 Paul Netscher shares his thoughts on the construction industry and the digital transformation.  Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.
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 Most construction projects have changes and delays. Some contractors fail to claim their full entitlements, while sometimes variation claims and change orders end in lengthy and costly disputes. It shouldn't be like this.
In this construction claims podcast I provide advice to contractors and clients on dealing with variations and change orders. Thank you Stewart White for having me as a guest. It's always good to share my knowledge and experience with the construction industry. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #contractors #constructionclaims #constructionvariations https://exsolutionsgroup.podbean.com/e/esg-podcast-06-with-guest-paul-netscher/  Maybe your business is looking at expanding, which may require building a new warehouse, factory, process facility, or even a mine. Where to start, what are the pitfalls, how much will it cost, will it be completed on time? Unfortunately many construction projects go wrong because they are badly planned and poorly thought through. White elephant construction projects Those embarking on a new construction project must do thorough planning before starting the project. Whether you are simply looking at building a new house or renovating your current home, or embarking on a more ambitious project like developing property to sell or lease, or perhaps a new venture to expand your business, no matter the scale of the construction project good planning before starting the project is essential. #constructionprojectmanagement #constructionprojects  Image by Malachi Witt from Pixabay "Pre-construction is a critical phase in every building project" Pre-construction is a critical phase in every building project as it involves planning, analyzing, budgeting, and establishing the anticipated needs and potential issues in your upcoming project. Quality pre-construction planning can help the owner decide if the completion of the project is within their budget and if it's feasible for their current space. During pre-construction, there are various things to consider to ensure a smooth workflow during construction. Here is your complete construction checklist to help you create an effective pre-construction plan before breaking ground. Plan a Realistic Project BudgetConstructing a new building may seem exciting, but make sure you don't go over your head. Instead, focus on setting a realistic budget with the help of your finance team or project manager. If you don't have a team to assist you, make sure you spend time allocating, calculating, and reviewing your intended budget. For your reference, here are the expenses that you need to include on your budget list:
While setting the budget, you also need to communicate directly with your contractor, engineer, architect, design consultants, and business stakeholders to include all necessary items in the budget. Ask your team for suggestions to facilitate the project and correctly add those to the expenditure. In addition, you also need to make space for unexpected costs to prevent delays. Although you may have a concise budget list now, you can never go wrong with being prepared for potential issues. You can also ask your team for reliable material suppliers to get the best deals. Acquire Building PermitsOnce you have determined the site for your new commercial building, you need to obtain zoning permits. The local zoning requirements refer to the type of structures you can build on the land. These codes essentially dictate the form and make of any building in a particular location. After receiving the zoning permit, you can now apply for a building permit. This permit regulates a structure's features, safety, and environmental impact on the surrounding area. Depending on the scale of the construction project, you may also need additional permits for fire safety, plumbing, electricity, and even the elevator. Applying for permits may be time-consuming, but it is a crucial process in the first stages of construction. When you apply for one, inspectors will come and inspect the site to ensure that everything is up to code and safe before proceeding with the project. Set a Project Timeline Set up a meeting with your team and business partners to determine the starting and completion date. Since construction requires funding, it is necessary to establish a completion timeline with several milestones to track progress. Will your construction project be completed on schedule? Read this The construction resources you reqire will also depend on how fast you finish construction. Inform your project manager of whether you need things done more quickly so that they can give you a realistic date without sacrificing quality. Factor in unexpected delays due to weather, labor issues, material shortage, shipment delay, and more. project scheduling - the relationship between time and cost Request Bids from ContractorsThe next step would be to request at least three construction companies to send out their proposed bids. To receive a compatible offer, it would help if you provided necessary details about the project, such as the target budget, location, and blueprint. If you don't have the blueprint yet, you can inform them of your design ideas so that their architect can also suggest a layout based on your goals. If you plan on building a large-scale structure and want to maximize all possible options, then you can publicly post your bidding request so that any contractor can send out their bids. However, if you're going to streamline the process or if you're in a hurry, you can put out a closed request to a select group of contractors. Once you have all the bids, here are three selection methods to help you choose the best company for the job Checking contractors' prices:
In addition to these selection methods, it is also necessary to hire a licensed and insured construction company. Choose a company that offers both since it shows their confidence and accountability. They also need to have workers' compensation as it is also a good indicator that you're doing business with the right people. After selecting the company that will take care of your future assembly, you can now finalize the budget, permits, and project timeline in a meeting with your new contractor and the rest of the team. Why owners sometimes employ the wrong contractor  Secure Safety Measures and SystemsNow that you're in the last stages of the pre-construction process, the next step is to ensure workplace safety. Although safety is an essential aspect of construction, there are still several instances wherein the owner and even workers overlook safety protocols. Why should we take construction safety seriously? Construction work is a dangerous profession. It is the employer's responsibility to implement various measures to minimize risks, such as safety training, equipment, and adhering to these regulations:
Establishing safety on site is beneficial not only for the workers but your business as well. The immediate consequence of accidents resulting from neglect has to pay for unexpected costs due to the injury and hefty fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Create a risk management plan with your team by listing down possible risks involved in the project.  "Packed with invaluable tips, insights and advice, Construction Management from Project Concept to Completion is an easy to read project management book that explores the complete construction project lifecycle: from project inception, where the owner decides what they want, where they want it through project execution to completion. Ensure your project is a success." Procurement ManagementProcurement involves acquiring the materials and services required in construction projects to ensure completion. Ordering the correct quantity of construction materials Here are the steps involved in procurement management:
 Procurement is a crucial phase in pre-construction as there will be instances when you need to purchase, rent, or acquire external resources to accomplish project goals. Before requesting external help, make sure that you have weighed the pros and cons of producing the goods or services from the team. Making an informed decision is crucial so that you can proceed with confidence. Ready for a successful construction projectAlthough construction will take time, patience, and money to complete, you can help guarantee the project's success by following these pre-planning guidelines. Beginning the building phase with an appropriate budget, accurate scheduling, and establishing a refined set of goals is critical for successful project completion. How clients accidentally sabotage construction projects, and how you can stop it AuthorChris Jackson is an experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is currently employed by Best Access Doors, an access door supplier in the US and Canada, and has been working for the company for more than 12 years now. His area of expertise is on Negotiation, Roofers, Sales, Project Estimation, and Facility Management (FM) Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully "A practical and really helpful guide to navigating the myriad of things to think about when managing a construction project." Reader review on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Construction management refers to the process of managing building projects. It involves streamlining the various stages of development and ensuring that all workers, teams, and equipment are functional and collaborative. The need for structure and coordination paved the way for project managers to have a crucial role in the industry. "The construction manager must interact with various professionals from different skill" While project management primarily deals with managing resources, costs, and quality, the role of the project manager extends beyond leadership and control. While project management primarily deals with managing resources, costs, and quality, the role of the project manager extends beyond leadership and control. The manager must interact with various professionals from different skill areas, such as engineers, architects, designers, public works, and city planning. from different skill areas, such as engineers, architects, designers, public works, and city planning. the importance of good communication on projects Sectors of Construction  To better understand project management, it would help identify the various construction industry sectors. Below are the four types of building projects:
Despite the type and scale of the project, you still need to implement construction management to ensure safety and mobility on-site. The Role of a Project ManagerProject managers are among the busiest people on construction sites since their tasks and responsibilities encompass the various stages of development. Their main goal is to proceed according to the finalized plan. They need to manage the entire project to ensure successful completion within the agreed budget and schedule. Here are some of the duties of a construction project manager:
 Due to their level of authority and accountability, here are the skills that a project manager should have are:
"Construction management is a challenging task" Construction management is a challenging task that demands knowledge and expertise in various aspects of construction. However, their role is vital in the industry as any stage in the construction project can easily be in disarray if not managed correctly. What qualities does a good construction project manager require?
Construction Management Bidding ProcessDepending on the number of contractors pricing the construction project, the construction bidding process can be long and challenging. However, most construction projects follow the design-bid-build process wherein the owner provides the blueprints or drawings and selects the contractor through a bidding or quotation process. The contractors would then offer their bid or price, including statement of work (SOW) details, cost estimation, payment terms, etc. The project owner may also issue either of these two types of bids:
Once the owner receives all the bids, they can choose the best offer by employing any of these effective selection methods:
Once the project owner chooses the best contractor for the job, they will review and sign the contract and determine the payment method. Why owners sometimes employ the wrong contractor Construction Project Management ProcessesProject management requires various skills and the ability to coordinate with diverse agencies and people to lead the construction project from concept to build successfully. It would help adhere to these essential construction management principles during every project phase. 
