Construction Project Management Services and Construction Books
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement

Is your construction schedule achievable?

12/1/2022

4 Comments

 
Picture
Unfortunately many construction projects are completed late. We discussed many of the reasons for this in our article  Will your construction project be completed on schedule? Read this. One of the reasons mentioned in the article is that some construction schedules or programmes are simply not feasible. 

Why are some construction schedules not feasible. Well it's sometimes because there is faulty logic in the schedule, or there are mistakes in the construction schedule and we discussed many of these problems in our articles Mistakes that impact construction schedules/programmes and Mistakes that impact schedules/programmes part 2. 

But often construction schedules or construction programmes (programs) are faulty simply because the contractor was overly optimistic and expected to complete construction tasks quicker than it was practical or possible with the allocated resources because the productivities of people and machines was lower than the contractor expected or allowed.
Picture
"Many contractors make their construction schedule fit the client's requirements, even when these are unachievable. This is suicide."
Unfortunately many contractors also make the construction schedule fit the duration the client wants - even when the clients expectations are unachievable. They somehow hope that it will all work out and by some miracle they'll get the project completed. Perhaps even that there will be changes and delays which they can claim which will let them off the hook. Regrettably this usually isn't the case and the project is completed late.
​#constructionschedule #constructionprogramme #constructionprogram

Problems with construction schedules which are unachievable

Contractors often fit construction schedules to their Client’s dates even when these can’t be met.
​
Project Managers are reluctant to say no to their Client, and Client’s do not want to hear that their project cannot be delivered when they want it. 
"Clients are surprised, disappointed, and incur additional costs"
This results in:
The Client being surprised when the project is completed late. Consequently:
  • The Client incurs additional costs and must reorganize.
  • Contractors and activities are delayed.
  • The Client is disappointed
The Contractor finishes late
  • Is penalized,
  • Incurs additional costs not allowed for because of the extra duration,
  • Reputation is damaged.
Extra resources are thrown at the project to try and complete it on time, often causing inefficiencies and additional costs.
The construction team takes shortcuts which jeopardize quality and safety.
A demoralized construction team.

A poor outcome for everyone. Perhaps an outcome which should have been avoided if the contractor had been honest and upfront with the client and explained to the client that the project duration was unachievable.
"Some clients don't like hearing their project date is unachievable, but then they must find another contractor and both can suffer the consequences."
Of course some clients don't like hearing that their project end date is unachievable. It may be reason for another contractor to be given the project and you lose out. But, are you really losing? You will lose more by committing to completion dates which are unachievable. There's the cost to your reputation. Additional costs of penalties. Plus the stress to you and your team. Good luck to the other contractor, because their win will be their loss, and your loss is probably your win.

​Working with the client to deliver their construction project

Rather than promise the client something you cannot deliver it may be possible to work around the Client’s requirements.
  • Understand what is important for the client – can you give that item/section to the client when they want it. For instance, often clients have contractors following you – are these contractors going to be working everywhere at once, or can you give them a section or area to start.
  • Why does the client need the area and is that date really that critical to the final completion of the project?
  • Work with the Client and see how you can help them still finish their project on time.
So the final completion of your construction work will be finished later than the client originally wanted. But, by working with the client you've ensured that what is important to them is completed on time and that they've not suffered a large overall delay.
"A good client will appreciate your honesty. Who wants to work for an unreasonable client?"
If this is not possible you have to explain why their end date is unachievable. Explain everything you've considered to try and complete the project on time. A good client will appreciate your honesty. Who wants to work for an unreasonable client?
Picture

​Shortening the construction schedule

Sometimes with innovation and extra effort it is possible to shorten the project construction duration. But this often comes with additional costs and risks. We discuss this topic in our next article.

The important thing is do not promise something you cannot deliver – there will be disappointment, and there will be consequences.
​#constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #constructiondelays
Other useful articles
labour productivity on construction sites
Why is there poor productivity on your construction project?
planning your construction project

© 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.

Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
"I have what I consider some of the best books on construction management." Reader Amazon
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more.

The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.
construction management construction project management
4 Comments
Mic
20/2/2022 07:03:01 am

Paul, the work you put into this website is inspirational, and you have dedication most can only dream about, having only discovered you writings recently i am enjoying binge reading through your old posts, so genuinely thank you.

In your time online have you ever came across a “library” of construction programmes/schedules for reference use?

Mic

Reply
Paul Hugh Netscher
20/2/2022 09:25:11 am

Hi Mic, Thanks for your comment. Good to hear you find the information on our website useful.
Sorry I have not come across a library of construction schedules. I've always found it best to formulate a specific construction schedule for each project. There are so many different variables, which include, method of construction, productivity, available resources, complexity, other neighbouring activities, project constraints, weather, milestone dates from the client, safety, materials, access, etc.

Reply
Mic
27/2/2022 02:47:07 am

Hi Paul,

It is a shame, think of the wealth of knowledge shared over the generations through books (and now blogs.) I imagine there is a great amount to be learnt from programmes of the past, I agree projects cannot be standardised, and are some what unique, but I would hope sharing of this information would over the ling term Benefit the industry that through the past has been slow to adapt and change.

When is the next post coming out?

Mic

Reply
Septictankserviceocalafl.com link
19/4/2022 11:51:38 am

I'm really interested about this certain post. Do you know of any online community or forum where they discuss about this extensively? I'll be very much indebted..

Reply



Leave a Reply.

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

    Archives

    January 2023
    October 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Copyright 2016 - The attached articles cannot be reproduced for commercial purposes without the consent of the author.
    The opinions expressed in the attached articles are those of the writer. It should be noted that projects are varied and different laws and restrictions apply which depend on the location of the contractor and the project. It's important that the reader uses the supplied information taking cognisance of their particular circumstances. The writer assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss of any kind arising from the reader using the information or advice contained herein.
    "I have what I consider some of the best books on construction management."


    Books are available from:
    Amazon.com
    Amazon.co.uk
    takealot.com

    kalahari.com
    Amazon.in
    Amazon.de
    Amazon.fr
    Amazon.it
    Amazon.com.au
    Powell's
    Fishpond
    uread
    bokus
    Amazon.ca
    Amazon.es
    Other retail stores


    Available in paperback or on Kindle

    ​"28 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE, DEVELOPING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS AND BUILDING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES"

Construction Books

Successful Construction Project management
Building a Successful Construction Company
Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors
Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
​
Build and Renovate Your Home With Your Eyes Wide Open
Book Reviews

Construction services

Construction Management Services
Paul Netscher
Construction Management Blog
​Home Improvement Blog

Contact
Developing Successful Construction Project Managers.

Building Successful Construction Companies.
30 years of construction project management experience
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement