An unexpected expense can cause extensive delays or even permanently shut down a construction project. As such, it's important to take precautions to reduce the chances of these type of costs cropping up. Here are two ways to do this.

Have the site surveyed

One of the most effective ways to avoid costly surprises during your construction project is to have the site surveyed before it begins. Although it might seem a bit counterintuitive to spend money on a surveying service when you're concerned about finances, the truth is that a survey could actually save you a lot of money later down the line.

A survey will provide you with insight into the features and condition of the land on which you intend to build your property. It will detail the exact boundaries of the plot, indicate if there are any issues regarding rights-of-way and will list all of the physical features of the site (including any bodies of water, trees, sheds, electrical lines, etc).

Without this information, you will be more likely to face unexpected costs in the future. For example, let's say that you decide against getting a survey and therefore only have a vague idea of the plot's boundaries. If you then accidentally build a structure which extends beyond these boundaries onto a neighbouring property, you could potentially end up being sued by the owner of that property, for encroaching on their land. This would not only cause expensive delays but would also result in you incurring legal costs.

Protect your construction materials

If you wish to avoid unexpected costs, it's crucial to take good care of your construction materials, as replacing items that have been damaged could cause your project expenditures to skyrocket.

If for instance, the timber for a building's framework is left outdoors during a heavy downpour without any protective covering, this could result in mould and wet rot developing in the wood. These fungi can affect the structural integrity of the wood and render it useless. Replacing this timber could end up costing you several thousand dollars.

Given this, it makes sense to be extremely careful when it comes to storing and transporting your construction materials. If there are items that need to be kept outdoors, invest in several rolls of polyethene sheeting to protect them from the effects of the elements. Additionally, when heavy materials need to be transported from one part of the site to another, make sure to use the appropriate form of lifting equipment to reduce the likelihood of the items falling off and breaking during transit. If necessary, use extra straps to secure them to the equipment.