Construction managers play a critical role on construction projectsProject managers play a significant role in the construction industry as they are responsible for maintaining the intended budget, ensuring productivity and quality, and creating a safe working environment. Although there could be multiple issues on the construction site, a professional project manager would have an effective risk management plan to implement and get the project back on track. Aside from risk management, continuous communication between all teams is also vital to successful completion. 10 Commandments for Construction Project Managers Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully "I found that referring to this book was like having my own mentor on tap. Excellent." (Reader Amazon) Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights. Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon. AuthorChris Jackson is an experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is currently employed by Best Access Doors, an access door supplier in the US and Canada, and has been working for the company for more than 12 years now. His area of expertise is on Negotiation, Roofers, Sales, Project Estimation, and Facility Management (FM)  Commercial buildings account for a large percentage of the overall carbon emissions in the world. Due to this alarming statistic, building or retrofitting structures in line with green initiatives and transitioning to a sustainable building method are logical solutions to reduce C02 emissions. "The purpose of green buildings is to reduce the occupants' reliance on artificial devices and maximize the use of the natural resources surrounding the structure." The purpose of green buildings is to reduce the occupants' reliance on artificial devices and maximize the use of the natural resources surrounding the structure. If you are interested in creating or renovating your existing building to become more sustainable, here are some vital considerations for green building design. Steps to making your building green1. Orientation of the Building Building orientation is the process of facing a structure in a certain way to maximize various aspects of its surroundings, such as the warmth of the sun, curb appeal, wind patterns, and drainage system. With rising energy costs, it is an effective passive technique to capitalize on natural energy while maintaining thermal comfort. Below are some tips to maximize natural heat gain through orientation:
For instances where kerb appeal and lot dimensions hinder your builder's ability to orient your space, you can still achieve efficiency by employing energy-saving features, insulation, and cool roofs.  Image courtesy of solargaria at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 2. Solar Shading Solar shading and control directly impact the efficiency of your commercial building. Also called daylighting, solar shading involves using specific technologies to combat glare and reduce heat gain without preventing natural light. The process reduces your reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems. In a nutshell, solar shading eliminates direct heat and sunlight to help keep a space cool and efficient. Here are the two types of solar shading to help you decide which method is best for your building:
In addition, by reducing heat gain, solar shades can help reduce the need for air conditioning systems. When used in conjunction with other passive methods such as night cooling, it also has the potential to eliminate your need for HVAC devices, depending on your location.  Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 3. Choice of Building Material Choosing sustainable materials is also a practical option for green buildings. Material selection during construction is crucial to determine your building's impact on the environment. For instance, it would be best to choose locally sourced sustainable materials as it can also help minimize transportation costs and help the community. Here are some examples of recycled building materials:
Recycled materials can also help reduce landfills and the need for non-biodegradable products. A perfect example of recyclability is metal roofs since they primarily consist of recycled metal sheets. You can also choose a lighter roofing shade for your commercial roof to lower heat gain and install energy-efficient flat-panel skylights for natural illumination. 4. Building Envelope The building envelope is also a critical component in your commercial space as it divides the interior and exterior parts. The primary functions of building envelopes include security, shelter, solar and thermal control, moisture control, indoor air quality, and daylight access, to name a few. The builder can also build the envelope differently depending on the location. For instance, a loose envelope allows airflow throughout the building. Meanwhile, a tight envelope controls the in and out airflow of the structure. 5. Window-wall Ratio (WWR) The window-wall ratio is a crucial energy-saving design that can affect your building's energy consumption. The WWR refers to the portion of an exterior wall that consists of windows and is a significant value in determining a structure's energy performance. Since windows can cause twice the energy loss compared to a wall, they can impact your existing HVAC system. Therefore, the size and number of your windows should depend on the climatic conditions in your area. Aside from shading, you can purchase windows with superior glazing systems and lower heat gain to reduce heat and glare. 6. Structural Design The commercial building and construction industry is accountable for the largest raw materials consumed in various applications. Combined with the continuing growth of the population, it is necessary to find alternatives and solutions to reduce resource depletion. Here are some of the ways of material efficiency:
Proper management and usage of construction materials is a significant concern in every building project. It is crucial to employ effective techniques to ensure material efficiency and resource conservation.  Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 7. Smart Lighting Lighting accounts for up to 20% of a building's total energy usage worldwide. Proper and adequate lighting affects occupant health, comfort, and productivity, so you need to implement efficient lighting solutions for your building. The best way to establish sustainability in your business is to allow as much natural light as possible. Daylighting helps reduce lighting costs, but it is also beneficial to your employees. If natural illumination is not enough, you can use CFL or LED lights to minimize consumption and heat pollution. 8. Water Conservation Water regulation and quality are some of the fundamental objectives of a green building. Please pay close attention to your plumbing system since it primarily deals with water distribution and disposal. Start by regularly maintaining the pipes and installing water-conserving fixtures to reduce water loss. You can also practice rainwater collection and use it for toilets and landscaping. Install an efficient drainage system and harvesting canisters to practice recycling water. 9. Energy Usage Although fossil fuels paved the way for generating electricity in homes and factories in the past, they are responsible for global warming due to the trapped heat. Thankfully, we have found alternative power sources such as solar heaters, solar panels, natural ventilation, and daylighting. By implementing an intelligent approach toward energy consumption, we can hopefully eliminate the need for fossil fuels. "reduce, reuse, and recycle" 10. Waste Management Responsible waste management involves strategically placing waste disposal boxes and garbage chutes. You can help reduce landfill waste by strictly implementing reduce, reuse, and recycle practices inside your commercial building. To achieve this, you need proper planning to dedicate certain areas inside the facility for waste management. Segregate waste and employ effective wastewater collection systems that will go hand in hand with your plumbing lines. Good green building design will save moneyGreen buildings are the key to reducing the energy and emissions rate of the construction industry. The term refers to the zero-impact construction of commercial and residential structures, which involves using sustainable materials and improved efficiency. Ultimately, the application of efficient practices is highly beneficial for your business. You stand to gain reduced operational and power costs, shorter investment returns, and increased asset value as more people choose to become sustainable. Creating healthy spaces for your employees or occupants is undeniably crucial to the success of your commercial structure. AuthorChris Jackson is an experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is currently employed by Best Access Doors, an access door supplier in the US and Canada, and has been working for the company for more than 12 years now. His area of expertise is on Negotiation, Roofers, Sales, Project Estimation, and Facility Management (FM)
 A terrible war is raging in Ukraine killing innocent people. Two very different leaders face-off. Much has been said comparing them. Are there lessons that could make you a better construction manager? While I don't want to trivialise a tragic war, I believe that we can all learn from every situation. We should be learning from mistakes as well as successes. We can learn from good leaders as well as bad leaders. Why repeat the mistakes of others? Why not learn from good leaders - but even good leaders sometimes make mistakes.  "I always said to those that worked with me that I wanted them to be better than me. They should learn from my mistakes and not repeat them." I always said to those that worked with me that I wanted them to be better than me. They should learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. They should learn from my good traits and replicate them better. If they were not better than me then I had failed. Lessons for construction project managers
 "When people are too scared to report a problem they will hide the issue"
"Break your word or commitment once and you’ve lost trust. It’s hard to win back trust."
 "Many problems occur in construction due to poor or inadequate planning."
"None of us are perfect - be prepared to change"
 Photo by Idi Parinduan from Pexels "The biggest or strongest team does not guarantee a successful project."
 "You cannot hide problems forever"
Your winning should never be at the expense of other people.War is a terrible thing. People who had homes, families, jobs, lives, lose everything overnight. Why? Does the end justify the means?  Photo by Bert from Pexels “When the elephants fight, the grass gets trampled.” In Africa there is a saying: “When the elephants fight, the grass gets trampled.” Often the fight doesn’t achieve much, maybe wounded pride for one elephant, but the grass gets trampled and dies. It's the ordinary people who suffer. To be a good leader you don’t have to be a bully. Aim to make people’s lives better. Everyone. "Consider the consequences of your actions. Will they be worth it?" You should aim to avoid costly and lengthy disputes. Often disputes end with no winners. Always try and negotiate in an open and honest manner with no hidden agendas, or changing goals. It’s important to understand the other party’s restraints and their bottom-line. It’s pointless chasing something (say a monetary amount) which the other party does not have or can’t concede. When all else fails call in an independent mediator, or follow the dispute resolution process. Avoiding disputes on your construction project. Consider the consequences of your actions. Will they be worth it? What will be gained? What will the costs be? The costs of a dispute often far outweigh the end result. "What legacy will you leave? A respected leader or a despised leader? A leader in it for yourself only or a team player?" What legacy will you leave? A respected construction professional who delivered successful construction projects with minimal fuss and problems? Someone that stood up for their team? Someone that delivered projects where everyone was a winner? Someone that is respected? Will you be a leader that sat behind a desk, or a leader who worked with their team? Let’s not destroy people, companies, or the environment. Your winning should never be at the expense of other people. The 10 P’s of successful construction project management History will judge a bad leader harshly. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #contractors Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
"I found that referring to this book was like having my own mentor on tap. Excellent." (Reader Amazon) Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay "I just want to say thank you for giving back. Personally, the webinar was an eye opener and moved me to reflect on my day-today decisions at work and off-work and how ethical I am." Participant at webinar Ethics in construction. What are unethical behaviours in construction? (Spoiler alert - producing poor quality work is unethical.) Why are good ethics important? Are there excuses for unethical behaviour? What should not be considered unethical practices? Join Anil and I in this webinar where we discuss these questions. Let's work together to improve the construction industry. #constructionmanagement #constructionethics #constructionprofessionals #constructionprojectmanagement #constructionindustry https://youtu.be/tBuTZmMZ2vs "Was a very informative CPD and I did not even realise that so many aspects could be considered unethical. Thank you." Webinar participant Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
"This book helps with practical tips learned from real experiences. A must read book for the people who are involved in construction projects, especially project managers." (Reader - Amazon.com) Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Demolishing old pedestrian bridge In our previous article Is your construction schedule achievable? we discussed how many construction projects are completed late. This is often because contractors commit to an unachievable completion date. This is costly for both client and contractor. In the article we also discussed how sometimes contractors can work with clients to deliver critical components of the project to the client on time, while completing the rest of the project later. Sometimes however project dates are immovable and contractors must throw in extra resources or come up with innovative construction methods and solutions. In this article we discuss some methods to shorten construction time. #constructionschedule #constructionprogramme #constructionprogram "It is often possible to reduce construction time using innovative construction methods and techniques, together with good planning and scheduling."
Case study: We had to construct a concrete cooling tower structure as can be seen in the above photos. To speed up construction while we were constructing the box structure we constructed the 2 concrete flues on the ground. The client had a 300 ton crane on the project which we were able to use to lift the completed flues onto the top of the box structure. This saved about 3 to 4 weeks of construction time.  View inside cooling tower looking up at inside of flue Reducing Construction TimeIt is possible to reduce construction time by:
But reducing construction time sometimes comes at a price But reducing construction time sometimes comes at a price
There is a point when you cannot achieve the impossibleThere is a point when you cannot achieve the impossible.
#constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #constructiondelays Have you committed to a construction schedule that was impossible? What were the consequences? Other useful articles the importance of good communication on projects Is your construction project stressing you out? 12 steps to reduce the stress of construction © 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully"This book helps with practical tips learned from real experiences. A must read book for the people who are involved in construction projects, especially project managers." Reader on Amazon
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Unfortunately many construction projects are completed late. We discussed many of the reasons for this in our article Will your construction project be completed on schedule? Read this. One of the reasons mentioned in the article is that some construction schedules or programmes are simply not feasible. Why are some construction schedules not feasible. Well it's sometimes because there is faulty logic in the schedule, or there are mistakes in the construction schedule and we discussed many of these problems in our articles Mistakes that impact construction schedules/programmes and Mistakes that impact schedules/programmes part 2. But often construction schedules or construction programmes (programs) are faulty simply because the contractor was overly optimistic and expected to complete construction tasks quicker than it was practical or possible with the allocated resources because the productivities of people and machines was lower than the contractor expected or allowed.  "Many contractors make their construction schedule fit the client's requirements, even when these are unachievable. This is suicide." Unfortunately many contractors also make the construction schedule fit the duration the client wants - even when the clients expectations are unachievable. They somehow hope that it will all work out and by some miracle they'll get the project completed. Perhaps even that there will be changes and delays which they can claim which will let them off the hook. Regrettably this usually isn't the case and the project is completed late. #constructionschedule #constructionprogramme #constructionprogram Problems with construction schedules which are unachievableContractors often fit construction schedules to their Client’s dates even when these can’t be met. Project Managers are reluctant to say no to their Client, and Client’s do not want to hear that their project cannot be delivered when they want it. "Clients are surprised, disappointed, and incur additional costs" This results in: The Client being surprised when the project is completed late. Consequently:
The Contractor finishes late
The construction team takes shortcuts which jeopardize quality and safety. A demoralized construction team. A poor outcome for everyone. Perhaps an outcome which should have been avoided if the contractor had been honest and upfront with the client and explained to the client that the project duration was unachievable. "Some clients don't like hearing their project date is unachievable, but then they must find another contractor and both can suffer the consequences." Of course some clients don't like hearing that their project end date is unachievable. It may be reason for another contractor to be given the project and you lose out. But, are you really losing? You will lose more by committing to completion dates which are unachievable. There's the cost to your reputation. Additional costs of penalties. Plus the stress to you and your team. Good luck to the other contractor, because their win will be their loss, and your loss is probably your win. Working with the client to deliver their construction projectRather than promise the client something you cannot deliver it may be possible to work around the Client’s requirements.
"A good client will appreciate your honesty. Who wants to work for an unreasonable client?" If this is not possible you have to explain why their end date is unachievable. Explain everything you've considered to try and complete the project on time. A good client will appreciate your honesty. Who wants to work for an unreasonable client?  Shortening the construction scheduleSometimes with innovation and extra effort it is possible to shorten the project construction duration. But this often comes with additional costs and risks. We discuss this topic in our next article. The important thing is do not promise something you cannot deliver – there will be disappointment, and there will be consequences. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #constructiondelays Other useful articles labour productivity on construction sites Why is there poor productivity on your construction project? planning your construction project © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
"I have what I consider some of the best books on construction management." Reader Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Another year of seesawing fortunes. Covid lockdowns, new covid variants, shortages of construction materials, insufficient skilled construction workers, soaring prices, and more. This coupled with the normal construction problems, of too little work, or too much work, difficult clients, not getting paid on time, or even not at all. What will 2022 bring? I’m sure you are all hoping for a normal year. But what is a normal year in the construction industry – does such a thing exist? Undoubtedly 2022 will come with its own sets of challenges – some unique, while many just the usual challenges that contractors face every year. "Will you be ready for the challenges that 2022 brings? Will you be prepared to meet the challenges and overcome them?” So will you be ready for the challenges that 2022 brings? Will you and your construction company be prepared to meet the challenges and overcome them? Or will you in 12 months’ time at the end of 2022 look back and lament about the terrible year gone past? What can you do to equip you and your company to have a successful 2022 despite the known and unknown challenges 2022 will bring? Here are 10 things that will make you and your construction company stronger. That will equip you to better face whatever challenges are thrown at the construction industry. #constructionprofessionals #constructionmanagementtips 10 construction management tips for the new year1. Train and mentor your team. There is a shortage of skilled construction people in most countries. You depend on good people. Indeed you are only as good as your team. A weak link can quickly suck your time and destroy reputation. You have to train and mentor people in your team. It may cost time and money but it will pay dividends with a more skilled and motivated team. For more read: Training and mentoring in construction. #constructiontraining 2. Cut the deadwood. Are there people who aren’t performing – perhaps unproductive, don’t have the skills, disruptive, or producing poor quality work? Why are they performing poorly? Have you told them they need to change their ways? (Providing feedback to the construction project team). If they can’t, or won’t, improve their ways why are they still working for the company? Is it because you are sentimental and don’t want to get rid of someone who has been with the company for so long? Is it because you can’t find a replacement? Or maybe you find it’s too hard to let people go? "People who aren’t contributing positively to the project are often disrupting others, possibly causing extra work, even spoiling reputation, and they cost money." But deadwood drags construction projects and contractors down. People who aren’t contributing positively to the construction project are often disrupting others, possibly causing extra work, even spoiling reputation, and they cost money. Look through your team and make the hard decisions to get rid of the deadwood. But getting rid of the deadwood also means looking at old construction equipment, and equipment that you don’t use anymore. Older equipment often breaks down impacting productivity. It may not be as efficient as new equipment, and is often more expensive to operate. The Alarming Truth about Using Old Construction Equipment #constructionequipment  3. Pick your construction projects and clients. Some clients are difficult, unprofessional, or disorganised. Inevitably they will take time to manage. Time that might be better spent elsewhere. Then there are clients that don’t pay. Learn to avoid these clients. Why work on a construction project where you won’t get paid. (What makes a good client?). Learn to avoid difficult projects. Know which construction projects you can do well, and which projects are unprofitable. Should contractors price every project? Well the answer is no. Pick your construction projects and clients and you can avoid problems later. "Foresee problems before they happen and take action to avoid the worst outcomes"  Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 4. Understand and manage your risks. Too often contractors end in trouble because they did not understand the project risks. Learn to investigate projects properly when pricing them. Read and understand the contract documents. Don’t take on projects that are excessively risky, or projects where a risk event could sink the company should it eventuate. Understand the risks and manage and mitigate them. Foresee problems before they happen and take action to avoid the worst outcomes. How To Avoid The 10 Biggest Risks Facing Contractors. 5. Manage your cashflow. Many construction companies go bankrupt because of poor cashflow, not because of unprofitable projects. Understand the cashflow when pricing new projects. For more read: Negative cash flow – the death for many construction companies, How to improve cash flow on your construction projects - Part 1, and How to improve cash flow on your projects - Part 2.
6. Invest in yourself. In construction we are always learning. Take some time to see what new construction methods, materials, and equipment is available. See what your competitors are up to and what you can learn from them. Look at alternative methods of construction. Importantly stay up to date with the latest regulations – it could be costly if you fall foul of changes in the law. Learn when you can claim variations and change orders. Brush up on your project management skills. You are never too old to learn something new that will make you a better contractor.  Available from Amazon in paper and ebook, and from other online bookstores "I highly recommend this book be read by all newly qualified construction project managers as well as those more experienced." Reader on Amazon 7. Manage your time better. Many in construction never seem to have enough time to attend to everything. Why? Sure there are problems to deal with, but could some of the problems have been avoided? There are meetings to attend and correspondence to deal with, but how can these be better managed so they aren’t so time consuming? How can you make more time? Well you must delegate effectively. (The importance of effective delegation for successful projects). You must plan your projects. You must manage your time. And as old fashioned as it sounds a notebook helps with time management. Here are 12 Proven Time Management Tips For Construction Project Managers. 8. Invest in new technology. Many of us become stuck in our tried and tested old ways. However there is new technology out there that can be helpful. Of course make sure that it is appropriate and get buy-in from your staff. For tips and insights read Can technology help your construction project? And Technology in Construction. Technology can’t make a poor project manager good, but it can make a good project manager more effective. 9. Don’t let stress kill you.
