Outbuild is online scheduling software to work together on connected project schedules and look-aheads, enabling everyone to move faster.
Key Takeaways
- Schedules, Lookaheads, and Weekly Work Plans within one integrated platform.
- Real-time insights and project analytics through automated dashboards.
- Easier, streamlined plan management through a user-friendly interface.
Table of contents
- The Basics of Construction Constraints
- Six Construction Constraint Examples
- Dealing with Constraints: Tips for Project Managers
- What to look for in construction constraint management software
- How Outbuild can help you overcome your Construction Project Constraints
- Best Practices for Managing Construction Constraints & Overcoming Roadblocks
Every day, and on job sites all around the world, teams face construction constraints. Project constraints are the general limitations of a project but can evolve into roadblocks that delay or disrupt work. These issues can stop progress completely or slow it down significantly. These "feel-like-pulling-your-hair-out" moments can make keeping projects on track quite challenging.
Project constraints in construction can turn into roadblocks that can take many forms. These could include a missing permit, an unanswered RFI, or an unreliable inspector. Sometimes, a subcontractor may promise a crew that never arrives. Left unresolved, these issues create a domino effect of delays.
A day lost here or there might not seem catastrophic at first, but these seemingly minor setbacks accumulate over the course of a project. The result? Compressed schedules, late timelines, and unexpected costs that eat into your profits.
Even though site constraints in construction are part of every project, it is important for team members to be aware if the typical constraints are turning into impactful roadblocks.
Roadblocks are factors that limit or impact a project's ability to progress smoothly. These elevated constraints—such as scheduling challenges, budget limitations, or resource availability—can introduce risk and create inefficiency. Understanding and addressing these challenges early in the project lifecycle is crucial for project managers and construction teams.
By spotting issues early, project teams can come up with strategies to tackle challenges and streamline workflows to hit their goals. Developing a contingency plan is always a smart idea. It helps you stay prepared for anything that might affect your project.
The theory of constraints in construction projects is that there are six major types. Let's check those out:
Understanding construction project assumptions and constraint examples is crucial in this industry. The below list includes six construction site constraint examples.
1. Schedule Constraints
Timelines are upfront and known constraints that teams agree on before a shovel ever hits the ground. In fact, project schedules are the backbone of construction management.
Delays in any phase of the schedule can disrupt the overall timeline, leading to a chain reaction of setbacks. For instance, consider an unanswered RFI (Request for Information) about the proper spacing for rebar installation. This could cause a delay in the installation itself, which then affects the next task, like pouring concrete or starting framing work.
Time constraints cascade, causing contractors to compress schedules to meet deadlines, which can result in rushed work or overtime costs. In fact, according to the Associated General Contractors of America, 72% of firms say projects take longer than expected.
Schedules are typically tracked with software to help teams plan, organize tasks and reduce major roadblock occurrences.
2. Cost Constraints
Project costs are crucial constraints that Project Managers have to track and monitor very closely. It's important to have a solid understanding of project costs to avoid budget overruns.
Change orders or rework costs are roadblocks that impact the overall project cost. These often stem from unforeseen expenses, poor planning, and mismanagement of resources.
For instance, if the price of steel spikes during a project, before the steel package has been bought out, it can blow the budget for structural components. This forces teams to either find more funding or delay work while searching for alternatives.
To avoid these challenges, teams should lock in prices early with suppliers or include price escalation clauses in contracts.
3. Project Scope
In construction, the project scope is an outline of the project's goals, deliverables, and work required to complete it. It sets clear boundaries to ensure everyone understands the requirements
This constraint becomes a roadblock when scope creep occurs. Scope creep refers to unplanned changes or additions to the project’s requirements after work has begun. For example, a client might request additional features such as upgrading materials or adding new design elements. These changes not only stretch resources thin but can also cause rework, impacting timelines and budgets.
To manage scope creep, it is important to have a clear project scope in the contract. You should also follow a strict change management process.
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4. Quality Constraints
Project quality is all about how well your deliverables match the original expectations. Every project constraint shapes it since quality represents the overall success of the project.
Quality issues can become a major roadblock in construction because mistakes can cause delays, extra costs, and safety risks. For example, if concrete is poured improperly or out of spec, it could lead to cracks or structural weaknesses, requiring repairs or rework. This not only delays the project timeline but also increases labor and material costs.
Regular inspections, clear standards, and well-trained teams help ensure quality and keep projects moving smoothly.
5. Resource Constraints
Resources on all projects are limited, and all construction stakeholders feel this constraint.
Resource availability can make or break a construction project. This can turn into roadblocks that include access to skilled labor, equipment, and materials.
For example, a resource roadblock happens when subcontractors commit to a project but fail to provide workers on time. Resource shortages can halt progress, inflate costs, and extend timelines.
