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Benefits of Outsourcing Construction Project Management Services

30/5/2023

"Effective project management is the backbone of any successful construction endeavor."

Picture this: a bustling construction site, a symphony of hard hats, and heavy machinery. Behind the scenes, construction project management's a crucial element in orchestrating this complex operation. Effective project management is the backbone of any successful construction endeavor, ensuring that deadlines are met, budgets are adhered to, and resources are optimized. Now, imagine the potential of outsourcing construction project management, entrusting this vital role to external professionals. In this article, we'll delve into the benefits of leaving the management of your construction projects to professionals.

What is Construction Management

Construction project management involves planning, coordinating, and controlling construction projects from start to finish. It encompasses various activities, including project initiation, cost estimation, scheduling, resource allocation, procurement, quality management, and risk assessment. Construction managers are pivotal in overseeing the construction process, ensuring that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. They collaborate with architects, engineers, contractors, and other stakeholders to coordinate the various aspects of a construction project, from obtaining permits and managing subcontractors to monitoring progress and resolving issues. Effective construction management is essential for ensuring the successful execution of projects, from residential homes and commercial buildings to infrastructure developments and large-scale industrial projects.

Streamlining Construction Projects

Construction projects are often complex and multifaceted, with numerous stakeholders, intricate timelines, and many moving parts. Managing all these elements efficiently and ensuring smooth coordination can be daunting. This is where outsourcing construction project management comes into play, offering a valuable solution for streamlining the entire process. You can achieve a cohesive and harmonious progression by bringing in a dedicated project manager who is the conductor of this grand symphony, overseeing and orchestrating all project activities. These external experts have the knowledge and experience to navigate the complexities of construction projects, ensuring that tasks are appropriately coordinated, resources are effectively managed, and timelines are met.

"You can achieve a cohesive and harmonious progression by bringing in a dedicated project manager."

By entrusting project management to these professionals, you free up internal resources, allowing your team to focus on their core competencies and specialized areas of expertise. This division of labor creates a seamless workflow where the most qualified individuals handle each aspect of the project, maximizing efficiency and ensuring optimal project outcomes. With a streamlined approach facilitated by outsourcing project management, you can expect improved productivity, enhanced collaboration, and a higher likelihood of delivering projects on time and within budget.

Reducing Construction Costs

In the realm of construction, managing costs is a perpetual challenge. However, outsourcing construction project management can prove to be a cost-saving boon. Hiring external professionals can eliminate the need for an in-house project management team, sparing your organization from overhead costs. Moreover, outsourcing offers the potential for improved budget control and reduced project delays. With experienced project managers, you can expect meticulous financial oversight and a keen eye for cost optimization.

"Managing costs on a construction project is a perpetual challenge."

Access to Construction Expertise

Imagine having a team of seasoned project management professionals, well-versed in the intricacies of the construction industry, by your side. By outsourcing construction project management, you gain access to precisely that. These specialized firms bring knowledge and experience honed through countless successful projects. Their expertise extends beyond basic project management skills; they deeply understand construction industry best practices, ensuring that your project is executed with the utmost precision and finesse.

Improved Construction Efficiency

Efficiency is the golden ticket to successful construction projects; outsourcing project management can help you unlock it. With seasoned experts on board, you can streamline communication channels, expedite decision-making processes, and eliminate bottlenecks. Effective project management firms utilize cutting-edge technology and tools to enhance efficiency further. Professionals can also give you valuable tips and insights from their years of experience that can speed up your projects. You can bid farewell to cumbersome paperwork, inefficient workflows, and unnecessary delays by leveraging their expertise.

"100% recommended. Great reading. It’s a real rear case where “what” and “how” to construct integrated with why, when, where."

Project Managers can Adapt to your Project's Evolving Needs

Construction projects are dynamic creatures, subject to ever-changing needs and requirements. Outsourcing construction project management offers the flexibility and scalability to navigate these shifting landscapes. External project management firms can adapt to your project's evolving needs, scaling resources accordingly. Whether you need to ramp up project management efforts during peak periods or downsize during quieter times, outsourcing allows you to find the perfect balance without compromising quality.

Help Mitigate Construction Risks

Construction projects inherently carry risks, from unforeseen obstacles to unexpected delays. Outsourcing project management can be your secret weapon in mitigating these risks. External project managers possess a keen eye for identifying and managing potential pitfalls, drawing from their extensive experience in the field. By proactively addressing risks, they minimize the chances of project delays, cost overruns, and other unwanted surprises, giving you peace of mind throughout the construction journey.

"Construction projects inherently carry risks."

Help Navigating Remote or International Projects

With the increased interest in real estate investment properties, it’s not uncommon for people to invest in property across state lines. For example, building a house in Los Angeles can be an exciting yet daunting experience for those who don’t live locally. With the city's strict building codes and regulations, navigating the construction process can be challenging for even the most experienced builders. However, outsourcing construction project management services to professionals can alleviate many of these challenges. Los Angeles, and the surrounding area, are notable for strong earthquakes. Professionals from the area will have experience dealing with natural disasters and other potential risks involved in construction project management.

Project management professionals have the expertise and experience necessary to ensure that construction projects meet all relevant building codes and regulations. They can also help navigate the complex permit process, saving builders time and reducing the risk of costly delays. However, when considering outsourcing construction project management services, it is essential to be aware of the costs involved. While outsourcing can be a cost-effective solution for many builders, it is important to ensure that the benefits of outsourcing outweigh the costs.

The Benefits of a Good Project Manager

Outsourcing construction project management is key to unlocking benefits for your construction projects. The advantages are compelling, from streamlined operations and cost reductions to accessing specialized expertise and improved efficiency. So, consider the advantages of having professionals manage your construction project and embark toward smoother, more efficient, and successful construction.

How can clients ensure their projects meet their expectations?
Why construction projects go wrong before they even start – what should owners do?

Author

Martin Scopes is an outreach coordinator for the Royal Moving Company specializing in long-distance relocations. Martin loves organizing remote teams and bringing talent together.

Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully

""Great book, with tons of information and insight into the construction management industry."

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.

This article is a guest post and the owners of this website take no responsibility for the content or it's originality. The website publishes this article in good faith with the undertaking from the author and supplier that the content has not been plagiarised. Please report any errors in the article to the website owners. Should you prove the content is not original the article will be immediately taken down.

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Hiring a Service Company vs Buying Your Own Excavator

10/5/2023

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When faced with the challenge of marsh excavation, you have two primary options: investing in your own excavator by purchasing or renting one, or hiring a service company to handle the job on your behalf.

Each option has its advantages and drawbacks, making the decision a difficult one for businesses. To help you make the most informed choice, let's dive into the pros and cons of each option.

Renting or Buying an Excavator

Owning or renting an excavator gives you the flexibility of having the equipment at your disposal for extended periods. This autonomy allows you to complete excavation projects at your own pace without depending on external service providers. What Size Equipment Is Right for Your Construction Project?

However, marsh excavators can be costly to purchase or rent, which may require a significant upfront investment. Moreover, owning an excavator comes with the added expenses of regular maintenance and replacement parts. Additionally, if you lack experience with such machinery, you may need to invest in training or certifications to ensure proper and safe operation.

By engaging an excavator service company, you’ll gain access to all the necessary equipment and expertise needed to complete your marsh excavation projects efficiently and quickly.

With a service company, there's no need to worry about learning how to operate the machinery or maintaining it yourself. A trustworthy company will take excellent care of their equipment, ensuring that you can rely on them without concerns about equipment failure or delays. Furthermore, you won't have to find storage space for the equipment.

The only downside per se is that you don’t get to keep or operate the equipment, so you’ll need to do extra research to ensure that you’re hiring a reputable company that will get the job done right the first time.

