This article explores the most common challenges construction managers face today and provides practical, experience-backed strategies to overcome them. Using insights from Parkway Construction and Architecture, readers will learn how to improve communication, reduce risk, manage schedules, coordinate teams, and maintain high quality throughout every phase of commercial construction.
Key Takeaways:
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Construction managers deal with complex pressures involving labor, scheduling, materials, communication, and client expectations.
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Modern solutions like design build, real time communication, and proactive planning help reduce delays and improve project outcomes.
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Parkway Construction’s national experience shows that strategic coordination and transparency are essential for maintaining trust and performance.
Intended Audience: Commercial construction managers, developers, partners, field supervisors, and builders looking to strengthen project outcomes.
A Construction Manager’s Changing Landscape
Commercial construction managers navigate an ever changing landscape. Between team coordination, materials sourcing, budgets, codes, and client expectations, the job requires both technical expertise and strong leadership. Even the most experienced managers know that challenges are inevitable. What matters is having the right systems and support to stay ahead of problems before they escalate.
At Parkway Construction and Architecture, our team has delivered thousands of projects across industries nationwide. We understand the real world pressures that construction managers face daily. In this article, we outline the top challenges in construction management today and offer actionable steps for overcoming them.
Labor Shortages and Workforce Management
One of the biggest challenges construction managers face is the ongoing skilled labor shortage. Recruiting reliable subcontractors, maintaining field productivity, and ensuring quality execution can be difficult when labor capacity is limited.
How to address labor challenges:
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Build long term relationships with trusted subcontractors.
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Schedule work realistically based on available labor and trade sequencing.
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Use technology to fill gaps, such as digital plan sets and productivity tracking tools.
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Create clear scopes of work to reduce misunderstandings or rework.
Parkway’s national subcontractor network and experience with multi state rollouts help reduce labor risks and support predictable timelines.
Material Delays and Supply Chain Disruptions
Material delays have become a recurring concern, affecting budgets and schedules. Items like HVAC units, electrical gear, and specialty finish materials often carry long lead times.
Strategies to improve material planning:
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Identify critical path materials early during preconstruction.
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Communicate lead times to all stakeholders.
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Approve selections quickly to streamline procurement.
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Track deliveries closely and adjust sequencing if delays occur.
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Work with suppliers who are consistent and transparent.
Learn more about Parkway’s approach to preconstruction and planning here: Parkway Construction Services
Communication Gaps Between Teams
With architects, engineers, subcontractors, owners, and field supervisors involved, communication misalignment is one of the top issues in construction management.
Improve communication through:
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Weekly status meetings with clear agendas.
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Shared project management software for updates and documentation.
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Centralized access to drawings and revisions.
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Early coordination between design and construction teams.
Parkway’s integrated architecture and construction teams greatly reduce communication barriers and help partners get fast, consistent updates.
Scheduling and Timeline Pressures
Managing a realistic and achievable schedule is one of the hardest parts of construction management. Weather, materials, inspections, and trade coordination all affect timelines.
Ways to strengthen scheduling:
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Start with accurate baseline schedules.
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Review progress weekly and adjust proactively.
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Use float time appropriately to reduce bottlenecks.
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Anticipate inspection windows and jurisdictional requirements.
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Keep subcontractors accountable with clear deadlines.
Parkway’s experience across retail, restaurant, hospitality, worship, and senior living developments gives us a deep understanding of timeline risks and how to work through them.
Budget Overruns and Cost Control
Cost overruns can be caused by unclear scopes, material price fluctuations, design changes, or unforeseen site conditions. Construction managers must carefully control the budget throughout the project lifecycle.
Tips to maintain cost accuracy:
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Conduct detailed preconstruction cost analysis.
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Monitor expenses weekly with real time reporting tools.
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Evaluate changes immediately to avoid surprise overruns.
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Discuss value engineering options early.
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Maintain close alignment between design intent and budget.
Parkway’s integrated design build model helps reduce budget surprises and create a smoother overall project experience.
Safety and Job Site Risk Management
Safety is not just a compliance requirement. It is a critical part of keeping projects on time and maintaining morale and trust with teams.
Strengthen job site safety by:
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Conducting daily safety briefings.
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Keeping access routes clear and well marked.
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Providing consistent PPE and enforcing its use.
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Maintaining strict housekeeping and equipment checks.
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Documenting incidents and implementing rapid improvements.
Parkway’s safety first culture helps reduce job site accidents and ensures that crews can work with confidence.
Quality Control and Consistency Across Multiple Projects
For construction managers overseeing multiple sites or national rollouts, maintaining consistent quality can be a challenge.
Maintain project quality by:
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Standardizing materials and specifications where possible.
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Conducting routine site walks and quality inspections.
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Using detailed design intent documents.
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Implementing checklists for each major phase.
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Ensuring clear expectations for craftsmanship and finishes.
Parkway’s experience with multi location brands ensures that each project stays aligned with brand standards and quality expectations.
Experience and Proof: Parkway’s Impact
With decades of national commercial construction experience, Parkway Construction and Architecture has navigated these challenges across thousands of projects. Our integrated architecture, design, and construction model helps reduce miscommunication, speed up timelines, and create predictable outcomes for partners. Whether building for restaurants, retail, hospitality, worship facilities, senior living, or large scale commercial developments, Parkway brings proven solutions to complex construction challenges.
Learn more here: About Parkway Construction
Key Takeaways
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Labor shortages, material delays, and communication gaps remain top challenges for construction managers.
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Strong planning, coordination, and proactive scheduling are essential for project success.
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Integrated design build can significantly reduce risks, surprises, and delays.
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Parkway Construction’s national expertise offers partners a more predictable and collaborative experience.
FAQs
What is the biggest challenge in construction management?
Many managers cite labor shortages and schedule pressures as the most difficult challenges, especially on fast paced commercial projects.
How can construction managers avoid delays?
By planning early, monitoring progress weekly, coordinating trades proactively, and addressing risks before they impact the schedule.
What helps improve communication between teams?
Shared project management platforms, weekly meetings, and integrated design build teams help reduce misunderstandings and improve alignment.
Why is material planning so important?
Long lead times can cause major delays. Early procurement and clear communication help minimize disruptions.
Want a More Predictable Construction Experience?
Want a smoother, more predictable construction experience? Connect with Parkway Construction and Architecture at parkwayconstruction.com or call 972-221-1979.
