July 2023

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Keys for a Faster Project

Timely completion of your build is essential to ensure a successful start to your business, avoiding financial strain and unnecessary expenses. Here are some essential keys to keep your projects on track and running smoothly.

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Time is of the essence in any project, particularly for our restaurant franchisees. Delayed openings can lead to financial challenges and additional expenses before your business generates revenue. Completing the project promptly and efficiently is vital for a successful start.

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Addressing Delays

Inadequate handoffs between project phases are a major factor contributing to delays. Ensuring proper communication and completion of each step is crucial for keeping the project on track.

Let's explore the critical phases where projects tend to lose time and how AEP America works with you to mitigate that:

• Real Estate to Design
  Ensure project data and documents are shared with the team early to establish the starting points and learn restrictions before design.
  
  
• Design to Construction Documents (CDs)
  Provide clear direction with a comprehensive approved design process that eliminates changes later in the project.
  
  
• CDs to Permitting
  Early preparation pays off to be ready to submit upon plan completion.
  
  
• Permitting to Construction
  Effective and early communication with the construction team helps meet timelines and requirements.

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Common Factors Contributing to Delays

Project delays often arise from various common issues, such as:

• Waiting on information or answers from others.
• Unplanned changes and late-stage revisions.
• Poor communication that leads to confusion and inaction.
• Messy real estate deals causing unforeseen issues.
• Delayed payments and deposits.

In any project, certain critical phases tend to be susceptible to time loss. These key stages demand our attention to ensure smooth progress:

• Getting Started
  Gathering initial project data and navigating real estate details need to be completed in the early stage. It's essential to have a solid foundation for the project's outset. This takes time so get the process started.
  
  
• Design Phase
  Delays often occur due to a lack of an efficient process for reviews, approvals, and handling changes or additions. A streamlined approach is crucial to maintaining momentum and progressing.
  
  
• Permitting Stage
  Waiting for city, county, or state plan reviews and responses is integral to the process. However, a lack of organization or communication from reviewers can cause additional, avoidable delays.

Keys for Improved Project Management

To maintain efficient progress, the following practices are key:

• Project Oversight - Ensure you have an experienced project manager overseeing the architecture, engineering, and permitting process.
  
  
• Get Organized: Keep all project information well-organized and readily accessible for quick sharing with the team. Develop a system to manage the build out, including the design, A&E process.
  
  
• Quick Responses: The quicker you respond, the more likely your issue or project gets attention quicker.
  
  
• Clear Communication: Be specific and concise in your communications to avoid confusion and delays. Clearly define recipients and requested actions.
  
  
• Establish and Follow the Process: Ensure your project has a clear leader with a proven process. Wandering around equals delays.

AEP America Can Lead the Way

At AEP America, we understand the significance of speed and efficiency in our projects. Our experienced team is dedicated to delivering successful and timely results for your business and brand. Partner with us to lead your project to success, saving you time and money along the way.

Here's to clear, clean, smooth, and faster projects! If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out. We value your input and look forward to collaborating on your project's success.

Get in Touch

Or, call us at 214-702-1528