Making the Right Choice for Your Construction Project

Before making a decision, it's crucial to carefully consider the advantages and disadvantages of each option. By weighing the benefits of owning or renting a marsh excavator against hiring a service company, you can make the best choice for your specific business needs.

For more information on construction equipment read Construction Equipment Productivity

Author

From airboat transportation to marsh excavation, pipeline reclamation, disaster recovery, and more – Stan's Airboat & Marsh Excavator Service has got you covered. As experts in marsh environments, based in Iowa, Louisiana, they have extensive experience working in delicate ecosystems. Contact Stan's today.

Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully

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How To Become A Construction Manager

27/3/2023

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"At the heart of the construction industry are construction managers, the vital people who ensure that projects stay on track and on budget."

The construction industry has existed for centuries and remains one of the most important industries in the world. At the heart of this industry are construction managers, the vital people who ensure that projects stay on track and on budget. Becoming a construction manager comes with many rewards - but how do you get there? Let's look at the steps necessary to become a successful construction manager.

Education and Qualifications Needed to Become a Construction Manager

Construction managers typically need a bachelor's degree in construction science, construction management, civil engineering, and architecture. Note that you could be hired for small projects with an associate degree in construction management.

You may also need relevant licenses such as:
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification - This credential demonstrates an individual's ability to use project management principles to manage construction projects successfully. It requires a passing grade on the PMP exam, and only construction managers who can provide evidence of industry experience can get it.
Certified Construction Manager (CCM) Certification - It indicates a construction manager's knowledge of construction's technical and managerial aspects. To earn it, you need to have four years of construction management experience and pass a CCM examination.
Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) Certification - This certification shows a construction manager's expertise in the management of construction projects. Candidates can apply for this credential if they have at least eight years in the construction sector, with at least two in a management role. You will need to pass a CPC exam to earn the certification.

Gaining Relevant Work Experience in the Construction Industry

There are several ways to gain work experience in the construction industry:
1.     Connect professionals in the construction industry
Establishing a network of industry contacts can help with job leads and advice on succeeding in the field. Join local or national organizations such as the National Association of Home Builders International Code Council.
2.     Participate in Internships
Construction internships can provide the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field. Internships are available at all levels, from entry-level to more advanced positions. They can help you get a foot in the door with a company and can lead to permanent employment.
3.     Work under a construction manager
Observing a construction manager in action can be a great way to gain relevant work experience in the construction industry. It provides insight into the job's day-to-day operations and an understanding of the various tasks and responsibilities of the position.
4.     Volunteer
Volunteering with construction-related organizations or non-profits is a great way to gain relevant work experience.
How you can make your next construction project more successful.

Essential Skills for a Successful Construction Manager

Here are some skills that construction project managers need to possess:

Organization Skills: A construction manager needs to be able to manage and coordinate the activities of a construction project from beginning to end. This includes scheduling, budgeting, and ensuring the project runs smoothly and deadlines are met. The importance of effective delegation for successful projects
Technical Skills: Construction managers need to understand construction processes and techniques to manage a project effectively. They should also understand building codes, safety regulations, and other technical aspects of the job.
Industry Knowledge: As a construction manager, you should know the processes and procedures associated with construction projects.
Communication Skills: Strong communication skills will allow you to communicate effectively with all the involved parties, including the construction team, contractors, and other stakeholders. Good communication is essential in construction
Flexibility: Construction projects can be unpredictable, with unexpected changes or delays. A construction manager needs to be able to adapt and adjust to changes as they arise. They should also be able to work under pressure and remain calm and professional in challenging situations.

What qualities does a good construction project manager require?

Building Your Professional Network

You can build your professional network as a construction manager in the following ways:
Attend industry events and conferences: At industry events and conferences, you can meet other professionals from the field and exchange ideas, advice, and contacts.
Join trade organizations: Trade organizations pertinent to the construction industry often host networking events and offer educational resources.
Participate in online forums: Online forums related to the construction industry will allow you to establish relationships with other professionals.
Utilize social media: Social media can be an excellent tool for networking and staying up-to-date on industry news. Platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook are great for connecting with other construction professionals.
Connect with vendors: Establish relationships with vendors and suppliers of construction materials. This will help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and gain access to resources that may not be available elsewhere.
More advice for young construction professionals

Finding Job Opportunities and Navigating the Job Market

There are several ways construction managers can find jobs. The first method is networking with other professionals in the industry. Start by attending professional conferences and joining construction-related associations.
Secondly, utilize job boards that specialize in construction industry positions. These boards often have job postings from employers in the industry and those from recruitment agencies.
Thirdly, cold call potential employers. Even if employers don't have a position available, they may keep your information on file for future openings. Lastly, attend job fairs. At these events, employers are often looking to fill positions quickly. Check out some tips on how to prepare for a construction management interview.

Tips for Advancing Your Career in Construction Management

You can advance your career using the following tips:

Obtain a professional certification: Some relevant certifications include Certified Professional Constructor (CPC) and Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
Develop your leadership skills: Having strong leadership skills will help you become more effective and successful.
Become an Expert: This way, you will stand out and become a valuable asset to any organization.
Network and stay informed: Networking can help you find new opportunities and stay connected with industry trends.

What does it take to manage a construction project?

Conclusion

A career in construction management offers a great opportunity to make a difference in the industry and achieve a high level of success. If you have chosen this career path, follow the tips in this post, and you will become a highly respected and sought-after construction manager.
Don't make these 10 rookie construction mistakes
#constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #construction

Author

Liam Byrne is a Director of SSA Group Limited, a global recruitment firm specializing in the construction, engineering and architecture industries.

Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully

"It is a very easy to use book with guidelines that are referenced intelligently with case studies." (Reader - Amazon.com)

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Top Reasons to Keep a First Aid Kit on a Construction Site

11/1/2023

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Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Having a first aid kit at a construction site is compulsory. Construction is a high-risk job and injuries happen often. While not always serious, they do need immediate attention. If you haven’t already added a first aid kit to your construction site office, let us convince you.

Why Should You Keep a First Aid Kit on a Construction Site?

Here are the top reasons why keeping or carrying a first aid kit on a construction site is important:
1. Treat Injuries Fast
A construction site is not the safest place on earth. The constant movement, heavy machinery, and labor-intensiveness of the job make it a high-risk job. There are plenty of injuries one can get on a day-to-day basis and a lot more risks for freaky accidents. Someone can tear a nail out, crush a toe, hit their head, or fall

Image by F. Muhammad from Pixabay

"Being able to treat any injuries that happen quickly can be a lifesaver"

Being able to treat any injuries that happen quickly can be a lifesaver. You can disinfect wounds, bandage them, check their temperature, and sometimes even offer antibiotics. These options offer relief but they can also save lives.

2.    Lessen Risk of Litigation
The OSHA requires that workplaces make first aid kits and medical services available to workers. The law was put in place to help people getting injured at work. Failure to comply with this law puts any company at risk of fines.

If a construction worker was to get injured and they could not receive life-saving treatment because they had no first-aid kit, your company could be facing serious fines. Additionally, the person or their family could sue the company. Whether or not the injury was serious is irrelevant because the company is somewhat liable for not complying with regulations.

To avoid getting fined when safety inspectors come around or sued when an employee can’t receive first aid, it is better to just keep a first aid kit on site.

3.    Relieve Pain Quickly
Having immediate pain relief at a construction site is a major advantage. The job is physically taxing and puts the body through intense movement. Construction workers should have access to pain medication as fast as they need it. Be it for headaches, backaches, skin irritations, or a sprained ankle.

4.    Prevent Discomfort and Further Injury
When you treat injuries fast, you help take away the discomfort. It could be rubbing a soothing balm on a rash from coming in contact with irritating plants or animals. Or, you may administer antiseptics and treat a wound, preventing sepsis and bacterial infection.

