More Construction Mishaps - And how to Avoid Them

Several other factors often prevent construction projects from achieving their schedule, quality and financial objectives. Although not exhaustive by any means, the following risks can also lead to costly mishaps during the construction cycle, and so should be factored into the process:

Country and Political Risk
Many of the same management skills necessary for successful project execution apply to construction projects in all corners of the globe. But at the same time, it is important to recognize there are special differences when working in countries outside of the United States, and particularly in emerging market countries. These include political and economic risks. For example, a nation's economic performance and political stability exerts considerable impact on construction investment and activity. Issues to consider include a government's:

• fiscal responsibility;
• monetary policies;
• ability to adjust to internal and external "shocks;"
• terms-of-trade with trading partners;
• availability of resources;
• infrastructure and access conditions;
• shifts in political leadership; and
• changes to administrative agendas.

Financial Risk
A project's economic viability largely depends on its capital structuring and its ability to attract reliable sources of funding at reasonable terms. These issues are typically quite complex and require rigorous financial analysis during the project's programming phase. These factors are compounded when working in countries outside of the United States, where tax structures, project equity and ownership laws, and credit availability may be dramatically different. Such issues include:

• tax structures and incentives;
• availability and ability to obtain adequate credit;
• ability to pay down project debt;
• allocation of project equity among project owners; and
• fluctuations in currency exchange rates.

Weather and Natural Disasters
Construction sites are highly susceptible to the vagaries of weather and natural disasters. Obviously, adverse conditions such as snowstorms, earthquakes, hurricanes, prolonged temperature extremes and extended periods of rainfall can impact any project schedule. Recommendations that can help to mitigate their unpredictable nature and consequences include:

• Assure during the design phase that seismic and hurricane building code requirements have been appropriately factored into the contract documents.
• Ensure that provisions for inclement weather protection is adequately addressed in the design specifications and contractor bids.
• Determine whether project schedules contain any contingencies for inclement weather that may occur during the performance period.
• Assure that the manpower selected for the project is properly trained, adequately equipped and outfitted, and mentally prepared to work under these potentially adverse conditions.
• When appropriate, consider granting non-compensable time extensions to the contractor to cover the schedule delays introduced by adverse weather conditions or natural disasters.

Environmental Risks
Ideally, every project should address environmental issues during the programming and design phases of the project. These issues typically revolve around special regulations, permits, and approvals required by local, state or federal entities, and can take significant amounts of time and manpower to finalize. It is not uncommon, however, for unforeseen situations to surface during the construction and close-out phases that require prompt attention and swift resolution. When these types of issues are surprises, their impact on project schedule and budget can be adversely exponential. As a consequence, special attention should be given to:

• early identification of hazardous site conditions;
• early identification of archaeological and/or historical site conditions;
• mitigation of vehicular traffic;
• conducting public hearings as required, and compliance with special notification procedures;
• coordination and concurrence from involved governmental entities and interested third parties;
• resolution of easement and/or boundary conditions;
• negotiations with utility companies;
• obtaining required permits (including any special permits);
• pending legislative initiatives; and
• compliance with special notification procedures.