Why Most Construction Projects Go Sideways And How to Stop It Before It Starts

Construction Champions Podcast
Jul 17
3 min read

The Hidden Chaos Behind Most Construction Projects

If you've ever felt like construction projects spiral out of control before they even begin, you're not alone and you're not crazy. According to construction consultant and “project curator” Monika Zasada, most projects go sideways because the process is broken before the first hammer swings.

On this episode of the Construction Champions Podcast, Monika sits down with Ron Nussbaum to expose the uncomfortable truths behind why so many builds turn into nightmares and how to fix them with a better, smarter process.

25+ Years Inside the Construction Industry: GC, Client, Consultant

Monika’s journey is rare. She’s been a general contractor, client, owner’s rep, and now consultant. Her multi-perspective lens allows her to see the blind spots that plague construction from every angle.

And her main takeaway?

“We’ve trained homeowners and builders to expect miscommunication, vague contracts, and budget surprises. That’s not just inefficient, it’s destructive.”

Why Most Projects Fail Before They Start

Monika breaks down the five root causes of construction chaos:

Vague Budgets: Starting a project without fully accounting for design, materials, and realistic contingencies leads to “scope shock” halfway through the build.
Competitive Bidding: Rather than encouraging quality and collaboration, it creates mistrust, cuts corners, and pits contractors against each other.
Poor Client Education: Most homeowners don’t know what they’re agreeing to—or what they should expect—and builders often lack the time or system to explain it well.
No Preconstruction Process: Builders rush into permits and scheduling before finalizing plans and scopes, which invites confusion and costly delays.
Communication Silos: Designers, contractors, and clients are often not aligned—which means change orders, missed deadlines, and pointing fingers.

The A.MAZE.ING Method: How Monika Fixes It

Monika’s process is simple but powerful. Her four-phase project curation model helps teams align before breaking ground:

Educate: Walk the homeowner through the full project lifecycle, so expectations are clear from day one.
Clarify: Lock in drawings, finishes, scopes, and timelines before finalizing contracts.
Collaborate: Build communication systems where designer, contractor, and client all work together.
Execute: Run the jobsite based on clear expectations, not reactive chaos.

This model dramatically reduces stress, budget creep, and rework.

“I help projects go from horror stories to action movies with happy endings,” Monika says.

How Builders Can Take the Lead

Contractors often feel stuck between unrealistic client expectations and vague architectural plans. Monika encourages builders to take the lead before the job starts by:

Asking better questions during client intake
Refusing to bid on incomplete or ambiguous plans
Offering paid preconstruction services
Setting up communication touchpoints with clients and designers

“You’re not just a builder. You’re a guide through the maze,” she emphasizes.

Lessons for Clients Too

This episode isn’t just for builders, it’s essential listening for anyone planning a home renovation or custom build. Monika challenges clients to:

Stop assuming the lowest bid is the best bid
Invest time upfront with your team
Demand collaboration, not chaos

The homeowner isn’t a passive participant. They're a vital part of the process and a better-informed client helps create a better project.

A New Future for Residential Construction

Monika’s insights align perfectly with the mission of BuilderComs and the Construction Champions Podcast: to elevate the standard of communication, leadership, and trust in the building industry.

If you're a builder who wants to reduce rework, improve margins, and deliver a top-tier customer experience, then Monika's approach is your roadmap.

Watch the Full Episode

Listen on Spotify: Construction Champions Podcast

Guest Info

Name: Monika Zasada

Website: www.monikazasada.com

About the Host

Ron Nussbaum is a U.S. Marine veteran and the founder of BuilderComs, the no-BS communication platform for construction. He's on a mission to fix communication in the trades, one project at a time.