As of January 2023, roughly 2.9% of the entire United States workforce is in the construction business. That’s about 7.8 million people! At this point, you might be wondering, “If so many people work in construction, why do projects so often get delayed? What’s stopping the construction process?”
To someone who’s not in the business, construction can seem easy. Make a plan, get the materials, and build the project—that’s not always the case. In reality, it’s not the simplest process.
The Construction Process
The entire construction process can be quite lengthy. Here are the basic steps that are completed in every construction project:
- Planning and Design: Before construction can begin, the project must be planned with precision and expertise. The design phase ensures that the building meets all safety requirements and is completed on time and within budget.
- Permitting and Approvals: After the design is finalized, permits and approvals need to be obtained before construction can begin. This process involves liaising with local authorities as well as other vendors and stakeholders, which can often lead to delays and additional expenses.
- Pre-Construction Preparations: Before construction begins, preparations must be made. This includes preparing the site for construction, ensuring that all safety protocols are in place, and addressing any preliminary tasks required to facilitate construction.
- Actual Construction: With the preparations in place, the actual construction phase can finally begin. The phase may go through several stages such as site excavation, foundation pouring, structural construction, and the installation of windows, doors, and other building components. Construction progress monitoring also tracks funds to make sure everything is according to plan.
- Inspection and Quality Assurance: After the building is complete, the construction process is still not over. Thorough inspections and quality assurance tests must be conducted to ensure that the project meets all safety regulations and standards.
- Handover and Closeout: Upon successful completion and verification, the project is finally handed over to the client. This stage includes finalizing all necessary documentation.
Looking at this list might help you understand just how hard a construction project can be to keep track of. That’s why at Stronghold Engineering, we take our time to produce quality builds while making safety a high priority.
Stronghold Engineering’s Approach
We have completed many successful projects over our 31 years of business. Our approach has been tested time and time again—our tried-and-true values are a crucial part of our company.
Emphasis on Safety
Stronghold Engineering is a place of safety. It’s not just a policy, safety is in every aspect of our construction processes. Our team members undergo rigorous safety protocols and training, which not only equip them with the necessary knowledge to avoid accidents but also instill a culture of safety that runs deep within our organization.
Dedication to Quality
Quality control measures are a cornerstone of our construction projects. We implement rigorous assessment and evaluation procedures at every stage of our projects to ensure the highest standards of workmanship and materials.
Commitment to Timelines
Efficient project management is a fundamental aspect of our operations at Stronghold Engineering. We utilize proven methodologies to streamline our construction progress, thereby minimizing the risk of delays. Our dedication to timelines is not just about meeting deadlines; it’s about exceeding expectations.
Challenges in the Construction Process
Several challenges can arise during the construction process. Fortunately, all of these risks can be minimized with thorough planning and experienced professionals. Here are some of the major ones any construction company is likely to face.
- Unexpected Site Conditions: Construction sites can present unforeseen challenges, such as encountering unstable soil, hidden utilities, or environmental concerns. Dealing with these conditions may require redesigns, additional safety measures, or specific construction techniques, which can potentially lead to delays and added costs.
- Weather-Related Disruptions: Adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or extreme heat, can significantly impact the pace and efficiency of construction projects. These disruptions can result in work stoppages, safety concerns, and delays in project completion.
- Supply Chain Issues: The flow of necessary materials and equipment is essential for construction projects. Delays or disruptions in the supply chain can delay construction timelines, increase costs, and lead to project complications.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Changes in regulations, permitting requirements, or unexpected regulatory challenges can pose obstacles to construction projects. Additional paperwork, compliance adjustments, and approval delays can affect project schedules and budgets.
- Labor Shortages: A shortage of skilled workers, including tradespeople and craftsmen, can cause delays and increase costs.
- Changes in Project Scope: Having to make changes mid-project, whether due to client requests or unforeseen circumstances, can create delays and disrupt budgets. For instance, the Request for Information (RFI) process is a critical tool contractors use for clarifying incomplete or ambiguous plans, although it can also impact project timelines and costs.
At Stronghold Engineering, we are committed to delivering successful projects on time and within budget—but we also understand that construction progress is always subject to certain challenges and risks. We work with our clients to navigate these challenges effectively and find solutions that keep projects on track.
Stronghold Engineering’s Success Stories
We’ve completed many successful projects, the most recent award-winning project being our work on the UCR Campus Solar Roof Initiative in Riverside, California this past March. Our efforts were given the Excellence in Construction® Eagle Award, which is the 5th Eagle Award we’ve received.
The 2023 National Chair of the ABC Board of Directors Milton Graugnard, executive vice president, Cajun Industries LLC, Baton Rouge, Louisiana says, “This world-class construction project shows the diversity of what the merit shop construction industry builds and how we build projects safely, on time and on budget.”
Stronghold Engineering places safety and quality before anything else, and we’re honored to accept the various recognitions offered to us to showcase how our approach leads to the next innovative project.
Trust Stronghold Engineering with Your Next Project
Your next construction project will be handled efficiently with Stronghold Engineering. Our 31+ years in business have shaped us into true professionals who are skilled in even the most technically challenging upgrades and renovations. Contact us today and know that your project is in reliable hands.