Masonry Magazine August 1999 Page. 16
Correcting the problem of delay is to possess the ability to recognize the delay in the first place. Many times, it's not as easy as it sounds. So let's discuss some common construction delays and a few methods for handling the inevitable:
Types of Project Delay (Major)
Equipment Delay The good thing about equipment delay is that it's easily recognizable. When a generator doesn't show up, at least you know right away because your men aren't making any noise (or they may march into your trailer and make a lot of noise!). The same goes for heavy equipment. At least there's something tangible and recordable that allows you to go back later on to recoup costs. Of course, the only avenue one has at the time is to hunt the offending equipment down as soon as possible and keep a log of lost hours.
Major Material Delays Purchase orders, quick shop-drawing and submittal turn-around, and continual communication are the major tools in avoiding this one, but there'll always be a few major material delays that sneak through. Now, like other delays, it may not seem damaging at the time, but let's look at this example: The wood doors that were due today didn't make it. After several frantic phone calls, you find out they're not coming until next Friday another week! Now, your carpenter that was (supposed to be) finishing door #27 and smoothly going on to #28, will have to knock-down, clean-up, and leave only to return to set up again next week. Not very efficient is it? And it's not just the carpenter that's effected. In addition, the painter will need to return to stain and varnish the doors. Will the painter be happy upon hearing this? I don't think so! Many painters (and most all subs) will demand more money for an extra, unplanned trip (known as mobilization) and, quite frankly, deserve to be reimbursed.
Major material delays can come in many shapes and sizes here's another: Let's visit our carpet supplier who kept the (now 5 month old) P.O. on his desk, not wanting to order the product too early in order to avoid storing it in his warehouse for longer than absolutely necessary. The carpet company calls this "just-in-time" delivery I call it "just-don't-call-me-any-more" delivery. I'm sure they're well-intentioned, but like clockwork, it always seems to play out like this:
* After waiting until "just the right time", the carpet supplier orders the material
* The material is back-ordered
* The carpet supplier calls me, informs me of the delay, and swears it's not his fault
* The owner of the project begins calling me at home on evenings and weekends
* The terms "penalty" and "liquidated damages" become more a part of my daily conversations.
I begin to regret not becoming a member of the bomb-squad...
Daily Material Delays
Here's where things can get a little tricky. Let's say the treated lumber plate material that was to have arrived a 7:00 am didn't make it in until 7:40 am. This seemingly small delay though frustrating may not appear to be actionable (that is, warranting the action of going back to the supplier to recoup costs) at the time and if it's truly a one time affair that's probably a reasonable strategy.
GROUT-HOG™
GROUT DELIVERY SYSTEM
Finally, a grout delivery system that's simple, dependable and timesaving!
* Easy to Operate
GROUT-HOG's innovative, patent pending technology makes wall grouting easier, faster, cleaner, safer and more economical
* Easy to Hook Up adapts quickly to auxiliary hydraulics on forklift
* Highly Productive swivel-base system allows workers to grout 15-to-20 feet of wall quickly without moving forklift
* Easy to Clean unique removable auger allows fast. thorough clean-up in 15 minutes or less
* Economical costs approximately one-third the price of a small grout pump
GROUT-HOG, designed by a mason over an eight-year period, provides a higher level of control than traditional grouting methods.
Learn more about the grout delivery system that's changing the way expert masonry is done. Contact E-Z Grout Corporation today.
GROUT-HOG EZ GROUT CORP
Route 1. Box 167-1A
Waterford, OH 45786
Fax: (740) 749-3500
(800) 417-9272
16 MASONRY- JULY/AUGUST, 1999