With the summer bringing longer days, warmer temperatures, and supposedly favourable weather conditions, the construction industry can move into full swing. The expectation is that these better months see an upturn in productivity and completion of projects so that they do not drag into winter and create more delays. This is an ideal scenario where Project Solutions can help with the commercial fit-out you are planning. The summer months see the same stringent safety measures in place, along with our high standards of general organisation within our workforce. Project Solutions has all the answers when it comes to quality, effective timekeeping and security to achieve project success. 

Maximising productivity with longer days and better weather 

1. Extended working hours 

The first advantage of this change in the season is the opportunity to utilise the longer daylight hours. Longer days mean working hours can be increased and projects have a much better chance of being completed on time. When there is a tight deadline or time has been lost due to poor spring weather, the summer months offer a great chance to catch up. Office and commercial fit-outs are no exception. Project Solutions have the expertise to maximise time in a safe and reliable fashion, using the natural light and conditions. 

2. Favourable weather conditions 

The generally held belief is that the summer brings much better weather conditions. These favourable conditions, combined with the increase in light, mean great opportunities for increased productivity. Weather delays are more common in the winter, when snow and rain, plus temperature drop, mean that working conditions are intolerable and impossible. There is still the need to safely organise this increase in workload, and Project Solutions is ideally placed to provide the best schedule.   

Maintaining high standards: on time and budget 

1. Rigorous planning and scheduling 

The main issue that many construction industries find when it comes to a commercial fit-out is ensuring they end on time and within budget. The planning and scheduling around this needs to be perfect and it’s fair to say that without a meticulously organised regime, we have the means to deal with whatever issues might lie ahead. Although increased light hours and better weather help speed up a build, potential stoppages can occur as staff holiday demand rises during the summer months, and this needs to be accounted for. The project managers at Project Solutions are well-versed in organising the needs of the employees, managing staff time to ensure that everyone gets adequate rest but where necessary we will put in the extra available hours, allowing us to stick to the timelines required. 

2. Efficient resource management 

Timelines and budget work together to determine the plan’s success in order that the commercial fit-out will be installed ready for the hand-over from construction to retail use. Managing available resources encompasses everything from the workforce to the material they are expected to use. However, there can still be delays, such as logistical issues from short-delivered items from suppliers. This is why Project Solutions has developed firm relationships with suppliers at every stage of the chain so that materials keep flowing and the project can remain within budget.  

3. Skilled workforce 

All construction works require a skilled workforce that works to high standards in every area. At Project Solutions, our skilled workforce are trained to produce work of the highest quality, according to the Constructionline Gold standard. Our team are basically pre-qualified for clients and contracts across the UK, which saves you both time and money spent looking for a reliable contractor with the requisite skills. Our membership of Constructionline Gold illustrates to buyers that Project Solutions has been subjected to increased scrutiny around governance and risk management. Ultimately, the work of our team has been checked by an external body so you can expect the highest quality before we even start. 

Prioritising safety: Summer-specific precautions 

1. Heat safety protocols 

With climate changes, the chances of heatwaves are becoming more and more common. It seems that each year, a new record is broken. Comprehensive heat safety must be considered, especially in the construction industry. At Project Solutions we are more aware of this consideration than ever. We know the need to place regular breaks and water replenishment stations and ensure that staff at all grades and levels know the signs of heat stroke and other temperature-related health conditions, such as skin cancer and the protection needed to combat it.  

2. Personal protective equipment (PPE) 

No job should be attempted without the appropriate safety wear. However, as we can see above, the dangers of heat-related illness in the summer months are paramount. Lightweight and breathable versions are needed to avoid overheating. The usual requirements of high-visibility jackets and clothing, hard hats, and other safety gear like goggles and gloves will still be required.  

3. Site safety inspections 

Conducting regular site safety inspections is crucial to the project’s success and well-being. Given the aforementioned heat issues that can occur, these inspections are put in place to check that everyone is following guidelines and that awareness is maintained to ensure the wellbeing of those delivering your project.  

 Adapting to challenges: Managing summer breaks 

1. Strategic project phasing 

Most of us require an annual holiday as a one or two-week break is vital to our physical and mental well-being. However, it can pose a problem to the construction workforce and affect the completion dates of projects over the summer. There have to be critical timescales and staffing levels that need to be achieved if a plan is going to end at the correct time. Holiday disruption needs to be limited where possible and ensuring that the busy periods are fully covered is the priority for any company looking to progress to completion.  

2. Flexible work arrangements 

Working life after COVID was never going to be the same, and flexible working practices and hybrid patterns are increasingly being sought after and expected by prospective and existing employees. New legislation is expected to be forthcoming to incorporate this as a start-of-employment requirement. This will require careful management of working hours and the different arrangements that some employees will need. 

Embracing summer with Project Solutions  

Summer is one of the best chances for the construction firm to achieve yearly goals and complete projects on time and within budget. However, it also represents a significant challenge given the possible obstacles that workforce and environmental conditions can present. However, whatever the nature of your construction project, Project Solutions’ services are designed to help you achieve your construction goals this summer.