 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.
For a construction site, it is advisable to have a class B first aid kit. Here is what your kit should contain:
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 ProjectsFirst 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:
Here is our guide for first aid kit sizes for construction sites: Low Hazard Sites
High Hazard Sites
Final WordKeeping 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. AuthorThis 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) 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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 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
 "We can all learn something new"
 "Effective delegation empowers and motivates our team."
 Image by Ben Kerckx from Pixabay "Your crew wants to know that they belong to a successful team."
Successful contracting in 2023Don’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) 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.  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 bathroomHaving 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 renovationYou 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 bestYour 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 bathroomDon’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 bathroomTiles 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 storageWhen 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 bathroomRenovations 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 successfullyFinally, 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 AuthorKristine 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.
 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 softwareBetter 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 companyNever 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. AuthorMarjorie 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. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully  "A practical and really helpful guide to navigating the myriad of things to think about when managing a construction project." Reader review on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights. Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon. 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.
 Paul Netscher shares his thoughts on the construction industry and the digital transformation.  Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Most construction projects have changes and delays. Some contractors fail to claim their full entitlements, while sometimes variation claims and change orders end in lengthy and costly disputes. It shouldn't be like this.
In this construction claims podcast I provide advice to contractors and clients on dealing with variations and change orders. Thank you Stewart White for having me as a guest. It's always good to share my knowledge and experience with the construction industry. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #contractors #constructionclaims #constructionvariations https://exsolutionsgroup.podbean.com/e/esg-podcast-06-with-guest-paul-netscher/  Maybe your business is looking at expanding, which may require building a new warehouse, factory, process facility, or even a mine. Where to start, what are the pitfalls, how much will it cost, will it be completed on time? Unfortunately many construction projects go wrong because they are badly planned and poorly thought through. White elephant construction projects Those embarking on a new construction project must do thorough planning before starting the project. Whether you are simply looking at building a new house or renovating your current home, or embarking on a more ambitious project like developing property to sell or lease, or perhaps a new venture to expand your business, no matter the scale of the construction project good planning before starting the project is essential. #constructionprojectmanagement #constructionprojects  Image by Malachi Witt from Pixabay "Pre-construction is a critical phase in every building project" Pre-construction is a critical phase in every building project as it involves planning, analyzing, budgeting, and establishing the anticipated needs and potential issues in your upcoming project. Quality pre-construction planning can help the owner decide if the completion of the project is within their budget and if it's feasible for their current space. During pre-construction, there are various things to consider to ensure a smooth workflow during construction. Here is your complete construction checklist to help you create an effective pre-construction plan before breaking ground. Plan a Realistic Project BudgetConstructing a new building may seem exciting, but make sure you don't go over your head. Instead, focus on setting a realistic budget with the help of your finance team or project manager. If you don't have a team to assist you, make sure you spend time allocating, calculating, and reviewing your intended budget. For your reference, here are the expenses that you need to include on your budget list:
While setting the budget, you also need to communicate directly with your contractor, engineer, architect, design consultants, and business stakeholders to include all necessary items in the budget. Ask your team for suggestions to facilitate the project and correctly add those to the expenditure. In addition, you also need to make space for unexpected costs to prevent delays. Although you may have a concise budget list now, you can never go wrong with being prepared for potential issues. You can also ask your team for reliable material suppliers to get the best deals. Acquire Building PermitsOnce you have determined the site for your new commercial building, you need to obtain zoning permits. The local zoning requirements refer to the type of structures you can build on the land. These codes essentially dictate the form and make of any building in a particular location. After receiving the zoning permit, you can now apply for a building permit. This permit regulates a structure's features, safety, and environmental impact on the surrounding area. Depending on the scale of the construction project, you may also need additional permits for fire safety, plumbing, electricity, and even the elevator. Applying for permits may be time-consuming, but it is a crucial process in the first stages of construction. When you apply for one, inspectors will come and inspect the site to ensure that everything is up to code and safe before proceeding with the project. Set a Project Timeline Set up a meeting with your team and business partners to determine the starting and completion date. Since construction requires funding, it is necessary to establish a completion timeline with several milestones to track progress. Will your construction project be completed on schedule? Read this The construction resources you reqire will also depend on how fast you finish construction. Inform your project manager of whether you need things done more quickly so that they can give you a realistic date without sacrificing quality. Factor in unexpected delays due to weather, labor issues, material shortage, shipment delay, and more. project scheduling - the relationship between time and cost Request Bids from ContractorsThe next step would be to request at least three construction companies to send out their proposed bids. To receive a compatible offer, it would help if you provided necessary details about the project, such as the target budget, location, and blueprint. If you don't have the blueprint yet, you can inform them of your design ideas so that their architect can also suggest a layout based on your goals. If you plan on building a large-scale structure and want to maximize all possible options, then you can publicly post your bidding request so that any contractor can send out their bids. However, if you're going to streamline the process or if you're in a hurry, you can put out a closed request to a select group of contractors. Once you have all the bids, here are three selection methods to help you choose the best company for the job Checking contractors' prices:
In addition to these selection methods, it is also necessary to hire a licensed and insured construction company. Choose a company that offers both since it shows their confidence and accountability. They also need to have workers' compensation as it is also a good indicator that you're doing business with the right people. After selecting the company that will take care of your future assembly, you can now finalize the budget, permits, and project timeline in a meeting with your new contractor and the rest of the team. Why owners sometimes employ the wrong contractor  Secure Safety Measures and SystemsNow that you're in the last stages of the pre-construction process, the next step is to ensure workplace safety. Although safety is an essential aspect of construction, there are still several instances wherein the owner and even workers overlook safety protocols. Why should we take construction safety seriously? Construction work is a dangerous profession. It is the employer's responsibility to implement various measures to minimize risks, such as safety training, equipment, and adhering to these regulations:
Establishing safety on site is beneficial not only for the workers but your business as well. The immediate consequence of accidents resulting from neglect has to pay for unexpected costs due to the injury and hefty fines from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Create a risk management plan with your team by listing down possible risks involved in the project.  "Packed with invaluable tips, insights and advice, Construction Management from Project Concept to Completion is an easy to read project management book that explores the complete construction project lifecycle: from project inception, where the owner decides what they want, where they want it through project execution to completion. Ensure your project is a success." Procurement ManagementProcurement involves acquiring the materials and services required in construction projects to ensure completion. Ordering the correct quantity of construction materials Here are the steps involved in procurement management:
 Procurement is a crucial phase in pre-construction as there will be instances when you need to purchase, rent, or acquire external resources to accomplish project goals. Before requesting external help, make sure that you have weighed the pros and cons of producing the goods or services from the team. Making an informed decision is crucial so that you can proceed with confidence. Ready for a successful construction projectAlthough construction will take time, patience, and money to complete, you can help guarantee the project's success by following these pre-planning guidelines. Beginning the building phase with an appropriate budget, accurate scheduling, and establishing a refined set of goals is critical for successful project completion. How clients accidentally sabotage construction projects, and how you can stop it AuthorChris Jackson is an experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is currently employed by Best Access Doors, an access door supplier in the US and Canada, and has been working for the company for more than 12 years now. His area of expertise is on Negotiation, Roofers, Sales, Project Estimation, and Facility Management (FM) Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully "A practical and really helpful guide to navigating the myriad of things to think about when managing a construction project." Reader review on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Construction management refers to the process of managing building projects. It involves streamlining the various stages of development and ensuring that all workers, teams, and equipment are functional and collaborative. The need for structure and coordination paved the way for project managers to have a crucial role in the industry. "The construction manager must interact with various professionals from different skill" While project management primarily deals with managing resources, costs, and quality, the role of the project manager extends beyond leadership and control. While project management primarily deals with managing resources, costs, and quality, the role of the project manager extends beyond leadership and control. The manager must interact with various professionals from different skill areas, such as engineers, architects, designers, public works, and city planning. from different skill areas, such as engineers, architects, designers, public works, and city planning. the importance of good communication on projects Sectors of Construction  To better understand project management, it would help identify the various construction industry sectors. Below are the four types of building projects:
Despite the type and scale of the project, you still need to implement construction management to ensure safety and mobility on-site. The Role of a Project ManagerProject managers are among the busiest people on construction sites since their tasks and responsibilities encompass the various stages of development. Their main goal is to proceed according to the finalized plan. They need to manage the entire project to ensure successful completion within the agreed budget and schedule. Here are some of the duties of a construction project manager:
 Due to their level of authority and accountability, here are the skills that a project manager should have are:
"Construction management is a challenging task" Construction management is a challenging task that demands knowledge and expertise in various aspects of construction. However, their role is vital in the industry as any stage in the construction project can easily be in disarray if not managed correctly. What qualities does a good construction project manager require?
