Is your construction schedule achievable?

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.

"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.
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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?

​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.

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