Undertaking a commercial concrete project can be a complex endeavor, and like with anything else, these projects can be riddled with potential challenges for your crews to overcome. Our experts at Encore Pavement, a leading concrete company in Wichita, Kansas, have decades of experience providing customers with high-quality concrete services and have learned how to navigate the common challenges that accompany commercial concrete work. Learn more about these challenges and find out how we stay on track below!
Problem: Poor Weather Conditions
One of the most unpredictable challenges faced by concrete contractors is the impact of poor weather conditions. Weather can significantly affect the curing and setting of concrete, leading to a range of potential problems, including cracking, uneven curing, or weakened structural integrity.
Solution: Mitigate the risks associated with adverse weather conditions by regularly tracking weather forecasts in the days leading up to the project. While not ideal, delaying or rescheduling projects when necessary can save your crews both time and resources. If you must work in rainy or cold weather, protect freshly poured concrete with curing blankets, tarps, or heated enclosures to keep consistent temperatures and moisture levels for proper curing.
Problem: Inadequate Project Planning
Insufficient or inadequate planning can lead to a variety of problems during a commercial concrete project, from budget overruns and missed deadlines to overall quality issues.
Solution: Our experts at Encore Pavement recommend developing a well-structured project timeline that includes all phases of the project, as a detailed schedule will help allocate resources and labor effectively. With this, create a comprehensive budget that considers all costs, including materials, labor, equipment, and potential contingencies. Remember, unexpected issues will likely arise, so it’s best to allocate a portion of your budget and time to accommodate unforeseen challenges!
Problem: Labor Shortages
It comes as no surprise that labor shortages in the construction industry have been a pressing issue in recent years. While this challenge can result in project delays, compromised quality, and increased labor costs, an experienced and reputable concrete company must understand how to address the issue head-on.
Solution: If your company is facing labor shortages, invest in training and developing your workforce to ensure they have the skills and knowledge necessary for the job. Consider partnering with local trade schools or apprenticeship programs to recruit new talent and implement new technologies where possible to optimize labor productivity.
Problem: Cost Overrun
Nobody is happy when projects go over budget! In fact, cost overruns are one of the most concerning challenges in commercial concrete projects, as unforeseen expenses can quickly accumulate and put a significant strain on project budgets.
Solution: Avoid significant cost overruns by developing a comprehensive budget, including all project-related expenses, such as materials, labor, equipment, permits, and contingency funds. It’s important to account for potential fluctuations in material prices and ensure that any changes or modifications to the project are carefully documented, reviewed, and approved by all relevant parties. This enables you to identify potential overruns early and take corrective actions!