Construction Management Bidding ProcessDepending on the number of contractors pricing the construction project, the construction bidding process can be long and challenging. However, most construction projects follow the design-bid-build process wherein the owner provides the blueprints or drawings and selects the contractor through a bidding or quotation process. The contractors would then offer their bid or price, including statement of work (SOW) details, cost estimation, payment terms, etc. The project owner may also issue either of these two types of bids:
Once the owner receives all the bids, they can choose the best offer by employing any of these effective selection methods:
Once the project owner chooses the best contractor for the job, they will review and sign the contract and determine the payment method. Why owners sometimes employ the wrong contractor Construction Project Management ProcessesProject management requires various skills and the ability to coordinate with diverse agencies and people to lead the construction project from concept to build successfully. It would help adhere to these essential construction management principles during every project phase. 
Construction managers play a critical role on construction projectsProject managers play a significant role in the construction industry as they are responsible for maintaining the intended budget, ensuring productivity and quality, and creating a safe working environment. Although there could be multiple issues on the construction site, a professional project manager would have an effective risk management plan to implement and get the project back on track. Aside from risk management, continuous communication between all teams is also vital to successful completion. 10 Commandments for Construction Project Managers Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully "I found that referring to this book was like having my own mentor on tap. Excellent." (Reader Amazon) Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights. Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon. AuthorChris Jackson is an experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is currently employed by Best Access Doors, an access door supplier in the US and Canada, and has been working for the company for more than 12 years now. His area of expertise is on Negotiation, Roofers, Sales, Project Estimation, and Facility Management (FM)  Commercial buildings account for a large percentage of the overall carbon emissions in the world. Due to this alarming statistic, building or retrofitting structures in line with green initiatives and transitioning to a sustainable building method are logical solutions to reduce C02 emissions. "The purpose of green buildings is to reduce the occupants' reliance on artificial devices and maximize the use of the natural resources surrounding the structure." The purpose of green buildings is to reduce the occupants' reliance on artificial devices and maximize the use of the natural resources surrounding the structure. If you are interested in creating or renovating your existing building to become more sustainable, here are some vital considerations for green building design. Steps to making your building green1. Orientation of the Building Building orientation is the process of facing a structure in a certain way to maximize various aspects of its surroundings, such as the warmth of the sun, curb appeal, wind patterns, and drainage system. With rising energy costs, it is an effective passive technique to capitalize on natural energy while maintaining thermal comfort. Below are some tips to maximize natural heat gain through orientation:
For instances where kerb appeal and lot dimensions hinder your builder's ability to orient your space, you can still achieve efficiency by employing energy-saving features, insulation, and cool roofs.  Image courtesy of solargaria at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 2. Solar Shading Solar shading and control directly impact the efficiency of your commercial building. Also called daylighting, solar shading involves using specific technologies to combat glare and reduce heat gain without preventing natural light. The process reduces your reliance on artificial lighting and HVAC systems. In a nutshell, solar shading eliminates direct heat and sunlight to help keep a space cool and efficient. Here are the two types of solar shading to help you decide which method is best for your building:
In addition, by reducing heat gain, solar shades can help reduce the need for air conditioning systems. When used in conjunction with other passive methods such as night cooling, it also has the potential to eliminate your need for HVAC devices, depending on your location.  Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 3. Choice of Building Material Choosing sustainable materials is also a practical option for green buildings. Material selection during construction is crucial to determine your building's impact on the environment. For instance, it would be best to choose locally sourced sustainable materials as it can also help minimize transportation costs and help the community. Here are some examples of recycled building materials:
Recycled materials can also help reduce landfills and the need for non-biodegradable products. A perfect example of recyclability is metal roofs since they primarily consist of recycled metal sheets. You can also choose a lighter roofing shade for your commercial roof to lower heat gain and install energy-efficient flat-panel skylights for natural illumination. 4. Building Envelope The building envelope is also a critical component in your commercial space as it divides the interior and exterior parts. The primary functions of building envelopes include security, shelter, solar and thermal control, moisture control, indoor air quality, and daylight access, to name a few. The builder can also build the envelope differently depending on the location. For instance, a loose envelope allows airflow throughout the building. Meanwhile, a tight envelope controls the in and out airflow of the structure. 5. Window-wall Ratio (WWR) The window-wall ratio is a crucial energy-saving design that can affect your building's energy consumption. The WWR refers to the portion of an exterior wall that consists of windows and is a significant value in determining a structure's energy performance. Since windows can cause twice the energy loss compared to a wall, they can impact your existing HVAC system. Therefore, the size and number of your windows should depend on the climatic conditions in your area. Aside from shading, you can purchase windows with superior glazing systems and lower heat gain to reduce heat and glare. 6. Structural Design The commercial building and construction industry is accountable for the largest raw materials consumed in various applications. Combined with the continuing growth of the population, it is necessary to find alternatives and solutions to reduce resource depletion. Here are some of the ways of material efficiency:
Proper management and usage of construction materials is a significant concern in every building project. It is crucial to employ effective techniques to ensure material efficiency and resource conservation.  Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 7. Smart Lighting Lighting accounts for up to 20% of a building's total energy usage worldwide. Proper and adequate lighting affects occupant health, comfort, and productivity, so you need to implement efficient lighting solutions for your building. The best way to establish sustainability in your business is to allow as much natural light as possible. Daylighting helps reduce lighting costs, but it is also beneficial to your employees. If natural illumination is not enough, you can use CFL or LED lights to minimize consumption and heat pollution. 8. Water Conservation Water regulation and quality are some of the fundamental objectives of a green building. Please pay close attention to your plumbing system since it primarily deals with water distribution and disposal. Start by regularly maintaining the pipes and installing water-conserving fixtures to reduce water loss. You can also practice rainwater collection and use it for toilets and landscaping. Install an efficient drainage system and harvesting canisters to practice recycling water. 9. Energy Usage Although fossil fuels paved the way for generating electricity in homes and factories in the past, they are responsible for global warming due to the trapped heat. Thankfully, we have found alternative power sources such as solar heaters, solar panels, natural ventilation, and daylighting. By implementing an intelligent approach toward energy consumption, we can hopefully eliminate the need for fossil fuels. "reduce, reuse, and recycle" 10. Waste Management Responsible waste management involves strategically placing waste disposal boxes and garbage chutes. You can help reduce landfill waste by strictly implementing reduce, reuse, and recycle practices inside your commercial building. To achieve this, you need proper planning to dedicate certain areas inside the facility for waste management. Segregate waste and employ effective wastewater collection systems that will go hand in hand with your plumbing lines. Good green building design will save moneyGreen buildings are the key to reducing the energy and emissions rate of the construction industry. The term refers to the zero-impact construction of commercial and residential structures, which involves using sustainable materials and improved efficiency. Ultimately, the application of efficient practices is highly beneficial for your business. You stand to gain reduced operational and power costs, shorter investment returns, and increased asset value as more people choose to become sustainable. Creating healthy spaces for your employees or occupants is undeniably crucial to the success of your commercial structure. AuthorChris Jackson is an experienced Business Development Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the construction industry. He is currently employed by Best Access Doors, an access door supplier in the US and Canada, and has been working for the company for more than 12 years now. His area of expertise is on Negotiation, Roofers, Sales, Project Estimation, and Facility Management (FM)
 A terrible war is raging in Ukraine killing innocent people. Two very different leaders face-off. Much has been said comparing them. Are there lessons that could make you a better construction manager? While I don't want to trivialise a tragic war, I believe that we can all learn from every situation. We should be learning from mistakes as well as successes. We can learn from good leaders as well as bad leaders. Why repeat the mistakes of others? Why not learn from good leaders - but even good leaders sometimes make mistakes.  "I always said to those that worked with me that I wanted them to be better than me. They should learn from my mistakes and not repeat them." I always said to those that worked with me that I wanted them to be better than me. They should learn from my mistakes and not repeat them. They should learn from my good traits and replicate them better. If they were not better than me then I had failed. Lessons for construction project managers
 "When people are too scared to report a problem they will hide the issue"
"Break your word or commitment once and you’ve lost trust. It’s hard to win back trust."
