Last updated on Jul 12, 2024

You're overseeing a construction project. What time-wasting activities should you steer clear of?

In the fast-paced world of construction management, time is a precious commodity that you simply can't afford to waste. As you oversee a construction project, efficiency is key, and being aware of potential time-wasting activities is crucial for keeping the project on schedule and within budget. From miscommunication to inadequate planning, certain pitfalls can significantly delay progress. It's important to identify these activities early on to ensure a smooth and timely construction process.

1 Avoid Delays

When managing a construction site, preventing delays should be at the top of your agenda. One common time-waster is the failure to promptly address unforeseen issues, such as weather delays or material shortages. Proactively planning for these potential hiccups and having contingency plans in place can save valuable time. Additionally, ensure that all team members are aware of the project timeline and understand the importance of adhering to it. Regular meetings to assess progress and address any concerns can help keep everyone on track.

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Donnie Malpass

Business Development Lead @ Riskcast Solutions
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Manual Data Entry and Paperwork: Problem: Manual data entry and handling physical paperwork are time-consuming and prone to errors. Solution: Use Riskcast to digitize data collection and automate workflows. This reduces manual entry, minimizes errors, and saves significant time. Visit riskcast.com to learn more!

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2 Streamline Communication

Efficient communication is the backbone of any successful construction project. Time can easily be lost through miscommunication or waiting for information. To avoid this, establish clear communication channels and protocols from the outset. Utilize project management software if possible, as it can help streamline information sharing and keep all parties updated in real-time. Encourage open dialogue among team members to quickly resolve any misunderstandings and keep the project moving forward.

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Zack Dandurand

Recruitment @ BlueWorx | Revamping the Recruiting Game in the Light Industrial and Engineering Industry
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This may be controversial, but meetings may not be necessary. We do not need a meeting to discuss a meeting. We need effective communication so that all parties understand what is necessary to move forward. Another thing - Pick up the phone! Humans talk. Emails are a phenomenal way to communicate, but if the decision is impactful. Phone call. It will be handled better that way, rather than inferring things like tone and what not from an email. Time is of the essence.

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3 Simplify Processes

Complex or redundant processes are notorious for eating up time on a construction site. Review your project's workflow and identify any steps that can be simplified or eliminated. This might involve combining tasks, reducing paperwork, or adopting new technologies that can automate certain processes. By simplifying your workflow, you not only save time but also reduce the potential for errors, which can further delay the project.

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Matthew Peter James

General Manager | Summit Fire Designs | Business Development, Direct Sales
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Adopting automated tasks that target behavioural actions and repetitions can pre determine outcomes using Ai technologies. Understanding how to reduce manual to automated proceedures help reduce double handling from human to auto responded applications.

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4 Manage Scope Creep

Scope creep, the gradual expansion of a project beyond its original objectives, can be a significant time-waster. To avoid this, maintain a clear and detailed project scope from the beginning and communicate it to all stakeholders. When changes are proposed, evaluate them carefully for their impact on the schedule and budget. Being vigilant about scope creep helps ensure that additional tasks do not lead to unnecessary delays.

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5 Prioritize Tasks

Effective prioritization is essential for avoiding time wastage. Identify the critical path of your project—the sequence of tasks that directly affects the completion date—and focus your resources there. Non-critical tasks should be scheduled in a way that they do not interfere with the critical path. This might require you to make tough decisions about what can wait and what needs immediate attention, but such prioritization is essential for timely project delivery.

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Matthew Peter James

General Manager | Summit Fire Designs | Business Development, Direct Sales
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Time blocking starts wider at the bottom to create a more valuable point of using time at the top. Prioritizing tasks are broken down into how many blocks per day you can measure productivity. What moves the needle is the critical action task that sets the metrics.

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6 Optimize Resources

The misallocation of resources, whether it's labor, equipment, or materials, can lead to significant time loss. Ensure that you have a resource management plan that aligns with your project's schedule. Regularly review resource utilization to make adjustments as needed. This includes making sure that skilled workers are available for complex tasks and that equipment is not sitting idle or being used inefficiently.

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Vatsal Anarkat

Senior Business Analyst | Project Manager | MCIOB | NEC4 | MSc Construction Management | Freeman - Worshipful Company of Constructors
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As a project manager, I planned and organised the refurbishment of a 7-bed HMO, handling everything from demolition to handover. By setting daily goals, I fostered collaboration between the in-house team and subcontractors, learning the importance of clear communication. I also managed a Nursery conversion project, conducting surveys, appointing subcontractors, and ensuring quality through inspections and meetings. Leading a 75-member team for a 10-flat refurbishment, I improved efficiency by 25% through strategic planning, procurement, and budget management. My most recent project, a high-end office fit-out in London, leveraged previous experiences, real-time tracking, and hands-on involvement for success.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're overseeing a construction project. What time-wasting activities should you steer clear of?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Avoid Delays

2 Streamline Communication

3 Simplify Processes

4 Manage Scope Creep

5 Prioritize Tasks

6 Optimize Resources

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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You're overseeing a construction project. What time-wasting activities should you steer clear of?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Avoid Delays

2 Streamline Communication

3 Simplify Processes

4 Manage Scope Creep

5 Prioritize Tasks

6 Optimize Resources

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

Rate this article

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