Meeting Deadlines with GC's

[Harrison Kliegl]

Hi there, I'm wondering if anyone has some input on how you manage deadlines/construction delays when working with a GC or even direct with subs to rehab a property. I'm living in the Denver area and as we enter the winter season (my first full winter season here), I'm curious if there are typically more construction delays during this time of year?

To stem off that question, is there certain language that you use in your contract that manages timeline, un-worked days, etc. I'm in the AEC industry so I'm fully aware there are unforeseen delays, and a GC will almost have a percentage of their total bid set aside for contingencies.

Any feedback is much appreciated! Thanks!

[Sean Gribbons]

@Harrison Kliegl I use Builder Trend to manage all my projects and subs its an amazing program and hands down makes life so so much easier. With that said here in Denver the winter can absolutely slow things down. For instance you can't pour concrete in freezing temps and if its snowing no chance will a roofing or siding crew be out working. Same with landscaping. 

In our contracts we talk about penalizations for running past deadlines of $X amount per day or week. We always give leniency in the timeline so they have plenty of time to complete projects as long as they're on task and showing up. Again Builder Trend is what helps with this if we have framing blocked off for 2 weeks and I show up end of week1 and not much has been done we address right there and either fire and move to plan B or work it out but we don't let the schedule get pushed behind. Pushing off the schedule means screwing up other contractors schedules so now everything gets pushed behind big time. Its a chain reaction that ends up in lost money and disorganization. The number one thing that has killed my projects time wise is contractors not being held accountable with the timeline. Now tih builder trend life is easier but never perfect.

Hope that helps!