 "Many problems occur in construction due to poor or inadequate planning."
"None of us are perfect - be prepared to change"
 Photo by Idi Parinduan from Pexels "The biggest or strongest team does not guarantee a successful project."
 "You cannot hide problems forever"
Your winning should never be at the expense of other people.War is a terrible thing. People who had homes, families, jobs, lives, lose everything overnight. Why? Does the end justify the means?  Photo by Bert from Pexels “When the elephants fight, the grass gets trampled.” In Africa there is a saying: “When the elephants fight, the grass gets trampled.” Often the fight doesn’t achieve much, maybe wounded pride for one elephant, but the grass gets trampled and dies. It's the ordinary people who suffer. To be a good leader you don’t have to be a bully. Aim to make people’s lives better. Everyone. "Consider the consequences of your actions. Will they be worth it?" You should aim to avoid costly and lengthy disputes. Often disputes end with no winners. Always try and negotiate in an open and honest manner with no hidden agendas, or changing goals. It’s important to understand the other party’s restraints and their bottom-line. It’s pointless chasing something (say a monetary amount) which the other party does not have or can’t concede. When all else fails call in an independent mediator, or follow the dispute resolution process. Avoiding disputes on your construction project. Consider the consequences of your actions. Will they be worth it? What will be gained? What will the costs be? The costs of a dispute often far outweigh the end result. "What legacy will you leave? A respected leader or a despised leader? A leader in it for yourself only or a team player?" What legacy will you leave? A respected construction professional who delivered successful construction projects with minimal fuss and problems? Someone that stood up for their team? Someone that delivered projects where everyone was a winner? Someone that is respected? Will you be a leader that sat behind a desk, or a leader who worked with their team? Let’s not destroy people, companies, or the environment. Your winning should never be at the expense of other people. The 10 P’s of successful construction project management History will judge a bad leader harshly. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #contractors Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
"I found that referring to this book was like having my own mentor on tap. Excellent." (Reader Amazon) Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay "I just want to say thank you for giving back. Personally, the webinar was an eye opener and moved me to reflect on my day-today decisions at work and off-work and how ethical I am." Participant at webinar Ethics in construction. What are unethical behaviours in construction? (Spoiler alert - producing poor quality work is unethical.) Why are good ethics important? Are there excuses for unethical behaviour? What should not be considered unethical practices? Join Anil and I in this webinar where we discuss these questions. Let's work together to improve the construction industry. #constructionmanagement #constructionethics #constructionprofessionals #constructionprojectmanagement #constructionindustry https://youtu.be/tBuTZmMZ2vs "Was a very informative CPD and I did not even realise that so many aspects could be considered unethical. Thank you." Webinar participant Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
"This book helps with practical tips learned from real experiences. A must read book for the people who are involved in construction projects, especially project managers." (Reader - Amazon.com) Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Demolishing old pedestrian bridge In our previous article Is your construction schedule achievable? we discussed how many construction projects are completed late. This is often because contractors commit to an unachievable completion date. This is costly for both client and contractor. In the article we also discussed how sometimes contractors can work with clients to deliver critical components of the project to the client on time, while completing the rest of the project later. Sometimes however project dates are immovable and contractors must throw in extra resources or come up with innovative construction methods and solutions. In this article we discuss some methods to shorten construction time. #constructionschedule #constructionprogramme #constructionprogram "It is often possible to reduce construction time using innovative construction methods and techniques, together with good planning and scheduling."
Case study: We had to construct a concrete cooling tower structure as can be seen in the above photos. To speed up construction while we were constructing the box structure we constructed the 2 concrete flues on the ground. The client had a 300 ton crane on the project which we were able to use to lift the completed flues onto the top of the box structure. This saved about 3 to 4 weeks of construction time.  View inside cooling tower looking up at inside of flue Reducing Construction TimeIt is possible to reduce construction time by:
But reducing construction time sometimes comes at a price But reducing construction time sometimes comes at a price
There is a point when you cannot achieve the impossibleThere is a point when you cannot achieve the impossible.
#constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #constructiondelays Have you committed to a construction schedule that was impossible? What were the consequences? Other useful articles the importance of good communication on projects Is your construction project stressing you out? 12 steps to reduce the stress of construction © 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully"This book helps with practical tips learned from real experiences. A must read book for the people who are involved in construction projects, especially project managers." Reader on Amazon
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Unfortunately many construction projects are completed late. We discussed many of the reasons for this in our article Will your construction project be completed on schedule? Read this. One of the reasons mentioned in the article is that some construction schedules or programmes are simply not feasible. Why are some construction schedules not feasible. Well it's sometimes because there is faulty logic in the schedule, or there are mistakes in the construction schedule and we discussed many of these problems in our articles Mistakes that impact construction schedules/programmes and Mistakes that impact schedules/programmes part 2. But often construction schedules or construction programmes (programs) are faulty simply because the contractor was overly optimistic and expected to complete construction tasks quicker than it was practical or possible with the allocated resources because the productivities of people and machines was lower than the contractor expected or allowed.  "Many contractors make their construction schedule fit the client's requirements, even when these are unachievable. This is suicide." Unfortunately many contractors also make the construction schedule fit the duration the client wants - even when the clients expectations are unachievable. They somehow hope that it will all work out and by some miracle they'll get the project completed. Perhaps even that there will be changes and delays which they can claim which will let them off the hook. Regrettably this usually isn't the case and the project is completed late. #constructionschedule #constructionprogramme #constructionprogram Problems with construction schedules which are unachievableContractors often fit construction schedules to their Client’s dates even when these can’t be met. Project Managers are reluctant to say no to their Client, and Client’s do not want to hear that their project cannot be delivered when they want it. "Clients are surprised, disappointed, and incur additional costs" This results in: The Client being surprised when the project is completed late. Consequently:
The Contractor finishes late
The construction team takes shortcuts which jeopardize quality and safety. A demoralized construction team. A poor outcome for everyone. Perhaps an outcome which should have been avoided if the contractor had been honest and upfront with the client and explained to the client that the project duration was unachievable. "Some clients don't like hearing their project date is unachievable, but then they must find another contractor and both can suffer the consequences." Of course some clients don't like hearing that their project end date is unachievable. It may be reason for another contractor to be given the project and you lose out. But, are you really losing? You will lose more by committing to completion dates which are unachievable. There's the cost to your reputation. Additional costs of penalties. Plus the stress to you and your team. Good luck to the other contractor, because their win will be their loss, and your loss is probably your win. Working with the client to deliver their construction projectRather than promise the client something you cannot deliver it may be possible to work around the Client’s requirements.
