• Permit fees, design changes, equipment maintenance, and unexpected delays are the most common hidden costs associated with construction projects.
• Researching what type of permits will be required for a project and factoring for design changes should be done before beginning a project to stay on schedule and budget.
• To reduce hidden costs, construction managers should rent equipment instead of buying it, work with reliable suppliers and vendors, and use BIM.
• With proper research and planning, hidden costs can be managed efficiently to ensure a successful project.
As a construction manager, you know there will always be unexpected costs when completing any project. The average price of a project is around $313 per square meter, and hidden costs can drastically increase that cost.
While there are everyday expenses that you can plan for and budget accordingly, hidden costs can easily throw off your timeline and budget if you’re not ready for them. Here’s a look at some of the most common hidden costs associated with construction projects.
Permit Fees
Permit fees are one of the most commonly overlooked hidden costs associated with construction projects. Depending on where the project is located, you may need to obtain different permits to complete the job safely and legally.
These permits can range from building permits to electrical and plumbing permits. Therefore, it’s essential to research what type of permits will be required for your project and factor those into your budget as soon as possible so you don’t run into any surprises down the line.
Design Changes
Another hidden cost associated with construction projects is design changes. Often, clients or architects request changes or additions after work has already begun on the project. This means that additional materials or labor might need to be purchased to complete those changes, which can quickly add up if they are not accounted for in the initial budget.
To avoid potential delays due to design changes, it’s crucial to have frequent communication with all parties involved throughout the entire process. Hence, everyone is aware of what needs to be done and when it needs to be done.
Equipment Maintenance
It’s also essential to factor the equipment maintenance cost into your budget. Construction projects require various tools and machinery that must be maintained regularly to ensure they are working efficiently. Therefore, you should always keep aside a portion of the budget for regular maintenance and repair costs to continue work without delays.
Unexpected Delays
Finally, one of the most significant hidden costs associated with construction projects is unexpected delays caused by weather or other unforeseen circumstances. While these delays cannot always be avoided, they can still cause significant disruptions in time and money if they are not planned properly.
To combat this issue, make sure that you have contingencies built into your plan and extra materials on hand in case something goes wrong. That way, if any unexpected delays occur, you will still be able to move forward with minimal disruption or additional expense due to unforeseen circumstances.
Tips to Further Reduce Hidden Costs
The best way to combat these hidden costs is by conducting thorough research and having a detailed plan before beginning any construction project. Additionally, you should consider using these tips to reduce the costs of your project.
Rent Vs. Buying Construction Equipment
Specific construction equipment is better rented. One good example is forklifts. This particular equipment can be costly, especially if you’re a starting company. Maintenance costs and storage fees can also rack up quickly. A reliable forklift rental service can help you save money while still getting the job done. The service can reduce the need for maintenance costs and other hidden costs that come with having that equipment.
Work With Reliable Suppliers and Vendors
Finding reliable suppliers and vendors is another essential tip to reduce hidden costs associated with construction projects. By working with trusted suppliers, you can be sure that you’re getting quality materials at the best prices.
Additionally, it pays to shop around and compare prices. You can save money by researching and finding the best deals for your project materials.
Use BIM
Lastly, BIM is a great way to reduce hidden costs associated with construction projects. BIM is Information Modeling, which provides digital representations of physical spaces.
Using this system, you can find out how many materials will be needed and what the project’s overall cost will be. This helps to avoid any costly surprises down the line and allows you to stay on budget.
Overall, hidden costs can be a significant headache for construction managers if they are not accounted for properly. However, with the proper research and planning, these costs can be managed efficiently so that you can stay on track with your project timeline and budget.