Why 6 Out of 10 Construction Projects Face Delays – And How Builders Can Overcome Them

Introduction

Construction delays are a reality that many builders face, with 6 out of 10 projects failing to meet their contractual completion dates. These delays lead to increased costs, strained relationships with stakeholders, and potential disputes over Extensions of Time (EOTs) and Notices of Delay (NODs).

At FeelDX, we work closely with Tier 1, 2, and 3 builders across Australia, supporting them in winning tenders and delivering projects on time. By leveraging our expertise in 3D, 4D, and 5D BIM solutions, combined with proactive live project control strategies, we help builders stay ahead of risks, improve stakeholder engagement, and ensure project success.

This article explores the most common causes of construction delays and how builders can mitigate these risks to enhance efficiency and ensure on-time project delivery.

1. The Leading Causes of Construction Delays

a. Poor Project Planning and Scheduling

A significant factor in project delays is inefficient planning and scheduling. Many builders still rely on outdated methods that:

Fail to provide real-time visibility into project progress

Lack detailed sequencing, leading to inefficiencies

Do not integrate proactive risk management

✅ Solution: 4D BIM for Proactive Scheduling
FeelDX helps builders implement 4D BIM models that integrate construction schedules with real-time site conditions. This ensures a dynamic, visual roadmap of the project—making it easier to detect bottlenecks before they escalate into major delays.

b. Supply Chain Disruptions

Material shortages, late deliveries, and rising costs frequently derail timelines. Builders often face:

Delayed procurement causing construction gaps

Inconsistent supplier performance

Logistics bottlenecks affecting coordination

✅ Solution: Digital Procurement & Monitoring
FeelDX’s live project control tools provide real-time visibility on deliveries and procurement workflows. This lets builders adjust dynamically, avoid shortages, and keep projects on track.

c. Workforce Shortages and Poor Coordination

Common challenges include:

Overbooking subcontractors

Unclear task dependencies

Idle time due to poor site coordination

✅ Solution: Workforce Planning with 4D BIM
FeelDX integrates workforce scheduling into 4D BIM, ensuring trades are aligned, downtime is reduced, and weekly progress is clearly visualised and managed.

d. Design Changes and Rework

Uncoordinated design changes and late-stage approvals can derail projects. Common issues:

Clashes between architectural, structural, and MEP elements

Delays due to late approvals

Disconnection between design teams and site execution

✅ Solution: Early Clash Detection with 3D & 5D BIM
FeelDX uses 3D BIM for design coordination and 5D BIM to assess cost and time impacts of design changes in real time—helping builders resolve conflicts before they hit the site.

2. Overcoming Construction Delays with Proactive Project Controls

a. Real-Time Site Monitoring for Early Risk Detection

FeelDX provides live tracking solutions to:

Compare actual vs planned progress

Mitigate risks before they escalate

Improve stakeholder visibility and communication

b. Leveraging Data-Driven Decision-Making

By combining historical data with predictive analytics, FeelDX helps builders:

Forecast issues weeks in advance

Adapt workflows based on live data

Drive accountability and performance

c. Dispute Avoidance and EOT Claim Support

Delays often lead to disputes. FeelDX supports builders in:

Documenting project activities to support EOT claims

Enhancing transparency to reduce disputes

Strengthening contractual positions

Conclusion

At FeelDX, we’re more than a service provider—we’re a strategic partner for builders. Through BIM-driven controls, real-time monitoring, and proactive risk strategies, we help you:

✔ Deliver projects on time
✔ Strengthen EOT/NOD claims
✔ Improve coordination and workforce efficiency
✔ Win more tenders with confidence

Want to prevent delays in your next project?
Reach out to Aman Dalmond at aman@feeldx.com.au or contact us at contact@feeldx.com.au for expert project support.