Tips on How to Avoid Delays in Project Completion

One of the most common problems in project management is unexpected delays. This very matter is one of the biggest frustrations clients experience with building property, whether residential or commercial. A survey revealed that less than 50 percent of companies can finish their projects right on schedule. Other statistics show that 25 percent of projects fail due to task time estimates that are inaccurate. And while this is a common occurrence, it should not be the norm.

Completing projects on time sets a long-lasting impression. Meeting deadlines on time can be a challenge, but there are ways to avoid making this a habit.

Causes of Project Delays

So, first things first: What causes these project delays?

The weight of each project varies, but these are the most common causes of project delays that we should be mindful of.

- Sudden changes in the scope of the project
- Unavailability of resources
- Failure to plan the project carefully
- Promising unrealistic project objectives and deliverables
- Delayed supplier delivery
- Ineffective communication strategies
- Unpredictable events such as disasters

The Impact of Project Completion Delays

Many businesses, different companies big or small experience project delays. This shouldn’t be such a big deal, right? Wrong. The truth is, these delays can cause so much more problems than you think. One significant issue has to do with the costs. Project delays can add to the project costs. Time is money, so these delays add up to the costs that are not factored into the project initially.

The company’s reputation is on the line too. If you’re not able to turn over projects on time, you might be seen as not credible and could do some damage to your name.

As mentioned, project delays happen all the time, but there are ways to avoid this from happening over and over again.

Five ways to avoid project delays

Always set realistic goals
Possibly the biggest and most significant factor in determining whether a project would be completed right on time is if the goals are realistically set. A lot of times, ambitious goals and promises are made to hopefully make a good impression and ensure the client that the business is capable of completing such a project.

An important thing to remember is that it’s better to underdeliver and overdeliver than overpromise and underdeliver. Goals are good if they are realistic and can be measured. Always think first about the resources – if they are readily available and if the plan is clear.

Regularly hold team meetings
Team meetings are important, especially during the very beginning of the project. Gather the members to talk about the vision and it’s important that each role is understood and the whole purpose of the project.

Gather the necessary resources
Resources could also make or break a project. The importance of gathering the right resources is crucial, and with the limited budget you will be given, you will need to consider all the playing parts such as the materials, the office space where meetings and planning will be held, and more importantly, the people working with you and for you.

Set the schedule
The project schedule should be treated as more than a timetable. It should also be a comprehensive project that details not just the timeline, but also the organisational resources needed to complete the tasks. Use a scheduling tool to help you with this and make sure that it should be readily available for all team members.

Collect data to measure progress
For a project to become successful, data must be collected in order to track and measure the progress of the project. This will also increase the transparency of the project, allowing for cohesion and order. Use systems to track the completion, the quality, and the budget.