Image by Sabine van Erp from Pixabay

"Having a first aid kit ensures that minor injuries and discomforts remain minor."

Whatever the case, having a first aid kit ensures that minor injuries and discomforts remain minor. It also ensures that serious injuries receive fast and urgent care to prevent fatalities.

5. Compact and Mobile Package
A first aid kit is a compact package you can carry everywhere. Keeping it in the construction site's main office is great but you can move it if needed. You can help neighboring businesses or others in the area when they have a medical emergency. It gives you peace of mind that you can respond in case of emergency.

What Should You Include in a Construction Site First Aid Kit?

There are two categories of first aid kits: Class A and Class B.

Class A First Aid Kit: This is a basic first aid kit that holds all items an office would need. It is common in offices and most houses.

Class B First Aid Kit: A first aid kit with basic items and additional supplies for server injuries. It is common in kitchens and high-risk job sites. One of the most significant differences is the inclusion of a defibrillator.

For a construction site, it is advisable to have a class B first aid kit. Here is what your kit should contain:

2 triangular bandages
4 trauma pads
(1) 4 by 4-inch sterile pad
(1) 5-yard roll of adhesive tape
(1) 3 by 3-inch sterile pad
4 pairs of medical gloves
2 sterile eye pads
(50) 1 by 3-inch adhesive bandages
(1) 4-inch by 4.1-yard roller gauze
(2) 2-inch by 4.1-yard roller gauze
(2) 4 by 4-inch gel-soaked burn dressing
50 safety pins
2 cold packs
50 antibiotic treatments
50 antiseptic treatments
25 burn treatments
10 hand sanitizers
2 splints
1 tourniquet
4 fl ounces of eye/skin wash
3 packs cold&flu tablets
3 packs of painkillers
1 CPR barrier
1 defibrillator
A first-aid guide

The numbers of each item are the minimum amount recommended for a 10-person team. Depending on how many people work at a construction site, you may choose to add more of each.

Image by Tanja-Denise Schantz from Pixabay

First Aid Kit General Guidelines for a Construction Projects

First aid kits at construction sites should be placed in prominent positions. The best place would be near fire points as this is where most people will congregate during an emergency. You can also have one in the main office if it is easy to find and well arranged. Most minor or individual injuries can be attended to in the main office where the person can sit down.

However, depending on the size of the project and the number of workers on a site, you may have to have one in different locations. Completed levels of construction the main office, fire assembly points, and the bathroom can all have a first aid kit.

Image by Ernesto Velázquez from Pixabay

"All construction projects should have at least one qualified first aider during every shift."

All construction projects should have at least one qualified first aider during every shift. Aim to provide general first aid training at the start of every construction job. This ensures the entire team can help in event of an emergency. Also, offer certification training or hire a person already certified for every shift. In case of an emergency, this person can give life-saving treatment until emergency responders arrive.

Image by adexo_medical from Pixabay

"Ensure the first aid kit remains restocked and check for the expiry date on the items"

Keep a list of the first aid kit contents available at all times. This list should be updated whenever anything is taken out, even painkillers. Ensure the first aid kit remains restocked and check for the expiry date on the items. Once they are close to expiry, discard and replace them.

What Size Should a Construction Site First Aid Kit Be?

When deciding the size of your first aid kit, consider how many workers are around the construction project site daily. Also, consider the overall size of the construction site. If working on a large construction site or a high-rise building, it may be better to get several, well-equipped but small first aid kits and scatter them across the site.

The size of the first aid kit is not about the size of the bag. Rather, it is the number of items in the kit and how many people it could comfortably treat. Construction sites with more workers need bigger first aid kits. There are four main sizes of first aid kits available:

Travel size or one-person kit
Small or 10-person kit
Medium or 20-person kit
Large or 50-person kit

Here is our guide for first aid kit sizes for construction sites:

Low Hazard Sites

If you have less than 25 workers have a small kit
If you have 25 to 100 workers use a single medium kit or two small kits in different places
For more than 100 workers, a large kit, 2 medium kits on opposite ends of the site, or four small kits spread over the construction site

High Hazard Sites

For five or fewer workers, a small kit
For five to 25 workers, a medium kit or two small kits
For more than 25 workers but less than 50, a large kit or two medium kits

For 50 to 100 workers, two large kits or four medium kits

Final Word

Keeping a first aid kit on a construction site is vital and required by law. It can help prevent further injury and save someone’s life.

Author

This article was written by the Medshop Editor - Medshop is a leading medical supplier, servicing the Australasian region with an unbeatable range of medical supplies and a drive to exceed consumer needs.

Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully

"It's a very good book. I recommend it and Paul's articles too for junior project managers, and defiantly it will add value and experience to readers." (Reader - Amazon Australia)

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New Year’s resolutions for successful construction projects and contractors

5/1/2023

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Image by Simon from Pixabay

"The end of the year is a time to contemplate the past year and consider the coming year."

2023 – A New Year – make it the best construction year ever

2022, where did it go so fast? The last few years have been tough for many. Some of you will look back on 2022 and curse the gods of construction that were against you, rising costs, subcontractors that let you down, the weather, politicians, uncooperative clients, competitors that undercut your prices, employees, the economy, in fact usually everybody and anyone. But this serves little purpose.

The end of the year is a time to contemplate the past year and consider the coming year. It’s that time of year when many make New Year’s resolutions. These include; getting fit, losing weight, stopping smoking, drinking less, taking up a new hobby, managing stress, changing jobs and spending more time with the family. Unfortunately, few successfully keep these resolutions because they’re often poorly thought through, spur of the moment decisions (sometimes made after a few drinks), or because they just seemed like the right thing to say and do. There’s no plan on how to go about keeping the resolution. So other than providing some optimism and a brief feeling of good, they often achieve little.

" How will you make this year better than last year? Do you have a plan?"

What will you be wishing for in 2023? No doubt you are wishing for company growth, increased profits, successful construction projects, a developing career, more family time, good health, less stress and a year with few problems. But have you really thought how you’ll achieve these aims? Do you have a plan? How will you make 2023 better than 2022?

Before you get totally immersed in the hassles, problems and work in the New Year, take some time to consider things you could improve in your company, your projects and your everyday life. Why not put some New Year’s resolutions in place, and keep them.

Try these construction resolutions in 2023

Training – investing in your employees and yourself with appropriate training will yield dividends. We always put training off because it never seems the right time. “We’re too busy.”” Our team is too busy.”” We don’t have money.” ” People will leave the company after they’ve received training.” Stop making excuses. Guess what – there will never be time to train and learn unless we make time! Having skilled employees can provide huge benefits to you and the company and is usually money well spent. People appreciate learning new skills and will more likely stay with a construction company they see is investing in their future. Prepare a training schedule now. Of course, make sure the training is effective and useful, and not just training for the sake of training. And, don’t forget about you – we can all learn something new. Read a new book about construction management or building a successful company. Attend courses – construction finance, construction variation claims, communication, effective delegation, dispute resolution – nothing will be wasted.

"We can all learn something new"

Invest in new technology. Many of us become stuck in our tried and tested old ways. However there is new construction technology out there that can be hugely beneficial to your construction projects and your construction company. Of course make sure that it is appropriate, and get buy-in from your team. Don’t be left behind by your competitors!
Improve your market intelligence. Ensure you know what is happening around you, what new construction projects are coming up and what other contractors are up to. Often we are so focused on managing our construction projects or company that we don’t see what’s happening in the world around us and miss new construction opportunities. Start tracking possible future construction projects, delegate tracking forthcoming projects to individuals, talk to clients, and encourage employees to keep you informed of possible future construction work.
Effective delegation is an art that needs to be practised. It empowers and motivates our employees. People feel more trusted. Delegating work will give you more time to look at the bigger picture stuff, talk to clients, plan for the future, maybe even spend more time with the family. However delegating responsibility shouldn’t mean you abdicate responsibility. You need to follow-up without micro-managing. Also, ensure that the person has sufficient knowledge and support to carry out the task delegated to them.

