Common Pitfalls to Avoid During a Constructability Building Review

An effective strategy is the first step toward a building project's success. Part of this plan includes a constructability building review. This review looks at how realistic and practical a building design is before construction begins. However, if not done correctly, the review can miss problems, leading to delays and extra costs.

In this blog, we will cover common mistakes made during a constructability building review and how to avoid them. By being aware of these pitfalls, you can ensure your project stays on track.

1. Not Considering Site Challenges

Every construction site is different. Some sites have tricky access, bad soil, or nearby buildings that could cause problems. If you ignore these challenges, you might face delays and extra costs during construction.

Tip: Study the site carefully before starting the review. Look at the land, nearby buildings, and any environmental issues. Plan for these challenges to avoid problems later on.

2. Skipping Local Building Codes

Every city or town has its own building rules. These rules cover zoning, safety, and environmental laws. If your project doesn’t follow these rules, it could be delayed, fined, or even stopped.

Tip: Make sure your review includes a detailed check of local building codes. Work with experts who know the laws to avoid any legal issues.

3. Leaving Out Key Team Members

A constructability building review should involve all important team members, such as architects, engineers, and contractors. If someone is left out, you might miss important insights and run into problems later.

Tip: Make sure everyone is part of the review. Encourage the team to share their ideas so you can spot any potential issues early.

4. Not Enough Detail in the Design

If the design documents aren’t clear or detailed, important problems may be missed. Vague plans can confuse the construction team, leading to delays or mistakes.

Tip: Check that all design documents are complete and easy to understand. Include clear drawings, material lists, and instructions to avoid confusion.

5. Ignoring Material Availability

Some materials can be hard to find or take a long time to deliver. If you don’t check availability during the review, the project could face delays waiting for materials to arrive.

Tip: Make sure the materials you plan to use are easy to get. If some materials take too long, consider alternatives that won’t slow down the project.

6. Poor Planning of Construction Steps

Construction happens in a certain order, or sequence. If the sequence is poorly planned, workers might have to wait for materials or equipment, causing delays. Poor sequencing can also lead to safety issues.

Tip: Create a detailed plan of the construction sequence during the review. Make sure each step is well thought out to avoid delays and safety risks.

7. Not Checking Labor Availability

Skilled workers are essential to finishing a project on time. If there aren’t enough workers available, the project could be delayed. Many reviews fail to consider this factor.

Tip: Research the availability of skilled workers in the area. Plan your construction schedule to avoid labor shortages.

8. Underestimating Costs

One of the most crucial aspects of any endeavor is creating a budget. If the cost estimate is too low, you could run out of money before the project is finished.

Tip: Make sure your cost estimate is realistic and includes everything. Add a little extra for unexpected expenses to avoid going over budget.

9. Not Addressing Safety Risks

Safety should always be the top priority. If safety risks are overlooked during the review, it could lead to accidents or delays during construction.

Tip: Include safety checks in the review. Make sure the design follows all safety regulations, and plan for the safety of workers and the public.

10. Relying Too Much on Technology

Technology is helpful, but it can’t solve every problem. If you rely too much on digital tools, you might miss real-world issues like bad weather or human error.

Tip: Use technology as a tool, but also rely on advice from experienced team members who understand the realities of construction.

11. Not Planning for Problems

Regardless of how much you prepare, issues may still arise. If you don’t have a backup plan for delays or extra costs, the project could get off track.

Tip: Always plan for unexpected issues. Leave extra time and money in your schedule to handle any surprises that might come up.

12. Forgetting About Maintenance

Some constructability reviews focus only on the immediate task of getting the building constructed. However, long-term maintenance is just as important. If the design doesn’t consider ease of maintenance, it can lead to high upkeep costs later on.

Tip: Consider the future maintenance of the building during the review. Talk to maintenance experts and facility managers to ensure the design allows for easy upkeep.

13. Poor Communication Between Design and Construction Teams

Effective communication is crucial for the design and construction teams to work together. If these teams aren’t on the same page, problems can arise. For example, the construction team might struggle to implement parts of the design if they weren’t consulted during the review.

Tip: Hold regular meetings between the design and construction teams. Encourage open dialogue to ensure everyone understands the design and any construction challenges.

14. Ignoring Environmental Concerns

Sustainability is becoming more important in construction. Some reviews overlook environmental concerns, leading to designs that don’t meet sustainability standards. This can result in higher operating costs or non-compliance with environmental laws.

Tip: Evaluate environmental factors during the review. Focus on energy efficiency, waste reduction, and compliance with environmental regulations. Doing so can save costs in the long run and help meet sustainability goals.

Conclusion

A constructability building review is a key part of a successful construction project. By avoiding common mistakes like ignoring site challenges, underestimating costs, and skipping safety checks, you can keep your project on track. Involve the right team members, plan for problems, and make sure the design meets all legal and environmental standards. With a careful review, you’ll be ready to tackle any issues before they become bigger problems during construction.