What are the common Pitfalls in construction industry?

Answer 1

From a project management point of view. There exist a tension between the

consultants that the client of a new construction project employs and the builder ( Contractor). The Client employs certain proffessionals such as the Architect ( Principal Agent), Engineers, Q.S etc as consultants to supervise the successful delivery of His new construction project. However The Builder ( Contractor) is also employed via tendering and acceptance of tender, to bring the Clients building plans complete and successful. So in essence all these proffessionals are employed to contribute to the final building product and needs to work hand in hand and in co-operation with each other. For they all have a common goal and purpose and need to work towards it. There tends to be however certain lapse in the unity of this team of proffessional when project completion dates need to be met, and reputations are at stake. And subsequently, consultants want to defend themselves by attacking the builder and the builder defends himself by attacking the consultants. There are a number of reasons for this pitfall, such as lask of information to the builder from consultants or failure of the builder to express timely notice of information needed or clarity on information given to mention but a few. The result of this pitfall is very unfortanute, and is best avoided. The result being the common goal is shifted and indiviuals aiming to please clients needs to cover their backs, rather than the ultimate goal of delivering a successful building project where unity can achieve more than anything else.

That being said, the best interests of the client must never be forgotten by the consultants when dealing with the contractor and the Contractor should remain

committed to the advice and instructions of the consultants who look after the clients interests, for everyone to achieve the common goal and maintain the respect of each party in the Building project.