"Effective delegation empowers and motivates our team."

Make time to walk your construction projects. Being on the project site, at the “construction coal face”, gives you a feeling for how well the project is run. Add value as you go around, look at safety, quality and productivity, and greet your team (they’ll appreciate it) and talk to your clients.
Improve the way you communicate with your team. Do they know where the company and projects are going? Are they focused where they should be? Often we are so focused on where we are going that we neglect to keep those around us informed. Lead and motivate your team. You will be amazed at what a motivated and inspired team can accomplish

"Pricing shouldn’t be a shotgun approach – firing off as many prices as possible hoping that one of them will hit the target"

Improve project tendering or pricing systems. Look at your project pricing procedures. Study your price submissions. Are they acceptable? Could they be done better? What percentage of your quotations or tenders do you win? This year may be the time to invest in new construction pricing software, look at ways of improving your pricing submissions and maybe even be more selective in the construction projects you price. If you lose a bid, try and understand why, what you could have done differently. It’s not always only about price! You need to sell your company to clients, convincing them that you are a professional construction company and can deliver the project they’re looking for. Pricing shouldn’t be a shotgun approach – firing off as many prices as possible hoping that one of them will hit the target – that it will be the lowest. Learn to be more selective, then put every effort to winning the projects that you have the best chance of winning, and the construction projects that will be most beneficial to the company.
Be open to learning new ways and construction methods. Don’t get trapped in always doing things the same way. Be prepared to ask questions. Look around. Investigate other options. Be prepared to learn from others.

"A little appreciation can make a huge difference to your team."

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

Say thank you. This is something we often don’t do enough of. Congratulate your team, or an individual, on a job well done. A little appreciation can make a huge difference to your team.
Spend time with your family. Don’t let working long hours and on weekends become a routine. Plan a few long weekends away with the family now. Before you know it you will be half way through the year and you won’t have had time away. Learn to leave your work at your office.

Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay

"Your crew wants to know that they belong to a successful team."

Celebrate success. We are often so busy we don’t stop to celebrate winning a new construction project, or successfully reaching a project milestone. Success is inspiring and motivating. Your crew wants to know that they belong to a successful team.

Successful contracting in 2023

Don’t let another year go past without making a few necessary changes. Before we know it 2023 will be half gone! Take action now on just a few of these points and you’ll certainly be able to look back at the end of 2023 with a sense of achievement.
Write down the resolutions you want to implement. Include a short plan on how you’ll tackle them. Then, don’t forget to monitor progress through the year.

"You can make the difference with some planning and a little effort."

Make this year a new beginning. Don’t let this become another forgotten New Year’s resolution! You can make the difference to your construction project, your company, and your life with some planning and a little effort.

How do you plan to transform your company, your construction projects and your career this year? Please share your thoughts.

If you put some of these ideas into practice please don’t forget to give us feedback on how they helped you.
Wishing you an inspired, happy, healthy and successful 2023. Thank you for your continued support.

"Very useful guide regarding the management of the construction projects. Open, direct and insightful." (Reader review Amazon.co.uk)

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Common Bathroom Design Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

17/10/2022

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Photo by Vecislavas Popa: www.pexels.com

"The bathroom is one of the essential rooms in every home"

The bathroom is one of the essential rooms in every home, and its renovation can cost a lot. That’s why it’s crucial to make it right and avoid unnecessary costs and regret. It will help if you put a lot of thought into how your bathroom should look. That will help you make this project cost-efficient and create a functional and beautiful bathroom. Luckily there’s an easy way to do it – be prepared and do the research beforehand. And this guide will help you go through it.

Plan your new bathroom

Having a plan to ensure you’re satisfied with the final result is crucial. That means you should begin the project with a functional layout that works. Work with a professional to help you develop a design that suits your bathroom space to make the most out of it. Sometimes, you get a simple square or rectangular bathroom, but sometimes, the bathroom can even fit an attic, which requires more planning. You can also research on the internet and look for ideas, example layouts, and inspiration. It’s essential to use the space well but still have all the features easily accessible. Think about the entry and placement of the shower, toilet, and sink, fitting them into the space the best way possible. Only by creating a plan can you be sure you’re doing the right thing and making the bathroom you’ve always wanted.

Have a realistic budget for your bathroom renovation

You can be unpleasantly surprised by the final bill if you are not careful with how much you’ll spend on this project. Budgeting is critical when renovating a bathroom, as costs can go very high without you even noticing. Make a list of all the things you need to do, so you can list all the supplies and tools you need. Also, if moving into a new home, don’t forget to make a shopping list for your bathroom. You’ll have to get all the essentials to set it up, and these aren’t cheap. Finally, if hiring professionals for any tasks, get their estimate first and know how much their services cost – approximately, at least. Also, don’t go for the first offer you get. It’s wise to compare a couple companies to get the best deal.

Natural light in a bathroom is best

Your bathroom can be an enjoyable place where you can start your mornings in a great mood and finish your day in the evening. Allowing natural light and fresh air in is one of the ways to achieve that. You’ll get a brighter bathroom where it’s easier to get ready, but make sure the steam or bad smell gets out much faster. Renovating or building a new bathroom is the opportunity to maximize natural light and allow better airflow. You can go with regular bathroom windows, casement windows, operable skylights, tube skylights, and more. Depending on the position of your bathroom, you might have to work less or harder for it, but there are several ways to maximize natural light. If windows are not an option, ensure enough artificial light to make up for it. An extractor fan is an excellent solution if windows are impossible to get when it comes to airflow and de-steaming.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych: www.pexels.com

"Adding a window is one of the best things you can do for your bathroom, but don’t forget to consider privacy."

Don’t let the toilet be the central part of your bathroom

Don’t let your toilet be the central part of your bathroom. It is essential but doesn’t need to be the main feature that will get the most attention. Place it somewhere on the side, so it’s not the first thing you see when you walk in. You can make a beautiful central sink the star of the show, along with a mirror and some décor. However, to improve your bathroom functionality, you can separate pieces that require more privacy, such as the toilet and shower. That is great for larger families where everyone is in a rush to get ready in the morning. It gives enough privacy so two people can use the bathroom simultaneously.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych: www.pexels.com

"A beautiful sink can be the first thing you see, not the toilet"

Tile selection is important in your bathroom

Tiles are an essential part of the bathroom and a building material you need to get before anything else. Their color, size, and texture decide the most significant amount of how your bathroom looks and its functionality. Making a wrong choice can give you headaches when it’s time to clean them, but also, some tiles can cause injuries. Be sure to avoid slippery tiles for the floor, and also think about how easy they are to clean. You can prevent one of the most common bathroom design mistakes by getting anti-skid tiles that are moisture resistant and, therefore, a much safer option.

Bathroom storage

When you think about everything you need for a bathroom, it may seem like there are not so many items on the list. That may make you believe that you don’t need as much storage and forget to include it in your bathroom design. However, bathroom storage is significant, and lack of storage is undoubtedly one of the typical bathroom design mistakes you want to avoid. Whether you have a small or big bathroom, invest effort and money into using extra space for different storage options. Shelves, cabinets, baskets – you name it. They will keep your makeup, cosmetics, towels, hairstyling gadgets, and similar items organized and give your bathroom an elegant and tidy look.

