Common Delays in Commercial Construction & How to Avoid Them
Commercial construction delays can disrupt tenant move-in dates, inflate costs, and create avoidable stress for owners and stakeholders. Most schedule setbacks come from predictable issues—like incomplete plans, long lead times, or last-minute scope changes. With the right planning, communication, and accountability in place, we can reduce downtime, keep crews productive, and protect your timeline from preventable surprises.
Preconstruction Gaps That Trigger Early Schedule Slip
Many delays start before anyone breaks ground. When drawings aren’t fully coordinated, expectations aren’t aligned, or the project schedule isn’t built around real constraints, the job often slows down as soon as trades mobilize.
- Finalize scope early and confirm what’s included (and excluded) before pricing and scheduling
- Coordinate drawings across trades to reduce RFIs, conflicts, and rework
- Build a realistic schedule that accounts for approvals, procurement windows, and sequencing
- Confirm site conditions and access requirements to avoid day-one disruptions
Permitting, Procurement, and Long Lead Items
Permits, inspections, and materials can impact a project even when the jobsite is ready. If a key item arrives late—or the permit process takes longer than expected—critical path work stalls and multiple trades can be pushed back.
- Identify long lead items early (major equipment, specialty finishes, custom components) and order them proactively
- Track submittals and approvals tightly so procurement isn’t waiting on paperwork
- Plan permitting timelines and inspection milestones into the schedule—not as afterthoughts
- Maintain clear documentation to reduce resubmittals, missed requirements, and approval delays
Labor, Coordination, and Change Orders During Construction
Even with a strong plan, projects can lose time when trades aren’t aligned, manpower fluctuates, or scope changes aren’t controlled. The goal is to keep field execution moving without interruptions caused by unclear direction or late decisions.
- Hold consistent coordination meetings to keep trades sequenced and accountable
- Confirm staffing plans and delivery dates so crews aren’t waiting on each other
- Manage change orders with a clear process that protects schedule and budget
- Maintain proactive communication so issues are resolved quickly instead of compounding
Ready To Work Together?
At Allied Construction, we focus on reducing delays through disciplined planning, proactive procurement tracking, and jobsite coordination that keeps every phase moving forward. We don’t just react to schedule problems—we work to prevent them by aligning stakeholders early, managing trades responsibly, and maintaining clear communication from preconstruction through closeout.
