“Do you want it done fast-or do you want it done right?”

That’s a common response when workers are pressed for a fast turnaround time. They have a valid point, especially in the high-stakes field of construction. Rushing a building job can lead to shoddy workmanship and increased accidents.

But it doesn’t have to be one or the other. Faster construction times can go hand-in-hand with excellent quality and a commitment to safety. The goal should be not just to build faster, but to create a work plan that’s efficient and realistic-and then to finish on time without sacrificing quality or safety.

Here are some concrete ways to reduce construction time without increasing risk.

1. Faster Timelines Start with Better Preconstruction Planning

The biggest schedule gains happen before building begins.

Effective planning enables builders to:

• Identify risks and constraints early
• Make critical decisions before work starts
• Develop a realistic execution strategy instead of reacting in the field

Good planning requires a team with experience, expertise, and commitment, which leads us to step two:

2. Bring the Right Team Together Early

Collaboration accelerates decision-making and reduces delays.

The sooner all the players can be working together in a project, the more efficient the process will be. Traditionally, a design team is tasked with creating the plan for a project, which is then sent out to building contractors for bids. The two processes are thus disconnected, which can lead to miscommunication, overlooked problems, and finger-pointing when things go wrong.

Smart builders now increasingly prefer the design-build approach, in which one entity handles both the design and construction phases. This offers many advantages:

• The various trades and professions can offer their expertise early in the process, enhancing collaboration and reducing unforeseen issues.
• Having one entity in control makes it easier to create a predictable work schedule.
• Having fewer players reduces the likelihood of miscommunication, miscues, and time lags.
• Builders can attach realistic prices to material and labor costs, reducing the need for change orders.
• The design-build company is entirely responsible for the project. The project owner won’t need to mediate between teams in the event of a dispute.
• Since the builder is involved from the beginning, some phases of construction can begin while the design is being completed, saving time.

The Game Changer: BIM

Building Information Modeling (BIM) enables construction teams to create digital models of their proposed structures, complete with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and most other systems. This enables them to troubleshoot and resolve problems before construction begins. BIM technology has revolutionized the construction process and saved countless hours of time.

3. Incorporate Safety Protocols from the Beginning

Safety measures protect lives and property, and sensible safety protocols often also save time in the long run.

Few things are as disruptive to a construction schedule as workplace accidents. New workers may need to be hired to replace injured ones, which takes time. Serious accidents often require investigations, followed inevitably by legal actions, insurance claims, and remediation efforts. These processes can bring an entire project to a halt.

Smart companies include safety measures in their work plans from the start. That starts with insisting on the right protective equipment:

• Fall protection equipment is a requirement for people working at height. Personal protective equipment includes body harnesses, lanyards, anchors and lifelines.
• Other stationary protection may include netting, guardrails, hole coverings, and barricades for dangerous areas.

Most importantly, safety training is a must for all workers, along with specialized training for electricians, welders, heavy equipment operators, etc.

4. Parallel Workflows Lead to Faster Construction Times

Replace sequential work with simultaneous progress whenever possible.

It can seem practical to plan a project as a linear sequence of tasks completed one after another. But this approach can lead to wasted time, especially when it means waiting for subcontractors to finish or for materials to be delivered. Instead, many tasks can be performed simultaneously.

Some examples:

• Fabricate steel components while site preparation is underway.
• Procure long-lead materials during permitting and design phases.
• Overlap planning activities to eliminate downtime between phases.

5. Pre-Engineered Metal Buildings (PEMB) Are Ideal for a Fast Construction Time

All the time-saving devices described here are incorporated in pre-engineered metal buildings. PEMBs combine fast construction times with precision engineering and craftsmanship. This is why project owners turn increasingly to PEMB for predictable turnaround times and high ROI. PEMBs are now the preferred option for most new commercial buildings, with a global market size of more than $40 billion as of 2024.

PEMB components are produced in a factory setting, which saves time in a number of ways:

• Engineering, fabrication, and site work can happen concurrently.
• Factory fabrication allows for precise measurements, reducing the need for rework.
• Factory-produced components reduce field modifications.
• Faster dry-in allows interior trades to mobilize sooner.

The controlled factory setting eliminates the problems associated with changing weather. It also reduces the risk of accidents caused by uneven or shifting terrain, wet equipment, reduced visibility, etc.

In short PEMBs solve the problem of reducing construction timelines without increasing risk.