Photo by Max Vakhtbovych: www.pexels.com

"Use every inch of space to add storage and not make the most common bathroom design mistakes"

Select high-quality materials for your bathroom

Renovations are expensive, and low-quality materials will not save you money in the long run. Cabinet door handles, fixtures, and other items in your bathroom will deteriorate much quicker if you go for the cheapest options on the market. Try to find a perfect balance between quality and price and pick durable materials that will make this investment worthy.

Completing your new bathroom successfully

Finally, the last of the bathroom design mistakes you should avoid is not taking appropriate measures. Unless you trust these tasks to a professional, be sure to measure everything multiple times. That will ensure everything fits well and you don’t make errors that are expensive to fix. Bathroom renovation is a project you should take very seriously, so be patient, accurate, and remember – Rome wasn’t built in a day

Author

Kristine Sheri is a home design enthusiast who runs a blog and shares her experiences and tips with a broad audience. She’s into organization and storage tips, home décor, and DIY projects, and she currently shares her insights on moving house with strongassmovers.com. Kristine loves social media and exchanging her ideas with others on the network.

Want to learn more about designing, renovating and building houses?

Paul Netscher has written 2 easy to read books 'An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses - Volumes 1 and 2'. An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses Volume 1 deals with Hiring Contractors, Managing Construction and Finishing Your Home. and Designing your ideal home Volume 2 deals with Finding Your Ideal Property and Designing Your Dream Home.
("Great for those that DIY. Very helpful in home renovations!" said a Reader on Amazon.com 5*****)
These books are available from Amazon and other online bookstores in paper and ebook.

This article is a guest post and the owners of this website take no responsibility for the content or it's originality. The website publishes this article in good faith with the undertaking from the author and supplier that the content has not been plagiarized. Please report any errors in the article to the website owners. Should you prove the content is not original the article will be immediately taken down.

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Top Benefits Of Adding Estimating Software To Your Construction Business

16/8/2022

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When you work in the construction industry, you know that one modern cliché is true: it takes money to make money. Building homes is not an inexpensive endeavor, and you have to know where every penny goes so that you can make a profit and keep your customer happy. This article offers insight on the top reasons to add new estimating software to your construction company.

Benefits of estimating software

Better Overall Construction Job Planning

The top reason to add construction estimating software to your repertoire of internal tools is that it helps you see the big picture. You’ll not only see every step in writing, but you can also avoid mistakes, such as ordering the wrong types of shingles or not having the right professionals on site.

Money Savings

Your construction estimating software can help you better forecast how much your project will cost in the long run. It uses hard facts and figures instead of just human experience. While the latter of which is still crucial, you can’t expect your human workforce to know the cost of lumber, for example, from all suppliers. In addition to estimating software, you can also add construction procurement software to your technology lineup. This helps you streamline the buying process, and the right program can even help you compare material so that you can make buying decisions based on price and quality.

Accurate Project Budgeting

Budgeting is more than just saving money, it’s the process of knowing how much you can spend. This can help you better plan ahead if you’re working on independent development projects. If you’re just starting out, your budget will be crucial in helping you look ahead at both hard and soft costs and make sure that you budget for not only each project but also overall company expenses as well. Levelset notes that your budget should include everything from design fees and labor to materials and permit fees.

Faster Project Communication

Something that many construction professionals don’t think about is that estimating software can help you quickly communicate accurate information with your customers. After all, when it takes less time to get a price together, you can begin a dialogue around start dates and other topics.

Meeting Construction Project Deadlines

There are many things that can delay (or completely derail) a construction project. But, while you cannot control Acts of God, labor strikes, or changes triggered by your client, your estimating software can help you prevent non-excusable issues, such as delayed submissions.

Price Accuracy

Your construction project price accuracy or quotation is essential for both you and your customers. Doing a manual quote, you could miscalculate the cost of materials, potentially costing yourself thousands of dollars. Your software won’t misplace decimals or forget to add things, like mortar and finishing nails, to the overall project cost. This means you can offer more accurate estimates and tighter timelines.

Customer Satisfaction

Your customers are the backbone of your business, and when they are happy, they tell their friends. These friends can then turn into customers, and this can create a domino effect that can help you build a better business. Your estimating and procurement software can increase customer satisfaction by helping you keep your word. There’s no guesswork and the estimating process, you can send and receive estimates and reports quickly, and you’ll create a less complex process for your clients.

The right technology can help your construction company

Never underestimate the value of adding estimating (and even procurement) software to your construction business. Even if you’ve been “old school” since the beginning of your company, technology is in high demand, and everything you can do to cut costs without cutting corners will help you strategically position as a leader in your field.

Other Useful Articles
Can technology help your construction project?
Technology in Construction

Author

Marjorie McMillian has been studying, practicing, and sharing the concept of whole health and wellness since “before it was cool.” While she doesn’t share medical advice on her website, comeongetwell.net, visitors will find reliable resources intended to help guide them on their journey to whole health.

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Construction insights with Paul Netscher

23/6/2022

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Paul Netscher shares his thoughts on the construction industry and the digital transformation.

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Construction variations and change orders

1/6/2022

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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/

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Things to Consider When Starting a Construction Project

31/5/2022

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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 Budget

Constructing 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:

Labor costs

Material costs
Land development
Equipment such as general-purpose access doors, heavy machinery, and tools costs
Safety and insurance
Project management and communication software costs

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 Permits

Once 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 Contractors

The 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:

Low-bid Selection: Price is often the deciding factor in choosing which proposal to accept. If you're on a budget, you can use this method to select the lowest-pricing bid.

Best-value Selection: This method involves choosing the contractor from a technical and financial point of view. The awarding of the contract will depend on the company's qualifications and proposed budget.

Qualifications-based Selection: The contractors also need to send a portfolio of their previous projects, workflow, and suggested management plants in line with your project. Unlike the previous selection processes, this method heavily relies on the company's qualifications and capability to accomplish your goals.

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 Systems

Now 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:

OSHA Construction Site Compliance
OSHA Safety Inspection Standards

IHSA Safety Training Guidelines

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 Management

Procurement 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:

Plan Procurement Management: The first step in procurement is to create a procurement management plan that includes requirement documents, risk register, resource requirements, scheduling, estimates, and more. You and your team would then determine whether you need external resources. Once decided, your project manager will release a proposal (RFP) request to acquire external goods and services from third-party vendors and contractors.

Conduct Procurements: The second step is when you review and assess each bid to determine which one is the most ideal for the project. There are various selection techniques that you can employ to ensure that you receive the best value for your budget. Create a purchase order that documents the agreed price, quantity, delivery schedule, and payment terms to ensure transparency.

Control Procurements: Since you are dealing with external contractors, including the management of these third-party vendors in the general management duties. Although these contractors are professionals, they must request regular updates on progress, review agreements, and work performance to keep the project on track. It is also crucial to ask for work orders to facilitate payment and monitoring.

Close Procurements: What constitutes completed work should be detailed in the initial agreement to avoid confusion when it's time to close the contract. Examine the work orders and perform a procurement audit to help you create structure during this process. If possible, it would be best to have a record management system so that you can pull out important paperwork whenever necessary.

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 project

Although 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

Author

Chris 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

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Understanding Construction Management

24/5/2022

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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:

Residential: Residential projects address the housing needs of society. Apartments, condominiums, single- or multi-dwelling homes, townhouses, and modular houses are some of the most common examples of residential structures. These projects are usually funded by developers or private individuals for use or sale.

Commercial: The commercial sector refers to the needs of trade, commerce, and government, which make up about a third of the entire construction market. Retail establishments include hotels, shopping malls, stadiums, hospitals, schools, and government buildings. These structures also range from small or large-scale facilities to state-of-the-art biotechnology laboratories.

Industrial: Large-scale commercial buildings would pale in comparison to massive industrial facilities. The industrial sector requires vast resources and a high level of construction experience. This sector primarily refers to production facilities such as power plants, manufacturing plants, oil refineries, chemical plants, steel mills, and city pipelines.

