Learn how to effectively manage subcontractor conflicts due to delays in construction projects with pragmatic resolution strategies.

Encouraging the stake holders for conversation with open mind provides with diverse ideas. It helps to find the out of box solutions and also gives the opportunity to uncover any errors or omissions by any party to be addressed in order to find suitable solutions.

Last updated on Aug 10, 2024

You're dealing with subcontractor conflicts due to delays. How can you effectively resolve the situation?

In construction management, effective resolution of subcontractor conflicts due to delays is critical for project success. Delays can be a significant source of tension and can lead to disputes that disrupt the workflow. As a project manager, you need to have strategies in place to address these issues promptly and fairly. Understanding the root causes of delays, maintaining open communication, and having clear contractual agreements can help mitigate conflicts. It's also essential to be proactive in your approach, fostering a collaborative environment where all parties are working towards the common goal of project completion.

Key takeaways from this article

Open dialogue:

Engage in honest talks with your subcontractors to pinpoint and solve delays. This approach fosters trust and often leads to creative, mutually beneficial solutions that get your project back on track.
Adapt the plan:

When faced with delays, don't hesitate to shuffle your project's sequence. Adjusting the build order can keep things moving forward, even when certain materials or tasks are stalled. Your flexibility can save the schedule.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Assess Causes

When faced with subcontractor delays, the first step is to thoroughly assess the causes. Delays can occur due to various reasons such as unforeseen site conditions, supply chain issues, or even miscommunication. By identifying the specific factors contributing to the delay, you can address the root cause and work towards a solution. This requires a detailed review of project timelines, delivery schedules, and the subcontractor's performance history. Understanding the "why" behind the delay is crucial in finding an equitable resolution that maintains project integrity and relationships.

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Fakhar-un-Nisa C.Eng,LLM(Construction Law and Arb),MCIArb

Country Manager at Hill International, Inc.
(edited)
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Encouraging the stake holders for conversation with open mind provides with diverse ideas. It helps to find the out of box solutions and also gives the opportunity to uncover any errors or omissions by any party to be addressed in order to find suitable solutions.

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Ejaz Gul, PE

Project Management| Project Operations | Project Coordination | Value Engineering | Project Control | Estimation Lead | Cost Control | Project Economist | Resource Estimation | Budget Planning |
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As per my experience, motivation of contractor matters. Establishing strong communication between contractor and stakeholders is effective tool in resolving issue of delays by contractors.

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2 Open Dialogue

Open and honest communication is the cornerstone of resolving subcontractor conflicts. It's important to establish a dialogue with the subcontractor to understand their perspective and express your concerns regarding the delay. This conversation should be solution-oriented, focusing on how to get the project back on track rather than assigning blame. By maintaining a respectful and professional tone, you encourage collaboration and show that you value the subcontractor's role in the project. This approach can often lead to innovative solutions that benefit all parties involved.

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3 Contract Clarity

Contracts are legally binding documents that outline the responsibilities and expectations of each party. To prevent and resolve delays, ensure that your contracts are clear on terms related to timelines, penalties for delays, and processes for conflict resolution. When a delay occurs, refer back to the contract and use it as a guide for discussions with the subcontractor. This helps keep conversations factual and focused on predefined agreements, reducing the potential for emotional responses and helping to expedite resolution.

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4 Proactive Measures

Proactivity can prevent conflicts from escalating. Implement regular check-ins with subcontractors to monitor progress and identify potential issues early on. Establishing a preemptive action plan for managing delays can also be beneficial. This might include having backup suppliers or additional labor resources on standby. By anticipating problems and having contingencies in place, you can mitigate the impact of delays and maintain a more harmonious working environment.

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Ian Warren

Construction Manager at Toll Brothers
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We have all dealt with subcontractor delays and delays of material during the peak of Covid. During that time, you had to start thinking outside of the box. For instance, when appliances were not readily available, we would try to source them anyway possible. When other materials were backordered, we would re-invent the wheel in our build sequence to allow the build to advance in progress to still deliver on schedule. In my opinion, the most important part of building is communication. Rely on your team to brainstorm ideas on how to continue taking steps forward without setting your schedule back.

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Kebia Amaral

Civil Engineer | Project Manager
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The first step would be to have clear communication with the person in charge to understand their difficulties and find ways to help. To address subcontractor delays effectively, I implement incentives and rewards for exemplary performance, while enforcing penalties for non-compliance or delays as stipulated in the contract. This approach maintains accountability and encourages consistent project progress. Additionally, I establish clear checklists to keep track of every step of the work.

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5 Collaborative Solutions

When conflicts arise, strive for collaborative solutions that are mutually beneficial. Involve the subcontractor in the problem-solving process, acknowledging their expertise and seeking their input on how best to address the delay. This inclusive approach can lead to innovative strategies that not only resolve the current issue but also strengthen the partnership for future projects. Collaboration fosters a team-oriented atmosphere where everyone is invested in the project's success.

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Fezile Shinga

Junior Quantity Surveyor
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Here's a collaborative solution when dealing with subcontractor's - Communicate promptly: Notify the subcontractor of the delay and its impact on the project. -Identify the root cause: Determine the reason for the delay and assess its effect on the project timeline. -Joint problem-solving: Meet with the subcontractor to discuss potential solutions, share resources, and expertise. - Develop a recovery plan. - Document the agreement: Record the agreed-upon plan, including any changes to the subcontract. -Monitor progress: Regularly review the subcontractor's progress against the revised timeline. -Consider a time extension: If the delay is justified, discuss a time extension to avoid penalties.

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6 Follow-Up Action

After resolving the immediate conflict, take follow-up action to prevent future occurrences. This might involve revising processes, improving communication channels, or offering training. Document lessons learned from the experience and share them with your team and subcontractors. By continuously improving your practices, you build resilience against future delays and conflicts, ensuring smoother project execution going forward.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're dealing with subcontractor conflicts due to delays. How can you effectively resolve the situation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Causes

2 Open Dialogue

3 Contract Clarity

4 Proactive Measures

5 Collaborative Solutions

6 Follow-Up Action

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

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You're dealing with subcontractor conflicts due to delays. How can you effectively resolve the situation?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Assess Causes

2 Open Dialogue

3 Contract Clarity

4 Proactive Measures

5 Collaborative Solutions

6 Follow-Up Action

7 Here’s what else to consider

Construction Management

Rate this article

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