 Image by Tumisu from Pixabay "Sometimes it’s not worth arguing and winning every point – rather look at the bigger picture. "
10. Spend time with your family. Take time away from work. Learn to plan time away from work. Learn to switch off emails. I’m sure you are not indispensable. Before you know it the year will be done and you’ll look back wishing you had spent more time with the family. Year’s rush past. Children get older. You get older. Don’t spend all your time at work. Don’t spoil family time attending to work emails and calls. Learn to plan and delegate. If you don’t plan family and free time it won’t happen. Time away from work and a good rest will make you more effective, and more importantly a better person to work with. Delegating responsibility to others when you take a few days off will help your team develop, and it will make them feel more trusted and part of the team.  Image courtesy of arztsamui at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Be prepared and you can make this year a success “Being prepared will enable you to better weather the problems that will come your way. Have a plan. Set goals. Measure progress.” Now is the time to look back over 2021. What went wrong? How could you have done things better? How can you avoid the same issues in 2022? Although you may want to blame external issues beyond your control for things that went wrong, I’m sure in many cases a bit of foresight and a different approach may have limited the fallout from the issues. Be honest with yourself. Because undoubtedly 2022 will not be plain sailing and problem free – so be prepared for the problems that will come your way. Rising prices, more covid, difficult clients, labour and skills shortages, unpaid invoices, and more. “You must learn from both your failures and successes.” What did you do right (I’m sure there were things that went right last year)? This year try and replicate what went right last year? You must learn from both your failures and successes. Don’t look back at 2022 with regrets. Being prepared will enable you to better weather the problems that will come your way. Have a plan. Set goals. Measure progress. Don’t let the everyday challenges sweep you from your course. Don’t let the trials and tribulations of 2022 drown your good intentions and your aspirations. Wishing you only successful construction projects in 2022. What construction management tips do you have? What steps will you implement to make the new year a success? #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #contractors © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  According to this article the construction industry accounts for a third of the world's waste and 40% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. That's a huge number. How can the average contractor make a difference? Clients or owners can reduce some of the waste and emmissions by repurposing buildings instead of demolishing and building from scratch. Like this shopping centre transformed into a school. Of course clients can also lead the way in ensuring their buildings are sustainable during the building's life, like these schools. Architects could lead the way in green construction by encouraging clients to recycle and repurpose buildings, use more sustainable building materials and construct buildings which are sustainable through the life span of the building. "We can reduce waste and emissions, while designing better places to live, which can be cheaper to manage, and often at little extra expense - a win all round"  Image by Interculture01 from Pixabay In this theoretical design of a school it was calculated that with the right decisions at the design stage it was demonstrated that the whole life carbon of the building could be cut by 67%, a large portion of this upfront. Plus there were energy saving costs - that is lower energy bills. And all of this at no additional cost. New buildings can have green roofs and green walls. Even a roof top garden to grow food. #greenconstruction #sustainableconstruction "Contractors can do their part to reduce waste and emissions"  How Contractors can Reduce Waste and Emissions I'm sure you have all seen the piles of waste carted from construction projects. How can we reduce this waste? After all it cost money o get the materials to the project in the first place. Now these heaps of broken and discarded materials must be carted to a dump site at additional costs. You can Increase profits - reduce material wastage on construction projects. Here are 7 ways contractors can make a difference. It often starts in the procurement process. Ordering the correct quantity of construction materials. But you can also look at using alternative products like using low carbon concrete. "Do it right first time makes good economic sense and saves the environment" Of course poor quality work results in a huge amount of waste on every construction project. Breaking down defective work and rebuilding or patching it. The true costs of poor quality construction. Do it right first time. Of course using construction equipment unproductively not only costs money but it results in additional emissions. This article has some great tips on improving productivity Construction Equipment Productivity. Using equipment that is too small or too large for the task can also be unproductive and expensive while adding unnecessary emissions. What Size Equipment Is Right for Your Construction Project? You could even consider using electric equipment. This project has ambitious goals to reduce waste. You should also aim to reduce waste on your project. #constructionwaste #constructionco2 #constructionquality Doing our part to reduce construction waste and emissionsWe can all do our bit to reduce waste and emissions in construction. It's the right thing to do and it often reduces costs as well. And of course good environmental practices are good for your company's reputation. The economic benefits of being environmentally friendly "We can all make a difference" Of course take care not to green wash or get sucked in by companies greenwashing their products and services. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Other useful articles Why construction projects go wrong before they even start – what should owners do? How designers can make construction projects more successful Life & Death Planning Decisions Designers, Owners and Contractors Forget When In a Rush Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully""I highly recommend this book be read by all newly qualified construction project managers as well as those more experienced." Reader on Amazon
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Enjoy the holiday break with your family. Come back rested in the new year, ready to face the construction challenges of 2022. Other useful articles Is your construction project holiday ready? Is your project working through the holidays? after the holidays - what will happen on your construction project? Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfullyA reader on Amazon said: "Very easy to read and understand. Experience counts a lot towards a successful project. I'm still learning and studying Project Management courses but to have someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience share their understanding and experience really helps you along the way. A great book to have as a reference guide too."
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  In Overcoming the skills and worker shortage in construction - Part 1 I discussed how many parts of the world were experiencing a shortage of skilled construction workers. Contractors blamed poor project outcomes, including poor quality and low productivity, on a lack of skilled construction workers. But is there really a shortage of workers, or are contractors simply not looking everywhere, and discarding potential workers because of their own biases? So in the previous article we discussed staff retention, training and uplifting people within the organisation, not discriminating or putting people in boxes, and importantly not presenting the wrong excuses why someone isn't suitable. In this article I discuss other avenues of sourcing employable people. I also look at how the construction industry needs an image makeover, and this often starts by changing manager's thinking and attitudes. #constructionskills #constructionworkers #constructioncareers  Think beyond your preconceptions of what a construction worker should beThink outside the box, and beyond your preconceptions of what a construction worker should be. There are whole cohorts of people who many contractors discard as being unemployable. But have you really given them a fair chance to show what they can do? Let’s consider some of these groups. Homeless people. Just because someone is poorly dressed and looks shabby and dirty, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a lazy bum, or a drug addict. Unfortunately there are many who have ended up on the streets due to no fault of themselves. Some have lost homes because of marriage breakups, poor financial decisions, change of circumstances, or family health problems that have sucked them financially dry. Of course there are some who have made poor decisions, gambled, or got sucked in by drug or opioid addiction. But many of these people have useful skills and could change their lives around if they were given the opportunity. Sure there will always be some homeless people that are unemployable, and there will be some who just don’t cut it, but then that’s probably the same with all people, even those who dress neatly, present well, and have a home. “Most times you will be rewarded for your efforts with loyalty and gratefulness.” So why don’t you give a homeless person a job, or better still get in touch with some of the organisations, and church groups, looking after the homeless and see if they have people who need a job. Sure there might be some extra work to help get the person on their feet so they can reliably get to work with a full stomach, but most times you will be rewarded for your efforts with loyalty and gratefulness. Of course you’re probably wondering why these homeless aren’t looking for work at your company door – but be honest, would they be allowed into your office and would you offer them a job. Anyway many homeless have become discouraged from looking for work and possibly don’t have the means to go door to door looking for work, or apply for jobs online. Disabled people. The first thing I hear you say is construction is not a place for disabled people! Well there are a myriad of disabilities, many of which should not preclude the person from working in construction. There are also many disabled people who have overcome or managed their disabilities so that they are as capable as someone who isn’t disabled. It’s often not a person’s disability that prevents them from working on your project, rather it’s managers’ preconceptions about the abilities of a disabled person. We employed someone who had an intellectual disability. Sure he didn’t have the sharpest brain, but he was pleased to have a job, even as a manual labourer, and he worked harder than most, and he was loyal, trustworthy, and reliable. Do you need more? I’m sure with time and effort he would have moved on to basic carpentry or similar. Having an intellectual disability doesn’t mean the person is stupid. There are however many people who supposedly don’t have an intellectual disability who are stupid. In fact we probably all do stupid things from time to time. I recently read of an electrician who lost a thumb in a work accident. He was desperate to return to work, but his disability was given as a reason to not employ him. Now I’ve never read a job advertisement with a requirement that the prospective candidate must have 2 thumbs. I’ve seen a person with 1 hand perform tasks as skilfully as someone with 2 hands. I’ve also seen people with all their fingers and thumbs produce substandard work. In Australia 54% of disabled people are unemployed and many who are employed are underemployed. This program is achieving success for both the new disabled employees and the companies employing them. Be willing to give people a chance, and think honestly what’s required to do the job you’re offering. Maybe you can even move people around within your organisation, moving an able-bodied person into the position you need filling, and employing someone who’s disabled in the vacated role. So why not consider approaching organisations that help the disabled. There are millions of people desperate for work who aren’t provided the opportunity, and excluded because they don’t fit the profile of what contractors think a construction worker should be. They are desperate to work, to not be dependent on others and the government, and your company is desperate for workers. Surely there’s mutual benefit? Even this State Emergency Service has place for disabled people and they are a valuable resource. “The biggest barrier in employing disabled people is often not their disabilities, but rather the closed minds of employers” The biggest barrier in employing disabled people is often not their disabilities, but rather the closed minds of employers not willing to give someone the opportunity to show what they can do for the company. Ex-convicts. Shock and horror – who would employ an ex-con? Well they’ve done their time, so do they deserve to be punished further by being unemployable? In fact as long as they don’t have a job they risk turning back to crime to survive and pay their bills. No, not every person who has served jail time is a gang member, drug addict, or serial offender. Many ended in jail through bad circumstances, poor choices when they were younger, desperation for food, or perhaps simply because they didn’t have the money to hire a good lawyer, or the means to settle a monetary fine. Everyday there are hundreds of prisoners being released from jail. Some of them had construction skills before they went to prison, while some have been taught skills while they were doing their time. Sure you might not want to employ rapists, murderers, and serial offenders, but there are many ex-cons who were never serious criminals and who will be grateful to be offered a stable job. Of course there are also some who were wrongly convicted of serious crimes. Get in contact with the prison authorities and see if there are ex-prisoners who can help your company, and you’ll be helping them and society. Refugees and migrants. There are numerous newly arrived refugees and migrants struggling to find work, possibly not understanding the systems, or fully conversant in the language. Many of them are skilled. Talk to those helping refugees and migrants and see if there are new arrivals requiring work. Sure there may be problems with language, and they may need extra help and attention. But most will reward their new employer with loyalty and hard work. There’s a whole pool of qualified and experienced construction people who are driving Ubers, and doing less skilled work. Just because a person doesn’t have work experience in your country doesn’t mean that they aren’t experienced and knowledgeable. See this report of a pool of wasted talent, while contractors are desperate for people. “Reconsider your view of what a construction worker should look like.” Now I’m not saying that you must fill your construction project with disabled people, ex-cons, and the homeless. Rather have an open mind when looking for employees and explore other avenues of recruitment. Reconsider your view of what a construction worker should look like. Understand the personal traits that really benefit the company, which is probably loyalty, hard work, pride in one’s work, honesty, and a willingness to learn. Of course, just because someone is desperate for work, or pleased to be offered a job, it doesn’t mean that you should exploit them and cheat them from a fair wage. Nor should your company employ illegal migrants. Offer opportunities to people doing construction training  Image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net At the end of the college year students look for vacation work experience. Sure it’s usually only for a month or 2. But this experience is often essential for their studies. They typically don’t have to be paid much. I found employing these students useful. A student who enjoyed working for the company was often keen to seek full time employment with the company at the end of their studies. But this short introduction was also an opportunity for us to evaluate the students and decide if we wanted to employ them once they were qualified. But anyway, there were normally always tasks that the students could accomplish which helped our regular staff. Frequently there are hundreds of apprentices doing training. Part of their training requires them to work with a company to get practical on the job training. Again I found employing apprentices in training useful. They are usually paid fairly low wages, yet if used properly many contributed to our projects. Again, treated well and the apprentices were keen to work for us once they gained their qualification, while we had the opportunity to know who were the best apprentices to employ fulltime when qualified. “Offering opportunities to people in training helped them, it benefitted our company and projects, and importantly, it also increased the pool of skilled and experienced people to the industry – wins all round.” In all of this we were contributing to the construction industry, helping people gain their qualifications. Employing newly qualified people on your construction projects Many construction companies are loath to take on newly qualified recruits. They rely on finding experienced qualified people in the market. Well often experienced qualified people aren’t readily available. We all started somewhere with no experience, but fortunately some company and manager invested time and effort into training us, and giving us the necessary experience. And I would like to think we rewarded the company handsomely for this opportunity.