"A good client will appreciate your honesty. Who wants to work for an unreasonable client?" If this is not possible you have to explain why their end date is unachievable. Explain everything you've considered to try and complete the project on time. A good client will appreciate your honesty. Who wants to work for an unreasonable client?  Shortening the construction scheduleSometimes with innovation and extra effort it is possible to shorten the project construction duration. But this often comes with additional costs and risks. We discuss this topic in our next article. The important thing is do not promise something you cannot deliver – there will be disappointment, and there will be consequences. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #constructiondelays Other useful articles labour productivity on construction sites Why is there poor productivity on your construction project? planning your construction project © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
"I have what I consider some of the best books on construction management." Reader Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Another year of seesawing fortunes. Covid lockdowns, new covid variants, shortages of construction materials, insufficient skilled construction workers, soaring prices, and more. This coupled with the normal construction problems, of too little work, or too much work, difficult clients, not getting paid on time, or even not at all. What will 2022 bring? I’m sure you are all hoping for a normal year. But what is a normal year in the construction industry – does such a thing exist? Undoubtedly 2022 will come with its own sets of challenges – some unique, while many just the usual challenges that contractors face every year. "Will you be ready for the challenges that 2022 brings? Will you be prepared to meet the challenges and overcome them?” So will you be ready for the challenges that 2022 brings? Will you and your construction company be prepared to meet the challenges and overcome them? Or will you in 12 months’ time at the end of 2022 look back and lament about the terrible year gone past? What can you do to equip you and your company to have a successful 2022 despite the known and unknown challenges 2022 will bring? Here are 10 things that will make you and your construction company stronger. That will equip you to better face whatever challenges are thrown at the construction industry. #constructionprofessionals #constructionmanagementtips 10 construction management tips for the new year1. Train and mentor your team. There is a shortage of skilled construction people in most countries. You depend on good people. Indeed you are only as good as your team. A weak link can quickly suck your time and destroy reputation. You have to train and mentor people in your team. It may cost time and money but it will pay dividends with a more skilled and motivated team. For more read: Training and mentoring in construction. #constructiontraining 2. Cut the deadwood. Are there people who aren’t performing – perhaps unproductive, don’t have the skills, disruptive, or producing poor quality work? Why are they performing poorly? Have you told them they need to change their ways? (Providing feedback to the construction project team). If they can’t, or won’t, improve their ways why are they still working for the company? Is it because you are sentimental and don’t want to get rid of someone who has been with the company for so long? Is it because you can’t find a replacement? Or maybe you find it’s too hard to let people go? "People who aren’t contributing positively to the project are often disrupting others, possibly causing extra work, even spoiling reputation, and they cost money." But deadwood drags construction projects and contractors down. People who aren’t contributing positively to the construction project are often disrupting others, possibly causing extra work, even spoiling reputation, and they cost money. Look through your team and make the hard decisions to get rid of the deadwood. But getting rid of the deadwood also means looking at old construction equipment, and equipment that you don’t use anymore. Older equipment often breaks down impacting productivity. It may not be as efficient as new equipment, and is often more expensive to operate. The Alarming Truth about Using Old Construction Equipment #constructionequipment  3. Pick your construction projects and clients. Some clients are difficult, unprofessional, or disorganised. Inevitably they will take time to manage. Time that might be better spent elsewhere. Then there are clients that don’t pay. Learn to avoid these clients. Why work on a construction project where you won’t get paid. (What makes a good client?). Learn to avoid difficult projects. Know which construction projects you can do well, and which projects are unprofitable. Should contractors price every project? Well the answer is no. Pick your construction projects and clients and you can avoid problems later. "Foresee problems before they happen and take action to avoid the worst outcomes"  Image courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net 4. Understand and manage your risks. Too often contractors end in trouble because they did not understand the project risks. Learn to investigate projects properly when pricing them. Read and understand the contract documents. Don’t take on projects that are excessively risky, or projects where a risk event could sink the company should it eventuate. Understand the risks and manage and mitigate them. Foresee problems before they happen and take action to avoid the worst outcomes. How To Avoid The 10 Biggest Risks Facing Contractors. 5. Manage your cashflow. Many construction companies go bankrupt because of poor cashflow, not because of unprofitable projects. Understand the cashflow when pricing new projects. For more read: Negative cash flow – the death for many construction companies, How to improve cash flow on your construction projects - Part 1, and How to improve cash flow on your projects - Part 2.
6. Invest in yourself. In construction we are always learning. Take some time to see what new construction methods, materials, and equipment is available. See what your competitors are up to and what you can learn from them. Look at alternative methods of construction. Importantly stay up to date with the latest regulations – it could be costly if you fall foul of changes in the law. Learn when you can claim variations and change orders. Brush up on your project management skills. You are never too old to learn something new that will make you a better contractor.  Available from Amazon in paper and ebook, and from other online bookstores "I highly recommend this book be read by all newly qualified construction project managers as well as those more experienced." Reader on Amazon 7. Manage your time better. Many in construction never seem to have enough time to attend to everything. Why? Sure there are problems to deal with, but could some of the problems have been avoided? There are meetings to attend and correspondence to deal with, but how can these be better managed so they aren’t so time consuming? How can you make more time? Well you must delegate effectively. (The importance of effective delegation for successful projects). You must plan your projects. You must manage your time. And as old fashioned as it sounds a notebook helps with time management. Here are 12 Proven Time Management Tips For Construction Project Managers. 8. Invest in new technology. Many of us become stuck in our tried and tested old ways. However there is new technology out there that can be helpful. Of course make sure that it is appropriate and get buy-in from your staff. For tips and insights read Can technology help your construction project? And Technology in Construction. Technology can’t make a poor project manager good, but it can make a good project manager more effective. 9. Don’t let stress kill you.
 Image by Tumisu from Pixabay "Sometimes it’s not worth arguing and winning every point – rather look at the bigger picture. "
10. Spend time with your family. Take time away from work. Learn to plan time away from work. Learn to switch off emails. I’m sure you are not indispensable. Before you know it the year will be done and you’ll look back wishing you had spent more time with the family. Year’s rush past. Children get older. You get older. Don’t spend all your time at work. Don’t spoil family time attending to work emails and calls. Learn to plan and delegate. If you don’t plan family and free time it won’t happen. Time away from work and a good rest will make you more effective, and more importantly a better person to work with. Delegating responsibility to others when you take a few days off will help your team develop, and it will make them feel more trusted and part of the team.  Image courtesy of arztsamui at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Be prepared and you can make this year a success “Being prepared will enable you to better weather the problems that will come your way. Have a plan. Set goals. Measure progress.” Now is the time to look back over 2021. What went wrong? How could you have done things better? How can you avoid the same issues in 2022? Although you may want to blame external issues beyond your control for things that went wrong, I’m sure in many cases a bit of foresight and a different approach may have limited the fallout from the issues. Be honest with yourself. Because undoubtedly 2022 will not be plain sailing and problem free – so be prepared for the problems that will come your way. Rising prices, more covid, difficult clients, labour and skills shortages, unpaid invoices, and more. “You must learn from both your failures and successes.” What did you do right (I’m sure there were things that went right last year)? This year try and replicate what went right last year? You must learn from both your failures and successes. Don’t look back at 2022 with regrets. Being prepared will enable you to better weather the problems that will come your way. Have a plan. Set goals. Measure progress. Don’t let the everyday challenges sweep you from your course. Don’t let the trials and tribulations of 2022 drown your good intentions and your aspirations. Wishing you only successful construction projects in 2022. What construction management tips do you have? What steps will you implement to make the new year a success? #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #contractors © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  According to this article the construction industry accounts for a third of the world's waste and 40% of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. That's a huge number. How can the average contractor make a difference? Clients or owners can reduce some of the waste and emmissions by repurposing buildings instead of demolishing and building from scratch. Like this shopping centre transformed into a school. Of course clients can also lead the way in ensuring their buildings are sustainable during the building's life, like these schools. Architects could lead the way in green construction by encouraging clients to recycle and repurpose buildings, use more sustainable building materials and construct buildings which are sustainable through the life span of the building. "We can reduce waste and emissions, while designing better places to live, which can be cheaper to manage, and often at little extra expense - a win all round"  Image by Interculture01 from Pixabay In this theoretical design of a school it was calculated that with the right decisions at the design stage it was demonstrated that the whole life carbon of the building could be cut by 67%, a large portion of this upfront. Plus there were energy saving costs - that is lower energy bills. And all of this at no additional cost. New buildings can have green roofs and green walls. Even a roof top garden to grow food. #greenconstruction #sustainableconstruction "Contractors can do their part to reduce waste and emissions"  How Contractors can Reduce Waste and Emissions I'm sure you have all seen the piles of waste carted from construction projects. How can we reduce this waste? After all it cost money o get the materials to the project in the first place. Now these heaps of broken and discarded materials must be carted to a dump site at additional costs. You can Increase profits - reduce material wastage on construction projects. Here are 7 ways contractors can make a difference. It often starts in the procurement process. Ordering the correct quantity of construction materials. But you can also look at using alternative products like using low carbon concrete. "Do it right first time makes good economic sense and saves the environment" Of course poor quality work results in a huge amount of waste on every construction project. Breaking down defective work and rebuilding or patching it. The true costs of poor quality construction. Do it right first time. Of course using construction equipment unproductively not only costs money but it results in additional emissions. This article has some great tips on improving productivity Construction Equipment Productivity. Using equipment that is too small or too large for the task can also be unproductive and expensive while adding unnecessary emissions. What Size Equipment Is Right for Your Construction Project? You could even consider using electric equipment. This project has ambitious goals to reduce waste. You should also aim to reduce waste on your project. #constructionwaste #constructionco2 #constructionquality Doing our part to reduce construction waste and emissionsWe can all do our bit to reduce waste and emissions in construction. It's the right thing to do and it often reduces costs as well. And of course good environmental practices are good for your company's reputation. The economic benefits of being environmentally friendly "We can all make a difference" Of course take care not to green wash or get sucked in by companies greenwashing their products and services. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Other useful articles Why construction projects go wrong before they even start – what should owners do? How designers can make construction projects more successful Life & Death Planning Decisions Designers, Owners and Contractors Forget When In a Rush Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully""I highly recommend this book be read by all newly qualified construction project managers as well as those more experienced." Reader on Amazon