Heavy Infrastructure: The infrastructure sector refers to projects that directly impact mobility and transport. These civil structures include roads, bridges, dams, airports, and railways. Like industrial facilities, heavy infrastructure projects are complex endeavors that require civil engineers and a pioneering construction team.

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 Manager

Project 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:

Estimate and negotiate costs Where do estimators get their prices?
Establish the construction budget
Manage to schedule and create work timetables 10 reasons why a construction schedule/program is useful
Handle work orders

Determine the most effective methods and strategies appropriate for the project planning your construction project
Keep the owner or stakeholders updated regarding the progress and budget
Negotiating contract agreements Why should we take construction safety seriously?
Ensure safety on site
Find reliable product suppliers such as Best Access Doors

Due to their level of authority and accountability, here are the skills that a project manager should have are:

Analytic
Problem solver

Creative
Intuitive and insightful
Motivator and leader Respect in construction - why it's important
Training in technical engineering
Proper written, verbal, and graphic communication Do You Have Good Communication On Your Construction Project?

Experience in construction

"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?

"I'm learning as fast as I can to understand the challenges and pitfalls of project management. This book is fun to read and full of examples of what to be aware of with project management." Reader review on Amazon

Construction Management Bidding Process

Depending 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:

Open bid: Open bids are open to the public, and general contractors can submit an offer.

Closed bid: This type of bid is ideal for private projects wherein the owner would select a group of contractors and receive offers from the chosen candidates.

Once the owner receives all the bids, they can choose the best offer by employing any of these effective selection methods:

Low-bid selection: Price is often the most used deciding factor when choosing which contract to accept. It is a straightforward selection process wherein the owner decides the lowest-priced bid. Selecting The Right Contractors and Subcontractors for Your Construction Project

Best-value selection: This method evaluates the contractor's qualifications and the bid price. Simply put, it's a value for money selection approach.

Qualifications-based selection: Aside from their bids, the contractors must also submit supporting documents that showcase their experience, workflow, and management plans to ensure that the project stays within the budget and schedule. Checking contractors' prices

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 Processes

Project 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.

Initiation: Before starting the building phase, a project manager must create a feasibility report to determine whether to continue or delay the project. The information will dig deep into the project objectives, cost estimate, and timeline and check whether the owner has enough resources to support development. Aside from checking feasibility, you can also identify potential issues with the design.

Planning: The next step is for the project manager to create a Project Management Plan (PMP) to outline the tasks, project milestones, and resources required to achieve these tasks within the intended budget. Transparency is critical during the planning stage to ensure that everyone on the team aligns with the project's goals. Finally, you will need to create several documents during this phase, such as a communication plan, work structure, risk management, scheduling, and cost management. Don’t Start Your Next Construction Project Before Reading This

Execution: This is the phase where the building begins. As the project manager, you need to ensure that all deliverables proceed as scheduled. You need to keep the owner updated and conduct regular meetings with the project team to cover every aspect of the building process.

Monitoring: This step primarily involves progress and budget supervision. It would help to utilize a program to help you keep track of performance, cost, time tracking, and quality control to ensure that you are in control of the project. It is crucial to remain flexible and adaptable so that you can professionally handle or adjust to any situation.

Closure: The last stage of all construction projects involves the completion and delivery of the project. At this point, the owner would then assess the entire structure to ensure that the initial design and budget estimations were successful. The project manager would then provide the owner with a complete report, including necessary warranties of devices or products installed in the building. The Secret to Finishing Construction Projects On Time

Construction managers play a critical role on construction projects

Project 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)

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Considerations for Green Building Design

17/5/2022

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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 green

1. 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:

Orient the floor plan: Strategically design the frequently used areas in your commercial space towards the south. Doing so will benefit the occupants during winter and provide relief during summer.

Plan for tree shade: Trees are a crucial component in passive solar design since they can provide shade from the glaring sun. The building designer must consider the age, species, and growth rate of the surrounding vegetation to determine building orientation accurately.

Install several windows: While it is advisable to install large windows as much as possible, you still need to consider heat transfer during the colder months. Be wise in choosing efficient and glazed windows depending on the building type.

Wind direction: Being considerate about the prevailing wind direction around your building is necessary for passive cooling design, protection against adverse winds, and preventing snow from piling up on windows and doors.

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:

Fixed Solar Shading: Fixed shading is a structural feature that helps reflect or block sunlight. If you want to employ this method, your builder must note the sun's path and direction throughout the day and seasons to maximize its effectiveness. It is also an ideal solution to improving curb appeal when designed correctly.

Dynamic Solar Shading: Dynamic shades are interior features that offer optimal thermal performance. It changes throughout the day to keep up with the sun's angle and intensity. Shade fabrics are the most popular option for this shading variety. Once installed, the interior fabric can complement the overall design and lead to significant energy savings.

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:

Wood
Steel
Concrete
Asphalt shingles
Drywall

Glass

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:

Recycled materials
Resource and energy-efficient materials
Renewable materials

Refurbished or salvaged materials
Locally available materials
Moisture-resistant products

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 money

Green 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.

Author

Construction Management From Project Concept to Completion
Packed with invaluable tips, insights and advice, this easy to read construction project management book explores the complete construction project lifecycle: from project inception, where the owner decides what they want, where they want it and how much they can pay to planning the project, deciding what help you need, appointing the project team, project investigations, budgets, the design process, selecting the right contractor, preliminary project work, construction management and finally, commissioning and project completion.

"100% recommended. Great reading. It’s a real case where “what” and “how” to construct integrated with “why”, “when”, “where” " Reader on Amazon

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Two leaders, one war, are there lessons for construction project managers

14/3/2022

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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

Visit the coal face. Regularly go out onto your project.

Too often construction project managers think that they can manage a construction project from behind a desk, behind a computer screen. As a construction project manager I was out on the project site 2 or 3 times a day. Looking for potential issues, safety, quality, progress, productivity, and people. Solving problems. Talking to my team – understanding their mood and issues. Even as a senior director I tried to get to all my construction projects at least once a month. And my teams appreciated it. I heard comments from other contractors’ workers how they never saw their senior management, or if they did it was a brief visit in the office with the project manager and the rest of the construction project team was ignored. Leaders who are remote lose touch with their people. They don't understand the problems on the ground.

Be prepared to include dissenting voices in your team.

Too often politicians surround themselves with yes men (sometimes yes women). Anyone that offers a different opinion is moved on. Living in an echo chamber eventually makes you deaf and you only hear one opinion – your opinion – which may not always be right! Diverse views are important. Have You Ever Started A Construction Project That Looked So Good, Only To Find It Was A Rotten Project? You don't have to follow these opinions, but listening may provide alternative solutions, or highlight potential pitfalls and risks. Surround yourself with an energetic and intelligent team, not your old cronies or yes men. You cannot win with a second-rate team of has-beens who are only there because of loyalty, or to say yes and rubber stamp your decisions.

"When people are too scared to report a problem they will hide the issue"

Your team must be encouraged to report problems or potential issues.

Some leaders are quick to blame the bearer of bad news. When people are too scared to report a problem they will hide the issue, perhaps attempt to fix it themselves and make it worse. When the problem eventually comes to light it is a raging inferno. It’s important to know of problems on your construction project early so they can be dealt with, and that there aren’t unpleasant surprises later. Encourage your construction team to communicate problems early. Sure they may still be responsible to fix the issue, but at least you can keep an eye on the situation and step in to help or give advice when needed. Your team should know that you want to hear the truth, not a sanitised version of what they think you want to hear. Your Construction Project is in Trouble – Who are you Going to Blame?

"Break your word or commitment once and you’ve lost trust. It’s hard to win back trust."

