Building projects are tricky. They involve many people, tight schedules, and unexpected problems. It means claim management is key to dealing with arguments and keeping money losses low.
Yet many firms make typical errors that can cause pricey and long-lasting fights. To run projects, it’s crucial to know these traps and how to steer clear of them. Go through the blog to learn some common pitfalls that you should avoid for successful claim management.
-
Sloppy Record-Keeping
Failing to document things is a huge blunder in claim management. A lot of builders don’t keep good track of changes, holdups, and extra expenses. This makes it tough to back up their claims when disagreements pop up.
How to Steer Clear:
- Keep daily notes on job progress, weather, and work hours.
- Get all change orders and okays in writing.
- Use building project software to file and sort paperwork in an orderly way.
-
Failing to Spot Claims
When teams don’t catch potential claims, they often miss deadlines and end up with weak arguments. Many construction crews realize they need to file a claim when it’s already too late, which lowers their odds of solving the issue.
How to Dodge This:
- Teach project managers and site bosses to spot things that might trigger claims, like changes in design, holdups, or unexpected site issues.
- Keep checking contract terms to make sure you’re following them and to catch claim chances.
- Set up a system to warn you about possible claims before they become problems.
-
Misinterpretation of Contract Terms
Most claims are caused by misinterpretations of contract terms, resulting in disagreements over responsibilities, timelines, or cost distributions.
How to Avoid It:
- Engage legal and contract professionals in contract negotiation and review.
- Educate all parties on contract rights and obligations.
- Make contracts clear, well-defined, and have mechanisms for resolving disputes.
-
Disregard of Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Construction works are bound by legal and regulatory standards, and disregard can result in denied claims or even legal sanctions.
How to Steer Clear:
- Be current with local building regulations and industry standards.
- Make contracts conform with legal conditions to enhance claim legitimacy.
- Refer to legal professionals prior to filing claims to maintain compliance.
-
Ineffective Communication
Ineffective communication among contractors, subcontractors, and clients frequently results in avoidable claims. Unclear directions, failure to provide timely updates, and miscommunication cause project delays.
How to Avoid It:
- Implement a formal communication process for all parties.
- Hold frequent meetings to review project progress, risks, and possible claims
- Utilize electronic collaboration tools to monitor communications and approvals.
-
Lack of a Specific Claim Management Strategy
In the absence of a systematic claim management process, firms tend to manage claims in an ad hoc manner instead of taking a proactive approach, resulting in delays and poor outcomes.
How to Prevent It:
- Create a formalized claim management policy that suits your firm’s requirements.
- Appoint a specific claim manager or department to manage the process.
- Utilize construction management software for effective tracking and resolution of claims.
In conclusion, successful claim management is essential for the protection of financial interests. Approach Proclep Consulting for preserving solid business relationships within the construction sector.
By trying to prevent falling into these traps and by taking a proactive stance, construction companies can reduce conflicts, enhance project efficiency, and protect their profitability. A properly documented, legally compliant, and strategically executed claim process provides for smoother project execution and enhanced financial results.