This is a topic close to my heart and I’ve always trained and developed those in my team, and it’s yielded great dividends for me and the company. I’ve written several articles including Training and mentoring in construction So put the word out with construction academies and colleges that your company is always willing to employ newly qualified trades people and construction management students. Maybe you can get the pick of the best students. Come on, do your bit and train the next generation. I’m not saying fill your project with construction newbies, but rather take a considered approach to employing some newly qualified people on every project, and pairing them with experienced and skilled people who can share and pass on their knowledge to the next generation of construction workers. And who knows, maybe some of the experienced construction professionals can even learn something new from those newly qualified recruits. Using technology in the construction industry  It’s going to be many years yet before we can dispense with people in construction. Unfortunately technology cannot make a poor project manager good, and it cannot turn a mediocre carpenter into a skilled craftsman. But the right technology used properly can help good project managers and good carpenters be more effective in their jobs, producing more. The right technology used by competent people can reduce the number of people required on the project. “The younger generation expect to use the latest technology and they’ll shun industries that are slow to use modern technology.” Importantly though, the younger generation expect to use the latest technology and they’ll shun industries that are slow to use modern technology. Technology in Construction. Improving working conditions for all in the construction industry The culture in many companies has to change. Workplaces need to be all inclusive. Bullying and discrimination must not be condoned. Is There Bullying on Your Construction Projects? There are basic issues that must be put in place, like providing adequate clean toilet and change facilities for women. Here is what some women face.
The construction industry needs to move away from hiring and firing. I know it’s hard when contractors go from feast to famine. It’s frequently hard to keep people employed. The easy option is to fire people at the end of the project. Unfortunately this leads to a loss of talent, not only for your company, but to the industry as a whole, as often people move to a more stable job in another industry, even if that means taking a pay cut. It also leads to poor loyalty and productivity – who wants to be loyal and hardworking when the reward is you’re going to be fired anyway when the construction project is finished? In my 30 year career I went through numerous downturns, yet we managed to keep a core of good workers through the hard times. It meant that when the good times came back we still had a core of good skills and loyal workers to take on the new projects. And good workers made money for us during the downturn when project profit margins were tight to non-existent. Sometimes in lean times we were able to transfer workers to other company division who had work, and even on occasions got them temporarily employed with another company. In the worst cases we sent them home on half pay for a couple of months – which was expensive but we kept our pool of talent alive. Of course our workers weren’t stupid and they appreciated that we were doing everything not to fire them when work opportunities were scarce, because their friends in other companies were losing their jobs. So in the long run the company was rewarded. Contractors need to be more adaptive. Being more flexible when it comes to working hours and working conditions. Another interesting article Construction's career crisis: Can the industry attract millennials and Gen Z? Encourage those that have left your company to return  Image courtesy of dan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Every contractor has lost people – many of them skilled and experienced. They may have retired, moved to another industry, taken time off to travel, or gone to another contractor. Hopefully they parted on good terms and you didn’t burn bridges. Make contact with your ex-employees and see who would like to come back to work – even if it’s just for 1 more project or maybe a few months. Perhaps it’s only a few days a week. How can you use their skills and experience and pair them with less experienced managers and workers?
This is all wasted if your team is not with you Employing disabled people, women, ex-cons, isn’t going to work if your managers and supervisors are going to reject them, or discriminate against them, or your teams are going to bully and ridicule them.
Working conditions will not improve unless your team helps you make it happen. New technology will fail if there’s no buy in from the team or it’s not used correctly.  Image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Solving the construction skills shortageIs there really a shortage of skills in the construction industry? Is there a shortage of construction workers? Maybe it’s just because you aren’t looking in all the places and considering all the pools of unemployed people? Maybe it’s because you lack imagination, or have an outdated perception of what a construction worker should look like? Maybe it’s because you aren’t prepared to train and mentor the next generation – rather content to poach experienced people with ever higher salaries from other contractors, and when this doesn’t work blame the lack of good people on a skill shortage. “Would the industry be in its current position if we were more inclusive and adaptive?” The construction industry needs a makeover. It needs a change of image. Sure I started my career 35 years ago. Then it was entirely male. It was strictly segregated. We were expected to work 100 plus hour fortnights. I swore with the best of them. I survived. But how many good people were discouraged or physically excluded from working in the industry over the years. Indeed many of us said we wouldn’t encourage our children to go into construction. Fortunately with time the industry has changed, but not enough. Would the industry be in its current position if we were more inclusive and adaptive? We need to be showcasing the industry to the next generation. See this article New TV show to highlight the benefits of work in the trades. for ideas. And this program Women who weld program for schoolgirls. We need to demonstrate that there are good jobs waiting to be filled in construction. To show that there is a future for all in the industry. That contractors are willing to train people. That construction is a safe place where people are respected. Not like how this apprentice was treated by his fellow workers and boss! “Solving the skills and worker shortage in construction is in your hands – stop the excuses and make the changes.” There is always going to be a skills and worker shortage in construction unless contractors get out there and make the required changes. Take an active approach to train and mentor people. Rethink and reimagine your perceptions of what the people working on your projects should look like, what experience they need, and importantly what tasks they should do. Ensure that all construction workers are treated fairly and with respect. Solving the skills and worker shortage in construction is in your hands – stop the excuses and make the change. Get you team on board and make the change. The construction industry is on a downward slope of poor productivity and bad quality unless there’s change. We can’t solve the construction skills shortage overnight, but we won’t solve it by complaining and doing nothing. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #constructionindustry
Other useful articles Is your project working through the holidays? Why is there poor productivity on your construction project? When project managers should ask for help © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Time Management for contractors.Are you always short of time? Are you working long hours? This probably sounds familiar to contractors, particularly construction project managers and construction company owners who never seem to have enough hours in the day. There always seem to be problems to deal with. There always seem to be phones ringing, meetings to attend, and people requiring a piece of you. How can you create more time? Well you obviously can't create more time, but you can use your time more productively, and you can get others to take some of the load off you. You can also learn how to avoid some tasks chewing and wasting your time. Importantly you can have more time to spend with your family doing the things you enjoy doing. Here's a podcast I did with Dominic Rubino on his show Cabinet Maker Profit System Podcast where we both share valuable insights and tips. NO BS Time Management from a REAL PM #contractors #constructionmanagement #constructiontraining #constructionprojectmanagement #constructiontrades #timemanagement Other useful articles How you can make your next construction project more successful. Don't let overtime on your construction project eat your PROFITS planning your construction project Do you want to learn more construction management tips and insights?
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon. Construction Management Books Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale Up to 50% off kindle ebooks on Amazon.com and Amazon.UK this Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. Offers end this Monday. Check out the great deals.
A great opportunity to brush up on your construction project management skills.
 Construction companies around the world are complaining about a shortage of people, and in particular a shortage of skilled people. The war for talent: How contractors battle for workers. In fact contractors blame poor quality, late completion, low productivity, increasing costs, and poor project performance on a lack of skills. Is this true? If it is, how can contractors improve the situation? The construction skills shortage seems to be worsening. Construction is perceived as a dirty and unsafe industry, where people are expected to work long hours for sometimes low wages. Indeed construction has a poor reputation which deters new entrants. Making the problem worse is the transitory nature of construction. Many construction companies dump their workers when a project is completed, with little reward for hard work or loyalty. Countless workers have no job security and know that once their project is complete they must start looking for another job. After a few cycles of this it’s no wonder that good skilled people leave the industry and move on. Older skilled workers are retiring while the younger generation doesn’t appear interested in a career in construction. Yet despite this outcry of a lack of skills some construction companies are doing little to retain the skilled people they have. They are certainly doing little to improve the image of the construction industry, and few contractors seem willing to upskill their workforce, or employ newly qualified people and train and mentor them. Nor do contractors think innovatively for new sources of people. It all seems too hard for the average contractor, who seems content rather to use the lack of resources as an excuse for poor construction project outcomes. After all, if there’s not a suitable experienced and qualified person waiting on the street corner for a job it must mean that there is a shortage of workers in construction! So how can construction companies improve the skills shortage? Well here are a few suggestions #constructionmanagement #constructionskillsshortage Tips to overcoming the construction skills shortage Staff retention It’s pointless employing new people to fill gaps when they don’t stay long, and others in the organisation leave, creating more gaps. Some contractors are in a perpetual cycle of filling voids left by people leaving the company. A cycle that can’t be won unless you take proactive steps to retain people. Now retaining people is a topic on its own which I’ve previously covered in several articles: How do we retain skilled employees in construction? and High Employee turnover? The sooner you know the better. So, start by retaining good people in your company and project. #staffretention Is your company a good place to work? Linked to the above is the question, ‘is your company a good place to work?’ If it isn’t then you are going to find it harder to attract people to your company and project. And when several contractors are fighting to employ the same person, if your company isn’t the employer of choice then the limited talent will go elsewhere. So honestly ask yourself, ‘is your company a good place to work?’ But not in your position, a role where you may enjoy particular perks and advantages, but rather in the position you are recruiting for. So if it’s a carpenter, supervisor, foreman, or whatever, how would a carpenter, supervisor, foreman, view your company, your project, compared to other contractors, and even other industries? Is the position and role your company is offering better than elsewhere? Learn to see your company as others see it. Ask prospective employees what they’re looking for in an employer and you’ll probably find that it’s not only about the best salary. People are generally looking for a company that values and respects them, they want some job security, of course they want a safe place to work, and a fair wage. People want to work for good managers and successful companies. Again this is a topic on its own, and I’ve written several articles on this including Is There Bullying on Your Construction Projects and Respect in construction - why it's important Ensure your company is a great place to work, where people want to work. Look within the company for people to fill the role Some contractors overlook people already working within the company. Is there someone within the organisation that can fill the position? Maybe they just need to be offered the role, and perhaps some extra training? Sure they may leave a vacancy where they are currently working – but maybe it will be easier to fill their position? In promoting someone within the company you’ll be rewarding the person, for which they’ll be grateful, and others within the organisation will see that there are prospects within the company to advance, grow, and take on new responsibilities and roles. When I became the general manager of a new division/branch of our company, in 5 years we grew the division by 8 fold, also increasing profits 8 fold, and this was almost done entirely without employing new management. We were able to find and promote people from within our organisation to fill the additional roles of foremen, project managers, and directors. Ask your project managers, supervisors, foremen, managers, is there someone they know working for them who can fill the position that’s needed. Sometimes managers have to be coaxed to put forward good people working for them, knowing that they are going to have a hole in their team, so it’s important for managers to realise that it’s for the benefit of the company, as well as the person they are releasing. So start your search amongst those already working for the company, before spreading your search wider. You may be surprised at the talent hiding in plain sight within your company. Who knows who You’re looking for people – have you asked your employees if they know someone who wants to work for the company – a friend or relative? I’ve sometimes had success this way. If friends and relatives of employees want to work for your company it usually means that your company is an attractive place to work, because your employees are willing to recommend to their friends and relatives to come and work where they are employed. Even ask your subcontractors, clients, suppliers, and the professional team. Spread the word that you're looking for people. If your client, project team, or subcontractors think that your company is a professional outfit with good managers they'll recommend your company as a good place to work. A contractor that is looking to employ people now. Do your employees know you are searching for people?  You cannot afford to discriminate Unfortunately many of us have biases towards people, which may be conscious or even unconscious. So we are apt to put people in boxes and exclude them from certain jobs without even knowing their skills or experience. People are simply excluded from a job based on their race, colour, sex, even on how they dress or look, perhaps even excluding an overweight person on the premise that they must be lazy. Some automatically allocate people of a certain nationality to a particular job, assuming all Irish, or New Zealanders, or Mexicans, are only good at a particular task, and disregarding them for an alternative position. What nonsense! Construction is desperate for good people, who cares what they look like or where they come from, as long as they are willing to work and have the right skills employ the person and don’t hold them back for any reason other than they can’t do the job. Again this is a topic that I’ve previously written about Discrimination in construction – is it holding your company back? Are you excluding a large portion of the population from your search because of your biases? Drop the excuses There are some perennial excuses that companies use not to employ someone looking for work. Let’s consider how stupid some of these are!
