You're facing construction delays due to bad weather. How can you keep clients informed and reassured?
When bad weather disrupts construction timelines, it's crucial to maintain client trust by keeping them informed and reassured. Here's how you can manage it:
How do you handle client communication during unexpected delays?
You're facing construction delays due to bad weather. How can you keep clients informed and reassured?
When bad weather disrupts construction timelines, it's crucial to maintain client trust by keeping them informed and reassured. Here's how you can manage it:
How do you handle client communication during unexpected delays?
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Early communication - Let them know what's happening and why. Most of the contracts (FIDIC, NEC, JCT) cover this aspect should this issue arise. Be honest and realistic. Do not promise the world to the client that you can't keep (back in the day, my former boss used to tell me that - still love it). Offer solutions to demonstrate your commitment to minimizing the impact. Be empathetic by understanding their frustration and reassure the client that we are doing what we can (within our control/reach) to maintain the project delivery date as is. All in all, by staying proactive and transparent, you can maintain a positive relationship with your client, even during unexpected challenges.
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Providing clients with regular updates on project status, especially as soon as delays arise, helps reassure them that you’re on top of the situation. I send updates via email or scheduled calls, outlining current progress, any work still moving forward despite weather challenges, and the expected impact on timelines. Example: After a heavy storm delayed ground preparation, I sent an email with updated timelines and what tasks we could still complete indoors. This proactive approach kept the client informed and reduced concerns about overall project delays.
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Maintain open contact with clients during construction delays caused by inclement weather. Provide frequent updates on the project's status and the influence of weather. Explain what actions are being made to reduce delays and assure safety. Share updated timetables and contingency plans. Be attentive to client enquiries and concerns, providing clear and honest responses. Highlight the dedication to preserving quality and satisfying expectations despite obstacles. You may retain confidence and happiness throughout the process by building trust with clients and keeping them informed.
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The Client / Sponsor should always be copied on the daily reports (They can read at their discretion. Daily reports should include a header with the daily weather. The report will indicate the impact of weather on the plan. One of the reoccurring delays is when wind exceeds safe lift levels and delays the lift schedule. This could have a large impact on cost and schedule. Schedules should always have bad weather days incorporated into contingency. The weekly project report will inform the sponsor with acknowledgement of Plan vs Actual and show trends with mitigations plans.
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To effectively manage client relationships during construction delays caused by inclement weather, you should maintain open contact with your client. Start by providing frequent updates on the project's status and how weather conditions are influencing the schedule. Be proactive in explaining the specific challenges posed by heavy rain or strong winds, and outline the actions being taken to mitigate delays while ensuring safety. Share updated timelines and any recovery plans you have in place. It's important to be attentive to client inquiries and concerns. Offer clear and honest responses to build trust. Highlight your dedication to maintaining quality and meeting expectations despite the obstacles.
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In a very concise way, to address construction delays due to bad weather: 1. Communicate regularly via email, phone, or meetings. 2. Utilize project management software. 3. Develop weather-contingency plans. 4. Prioritize critical tasks. 5. Offer flexible solutions. Empathize with clients, provide context, and demonstrate expertise to maintain trust and confidence.
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When bad weather delays construction, maintain client trust through clear, proactive communication. Regularly update clients on the project status and expected delays, providing a revised timeline that factors in potential setbacks and outlines contingency plans. Emphasize that safety and quality remain top priorities, with delays ensuring long-term durability and functionality. Consistent check-ins, even with no major updates, demonstrate commitment and transparency. Offer flexibility with scheduling site visits or virtual updates as weather improves, keeping clients engaged and reassured that their project is progressing despite temporary challenges.
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In one of my previous projects a contractor heavy material damages and losses due to rains and floods because the contractor failed to take the weather forecast. This is a lesson learned. Watch weather forecast for the coming two weeks, and if you are anticipating rain and floods, take precaution to protect your tools, materials and equipment. Inform the client about your pro active actions and this step will keep the client being informed and provides an assurance that you are in control of the situation.
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Keep clients informed by providing timely weather updates and explaining the impact on the project timeline. Offer revised schedules and outline steps to mitigate delays. Emphasize your team's adaptability and commitment to delivering quality, assuring clients that you’re managing the situation proactively.
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