There is often the misconception that contractors are like fire fighters, waiting for the next call… able to respond immediately. However, projects are usually scheduled out for weeks or months ahead of time and it is very difficult to respond immediately without causing a major interruption.
Proper construction scheduling is one of the lifelines for a contractor and schedule disruptions impact the entire organization, as well as existing customers whose projects are already scheduled.
Small projects which may only take a few weeks to complete can more easily be added into your contractor’s schedule, as a crew might open up for a week or two in between other large projects. However larger scale projects require more time and pre-planning, as well as coordination between the customer, the contractor, vendors, and material lead times. The time required by these projects is something beyond human control, and it cannot be dismissed for urgency.
The Problem
Traditionally, the spring onset of warmer weather gets people moving, reminding them that it is “construction season”. At the same time, contractors are eager to fill up their schedule for the season so they can put their technicians back to work. Also, many contractors in the renovation industry work on universities, colleges, and local school buildings. Most of these projects have strict August completion dates. In addition, the chemical constituents of many products require that they be used only above a minimum temperature or below a maximum temperature.
The result is a compressed schedule for contractors during the “construction season”. Especially when you consider the impact of a late start due to lingering cold temperatures, such as we had in 2014. It can be increasingly difficult for contractors to slip new projects in at the last minute and perceived urgency can create undue stress for the contractor and the customer.
What Can You Do?
Ask yourself which projects need to be completed by a certain date, what are your immediate needs, and can you pre-schedule your project for the following season? What are your time requirements – how long will your project take and what is your flexibility regarding your deadline?
By offering time flexibility with your contractors, they are better able to plan your project. Each project comes with its own set of characteristics, and contractors may need to allocate certain personnel to compliment each job. In addition, proper pre-planning allows contractors time to coordinate with vendors and suppliers. This minimizes disruptions on-site.
When considering your project, speak to your contractor. Talk about timelines and factor in their scheduling needs as well. They may be very compressed in the summer, but have a gaping hole in the schedule in the fall. Ask the contractor about this, your project might disrupt the system in August but save the day in October. They may even offer incentives to postpone your project.
If you have trouble determining how immediate or urgent your project is, don’t hesitate to consult with your contractor. Many times, they can help you identify your priorities and determine what can and cannot wait.