Good, consistent communication is important.

Keep communicating with your team, with the client, with all stakeholders. Be honest. Trust is important. Break your word or commitment once and you’ve lost trust. It’s hard to win back trust. Don’t exaggerate or pretend things are fine when they aren’t. Don’t over promise and under deliver. Successful construction demands good communication

Coercion only gets you so far.

People aren’t slaves. People can’t be forced to like or respect you. Loyalty can't be forced on people. Respect comes with good leadership. Good quality, safety, or productivity cannot be instilled by coercion alone. It comes with people understanding why things should be done right. It comes with people being proud of their work. It comes with good leadership. It comes with respect, not fear. Respect in construction - why it's important

Understand who you are dealing with.

Understand your team. Understand your contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Understand your client. Underestimating one of them could be disastrous. Overestimating abilities is equally dangerous. In construction it’s important to know your clients. It could save you.

"Many problems occur in construction due to poor or inadequate planning."

Have a coherent plan and communicate it to all stakeholders.

Many problems occur in construction due to poor or inadequate planning. Problems occur when the project team does not understand the project specifications, requirements, objectives, standards, or schedule (programme). Problems occur when there is an overly optimistic construction schedule, or when the wrong assumptions are made. Everyone in the team working together delivers construction projects successfully. If one of the stakeholders pulls in another direction, has a different vision or goal, it’s disruptive.

Don’t let your ego impact your decision making.

It’s not about who has the biggest ego. It’s about what’s right, not who’s right. What’s the right solution. It should never be about one person. It takes a united team to build a project. Good leaders unite people.

"None of us are perfect - be prepared to change"

Be prepared to take criticism. Be prepared to change.

None of us are perfect – although some may think so. We can all improve. We have all made mistakes. Unfortunately too few politicians take accountability for their actions. They are too scared, or arrogant, to admit they were wrong. It takes the bigger person to say sorry, I was wrong. Conflict Resolution and Prevention on Construction Projects

Humanity and compassion are important.

As construction project managers you can destroy people’s lives – poor safety, discrimination, not paying people and companies fairly. Often simply to enrich oneself or company, or because of laziness or incompetence. But equally you can change people’s lives for the better. You can deliver good quality projects safely. You can train, mentor, and promote people. You can pay people and companies fairly. Are your subcontractors profitable? Should you care? You can protect the environment. I look back on my career and think of all the people I trained, mentored, and promoted. I know that I changed people’s lives for the better. But I also know that I should have done more. Empathy and compassion are important. Will your legacy be one of destroying people’s lives, or one of making the world a better place?

Photo by Idi Parinduan from Pexels

"The biggest or strongest team does not guarantee a successful project."

Use the right team and the right equipment.

Intelligently use your resources. The biggest or strongest team does not guarantee a successful construction project. A carpenter or cabinet maker does not use a sledgehammer. Construction equipment that continually breaks down will disrupt progress. Poorly trained people will lead to bad quality and poor productivity.

Good data systems are vital. But it’s also how the information gathered is treated.

Running a successful construction project requires accurate information. Measuring progress against a valid construction schedule. Preparing accurate cost reports. Monitoring quality, safety, and environmental outcomes. It's estimated that bad data caused $1.8 trillion in losses to contractors worldwide in 2020. Of course it’s pointless having good construction project data and information if it’s ignored, or not utilised correctly. Is fake news influencing your project? Maybe you are creating fake news!

"You cannot hide problems forever"

You cannot hide the truth forever

I've seen contractors try hide their mistakes. Quickly cover them up before the client sees. Maybe you've done the same. Unfortunately these mistakes usually manifest themselves later - sometimes long after the construction project is complete. Rectifying these issues is often much more expensive than if they had been fixed properly in the first place - or better still if the mistake hadn't occurred in the first place. I always say water will always find your poor quality. In the same way project managers sometimes try and hide problems on their construction projects from their managers, hoping that things will get better. Monetary losses will miraculously turn around. The project will suddenly make up lost time. Guess what this seldom happens. You can fool some of the people all of the time, some people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time. Trying to hide the truth is a reflection on your integrity. Repairing defective work on your construction project

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)

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Ethics in construction

8/3/2022

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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)

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Is it possible to reduce construction time?

18/1/2022

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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."

View of nearly complete cooling tower structure with flues in position

Constructing concrete flues on the ground

Lifting concrete flue into place

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 Time

It is possible to reduce construction time by:

Employing more resources.
Working longer hours or double shifts – this could be less productive and increase costs and may not be possible on some projects.
Changing the sequence of construction activities.
Using a different construction method – for example modules, precast and prefabrication. Even consider alternative foundation designs. Read for more.
Simplifying the design.
Using different materials.
Paying Suppliers extra to expedite deliveries where this is a problem.
Analysing where the bottlenecks are – what is slowing or impacting the schedule the most – and trying to eliminate these._

But reducing construction time sometimes comes at a price

Additional cost.
Additional risk.
Potential quality issues.
Possible issues with neighbours.
Possible safety problems.

These risks must be balanced with the advantages of completing the construction project quicker. Although of course safety and quality should never be compromised no matter the time savings.

There is a point when you cannot achieve the impossible

There is a point when you cannot achieve the impossible.

There are no more resources.
The safety risks are too great.
The design cannot be changed.
The costs are exorbitant.
You cannot work more hours.

The client must be informed that their construction schedule is 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

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

4 Comments

Is your construction schedule achievable?

12/1/2022

4 Comments

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 unachievable

Contractors 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 Client incurs additional costs and must reorganize.
Contractors and activities are delayed.
The Client is disappointed

The Contractor finishes late

Is penalized,
Incurs additional costs not allowed for because of the extra duration,
Reputation is damaged.

Extra resources are thrown at the project to try and complete it on time, often causing inefficiencies and additional costs.
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 project

Rather than promise the client something you cannot deliver it may be possible to work around the Client’s requirements.

Understand what is important for the client – can you give that item/section to the client when they want it. For instance, often clients have contractors following you – are these contractors going to be working everywhere at once, or can you give them a section or area to start.
Why does the client need the area and is that date really that critical to the final completion of the project?
Work with the Client and see how you can help them still finish their project on time.

So the final completion of your construction work will be finished later than the client originally wanted. But, by working with the client you've ensured that what is important to them is completed on time and that they've not suffered a large overall delay.

"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 schedule

Sometimes 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

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

4 Comments

Start the new year with these Construction Management tips

4/1/2022

2 Comments

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 year

1. 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.

"You are never too old to learn something new that will make you a better contractor."

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.

Minimise stress by planning projects. Proper planning can avoid many of the crises that envelop some construction projects. Planning means selecting the most appropriate construction methods. It’s about planning the project before starting the project. It’s about daily planning.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

"Sometimes it’s not worth arguing and winning every point – rather look at the bigger picture. "

Know which battles to fight and which can be avoided. Sometimes it’s not worth arguing and winning every point – rather look at the bigger picture.
Don’t take it personally. In construction things will go wrong. We will make mistakes. We will have a bad day on the project. Managers and clients will become annoyed. Employees will become angry. Suppliers will let you down. Don’t take it personally. If your Construction Project Goes Wrong, Make Sure you Do These 11 Things
Learn to say no.
You can’t do everything. Ask for help when necessary.
Don’t worry. Worrying never solved anything. Sleepless nights don’t solve problems. Stop worrying about the things you can’t control – it doesn’t help. 12 steps to reduce the stress of construction.

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

Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully

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How Construction can be More Environmentally Sustainable

22/12/2021

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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 emissions

We 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

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""I highly recommend this book be read by all newly qualified construction project managers as well as those more experienced." Reader on Amazon

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May you only have successful construction projects in 2022

15/12/2021

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Enjoy the holiday break with your family. Come back rested in the new year, ready to face the construction challenges of 2022.

