If the chosen location is unsuitable to build an improvised shelter, then the shelter kit should not allow me to place it there. For example, after a long time struggling to find a place to deploy the kit, I begin adding sticks to the kit. Once I have met all requirements, I begin the animation to "build improvised shelter." The animation completes but the shelter does not get built.

If the location is unsuitable for a shelter then the kit shouldn't allow me to place it. This same problem manifests itself with fences and watchtowers, too. The issue is that it isn't anywhere near as frustrating to disassemble a fence or watchtower kit and try again.