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Enjoy the holiday break with your family. Come back rested in the new year, ready to face the construction challenges of 2022. Other useful articles Is your construction project holiday ready? Is your project working through the holidays? after the holidays - what will happen on your construction project? Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfullyA reader on Amazon said: "Very easy to read and understand. Experience counts a lot towards a successful project. I'm still learning and studying Project Management courses but to have someone with a wealth of knowledge and experience share their understanding and experience really helps you along the way. A great book to have as a reference guide too."
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  In Overcoming the skills and worker shortage in construction - Part 1 I discussed how many parts of the world were experiencing a shortage of skilled construction workers. Contractors blamed poor project outcomes, including poor quality and low productivity, on a lack of skilled construction workers. But is there really a shortage of workers, or are contractors simply not looking everywhere, and discarding potential workers because of their own biases? So in the previous article we discussed staff retention, training and uplifting people within the organisation, not discriminating or putting people in boxes, and importantly not presenting the wrong excuses why someone isn't suitable. In this article I discuss other avenues of sourcing employable people. I also look at how the construction industry needs an image makeover, and this often starts by changing manager's thinking and attitudes. #constructionskills #constructionworkers #constructioncareers  Think beyond your preconceptions of what a construction worker should beThink outside the box, and beyond your preconceptions of what a construction worker should be. There are whole cohorts of people who many contractors discard as being unemployable. But have you really given them a fair chance to show what they can do? Let’s consider some of these groups. Homeless people. Just because someone is poorly dressed and looks shabby and dirty, doesn’t necessarily mean that they are a lazy bum, or a drug addict. Unfortunately there are many who have ended up on the streets due to no fault of themselves. Some have lost homes because of marriage breakups, poor financial decisions, change of circumstances, or family health problems that have sucked them financially dry. Of course there are some who have made poor decisions, gambled, or got sucked in by drug or opioid addiction. But many of these people have useful skills and could change their lives around if they were given the opportunity. Sure there will always be some homeless people that are unemployable, and there will be some who just don’t cut it, but then that’s probably the same with all people, even those who dress neatly, present well, and have a home. “Most times you will be rewarded for your efforts with loyalty and gratefulness.” So why don’t you give a homeless person a job, or better still get in touch with some of the organisations, and church groups, looking after the homeless and see if they have people who need a job. Sure there might be some extra work to help get the person on their feet so they can reliably get to work with a full stomach, but most times you will be rewarded for your efforts with loyalty and gratefulness. Of course you’re probably wondering why these homeless aren’t looking for work at your company door – but be honest, would they be allowed into your office and would you offer them a job. Anyway many homeless have become discouraged from looking for work and possibly don’t have the means to go door to door looking for work, or apply for jobs online. Disabled people. The first thing I hear you say is construction is not a place for disabled people! Well there are a myriad of disabilities, many of which should not preclude the person from working in construction. There are also many disabled people who have overcome or managed their disabilities so that they are as capable as someone who isn’t disabled. It’s often not a person’s disability that prevents them from working on your project, rather it’s managers’ preconceptions about the abilities of a disabled person. We employed someone who had an intellectual disability. Sure he didn’t have the sharpest brain, but he was pleased to have a job, even as a manual labourer, and he worked harder than most, and he was loyal, trustworthy, and reliable. Do you need more? I’m sure with time and effort he would have moved on to basic carpentry or similar. Having an intellectual disability doesn’t mean the person is stupid. There are however many people who supposedly don’t have an intellectual disability who are stupid. In fact we probably all do stupid things from time to time. I recently read of an electrician who lost a thumb in a work accident. He was desperate to return to work, but his disability was given as a reason to not employ him. Now I’ve never read a job advertisement with a requirement that the prospective candidate must have 2 thumbs. I’ve seen a person with 1 hand perform tasks as skilfully as someone with 2 hands. I’ve also seen people with all their fingers and thumbs produce substandard work. In Australia 54% of disabled people are unemployed and many who are employed are underemployed. This program is achieving success for both the new disabled employees and the companies employing them. Be willing to give people a chance, and think honestly what’s required to do the job you’re offering. Maybe you can even move people around within your organisation, moving an able-bodied person into the position you need filling, and employing someone who’s disabled in the vacated role. So why not consider approaching organisations that help the disabled. There are millions of people desperate for work who aren’t provided the opportunity, and excluded because they don’t fit the profile of what contractors think a construction worker should be. They are desperate to work, to not be dependent on others and the government, and your company is desperate for workers. Surely there’s mutual benefit? Even this State Emergency Service has place for disabled people and they are a valuable resource. “The biggest barrier in employing disabled people is often not their disabilities, but rather the closed minds of employers” The biggest barrier in employing disabled people is often not their disabilities, but rather the closed minds of employers not willing to give someone the opportunity to show what they can do for the company. Ex-convicts. Shock and horror – who would employ an ex-con? Well they’ve done their time, so do they deserve to be punished further by being unemployable? In fact as long as they don’t have a job they risk turning back to crime to survive and pay their bills. No, not every person who has served jail time is a gang member, drug addict, or serial offender. Many ended in jail through bad circumstances, poor choices when they were younger, desperation for food, or perhaps simply because they didn’t have the money to hire a good lawyer, or the means to settle a monetary fine. Everyday there are hundreds of prisoners being released from jail. Some of them had construction skills before they went to prison, while some have been taught skills while they were doing their time. Sure you might not want to employ rapists, murderers, and serial offenders, but there are many ex-cons who were never serious criminals and who will be grateful to be offered a stable job. Of course there are also some who were wrongly convicted of serious crimes. Get in contact with the prison authorities and see if there are ex-prisoners who can help your company, and you’ll be helping them and society. Refugees and migrants. There are numerous newly arrived refugees and migrants struggling to find work, possibly not understanding the systems, or fully conversant in the language. Many of them are skilled. Talk to those helping refugees and migrants and see if there are new arrivals requiring work. Sure there may be problems with language, and they may need extra help and attention. But most will reward their new employer with loyalty and hard work. There’s a whole pool of qualified and experienced construction people who are driving Ubers, and doing less skilled work. Just because a person doesn’t have work experience in your country doesn’t mean that they aren’t experienced and knowledgeable. See this report of a pool of wasted talent, while contractors are desperate for people. “Reconsider your view of what a construction worker should look like.” Now I’m not saying that you must fill your construction project with disabled people, ex-cons, and the homeless. Rather have an open mind when looking for employees and explore other avenues of recruitment. Reconsider your view of what a construction worker should look like. Understand the personal traits that really benefit the company, which is probably loyalty, hard work, pride in one’s work, honesty, and a willingness to learn. Of course, just because someone is desperate for work, or pleased to be offered a job, it doesn’t mean that you should exploit them and cheat them from a fair wage. Nor should your company employ illegal migrants. Offer opportunities to people doing construction training  Image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net At the end of the college year students look for vacation work experience. Sure it’s usually only for a month or 2. But this experience is often essential for their studies. They typically don’t have to be paid much. I found employing these students useful. A student who enjoyed working for the company was often keen to seek full time employment with the company at the end of their studies. But this short introduction was also an opportunity for us to evaluate the students and decide if we wanted to employ them once they were qualified. But anyway, there were normally always tasks that the students could accomplish which helped our regular staff. Frequently there are hundreds of apprentices doing training. Part of their training requires them to work with a company to get practical on the job training. Again I found employing apprentices in training useful. They are usually paid fairly low wages, yet if used properly many contributed to our projects. Again, treated well and the apprentices were keen to work for us once they gained their qualification, while we had the opportunity to know who were the best apprentices to employ fulltime when qualified. “Offering opportunities to people in training helped them, it benefitted our company and projects, and importantly, it also increased the pool of skilled and experienced people to the industry – wins all round.” In all of this we were contributing to the construction industry, helping people gain their qualifications. Employing newly qualified people on your construction projects Many construction companies are loath to take on newly qualified recruits. They rely on finding experienced qualified people in the market. Well often experienced qualified people aren’t readily available. We all started somewhere with no experience, but fortunately some company and manager invested time and effort into training us, and giving us the necessary experience. And I would like to think we rewarded the company handsomely for this opportunity.