Are your excuses for not employing someone valid, or are you simply regurgitating time worn excuses? Do you even know why you don’t employ some candidates? To be continuedIn my next article I discuss how you can cast your search wider, and how construction needs an image makeover to attract the next generation of construction workers. #constructioncareers #contractors #constructionindustry © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  In my previous article 10 tips to successfully pricing your next construction project I discussed how some contractors take the shotgun approach to pricing and quoting construction projects. Literally submitting hundreds of prices in the hope that they will win a few projects. This leads to overwork of the estimators, and in some cases owners or project managers involved in pricing projects. It results in wasted effort, but more seriously it could lead to mistakes and winning projects with a price below what it’s going to cost the contractor to build the project. Unfortunately the shotgun approach could also mean that the contractor misses out on good projects which the contractor could have won if they had put more effort into their quotation and price submission. In this article I’ll discuss another 10 more tips to successfully pricing and winning projects. #pricingconstructionprojects #constructionbids #constructiontenders  More tips for pricing construction projects 1. Understand the quality requirements. Are they standard, and can you deliver the requirements? 2. Price the project from first principles. This means:
5. Check the project cashflow. Even a profitable construction project can destroy a company if the contractor can’t manage the cashflow. Negative cash flow – the death for many construction companies. So does your company have the finance available to pay for things while waiting for payment from the client. Most construction projects are cashflow negative until the end of the project. Larger construction projects usually require more cash, as do projects which require expensive materials, and projects that require a large amount of work in a short time frame. 6. Check:
9. Prepare your price submission so that it looks professional.
Finally make sure your price is delivered to the required person on time. The next stage of the project price submission process  But even when the project price is submitted it doesn’t mean the process is completed.
Winning the right construction projects at the right price In our 2 articles on pricing construction projects we discussed how important it is to have good market intelligence – what construction projects are coming out to price, and what your competitors or other contractors are up to. It’s important to understand all aspects of the construction project – the client, the contract document, and the project site conditions. Then develop an accurate price – based on an accurate construction schedule and the local market conditions, using the best construction methods suited to the project and the available resources. Finally submit a professional quotation that includes all the documentation requested, and importantly which sells your company’s abilities and why you are the right contractor for the construction project. Pick the right construction project to price, a construction project you want and one you can win from your competitors, then put all effort into winning the project. Finally don’t lose the project or make a stupid mistake in the negotiation phase. #constructionprojects #contractors #constructionmanagement Other useful articles What do you do when your construction project is LOSING money? Financial checks and controls on construction projects Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Pricing (estimating) a construction project has been described as a science, an art, part luck, and for some just a guess. Getting your price right means you have to win the project with a price that is higher than your final project costs will be, meaning you’ll make a profit. But just because you have the right price (for your company) doesn’t mean that your competitor won’t have a lower price that will be profitable for them. Having a lower price than your competitors also doesn’t mean that you’ll be awarded the project since clients often look for other requirements, and they need to be convinced that you are the right contractor for their project. Unfortunately there are many contractors who submit flawed prices which have little chance of success, or worse, which can lead to the downfall of the company when the price is lower than their final project costs. But there are also many other risks that contractors don’t consider when pricing their projects, these include non-payment, inability to deliver the project to the required standards, lengthy legal disputes, health risk to employees, reputational risks, cashflow problems, and even the risk of losing out on favourable future work. #pricingconstructionprojects #constructionbids #constructiontenders Tips to successfully pricing your construction project 1. Understand your client. You don’t want to work for some clients, particularly those who don’t, or can’t pay. Check whether your client:
 2. Understand the project documentation.
3. Know the market and what other projects are coming out for pricing. Good market intelligence is essential. You don’t want to be stuck with a difficult project at a low price while you miss out on other more lucrative and easy projects that are likely to be available in the next few months. Read: Should contractors price every project? 4. Physically check the project site conditions.
5. Understand the opposition (competitors). It may not be worth pricing projects against competitors who are known to be favoured by the client, ones that have a reputation for stupidly low prices, or competitors that are in a position to deliver a cheaper project because they are working in the area or have the right equipment for the project. You may be wasting your time pricing a project which you don’t stand a chance of winning! 6. Understand the project. What is your company responsible to deliver? What will the client supply?  Despite the obvious warning signs some contractors dive straight into risky projects. 7. Identify and quantify the risks. Prepare a risk schedule. Understand how you can manage and reduce the risks. Be prepared to walk away from projects that are too risky and where the quantum of the risk event could sink the company. Read How to deal with construction risks 8. Know your company’s capabilities. Will you have the people and equipment to do the work? Do you have people with the right experience? 9. Check the available resources. Are materials, people, and equipment available? Will they be available when they are required? 10. Consider the construction methodology. Develop the best methodology taking account of your company’s capabilities, the available resources, the project site conditions, the project schedule requirements, price, safety and the client’s requirements and design. Consider alternative construction methods and products. Conclusion Some contractors take the shot gun approach to pricing projects. Aiming in the general direction of the target and hoping they snag a project. Submitting as many prices as possible, hoping that one will get them a project. Their estimators often work long hours churning out price after price, just hoping that they will have success with one submission. Unfortunately this often leads to mistakes. High prices mean it's another effort in vain. Low prices may land the company a project at a price they cannot do the work for. Rather contractors should pick the right project, then spend time and effort preparing a winning price submission. In my next article I discuss more tips for winning construction bids 10 more tips for pricing construction projects#constructionprojects #contractors #constructionmanagement Other useful articles Negative cash flow – the death for many construction companies some Reasons why projects lose money Top Tips to Cut Costs on Today's Construction Site Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  How can Technology help ConstructionCan technology help the construction industry? Productivity has not improved in construction over the last few decades, contrary to most other industries. Why is building so slow and expensive? Contractors have been slow to embrace technology. How can technology help the industry? The future of construction. The use of BIM is becoming more common. Technology is useful to eliminate paperwork and increase productivity. Like these quality checklists. In this blog I share some interesting articles on technology. #constructiontechnology  Image courtesy of nokhoog_buchachon at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Using Robots in ConstructionHere's a company incorporating technology on their projects. They are even trialling a robot dog as a superintendent. Maybe there are some ideas you can use on your next project? You can use robots to help set out structures. Here's more on robot construction. Robots can be used for drywalling. What about autonomous equipment. Here's an autonomous excavator. #constructionrobots Drones in Construction Image by Thomas Ehrhardt from Pixabay Is there a place for drones on our construction projects? Drones can be used aerial mapping and surveying in hard to reach places, like on roofs and on bridges. They can be used to check quality. Is there place for them to do work in dangerous areas, perhaps even painting bridges? #dronesconstruction 3D PrintingMuch has been said about 3D printing. How will 3D printing change how we construct buildings and structures? Technology Improving Construction SafetySafety is another place where technology can help. You can use remotely operated machines to work in dangerous places. They can do work in extreme temperatures and in difficult conditions. Here's a company using wearable technology to prevent injuries. But technology is also useful in safety training using VR. #constructionsafety #constructionsafetytechnology  Image courtesy of renjith krishnan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Overcoming the Risks of Using Technology in ConstructionCan technology make construction safer, more productive, and producing better quality? Can it provide clients with a good end product? Will contractors be more profitable? And will the introduction of new technology attract the next generation of workers to the industry - a generation that has literally been born with a smart phone in hand, who's lives are intertwined with the latest technology? Can technology help your construction project? What are the risks of depending on technology? Indeed contractors must use the appropriate technology and implement it properly. Here are some questions contractors should ask. Cybercrime is on the rise. Contractors must be vigilant to protect against cybercrime. It's important to build trust between workers and robots and autonomous machines. ConclusionConstruction must use technology. Contractors can achieve enormous benefits from new technology. However technology cannot make a bad contractor good. Technology cannot make a poor construction project manager good. Technology can make good contractors better. Technology used correctly can make good construction project managers better and more productive. Contractors must adapt new ways of doing things better. But they must choose the right technology and ensure their teams use the technology correctly. It's time for construction to move into the 21st century. #constructionmanagement
