Updated on 9/2/2024.
Rework: the dreaded term nobody wants to hear when working on a construction project.
It usually means that some portion of the completed work has to be redone to fix a problem, often resulting in schedule delays and cost impacts. According to a study, rework is estimated to represent 2%-20% of total costs on construction projects.
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Here are three common causes of rework and how to avoid them. We’ll also show you how Pantera can help you avoid project rework.
Scheduling Problems Complicating Construction Projects
Scheduling and planning issues can lead to various problems on construction projects, especially rework. As projects are delayed, work can become rushed, resulting in quality issues, pushing the project even more behind schedule.
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Similarly, work performed out of order may cause the removal or reconstruction of previously completed and installed items. Miscommunication and issues in coordination with multiple teams or team members often cause out-of-order construction work. On the other hand, uncontrollable aspects such as weather changes can impact scheduling and quality problems.
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Design Errors or Changes Directly Causing Rework
Design errors are often out of our control as construction contractors, but sometimes working with the designers upfront can identify any issues or errors in the bidding and planning stages of the project. According to quality.org, up to 70% of total construction project rework is the result of design issues. Identifying errors in the beginning of the project will allow the design team to make adjustments before the actual construction begins. Regardless of the reason for the changes, design changes can lead to rework, especially if the construction process has already begun.
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Site Miscommunication
Miscommunication and poor project data accounts for a large portion of rework on construction jobsites in the United States. Unresponsive team members, incorrect project data, and difficulty accessing project or task information ultimately lead to delayed or misinterpreted information between project contacts.
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Solutions to Avoid Rework and How Pantera Can Help
While some rework in construction may not be avoidable, some rework can be avoided or managed with the proper tools. Proper communication is key in avoiding rework, especially in the planning and scheduling areas that require ongoing, clear communication.
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To reduce the likelihood of rework, proper training, communication, and supervision of project progress is key! Many contractors are implementing and relying on software tools to help identify issues, prevent conflicts, and encourage communication among team members.
Some project management tools such as Pantera’s Scheduling feature were designed directly to help monitor schedules and related items throughout the timeline of your construction project. Other helpful Pantera tools available to you are Document Management to ensure everyone is working off the latest set of plans, RFI, Submittals, and an Integrated Bidding and Plan Room. Daily Report functionality will identify problems early as well.
To learn more about how Pantera Tools can help you reduce rework, schedule a free demo.