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A 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."

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Overcoming the skills and worker shortage in construction part 2

7/12/2021

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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 be

Think 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.

“Everyone has to be trained and gain experience somewhere.”

Too many companies can’t be bothered to look long term, only looking at the immediate needs of the company and project. Many contractors think skilled and experienced people are readily waiting somewhere for a call to join the company when there’s a vacancy. Well that’s mostly not the case, and every one of those people had to be trained somewhere

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.

In fact, start by making your construction projects a more pleasant place to work for all – clean toilets and eating and rest areas for all workers. Cut the tough macho image of construction workers – that image belongs in the past and times have changed.

"Start by making your construction projects a more pleasant place to work for all "

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?

“The construction industry cannot afford to let good talent sit idle.”

Don’t be too proud to ask someone back to the company. The construction industry cannot afford to let good talent sit idle.

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.

Training and mentoring will not happen if your managers and supervisors don’t put the effort in. Trainee apprentices and students are going to be worthless if they aren’t taught and used effectively – and they aren’t going to return to a company where managers haven’t shown an interest in them.

“Trainee apprentices and students are going to be worthless if they aren’t taught and used effectively.”

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 shortage

Is 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

Have you had success with some of these suggestions? Or failures?
Maybe you’re desperate for work but remain unemployed for a reason I’ve mentioned above?
Perhaps you’ve left the construction industry – why?
Let’s hear your experiences and thoughts?

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NO BS Time Management from a REAL PM

1/12/2021

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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

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Construction Management Books Sale

28/11/2021

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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.

"I recommend. Great book, very easy to read and understand." (Reader Amazon Australia)

"Informative. Lot's of Great Information" (Reader Amazon Canada)

"Excellent reference! A combination of theory and actual..very detailed approach." (Reader Amazon.com)

"Excellent writing, very useful and all around good read" (Reader on Amazon)

"Brief, easy to follow, good examples and the real management world. I will use it has a reference on my job." (Reader Amazon Spain)

"A very readable and extremely practical guide for construction professionals. Honestly, this book is damn readable. (Reader Amazon.com)

A great opportunity to brush up on your construction project management skills.

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Overcoming the skills and worker shortage in construction - Part 1

23/11/2021

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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!

They are overqualified. How can someone be overqualified for a job? They are either qualified or they aren’t qualified! What harm is there to have more knowledge than the job requires? Or maybe some bosses are scared of being shown up? If the person accepts the position your company is offering they should know the salary offered and the duties they are expected to perform. If they’re willing to fulfil those duties for that salary then why should anyone have reservations about whether the person has more knowledge and experience than the position requires? And who knows, perhaps with time your company will be able to utilise those extra skills and additional experience? Maybe those additional qualifications will be an advantage to the role they’re expected to fill? Excluding people from a job with the excuse they are overqualified is nonsensical.
They are too old. Are they so old that they are frail and weak, perhaps walking with a Zimmer frame? If not, then what difference does a person’s age make? Why should the person’s age disqualify them from filling the position? There are many willing and capable older people looking for a job, most of whom will be loyal, reliable, diligent, and dependable, and many of whom have tons of experience. So what if they’re not going to be working for the company for the next 5 or 10 years, well I’ve got news for you, there are probably very few employees who are going to be staying that long. Anyway you have a skills shortage now, plug the gaps with people who are willing and able to work now – not with some mythical young, bright, strong person that fits your vision of what someone in construction should look like who you can’t find right now. How does age preclude someone from filling the role? Is it simply because you have a preconception of what an old person is capable of doing? You will be elderly someday – will that mean you shouldn’t be working?
They’ve been out of work too long. So what? If they have the knowledge and experience to do the job then why is there a problem? Some people choose to take time off work. Maybe their circumstances change and they couldn’t or didn’t want to work. Maybe they retired early, then after a few years decided to, or perhaps needed to, return to work.
We don’t employ women because. They’re going to get pregnant and leave the company. They are going to distract the men. They are going to spend the day talking. They can’t work in construction. They shouldn’t work in construction. Etc, etc. So automatically half the population is excluded from your employment search. A third of new hires in this construction company are women. Women can work in construction. Employ a few and see how it goes.

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 continued

In 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

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10 more tips for pricing construction projects

16/11/2021

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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:

Understanding and using the local rates for materials, labour, and equipment.
Knowing the productivity of workers.
Learning from previous project costs.

3. Develop an accurate project schedule. 10 reasons why a construction schedule/program is useful.

The schedule must take account of the project restraints.
It should allow for the normal weather conditions.
The schedule must make efficient use of the available resources.
The schedule must be achievable. You don’t want to commit to a construction schedule which can’t be met. If you can’t meet the client’s milestone dates maybe you should walk away from the project, or offer an alternative completion date that you can meet. Tell the client why you can’t meet their completion dates. It’s pointless winning a project when you can’t meet the dates, it’s bad for your company’s reputation, and it’s going to cost money.

4. Finalise the overhead costs (preliminaries). Those are the costs to manage the project, including the provision of insurances, security, surety bonds, temporary facilities, etc.
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:

All arithmetic.
No costs have been overlooked.
No costs have been overlooked.
Everything requested has been priced.
All the required documentation has been included.

7. Decide on the final mark-up (profit), How much profit? This could depend on:

The project risks.
How desperate your company needs the project.
Your competitors.
Company policy and overheads. However this should not dictate unreasonable profits which could cause you to lose a project that the company is desperate to win.

8. Check that any qualifications or assumptions you’ve made are clearly noted, as well as any exclusions from your price.
9. Prepare your price submission so that it looks professional.

Check it has all the required documentation in an orderly arrangement so that it is easy for the client to find the pertinent documents they’re looking for.
Ensure the submission doesn’t contain documents irrelevant to the project, or include documents which are obviously ‘cut and pasted’ from other price submissions.

10. Sell your company’s abilities. Why should the client select your company as the contractor? Demonstrates that your company clearly understands the project requirements and can deliver on these. This could include:

A portfolio of similar construction projects the company has completed.
Staff and equipment you propose to put on the project.
Method statements.
Company and project safety information.
Statement of how you will deal with particular concerns the client has raised.
A statement of why you company can successfully deliver the construction project with minimal risk and fuss.

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.

Ensure there’s a record of all calculations and pricing documentation that’s filed where it can readily be found.
Client’s will often ask questions and negotiate with the contractors with the best prices. It’s possible to lose a winning bid with poor answers or a weak negotiating strategy. Post bid communications - the difference between winning and losing a bid.
If you are called for a meeting to discuss your price submission make sure your team is prepared and have all the documentation easily at hand. Construction project bid negotiations – Don’t make a mistake.

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

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10 tips to successfully pricing your next construction project

9/11/2021

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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:

Has a reputation for paying their contractors on time.
Has sufficient finance for the project.
Has employed a suitable project team.
Doesn’t regularly get embroiled in legal disputes with their contractors.
Treats their contractors fairly.
Is serious with proceeding with the project.
Has reasonable expectations which your company can deliver on.

In construction it’s important to know your clients. It could save you.

2. Understand the project documentation.

What are the payment terms?
Are there specific project rules?
Is the contract fair?
Are their conflicting clauses or potential problems with the contract?

your construction project contracts - why you need to understand them
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.

Is access to the work areas available? Are there restrictions on the route to the project which could restrict the size or weight of vehicles? What about traffic?
Are their other contractors working in the area who could cause disruptions to your work?
What are the project physical conditions – ground conditions, drainage, water table, etc?
Are there power cables or other overhead restrictions?
Are there underground utility lines in the way of construction?

Don’t Submit Your Construction Price (estimate/tender) Proposal Until You Get These Questions Answered On A Site Visit
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

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