Other useful articles Time management Why is there poor productivity on your construction project? Busted: 12 Construction Myths Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Most construction projects will change and vary from the works that were originally priced. There will be unexpected construction delays and problems. Variations and changes occur for many different reasons, and not all of them entitle the Contractor to a claim. Contractors that don’t claim variations or change orders they are entitled to claim will incur costs that they did not allow for in their price. Contractors that do not claim delays they are entitled to claim could finish the project late and be penalised by the Client. Regrettably some construction projects end in long, expensive, and bitter disputes over the validity of variation claims and change orders. But, it does not have to be this way. I have been involved with over 120 construction projects. I submitted variation claims or change orders on almost all of these projects. Some projects nearly doubled in value and some projects increased in time by up to 80%. I settled all change orders amicably with the Client, except two projects. One had a dispute adjudication board on the project and this was used to resolve the issue. One project we employed a lawyer and declared a dispute because the Client did not respond to our claims. I got most of the time and money I claimed. And, importantly we did further projects with most Clients, so our reputation was not tarnished with these change orders. It is possible to submit and agree variation claims and change orders amicably without upsetting Clients. Preparing, submitting, and negotiating variation claims and change orders is something that contractors often do badly. It's a topic close to my heart, and something I've written several articles about, which I reference below. I've also written an easy to read guide for contractors: Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors. Below are 15 simple rules to help you successfully deal with variations and changes on your construction project. #constructiondisputes #changeorders  15 Rules for dealing with construction variations and delays
Winning Construction Change OrdersIt is possible to amicably agree change orders with Clients by following these 15 rules. Contractors are entitled to claim for legitimate changes and delays which they could not reasonably have foreseen or allowed for. Change orders should not end in disputes. #constructionclaims #constructioncontracts #constructionlaw Other useful articles Don’t start construction projects without a proper contract. Can I Claim for Additional Time on My Construction Project?  Information in this article is from the author's book ‘Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors’. © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon. The warehouse is the heart of any business, and it's crucial to get the storage right. A warehouse can be tailored to suit your needs in a number of ways; for example, you might need specific shelving or racks depending on what you're storing. We'll take a look into some of the basics that go into constructing a warehouse, so you know exactly what you're getting when building one. We also recommend checking out this blog post about The Top 5 Software for Construction Project Planning & Management.  Photo by Pickawood on Unsplash What Is A Warehouse?A warehouse is the storage facility for a company's inventory and serves as its point of distribution to consumers. It can either be spread over an entire area or part of one, depending on how much you need to store! A standard warehouse consists primarily of shelves where merchandise is stored pending shipment out. However, there are different construction types that can be used to suit different needs. We'll take a look into some of the basics that go into constructing a warehouse, so you know exactly what you're getting when building one! According to Statista, The number of warehouses is expected to reach just under 180,000 by 2025. The boom in e-commerce has led retailers and manufacturers alike for space that can store goods without transportation costs as well as provide easy access at any time necessary; this has caused an upsurge throughout North America where 25% more warehousing facilities are being built every year on average than anywhere else around the world! Types Of WarehousesThere are three types of warehouses to consider for your storage needs. These include full-service (i.e.: including manufacturing and distribution), general service (storage only), or cross-docking (where the shipment is received, processed, and shipped out again). It's important to consider this when choosing your warehouse type. Warehouses are vital for most businesses; make sure you get the one that suits your needs best! Considerations For Warehouse ConstructionThere are a number of factors to consider when constructing your warehouse. These include the type and size, but also important elements such as ventilation, noise control, lighting, and more! Make sure you get it right from the beginning so that no aspect is left unfinished or overlooked. Building Material When it comes to warehouse construction materials, steel is the most common. The framework of a typical building uses this material for its support and durability in holding heavy loads without getting damaged easily over time as other types can do. Designers also prefer using metals due to their strength when combined with fiberglass roofs that allow natural light inside while making them easy enough repairs if anything ever needed to be replaced on-site during use too! As expected wood has always been an important resource used not only within buildings themselves but also shelves/storage space all around them; they're perfect places where goods will stay safely until needed again at some point down the line. Construction costs account for about 80% of the overall cost of a warehouse, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring high quality. We're all looking for a little inspiration, so why not check out this blog post about the Most Popular Commercial Roofs and Roofing Materials. Structure and Location To keep up with the demand for next-day delivery, warehouses are being built closer to customers. However, this requires an adequate location and good connections for logistics in order to reduce inventory wait times which is why most new development takes place on industrial estates near major cities, where land prices allow them access into those areas without having too much traffic congestion around their facilities as there was once before due primarily because people living close by needed things delivered quickly. Importance of Size When choosing a warehouse space, size matters. According to WarehouseSpace, the typical 1 km long and over 500 thousand container-sized buildings can cost hundreds or thousands more depending on which type you choose: smaller ones are cheaper but they offer less storage capacity for inventory while requiring similar running costs as larger facilities (costs per square meter). Safety A warehouse is a great place to store things, but it also comes with risks. All structures must be fireproof and the roof cannot exceed 40 feet tall if you want an easy way out in case of emergencies like fires or other accidents that happen on site. In addition to this precautionary measure for safety purposes, there are some key steps taken before construction begins such as obtaining planning permission which can only occur after meeting all necessary requirements via inspection from local authorities overseeing building codes. These precautions protect both inventories stored within these facilities (warehouse stock) plus those who work inside them by reducing risk factors caused by injuries resulting from falls among others. As a warehouse employer, you also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety. According to the warehouse experts at Todoos, to keep a safe and operational warehouse, ensure you have a thorough cleaning schedule, garbage receptacles placed in priority areas, and information to promote hand-washing and general hygiene.  Photo by CPG. IO on Unsplash ConclusionYour warehouse is your most valuable asset. It’s the backbone of your business and must be designed with safety in mind always. Considerations should be made about what materials will work best in your situation and where the location may have an impact on how much it would cost to construct a new one. How big does your company need? What safety features do they require? These questions can all help with determining whether or not constructing a new facility is worth it! After considering all these factors, you should have a good idea about how to build or renovate an effective warehouse for your company's needs. Remember that no two warehouses are built alike so it’s important to take into account what will work best for you and yours before getting started on any project! We hope this article has been helpful in understanding more about warehouses and why knowledge in this area may benefit you as well as others who read it! Other useful articles How can clients ensure their projects meet their expectations? The 10 Biggest Risks Clients and Owners Face On Construction Projects Collaboration in construction AuthorFrom Murray Bilby, Crowd Control Expert at Todoos. Todos specializes in everything that warehouse managers may require for seamless functioning of their facility – from queuing systems to waste receptacles, cigarette receptacles, signage, and even barriers for restricting access to areas where only a selected few are allowed. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Sometimes Contractors don’t claim the costs they are entitled to claim. Who works for free? (An introduction to construction variation claims for construction project managers - part 1 - why you should submit claims) It's often difficult for Contractors to make a profit. Margins are tight. Yet, some contractors do work for free. They neglect to claim for legitimate changes and delays caused by the client or due to reasons they could not have foreseen. So what should contractors look out for? When can they claim additional costs? #changeorders  Additional Costs Contractors Can ClaimThe Contractor can claim additional costs when:
#constructionvariations  Claiming additional costsThe Contractor must be able to demonstrate that these events impacted them and prove the resulting costs. Include supporting documentation. (Documents That Will Make Your Construction Variation Claim Successful). Don't work for free. Understand your contract and claim the legitimate costs that you are entitled to claim. #constructionclaims #constructioncontracts #constructionlaw Other useful articles Don’t you hate it when clients ignore your change orders? Negotiating a construction variation claim – read this first to improve your success 10 Tips To Submit Winning Variation Claims  This article is an extract from the author's book ‘Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors’. © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Often disputes and Claims arise on construction projects because of misunderstandings. (Avoiding disputes on your construction project.) Why are there misunderstandings? Well usually because of poor communication. This may be because information isn't provided, or the information is incomplete, or there is conflicting information. Sometimes the Contractor in their haste to construct the project has not taken the time to fully interpret the information provided, or perhaps search for missing information. The problem could even be within the Contractor's team where information has not been passed to those doing the work. (the importance of good communication on projects) Whatever the case, misunderstanding the information provided, or interpreting the information incorrectly, or making the wrong assumptions when there is conflicting or incomplete information, could be very costly for the Contractor, resulting in delays and work being redone. #constructionprojectmanagement #constructiondisputes Asking Questions May Avoid Mistakes Often Contractors assume something incorrectly, leading them to make mistakes that a simple question could have avoided.
 Lack of Clarity When Pricing Construction ProjectsSometimes Contractors make errors when they price construction projects. They incorrectly assumed something resulting in them pricing a project too low, or submitting a construction schedule which isn't achievable. Unfortunately sometimes information provided by the Client for pricing the project is incomplete, or unclear. Some critical project information could even be missing. The contractor should not assume anything when pricing a construction project.
Wrong Assumptions Lead to Expensive Construction Errors Never assume anything. Query things which you are unsure of, or which don't look right. No question is stupid, but mistakes are stupid and cost money. Take a little extra time to check what you are doing is correct. Contractor's have a duty to ask questions. #constructionmanagementtips Other useful articles Conflict Resolution and Prevention on Construction Projects Avoiding the unexpected in construction Did you make a difference on your construction project today?
