Consider insurance solutions! My team and I place insurance policies covering the risk of third party challenges to building permits which allow developers, in particular, to: 1. get spades in the ground before statutory challenge periods have ended; and 2. secure finance for their projects. We’ve placed policies across France, the Netherlands and Belgium particularly in relation to energy projects, large logistics sites and data centres but such policies can have a wider application across the EU and across really any variety of development. Please do reach out if this is something that might assist you/your clients/your business partners.

One thing I have found to be critical is to know what permits are required before you close a loan. The expense and delay for the borrower/business can be devastating. A business not Apple to proceed with construction or opening is burning cash they need for salaries, business as well as working capital.

Real estate is a relationship business, having close friendships with the GCs and city is crucial to timely permitting. Favors happen more frequently when you have great relationships with your providers. Treat them as partners, not providers. Know their family, interests, etc. this personalization will separate you from others. Watch as your success grows over time.

Permit delays are always a challenge, but I’ve found that proactive communication and transparency make all the difference. In one of my recent projects, I faced similar delays, and here’s what worked for me: I adjusted expectations early by adding a buffer to the project deadline, which helped manage client concerns. While waiting for permits, we shifted focus to completing tasks like landscaping and interiors to keep the project moving. Weekly updates reassured my client that I was actively working to resolve the issue. It’s all about building trust and maintaining momentum during setbacks.

It's important to hire a contractor that has experienced working through permits with the specific city your project is in. Do as much as possible upfront before submitting for the permits to try and avoid the delays. Keep constant communication with everyone involved.

To meet client expectations during permit delays, maintain proactive communication by explaining the situation and updating them regularly. Set realistic timelines, ensuring transparency about the process. Explore temporary solutions, such as pre-construction tasks or securing conditional approvals. Leverage your network to expedite permits or suggest alternative designs that comply with existing regulations. Offer additional services, like project visualization or enhanced planning, to keep clients engaged. Demonstrating professionalism, resourcefulness, and dedication to their needs will help build trust and ensure satisfaction despite delays.

To effectively manage permit delays while still meeting your client's expectations, it's essential to maintain transparent and proactive communication throughout the process. First, immediately notify your client about the delay, offering a clear explanation and an updated timeline. Regular updates are key—keeping them informed of any developments or further delays will help them feel involved and prepared. Additionally, explore potential alternatives or temporary solutions that could help maintain progress in other areas of the project while awaiting the necessary approvals. This might include completing tasks that are not reliant on the permits or refining other aspects of the work.

Set realistic timelines and offer solutions to plug the timeline gap; > Ask the existing landlord to see if there is an opportunity to hold over on a rolling monthly basis > Ask the new landlord to see if they have any spaces in their building or portfolio to house you temporarily > Conduct a flexible workspace search to see what private offices are available on a rolling monthly basis > Assess whether the business can handle fully remote until the project is delivered

Pour éviter ce genre de problèmes, d'abord se baser sur un planning du pire scénario. Cela permet de revoir positivement les échéances si tout va bien, et limiter les risques de retards même si ceux ci peuvent exister par la suite

All projects face obstacles, so when starting a new one, it is essential that our proposal reflects the commitment to deliver on time. This begins with a meeting to create a functional document that includes the client’s requirements. Then, the team evaluates and assigns the necessary resources, and a schedule is prepared, considering possible unforeseen events. It is crucial to work with methodologies that allow for quick problem identification and to ensure that the team is aligned and committed. Additionally, the client should have a project leader and be informed throughout the process, ensuring that someone in our company advocates for their interests.