By admin 
You probably know this situation: you started a construction project and prepared a nice schedule, but once on the ground, things don’t go as planned. Obtaining permits takes longer than expected or other obstacles arise. In this article, we describe five of the ten most common problems encountered on a construction site and explain how to avoid them.
Top 10 Construction Site Problems
1. Vandalism and crime
When you think about the risks of an average construction site, you usually think about vandalism and theft. Thefts can be committed by opportunistic thieves who pass by by chance and see something to take, but also by future residents who come to see the construction site and always find something that would be useful to them. So take a good look at how the construction site must be secured and take the appropriate measures. Appropriate protection starts with a good fence , high-security collars and anti-lift systems . Additional options also exist, such as Heras Smart Access
2. Unexpected additional costs
In almost all cases, contractors face unforeseen costs. The temporary interruption of a construction site due to, for example, the theft of tools or building materials results in both direct and indirect costs: direct costs must be paid for the replacement of materials, while indirect costs are incurred for the remuneration of workers who cannot progress with their work but must nevertheless continue to be paid. In addition to theft problems, the weather can also have an impact on the construction site, and it is possible that obtaining a permit may take longer than expected. Have an architect do the calculations and make sure to draw up a realistic schedule. Always make sure you have some leeway, in case something does not go as planned.
3. Poor communication between stakeholders
Whether it is a new construction or a renovation, a construction site involves many stakeholders, from the client to the contractor, and from the manufacturer to the installer. However, communication leaves something to be desired on many construction sites and good cooperation agreements are not common. In addition, the various stakeholders do not only speak French, but also English, Polish or Romanian, which can be a source of major misunderstandings. It is essential that all stakeholders agree with each other. Therefore, make sure that there is a responsible person, who is aware of what is happening. This person will be responsible for checking that everything is going as planned between the stakeholders, as well as making the final decisions. For good communication with the neighborhood of the construction site, you can provide canvases with explanatory text . For example, surround the site with canvases on which the construction site schedule and the contact details of a responsible person are indicated, so that the neighborhood knows what is happening and who to contact if there are any questions. Near the entrance to the construction site, you can hang canvases on which the construction site regulations and safety instructions in force on the site are indicated in several languages. You can also stipulate instructions on them to optimize logistics on a construction site.
4. Safety on the construction site
According to the authorities, the number of (fatal) accidents in the construction sector increased significantly in the first half of 2016 compared to the previous year. Accidents often occur because safety instructions are not followed. For example, not wearing a helmet or hearing protection can have serious consequences.
Therefore, make sure that a manager exercises direct supervision at the workplace and that workers are challenged if they do not follow safety instructions. In addition, workers must not only protect themselves, but they must also be protected. For example, you can take safety measures yourself, such as by opting for Acoustic Tarpaulins , which will protect workers from hearing damage.
5. Organizational problems
Construction sites regularly face organizational problems, especially when space is limited, such as in urban centers. There is not enough room for suppliers to unload their goods, things cannot be put away after use, and everyone still has to manage to fit their car somewhere. When available space is limited, we recommend semi-permanent placement of fencing. This means that the fencing is hung on posts and there are no blocks sticking out above ground level. Also, make sure to establish a strict schedule, so that everyone does not have to unload at the same time. And provide a fenced area separate from the construction site to park all the cars.
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6. The reception
After several months of work, the project is finally finished. The house or new building is ready and all that remains is to proceed with the handover. Many defects often still appear after the handover. For example, damage to doors and door frames, or technical faults with the heating system, for example. Once the handover has been approved, the contractor is no longer liable. If the client wishes to claim a repair, he must therefore do so in good time. Another common problem with the handover is theft. In residential construction, thefts often occur during the finishing phase of a house, just before the handover. This is due to the increased presence of valuable equipment: kitchens, boilers, meter boxes and other expensive sanitary equipment.
7. Bad weather: weather as a party spoiler
The construction site may be interrupted for long periods, especially in winter in the event of intense frost or snowfall. This situation causes delays in execution but also has an economic impact. Labor costs cannot be suspended. Specific measures to limit inactivity can allow work to continue even in the event of harsher weather conditions. For example, you can cover part of the construction site or install screens against wind and precipitation by covering the fences.