© 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Conflict in ConstructionEvery construction project has conflict. There’s conflict within construction teams, conflict between supervisors, conflict within the contractor’s management team, conflict with suppliers and subcontractors and conflict between the client’s team and the contractor’s team. A construction project is a melting pot of egos, personalities and cultures. It’s a stressed environment with everyone trying to do the best for themselves and their company, while getting the job completed as quickly as possible, often in difficult circumstances. Sometimes you can’t avoid conflict, you have to stand up to the client when they’re being unfair to your company and demanding things which aren’t in the contract document. You have to take a stand when people in your crew aren’t obeying company or project rules. You have to be tough on suppliers and subcontractors who aren’t delivering. But, this must be done without yelling and swearing (regrettably I was often guilty of this). It’s important to explain why you’re unhappy and what’s unacceptable. Successful construction demands good communication #conflictresolution  Not the way to resolve conflict (Image courtesy of franky242 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net) Contain your frustrations Of course, there will always be some that make you really angry. People make mistakes. Supervisors will put their area of work ahead of other work on the project. They will see their work as coming first and not look at the greater project. They may block access to other parts of the project, maybe use materials needed elsewhere, unfairly hog equipment, like cranes, so that other work areas are kept waiting. It’s good to be so passionate about your work that you care when others are impeding you. But, don’t fly into a rage. Understand that others are also passionate about getting their work done, and often their actions aren't deliberate - they're just focussed on their work, without considering the consequence of their actions on the rest of the project. Everyone on a construction project is also stressed. Often they aren’t even aware of the impact their actions are having on other work. Explain logically what the problem is, and more importantly how the problem should be resolved. Sure you can show your displeasure and explain that the issue should be avoided in the future. Everyone needs to understand that completing the project is a team effort and the project isn’t complete until all sections are complete. Unquestionably, there will always be some incompetent people in construction, there will be some arse holes on the project, some managers and client’s representatives will be irritating with poor knowledge and little experience, construction is like that, there are many who shouldn’t hold the position that they have, but learn to work around them. If need be help them, tripping them up is seldom going to benefit you other than the short term satisfaction it may provide. There will be subcontractors and suppliers that let you down. Why did they let the project down? Was there something you could have done better to prevent the issue? How can the situation be rectified? How can it be prevented from recurring? Shouting and cursing is not going to help! Sure you are passionate and it is only right to show your displeasure, but it's more important that the problem is fixed quickly. Obviously, never be so assured in your knowledge and self-esteem that you’re not prepared to listen to the other person. None of us are so perfect that we can’t learn something new, or a new method of doing things. Sometimes even young and inexperienced managers may see things differently and come up with an innovative solution you hadn’t considered before.  Resolving issues together (Image by Michal Jarmoluk from Pixabay) There will be times when others will be unhappy with you – rightly or wrongly. They may yell and swear at you. Of course you won’t like that, but that’s not reason to yell and cuss back. Rather stay calm. If you did something wrong admit it and apologise – that will soon diffuse the situation and it most cases the other person will forget that anything happened and move on. Arguing something where you’re wrong will invariably escalate the situation making it worse. Certainly if the other person is wrong then tell them why they’re wrong. Be prepared to argue your case in a clear logical manner without becoming emotional or personal about it – even if the other person is throwing personal insults. Sometimes arguments are over stupid small things. Consider if it’s really worth your time and effort to argue some silly point or misdemeanour. Some arguments are best walked away from. Sometimes though problems can’t be rationally resolved, the other person is never going to understand your point of view. In these cases it may be necessary to involve a third party to settle the dispute. #disputeresolution Conflict within construction teamsOn occasion, there may be some in your crew fighting and arguing. This is disruptive and can jeopardise safety and productivity. It’s important to have a harmonious team and to step-in and resolve the dispute. Listen to each person’s arguments and then logically explain who is right and who is wrong. Sometimes both might be wrong. Unfortunately, from time to time we get trouble makers in our team, or maybe just somebody that’s obnoxious and gets people’s backs up. If the person is unable to change their behaviour they may have to be moved elsewhere, possibly have their employment terminated. There will also sometimes be clashes of personality, someone does not see eye to eye with another. It’s important to understand why there’s a problem. If it’s because of racial, ethnic or any form of discrimination it’s important to stamp it out immediately, and the person being discriminatory should be warned to discontinue the behaviour or disciplinary action will be taken. If it’s simply a clash of personalities and neither party is prepared to back down then one of the workers may have to be transferred to another crew. But always try and talk through the problem with the two people. Talk to others in the crew to check that there isn’t another underlying cause that you’ve missed, a matter that could perhaps arise later in another form. Discrimination in construction – is it holding your company back? Sure, sometimes it might seem like you’re a policeman, a psychologist, a judge, jury, and even sometimes like a parent, but unfortunately a construction manager or supervisor is all of these and more. Conflict resolutionConflict resolution and prevention is an important aspect of a construction manager's duty, and potential conflict situations should be quickly dealt with in a fair and impartial manner, otherwise even trivial matters can quickly escalate in to major issues, or fester unresolved in the background impacting morale and productivity. You cannot always avoid conflict in construction. You cannot walk away from many issues. Rather it's the way that you resolve issues. Getting people to work together for the best project outcomes. Successful construction projects are built by harmonious teams working together for the best project outcomes. Solving problems together. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #construction Other useful articles What qualities does a good construction project manager require? using the strengths of your employees to build a successful company 12 Proven Time Management Tips For Construction Project Managers
© 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Cranes are a valuable items of equipment on many construction projects. They are used to lift heavy material and equipment. Offloading items from delivery trucks, then placing them in position, sometimes up on towering buildings. Cranes allow for prefabricated and modular sections to be positioned in place - often speeding up construction. Many projects would not be possible without using cranes, or would certainly require lots more effort and time to complete. Unfortunately there are many accidents each year involving cranes. Most of these could be avoided if those using the cranes took better care. Below are a few pertinent and important points to consider when employing cranes on your construction project. #craneaccidents There is other lifting equipment such as forklifts, telehandlers, etc, which are also commonly used to lift and transport material around construction projects. These can also prove deadly when they over topple, or when loads are not properly secured.  Crane accidentsCrane accidents result in:
Safety tips for cranesThe incorrect use of cranes and lifting equipment is often the cause of serious accidents. Lifting equipment must always have the outriggers fully deployed and the outriggers must be on firm ground and not near the edges of excavations. The outriggers should be on sturdy boards or beams to distribute the load. Cranes should never lift loads that are heavier, or at a greater reach, than their rated capacity. Always know the weight of heavy loads and ensure these are within the capabilities of the crane. The crane operator should not be overruled or forced to lift a load that they’re uncomfortable of lifting (if in doubt check with an expert). Cranes should never be used in gusty or windy conditions, nor should they be deployed when there’s lightning. Loads should never be lifted over people. Many a time loads have broken free and come crashing down to the ground. Anyone below could be fatally injured if this happens. (Read crane company charged over crane collapse)  #constructionsafety Always take extreme care when cranes are working in close proximity to structures or other cranes. (Read: Buildings evacuated as crane smashes into office tower) Cranes should never work near overhead live electrical cables. Coming in contact, or indeed even within a couple of metres, of live high voltage cables could result in a fatal accident, damage to the crane and a power outage. (Read fatal accident when crane touches powerlines) Items being lifted by the crane must always be properly secured. Loads should be balanced so they can’t topple over. Large loads and loads being manoeuvred in tight spaces should have tag lines attached so they can be safely guided into position by workers, who should never stand directly under the load. Workers holding tag lines must take care that swinging loads don’t pull them off buildings or into excavations. (Read: 6 workers injured when crane drops reinforcing bars and Death under load of scaffold)  Failure of a sling will result in the load being dropped, where it could cause serious damage to equipment and structures below and fatally injure people. (Read Pressure washer plunges 29 floors) In addition the loss of a heavy load has often resulted in the crane boom swinging back so rapidly that it’s caused the boom to break and even the crane to topple over.  Slings must always be properly secured to the crane hook and to the load in such a manner that they can’t accidently come loose. Crane hooks should be checked for cracks and deformation. Hooks have opened while lifting heavy loads, resulting in the load falling to the ground. Hooks should have working safety catches which prevent the lifting slings from accidently falling off. Slings (chains, straps and cables) are of different load ratings. Always ensure that slings are rated for the weight being lifted. Slings must be checked regularly for wear, damage and deformities. Damaged slings must be clearly marked as nonconforming and removed from the project site so they aren’t accidently used. Multi-leg slings must be fixed in such a way that the legs are as close to vertical as possible, and not at an angle greater than 30 degrees from the vertical – the more horizontal the leg the greater the stress created in the sling, which could mean that the stress exceeds what the sling can carry, causing it to break.  Slings must always be stored where they won’t be damaged by other equipment and where they won’t become muddy and dirty. Working with cranesCranes are an indispensable part of many construction projects. Cranes are expensive to hire so they should be effectively utilized to minimize time and cost. Regrettably, there are many crane accidents each year, which cause, injury, loss of life, and damage to structures and other equipment. With proper care cranes are valuable tools which can be safely used. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #constructionequipment Other useful articles Become Great at Hiring Equipment for Your Construction Project The Alarming Truth about Using Old Construction Equipment Construction Equipment Productivity  This article is an extract from the book 'The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman'. © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
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CategoriesCopyright 2016 - The attached articles cannot be reproduced for commercial purposes without the consent of the author.
The opinions expressed in the attached articles are those of the writer. It should be noted that projects are varied and different laws and restrictions apply which depend on the location of the contractor and the project. It's important that the reader uses the supplied information taking cognisance of their particular circumstances. The writer assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss of any kind arising from the reader using the information or advice contained herein. "I have what I consider some of the best books on construction management."
Books are available from: Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk takealot.com kalahari.com Amazon.in Amazon.de Amazon.fr Amazon.it Amazon.com.au Powell's Fishpond uread bokus Amazon.ca Amazon.es Other retail stores Available in paperback or on Kindle "28 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE, DEVELOPING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS AND BUILDING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES"
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