Summer is right around the corner and with its arrival we look forward to warmer weather, time with friends and family, and the surge in construction activities. Beyond the orange cones that pop up across the landscape like dandelions in a field, there is also a flurry of site development and build-outs racing toward a quick and satisfactory completion. This activity creates a critical time to keep projects on schedule amidst heightened demand and potential challenges.

Here are four crucial steps to navigate the busy summer construction season while staying on track with project timelines.

1. Who, What, When, and Where

Communication becomes all the more important during the summer construction season. Not only are we competing with other projects going on which strains the labor force and supply chain, but there are also family vacations, travel delays and time out enjoying life to contend with. All stakeholders need to communicate well in advance of planned time away so all parties can be prepared if a need arises.

We begin by creating a detailed project plan encompassing all aspects, from procurement of materials to manpower allocation for all our jobs. During these busy times, there is sometimes a need to break down the project into smaller milestones, facilitating better monitoring and control. 

Working with the team we may need to incorporate buffer time into the project schedule to accommodate unforeseen delays, such as excessive heat, summer storms or unexpected site conditions. Having buffer time cushions allow for flexibility without jeopardizing the overall timeline. 

2. Resource Management

Allocating resources efficiently, while reviewing the schedule, is important during the increased demand during the summer season. We anticipate material shortages and labor constraints by utilizing our strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors. Once awarded, we identify critical materials required for the project and procure them well in advance. Summer often witnesses higher demand for construction materials, leading to potential delays in procurement. By securing essential materials early, you mitigate the risk of supply chain disruptions and ensure uninterrupted workflow. It’s important to award quickly for summer starts!

4. Adjust

The one constant is change but we do our best to anticipate it. We continuously monitor project performance against our metrics and established benchmarks. We analyze progress reports to identify areas for improvement. However, we must be prepared to adjust the schedule, resource allocation, or strategies as needed to optimize efficiency and maintain schedule adherence. We have a great staff that come to the aid of jobs when these surprises hit and a team that is willing to dedicate the resources to make it a success.

Navigating the busy summer construction season requires meticulous planning, effective communication, and proactive management strategies. By following these tenets of construction, we can all keep projects on schedule despite the challenges posed by increased demand and during the bustling summer months.