This is a topic close to my heart and I’ve always trained and developed those in my team, and it’s yielded great dividends for me and the company. I’ve written several articles including Training and mentoring in construction So put the word out with construction academies and colleges that your company is always willing to employ newly qualified trades people and construction management students. Maybe you can get the pick of the best students. Come on, do your bit and train the next generation. I’m not saying fill your project with construction newbies, but rather take a considered approach to employing some newly qualified people on every project, and pairing them with experienced and skilled people who can share and pass on their knowledge to the next generation of construction workers. And who knows, maybe some of the experienced construction professionals can even learn something new from those newly qualified recruits. Using technology in the construction industry  It’s going to be many years yet before we can dispense with people in construction. Unfortunately technology cannot make a poor project manager good, and it cannot turn a mediocre carpenter into a skilled craftsman. But the right technology used properly can help good project managers and good carpenters be more effective in their jobs, producing more. The right technology used by competent people can reduce the number of people required on the project. “The younger generation expect to use the latest technology and they’ll shun industries that are slow to use modern technology.” Importantly though, the younger generation expect to use the latest technology and they’ll shun industries that are slow to use modern technology. Technology in Construction. Improving working conditions for all in the construction industry The culture in many companies has to change. Workplaces need to be all inclusive. Bullying and discrimination must not be condoned. Is There Bullying on Your Construction Projects? There are basic issues that must be put in place, like providing adequate clean toilet and change facilities for women. Here is what some women face.
The construction industry needs to move away from hiring and firing. I know it’s hard when contractors go from feast to famine. It’s frequently hard to keep people employed. The easy option is to fire people at the end of the project. Unfortunately this leads to a loss of talent, not only for your company, but to the industry as a whole, as often people move to a more stable job in another industry, even if that means taking a pay cut. It also leads to poor loyalty and productivity – who wants to be loyal and hardworking when the reward is you’re going to be fired anyway when the construction project is finished? In my 30 year career I went through numerous downturns, yet we managed to keep a core of good workers through the hard times. It meant that when the good times came back we still had a core of good skills and loyal workers to take on the new projects. And good workers made money for us during the downturn when project profit margins were tight to non-existent. Sometimes in lean times we were able to transfer workers to other company division who had work, and even on occasions got them temporarily employed with another company. In the worst cases we sent them home on half pay for a couple of months – which was expensive but we kept our pool of talent alive. Of course our workers weren’t stupid and they appreciated that we were doing everything not to fire them when work opportunities were scarce, because their friends in other companies were losing their jobs. So in the long run the company was rewarded. Contractors need to be more adaptive. Being more flexible when it comes to working hours and working conditions. Another interesting article Construction's career crisis: Can the industry attract millennials and Gen Z? Encourage those that have left your company to return  Image courtesy of dan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Every contractor has lost people – many of them skilled and experienced. They may have retired, moved to another industry, taken time off to travel, or gone to another contractor. Hopefully they parted on good terms and you didn’t burn bridges. Make contact with your ex-employees and see who would like to come back to work – even if it’s just for 1 more project or maybe a few months. Perhaps it’s only a few days a week. How can you use their skills and experience and pair them with less experienced managers and workers?
This is all wasted if your team is not with you Employing disabled people, women, ex-cons, isn’t going to work if your managers and supervisors are going to reject them, or discriminate against them, or your teams are going to bully and ridicule them.
Working conditions will not improve unless your team helps you make it happen. New technology will fail if there’s no buy in from the team or it’s not used correctly.  Image courtesy of Serge Bertasius Photography at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Solving the construction skills shortageIs there really a shortage of skills in the construction industry? Is there a shortage of construction workers? Maybe it’s just because you aren’t looking in all the places and considering all the pools of unemployed people? Maybe it’s because you lack imagination, or have an outdated perception of what a construction worker should look like? Maybe it’s because you aren’t prepared to train and mentor the next generation – rather content to poach experienced people with ever higher salaries from other contractors, and when this doesn’t work blame the lack of good people on a skill shortage. “Would the industry be in its current position if we were more inclusive and adaptive?” The construction industry needs a makeover. It needs a change of image. Sure I started my career 35 years ago. Then it was entirely male. It was strictly segregated. We were expected to work 100 plus hour fortnights. I swore with the best of them. I survived. But how many good people were discouraged or physically excluded from working in the industry over the years. Indeed many of us said we wouldn’t encourage our children to go into construction. Fortunately with time the industry has changed, but not enough. Would the industry be in its current position if we were more inclusive and adaptive? We need to be showcasing the industry to the next generation. See this article New TV show to highlight the benefits of work in the trades. for ideas. And this program Women who weld program for schoolgirls. We need to demonstrate that there are good jobs waiting to be filled in construction. To show that there is a future for all in the industry. That contractors are willing to train people. That construction is a safe place where people are respected. Not like how this apprentice was treated by his fellow workers and boss! “Solving the skills and worker shortage in construction is in your hands – stop the excuses and make the changes.” There is always going to be a skills and worker shortage in construction unless contractors get out there and make the required changes. Take an active approach to train and mentor people. Rethink and reimagine your perceptions of what the people working on your projects should look like, what experience they need, and importantly what tasks they should do. Ensure that all construction workers are treated fairly and with respect. Solving the skills and worker shortage in construction is in your hands – stop the excuses and make the change. Get you team on board and make the change. The construction industry is on a downward slope of poor productivity and bad quality unless there’s change. We can’t solve the construction skills shortage overnight, but we won’t solve it by complaining and doing nothing. #constructionmanagement #constructionprojectmanagement #constructionindustry
Other useful articles Is your project working through the holidays? Why is there poor productivity on your construction project? When project managers should ask for help © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Time Management for contractors.Are you always short of time? Are you working long hours? This probably sounds familiar to contractors, particularly construction project managers and construction company owners who never seem to have enough hours in the day. There always seem to be problems to deal with. There always seem to be phones ringing, meetings to attend, and people requiring a piece of you. How can you create more time? Well you obviously can't create more time, but you can use your time more productively, and you can get others to take some of the load off you. You can also learn how to avoid some tasks chewing and wasting your time. Importantly you can have more time to spend with your family doing the things you enjoy doing. Here's a podcast I did with Dominic Rubino on his show Cabinet Maker Profit System Podcast where we both share valuable insights and tips. NO BS Time Management from a REAL PM #contractors #constructionmanagement #constructiontraining #constructionprojectmanagement #constructiontrades #timemanagement Other useful articles How you can make your next construction project more successful. Don't let overtime on your construction project eat your PROFITS planning your construction project Do you want to learn more construction management tips and insights?
