5 Tips to avoid common construction delays

Judy Lamelza

Special to Ontario Construction News

Construction delays can be costly and frustrating for contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in the construction industry. Delayed projects can lead to lost profits, damage to reputations, and potential legal disputes. Fortunately, there are several steps that can be taken to avoid common construction delays and stay on schedule.

 Here are some tips for avoiding construction delays:

Develop a detailed project schedule that considers local regulations

Developing a detailed project schedule is essential for keeping a construction project on track, particularly in Ontario where there are specific regulations related to building permits and environmental assessments. A detailed schedule can help identify potential delays early on, allowing project managers to take corrective action before they become bigger issues.

 Hire a reliable team with knowledge of local building code and regulations

One of the most common causes of construction delays is a lack of knowledge about local building codes and regulations. In Ontario, hiring a team with a good reputation for reliability and knowledge of local regulations can help ensure that projects stay on schedule. Additionally, building relationships with reliable subcontractors in the local market can also help to secure their services for future projects.

Maintain good communication with stakeholders

Effective communication is crucial to avoid delays in construction projects, regardless of the location. All stakeholders involved in a project, including clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and other members of the project team, should be kept informed of any changes or issues that arise. Regular communication can help identify and resolve issues before they become larger problems, which is particularly important in Ontario where there are often strict timelines and regulations to follow.

Utilize technology that is specific to the construction industry

Technology can help streamline construction processes and reduce delays, including in Ontario where specific software and tools are tailored to local regulations. Using project management software that is specific to the local market can help track progress, communicate updates, and manage tasks more efficiently. Additionally, using online tools such as DataBid that are specific to the construction market in Ontario can help contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers stay informed about upcoming projects, reducing the time spent searching for new opportunities.

Plan for potential delays

Despite best efforts, there may still be unexpected delays in construction projects, particularly in Ontario where weather and other factors can impact timelines. Planning for potential delays by including contingencies in the project schedule and budget can help ensure that projects stay on track even if there are unforeseen issues. Additionally, developing a risk management plan can help identify potential risks and create strategies for managing them in Ontario’s unique construction landscape.

 Another delay that construction companies in Ontario face is the complexity of the regulations related to Certificates of Substantial Performance (CSP). A CSP is a critical document in the construction process that confirms that a construction project has reached a stage of completion where it is substantially complete and usable for its intended purpose. The issuance of a CSP triggers the start of a 45-day period during which subcontractors and suppliers may file liens against the property if they have not been paid. 

To avoid delays related to CSPs, construction companies in Ontario should ensure that they understand the requirements for obtaining a CSP and the implications of its issuance. They should also ensure that they have a solid project management plan in place that includes regular inspections, documentation of work progress, and resolution of deficiencies before the issuance of the CSP. Additionally, they can use resources like the Ontario Construction News website, which provides information about the requirements for obtaining a CSP and offers legal news updates that can help construction companies stay informed about changes to regulations that could impact their projects. 

As a contractor in Ontario, it’s important to be aware of the regulations related to Certificates of Substantial Performance (CSP). A CSP is a document that confirms that a construction project has reached a stage of completion where it’s substantially complete and usable. If a CSP is issued, a 45-day period starts during which subcontractors and suppliers can file liens against the property if they haven’t been paid. 

To avoid delays related to CSPs, make sure you understand the requirements for obtaining a CSP and what it means for your project. To file your Certificates of Substantial Performance you can turn to Ontario Construction News. Their website provides up-to-date information on the requirements for obtaining and filing a CSP and offers resources that can help you stay informed and avoid delays. 

 In conclusion, avoiding common construction delays requires careful planning, reliable workers with knowledge of local building codes and regulations, effective communication with stakeholders, the use of technology that is tailored to local regulations, and planning for potential delays. By following these steps, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers in the Ontario construction industry can help ensure that their projects stay on schedule and are completed successfully.