Fix It Later – Part II: How Construction-Phase Decisions Lead to Rework and Cost Escalation

“Someone will catch that later.”

On a construction site, this assumption is one of the most expensive risks a project can carry.

While many cost overruns begin in design, it is during construction that costs escalate rapidly—especially when issues are left unresolved in the field.

What “Fix It Later” Looks Like in Construction

During construction, this mindset appears as:

• Accepting unclear or non-compliant installations
• Allowing deviations from drawings to remain uncorrected
• Overlooking coordination issues between trades
• Deferring decisions to later phases of construction

At this stage, every issue is tied to installed work—which makes correction significantly more expensive.

Why Construction Is Where Costs Multiply

Once materials and systems are installed:

• Access becomes limited
• Multiple trades are impacted
• Work must often be removed before it can be corrected

Graph comparing initial construction cost, $6,000, with the total costs associated with redoing the work, over $20,000.

This creates a compounding effect:

The later an issue is addressed, the more expensive it becomes.

Common Construction-Phase “Fix It Later” Failures

1. Uncorrected Field Deviations

Examples include:

• Improper structural connections
• Incorrect fasteners or anchorage
• Misaligned assemblies

These are often visible—but ignored under the assumption that someone else will address them.

In many cases, they are not corrected until:

– Inspection failure
– System malfunction
– Post-construction repair

2. Trade Coordination Breakdowns

When coordination is not enforced in the field:

• Systems overlap or conflict
• Work is damaged during subsequent installation
• Trades must rework completed installations

This leads to:

– Lost productivity
– Increased labor costs
– Schedule disruption

3. Inspection-Driven Corrections

When compliance is not verified during installation:

• Issues are identified during inspection
• Work must be exposed or demolished
• Downstream trades are delayed

At this stage, costs are at their highest.

4. Deferred Decision-Making in the Field

When decisions are pushed forward during construction:

• Work pauses or proceeds incorrectly
• Temporary solutions become permanent problems
• Rework becomes unavoidable

The Compounding Effect of Rework

A single issue can trigger:

• Demolition
• Re-coordination
• Reinstallation
• Schedule delays

This creates a multiplier effect across the project.

Why This Happens

Construction-phase issues are often driven by:

• Schedule pressure
• Lack of clear oversight
• Assumptions about responsibility
• Gaps in communication between trades

Without active management, issues move forward instead of being resolved.

The Role of an Owner’s Representative During Construction

An Owner’s Representative provides active oversight where it matters most—on the job site.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring installation against design intent
• Identifying and addressing deviations early
• Coordinating between trades
• Ensuring compliance before inspections occur

The goal is simple:

Resolve issues immediately—before they become expensive.

How to Prevent Construction-Phase Cost Escalation

Maintain Active Oversight

• Verify work as it is installed
• Do not rely solely on contractor QC

Enforce Immediate Corrections

• Address issues when they are small
• Prevent escalation into rework

Coordinate Trades in Real Time

• Ensure sequencing is aligned
• Prevent conflicts before installation

Key Takeaway

“Fixing it later” during construction is not a delay—it is an escalation.

Projects that defer decisions in the field experience:

• Increased rework
• Higher costs
• Longer schedules

Projects that address issues immediately maintain control.

Start Here

‍ ‍Read Part I: Why Deferred Design Decisions Drive Cost Overruns

Planning a Project?

JR Design Build Architect provides:

• Residential architecture
• Portland permitting and due diligence
• Owner’s Representative / Construction Management advisory

Schedule a consultation to maintain control during construction and avoid costly rework.