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon. Construction Management Books Black Friday and Cyber Monday Sale Up to 50% off kindle ebooks on Amazon.com and Amazon.UK this Black Friday and Cyber Monday weekend. Offers end this Monday. Check out the great deals.
A great opportunity to brush up on your construction project management skills.
 Construction companies around the world are complaining about a shortage of people, and in particular a shortage of skilled people. The war for talent: How contractors battle for workers. In fact contractors blame poor quality, late completion, low productivity, increasing costs, and poor project performance on a lack of skills. Is this true? If it is, how can contractors improve the situation? The construction skills shortage seems to be worsening. Construction is perceived as a dirty and unsafe industry, where people are expected to work long hours for sometimes low wages. Indeed construction has a poor reputation which deters new entrants. Making the problem worse is the transitory nature of construction. Many construction companies dump their workers when a project is completed, with little reward for hard work or loyalty. Countless workers have no job security and know that once their project is complete they must start looking for another job. After a few cycles of this it’s no wonder that good skilled people leave the industry and move on. Older skilled workers are retiring while the younger generation doesn’t appear interested in a career in construction. Yet despite this outcry of a lack of skills some construction companies are doing little to retain the skilled people they have. They are certainly doing little to improve the image of the construction industry, and few contractors seem willing to upskill their workforce, or employ newly qualified people and train and mentor them. Nor do contractors think innovatively for new sources of people. It all seems too hard for the average contractor, who seems content rather to use the lack of resources as an excuse for poor construction project outcomes. After all, if there’s not a suitable experienced and qualified person waiting on the street corner for a job it must mean that there is a shortage of workers in construction! So how can construction companies improve the skills shortage? Well here are a few suggestions #constructionmanagement #constructionskillsshortage Tips to overcoming the construction skills shortage Staff retention It’s pointless employing new people to fill gaps when they don’t stay long, and others in the organisation leave, creating more gaps. Some contractors are in a perpetual cycle of filling voids left by people leaving the company. A cycle that can’t be won unless you take proactive steps to retain people. Now retaining people is a topic on its own which I’ve previously covered in several articles: How do we retain skilled employees in construction? and High Employee turnover? The sooner you know the better. So, start by retaining good people in your company and project. #staffretention Is your company a good place to work? Linked to the above is the question, ‘is your company a good place to work?’ If it isn’t then you are going to find it harder to attract people to your company and project. And when several contractors are fighting to employ the same person, if your company isn’t the employer of choice then the limited talent will go elsewhere. So honestly ask yourself, ‘is your company a good place to work?’ But not in your position, a role where you may enjoy particular perks and advantages, but rather in the position you are recruiting for. So if it’s a carpenter, supervisor, foreman, or whatever, how would a carpenter, supervisor, foreman, view your company, your project, compared to other contractors, and even other industries? Is the position and role your company is offering better than elsewhere? Learn to see your company as others see it. Ask prospective employees what they’re looking for in an employer and you’ll probably find that it’s not only about the best salary. People are generally looking for a company that values and respects them, they want some job security, of course they want a safe place to work, and a fair wage. People want to work for good managers and successful companies. Again this is a topic on its own, and I’ve written several articles on this including Is There Bullying on Your Construction Projects and Respect in construction - why it's important Ensure your company is a great place to work, where people want to work. Look within the company for people to fill the role Some contractors overlook people already working within the company. Is there someone within the organisation that can fill the position? Maybe they just need to be offered the role, and perhaps some extra training? Sure they may leave a vacancy where they are currently working – but maybe it will be easier to fill their position? In promoting someone within the company you’ll be rewarding the person, for which they’ll be grateful, and others within the organisation will see that there are prospects within the company to advance, grow, and take on new responsibilities and roles. When I became the general manager of a new division/branch of our company, in 5 years we grew the division by 8 fold, also increasing profits 8 fold, and this was almost done entirely without employing new management. We were able to find and promote people from within our organisation to fill the additional roles of foremen, project managers, and directors. Ask your project managers, supervisors, foremen, managers, is there someone they know working for them who can fill the position that’s needed. Sometimes managers have to be coaxed to put forward good people working for them, knowing that they are going to have a hole in their team, so it’s important for managers to realise that it’s for the benefit of the company, as well as the person they are releasing. So start your search amongst those already working for the company, before spreading your search wider. You may be surprised at the talent hiding in plain sight within your company. Who knows who You’re looking for people – have you asked your employees if they know someone who wants to work for the company – a friend or relative? I’ve sometimes had success this way. If friends and relatives of employees want to work for your company it usually means that your company is an attractive place to work, because your employees are willing to recommend to their friends and relatives to come and work where they are employed. Even ask your subcontractors, clients, suppliers, and the professional team. Spread the word that you're looking for people. If your client, project team, or subcontractors think that your company is a professional outfit with good managers they'll recommend your company as a good place to work. A contractor that is looking to employ people now. Do your employees know you are searching for people?  You cannot afford to discriminate Unfortunately many of us have biases towards people, which may be conscious or even unconscious. So we are apt to put people in boxes and exclude them from certain jobs without even knowing their skills or experience. People are simply excluded from a job based on their race, colour, sex, even on how they dress or look, perhaps even excluding an overweight person on the premise that they must be lazy. Some automatically allocate people of a certain nationality to a particular job, assuming all Irish, or New Zealanders, or Mexicans, are only good at a particular task, and disregarding them for an alternative position. What nonsense! Construction is desperate for good people, who cares what they look like or where they come from, as long as they are willing to work and have the right skills employ the person and don’t hold them back for any reason other than they can’t do the job. Again this is a topic that I’ve previously written about Discrimination in construction – is it holding your company back? Are you excluding a large portion of the population from your search because of your biases? Drop the excuses There are some perennial excuses that companies use not to employ someone looking for work. Let’s consider how stupid some of these are!
Are your excuses for not employing someone valid, or are you simply regurgitating time worn excuses? Do you even know why you don’t employ some candidates? To be continuedIn my next article I discuss how you can cast your search wider, and how construction needs an image makeover to attract the next generation of construction workers. #constructioncareers #contractors #constructionindustry © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  In my previous article 10 tips to successfully pricing your next construction project I discussed how some contractors take the shotgun approach to pricing and quoting construction projects. Literally submitting hundreds of prices in the hope that they will win a few projects. This leads to overwork of the estimators, and in some cases owners or project managers involved in pricing projects. It results in wasted effort, but more seriously it could lead to mistakes and winning projects with a price below what it’s going to cost the contractor to build the project. Unfortunately the shotgun approach could also mean that the contractor misses out on good projects which the contractor could have won if they had put more effort into their quotation and price submission. In this article I’ll discuss another 10 more tips to successfully pricing and winning projects. #pricingconstructionprojects #constructionbids #constructiontenders  More tips for pricing construction projects 1. Understand the quality requirements. Are they standard, and can you deliver the requirements? 2. Price the project from first principles. This means:
5. Check the project cashflow. Even a profitable construction project can destroy a company if the contractor can’t manage the cashflow. Negative cash flow – the death for many construction companies. So does your company have the finance available to pay for things while waiting for payment from the client. Most construction projects are cashflow negative until the end of the project. Larger construction projects usually require more cash, as do projects which require expensive materials, and projects that require a large amount of work in a short time frame. 6. Check:
9. Prepare your price submission so that it looks professional.
Finally make sure your price is delivered to the required person on time. The next stage of the project price submission process  But even when the project price is submitted it doesn’t mean the process is completed.
