Commercial construction projects are lengthy, often requiring months, if not years, of planning and preparation. The best construction crews earn their reputations not only for good planning, fair pricing, and completion timelines but also for attention to detail. This guide reviews a few of the most important yet commonly overlooked projects necessary for completion.
Utility Connections
Learning that utility connections aren’t secure or placed properly after the project is complete can be a huge inconvenience for everyone involved. While this may or may not be the construction company’s responsibility, it is their role to check it. Getting crew companies back out to the job site to troubleshoot can be a lengthy project and one that can slow down the project’s completion date. Additionally, digging and placing new lines to fix problems can require construction crews to re-do work.
Final Clean-Up/ Project Completion
The final clean-up of a job marks the end of the project. Failing to properly clean the job site after completion can minimize the quality of work you have done thus far, as this is what the client will pay the most attention to. Final clean-up doesn’t just mean removing garbage and other waste, either. It means removing tools and cleaning up paint smudges. The final walk-through of a completed project should be perfect or as close to perfect as possible.
In addition to the final clean-up, it’s also important for the construction crew and the property manager to be on the same page as far as where waste should go. Some property owners, for example, may require recycling. Additionally, state or city regulations may determine the waste removal process. A plan for the final clean-up should be determined months in advance of the project’s completion. The plan should also be agreed upon by all parties.
Proper Insulation
Proper insulation may only be something that the client considers much later, but it can make a huge difference to the outcome. Lacking enough insulation can make it difficult for the owners to properly or efficiently heat or cool the building. This could lead to negative customer or employee reviews, which affects the building owner’s satisfaction, as well as your reputation as a whole.
Construction companies should discuss insulation options in detail before beginning a project to ensure they’re able to meet expectations. The building’s location, specifically the local climate, may also factor into the best insulation. Insulation R-values help crews choose the best insulation materials.
Exterior Doors
Failing to give the project’s exterior doors the attention they deserve can also be a mistake that shadows the quality of the project. Be sure to discuss door expectations with the client, as it may be otherwise impossible to satisfy them with the number of options available. Don’t forget to consider all the property’s doors, including garages, inventory rooms, or storage sheds. The quality of replacement shed doors is just as important as the rest of the project’s exterior doors. After all, customers and employees will interact with the building’s exterior doors on a daily basis. The building’s doors also provide security, safety, and climate control, making them an important feature not to overlook.
Security Systems
Some construction projects may also include security systems, which deserve the appropriate amount of research and preparation. Security cameras should be wired and placed according to the client’s expectations, as well as what makes sense for the building design. Construction companies without security experience might consider outsourcing this task.
How To Avoid a Failed Completed Project
Construction companies can take certain steps toward preventing a failed completion. A project that isn’t completed within the planned timeline can increase costs for everyone and lead to less client satisfaction.
Here are a few tips for avoiding a failed completed construction project:
- Set Clear Goals/Objectives: Setting clear goals/objectives helps both parties understand everything that needs to be done for the project to be considered completed.
- Utilize an Experienced Project Manager: Project managers are tasked with keeping the organizational duties of a plan in place. Whether planning a small office build or a brand-new multi-unit property, ensure you have the right project manager on the job.
- Schedule a Final Walk-Through: In addition to scheduling a final walk-through, be sure to give yourself and your team enough time to manage any issues that may arise.
- Benefit From Construction Management Software: Software programs can be useful in organizing the different elements of a project. It can help keep various teams on the same page and guide everyone toward a complete project.
Construction projects can be lengthy and require many components. Planning ahead for commonly overlooked tasks can help ensure a timely project completion. Keep your clients satisfied by setting clear objectives and giving your crew enough time to manage last-minute repairs or needs.