6. Risk Management Constraints
General Project Risks — ranging from weather conditions to regulatory changes — pose significant challenges to construction projects. Failure to anticipate and manage these risks can result in delays and cost increases.
Risk management constraints require early identification of potential issues through risk assessments and the development of contingency plans.
The list above highlights key construction project constraint examples, but there are also safety constraints in construction and environmental constraints in construction.
Technical constraints in construction projects are abundant and must be managed in a timely manner.
Project managers play a pivotal role in minimizing the impact of constraints that turn into roadblocks. It is important for project managers to identify constraints in construction projects to improve performance.
Below are actionable tips for dealing with roadblocks effectively:
- Start projects with simple scheduling software: Use tools like Outbuild to get support early and keep schedules on track.
- Monitor and sync Lookahead Plans: Keep an eye on possible delays by tracking Lookahead plans. These plans should automatically sync with your scheduling software.
- Leverage Cost Forecasting: Monitor real-time expenses against budgets with forecasting tools to stay financially on track.
- Track Scope Changes: Use constraint management tools to assess the ripple effects of scope changes on timelines and costs.
- Optimize Workforce Allocation: Use workforce allocation tools to map labor availability to specific tasks efficiently.
- Schedule Equipment Procurement Early: Plan equipment rentals or material procurement during the project planning stage.
- Leverage Supplier Relationships: Work with suppliers to secure reliable material delivery deadlines.
- Centralize Risk Insights: Invest in software solutions that consolidate real-time data to improve team collaboration and decision-making
What to look for in construction constraint management software
Choosing the right software to manage constraints and overcome roadblocks is important. When selecting a solution, consider factors like team size, budget, and integration with your existing systems. Effective problem-solving software should be:
- Easy to identify and address issues
- Centralized for managing tasks and communication in one place
- Able to integrate with other tools, like project management software
- Accessible to all team members and collaborators — whether on the jobsite or in the office
- Backed by reliable customer support
With the right software, your team can tackle obstacles efficiently and keep projects on track.
Tools like Outbuild have emerged as game-changers in managing construction constraints with the following key features:
Integrated Scheduling and Lookahead Plans:
As the only platform that allows users to build their schedules, lookaheads, and weekly work plans within one integrated ecosystem, Outbuild offers a holistic approach to project planning.
Users can create real-time updates of schedules, giving field teams full visibility into tasks and timelines.
Outbuild’s roadblock feature:
You can assign roadblocks to teammates with due dates and reminders to keep work moving quickly. This proactive approach helps teams address problems before they escalate.
The convenience and efficiency of the roadblocks tool extend beyond the jobsite trailer. With the Outbuild iPad app, Superintendents can create project roadblocks directly from the field. It's simple, you can click the traffic cone icon, choose the type of roadblock and notify the right team member right away.
Outbuild's roadblocks feature allows you to select from the following types: change orders, inspections, labor issues, material availability, and weather events. If you encounter a specific type of roadblock that is not listed, you can always create a customized category.
View all your project's schedules in one place
Instantly see whether your projects are on or off track, helping you plan for the future with confidence.
Consume a clear, visual overview of your entire project portfolio, showing start and end dates, duration, real-time progress and baseline variances.
Predictive Insights:
With real-time data tracking, you’ll always have a clear picture of your project's performance.
Outbuild provides detailed insights, helping you identify trends and areas for improvement, so you can make informed decisions, quickly.
All team members should agree on constraints before a project starts and be ready to handle roadblocks quickly. A few best practices include:
Document obstacles as they arise:
Tracking project roadblocks keeps everyone informed and aligned. This collaborative approach allows teams to tackle issues early, preventing small setbacks from turning into significant delays.
With good construction management software, you can assign who will fix problems. You can also set deadlines for when to resolve them.
Get back on track:
If a project constraint is going to turn into a roadblock and impact the overall timeline, update the schedule right away.
Complete the project with transparency.
It is important to keep all stakeholders aligned during the project.
"Outbuild has been instrumental in streamlining our project scheduling and coordination efforts. Since I started using it in Q1 2024, it has transformed how we manage construction timelines. The ease of use has made it simple for our entire team to adopt, and the real-time updates have significantly reduced rework by identifying potential roadblocks early. As a Project Manager, the ability to collaborate seamlessly with field teams and external partners has saved us a lot of time and boosted project performance. Plus, the top-notch customer support ensures we’re never left hanging. Highly recommend it!"
See how Markley Group has removed 80% of roadblocks on time - Case Study
Don't let project poor assumptions and constraints for construction projects stand in the way of your success. Book a demo or sign up for a free trial today! See how our innovative solution can help you manage challenges and simplify your construction projects.
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