workforce at the site. Also, ensure that everybody wears the proper protective gear all the time, including face masks, gloves, and protective clothes.
Manage Supply Chain Disruptions
If you can’t get the construction materials you need on time due to COVID-related delays, your project schedule will be affected, and you will incur costs. To avoid these delays, you should purchase enough construction materials in advance. Talk to your supplier to produce enough construction materials and deliver them to your site even before the project commences.
Also, keep an eye on your materials to know when to order additional supplies. Don’t wait until everything runs out to place an order because your supplier could be handling a long list of similar orders.
Adapt to New Standards and Regulations
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to ravage the world, governments and industries have been forced to develop new regulations that align with the new reality. For example, the construction industry has been forced to modernize its processes and improve the most sustainable standards and practices.
This has led to several regulatory changes for construction firms, including compliance management systems and the digitization of many functions. If you do not adapt to these changes, your projects will experience delays, and their costs might increase.