Building construction can be a profitable enterprise as long as you manage to keep your construction problems to a minimum. These risks can range from minor to disastrous and can end up seriously affecting the viability and longevity of your building.

One of the biggest construction risks is water intrusion and the effects that it has on the buildings internal and external components.

Water intrusion can damage materials, some very severely. This can lead to a series of other problems including mold growth and structural damage which can affect the building’s very integrity. Water damage left unchecked can cause major long-term problems for the contractor, builder, and owner of the property.

Water damage can be caused by weather or by the building’s own internal components. For example, an unfinished roof can get rained on, creating tiny moisture leaks into the building. Or drywall or wood paneling can get ruined if a pipe is improperly installed in the house or moved out of place by construction. These problems can and do happen all the time. The best way to reduce the damage that these construction risks can cause is to be prepared and meticulous during different phases of construction.

Moisture Management

In the initial phase of planning, the importance of moisture management as a threat to a profitable project must be addressed with the building contractors. They must adhere to general guidelines that will ensure that the construction site is maintained dry and clean at all times. This can help reduce the possibility that moisture will begin to crater the building’s efficiency through day-to-day inefficiencies in the construction process. The contractors must be trained properly on how to handle, store, and install different elements to prevent the risk of accidental damage, such as a punctured water line.

Installation Supervision

During the construction phase of any profitable project, supervision and routine checks must be in place in order to prevent hazardous construction risks. A knowledgeable third party should be designated to oversee the installation of materials, especially those that carry greater risk of water intrusion. Specific installation materials can include water pipes throughout the building and concrete pouring. If improperly installed, both of these crucial stages of construction can leave the building vulnerable to moisture damage.

Operations Check

Before a building project is complete, a third party should also be assigned to oversee the operation of certain important systems in the building. This includes fixtures, sinks and drains, toilets and other bathroom equipment, HVAC systems, and appliances. The third party can ensure proper installation and operations of these systems as a final check on the integrity of the building project.

Emergency Planning

No matter how well you mitigated your construction risks in the planning and building phases of a project, accidents do happen. The best way to ensure that your building is adequately prepared for such an event is to create an emergency response plan. This will help ensure that there are actions in place to respond to unintended water or other kinds of damage.

With these simple guidelines in mind, you can ensure that your profitable project is under minimum threat of construction risks.