Winning the right construction projects at the right price In our 2 articles on pricing construction projects we discussed how important it is to have good market intelligence – what construction projects are coming out to price, and what your competitors or other contractors are up to. It’s important to understand all aspects of the construction project – the client, the contract document, and the project site conditions. Then develop an accurate price – based on an accurate construction schedule and the local market conditions, using the best construction methods suited to the project and the available resources. Finally submit a professional quotation that includes all the documentation requested, and importantly which sells your company’s abilities and why you are the right contractor for the construction project. Pick the right construction project to price, a construction project you want and one you can win from your competitors, then put all effort into winning the project. Finally don’t lose the project or make a stupid mistake in the negotiation phase. #constructionprojects #contractors #constructionmanagement Other useful articles What do you do when your construction project is LOSING money? Financial checks and controls on construction projects Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Pricing (estimating) a construction project has been described as a science, an art, part luck, and for some just a guess. Getting your price right means you have to win the project with a price that is higher than your final project costs will be, meaning you’ll make a profit. But just because you have the right price (for your company) doesn’t mean that your competitor won’t have a lower price that will be profitable for them. Having a lower price than your competitors also doesn’t mean that you’ll be awarded the project since clients often look for other requirements, and they need to be convinced that you are the right contractor for their project. Unfortunately there are many contractors who submit flawed prices which have little chance of success, or worse, which can lead to the downfall of the company when the price is lower than their final project costs. But there are also many other risks that contractors don’t consider when pricing their projects, these include non-payment, inability to deliver the project to the required standards, lengthy legal disputes, health risk to employees, reputational risks, cashflow problems, and even the risk of losing out on favourable future work. #pricingconstructionprojects #constructionbids #constructiontenders Tips to successfully pricing your construction project 1. Understand your client. You don’t want to work for some clients, particularly those who don’t, or can’t pay. Check whether your client:
 2. Understand the project documentation.
3. Know the market and what other projects are coming out for pricing. Good market intelligence is essential. You don’t want to be stuck with a difficult project at a low price while you miss out on other more lucrative and easy projects that are likely to be available in the next few months. Read: Should contractors price every project? 4. Physically check the project site conditions.
5. Understand the opposition (competitors). It may not be worth pricing projects against competitors who are known to be favoured by the client, ones that have a reputation for stupidly low prices, or competitors that are in a position to deliver a cheaper project because they are working in the area or have the right equipment for the project. You may be wasting your time pricing a project which you don’t stand a chance of winning! 6. Understand the project. What is your company responsible to deliver? What will the client supply?  Despite the obvious warning signs some contractors dive straight into risky projects. 7. Identify and quantify the risks. Prepare a risk schedule. Understand how you can manage and reduce the risks. Be prepared to walk away from projects that are too risky and where the quantum of the risk event could sink the company. Read How to deal with construction risks 8. Know your company’s capabilities. Will you have the people and equipment to do the work? Do you have people with the right experience? 9. Check the available resources. Are materials, people, and equipment available? Will they be available when they are required? 10. Consider the construction methodology. Develop the best methodology taking account of your company’s capabilities, the available resources, the project site conditions, the project schedule requirements, price, safety and the client’s requirements and design. Consider alternative construction methods and products. Conclusion Some contractors take the shot gun approach to pricing projects. Aiming in the general direction of the target and hoping they snag a project. Submitting as many prices as possible, hoping that one will get them a project. Their estimators often work long hours churning out price after price, just hoping that they will have success with one submission. Unfortunately this often leads to mistakes. High prices mean it's another effort in vain. Low prices may land the company a project at a price they cannot do the work for. Rather contractors should pick the right project, then spend time and effort preparing a winning price submission. In my next article I discuss more tips for winning construction bids 10 more tips for pricing construction projects#constructionprojects #contractors #constructionmanagement Other useful articles Negative cash flow – the death for many construction companies some Reasons why projects lose money Top Tips to Cut Costs on Today's Construction Site Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully
Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  How can Technology help ConstructionCan technology help the construction industry? Productivity has not improved in construction over the last few decades, contrary to most other industries. Why is building so slow and expensive? Contractors have been slow to embrace technology. How can technology help the industry? The future of construction. The use of BIM is becoming more common. Technology is useful to eliminate paperwork and increase productivity. Like these quality checklists. In this blog I share some interesting articles on technology. #constructiontechnology  Image courtesy of nokhoog_buchachon at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Using Robots in ConstructionHere's a company incorporating technology on their projects. They are even trialling a robot dog as a superintendent. Maybe there are some ideas you can use on your next project? You can use robots to help set out structures. Here's more on robot construction. Robots can be used for drywalling. What about autonomous equipment. Here's an autonomous excavator. #constructionrobots Drones in Construction Image by Thomas Ehrhardt from Pixabay Is there a place for drones on our construction projects? Drones can be used aerial mapping and surveying in hard to reach places, like on roofs and on bridges. They can be used to check quality. Is there place for them to do work in dangerous areas, perhaps even painting bridges? #dronesconstruction 3D PrintingMuch has been said about 3D printing. How will 3D printing change how we construct buildings and structures? Technology Improving Construction SafetySafety is another place where technology can help. You can use remotely operated machines to work in dangerous places. They can do work in extreme temperatures and in difficult conditions. Here's a company using wearable technology to prevent injuries. But technology is also useful in safety training using VR. #constructionsafety #constructionsafetytechnology  Image courtesy of renjith krishnan at FreeDigitalPhotos.net Overcoming the Risks of Using Technology in ConstructionCan technology make construction safer, more productive, and producing better quality? Can it provide clients with a good end product? Will contractors be more profitable? And will the introduction of new technology attract the next generation of workers to the industry - a generation that has literally been born with a smart phone in hand, who's lives are intertwined with the latest technology? Can technology help your construction project? What are the risks of depending on technology? Indeed contractors must use the appropriate technology and implement it properly. Here are some questions contractors should ask. Cybercrime is on the rise. Contractors must be vigilant to protect against cybercrime. It's important to build trust between workers and robots and autonomous machines. ConclusionConstruction must use technology. Contractors can achieve enormous benefits from new technology. However technology cannot make a bad contractor good. Technology cannot make a poor construction project manager good. Technology can make good contractors better. Technology used correctly can make good construction project managers better and more productive. Contractors must adapt new ways of doing things better. But they must choose the right technology and ensure their teams use the technology correctly. It's time for construction to move into the 21st century. #constructionmanagement
Other useful articles Time management Why is there poor productivity on your construction project? Busted: 12 Construction Myths Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon.  Most construction projects will change and vary from the works that were originally priced. There will be unexpected construction delays and problems. Variations and changes occur for many different reasons, and not all of them entitle the Contractor to a claim. Contractors that don’t claim variations or change orders they are entitled to claim will incur costs that they did not allow for in their price. Contractors that do not claim delays they are entitled to claim could finish the project late and be penalised by the Client. Regrettably some construction projects end in long, expensive, and bitter disputes over the validity of variation claims and change orders. But, it does not have to be this way. I have been involved with over 120 construction projects. I submitted variation claims or change orders on almost all of these projects. Some projects nearly doubled in value and some projects increased in time by up to 80%. I settled all change orders amicably with the Client, except two projects. One had a dispute adjudication board on the project and this was used to resolve the issue. One project we employed a lawyer and declared a dispute because the Client did not respond to our claims. I got most of the time and money I claimed. And, importantly we did further projects with most Clients, so our reputation was not tarnished with these change orders. It is possible to submit and agree variation claims and change orders amicably without upsetting Clients. Preparing, submitting, and negotiating variation claims and change orders is something that contractors often do badly. It's a topic close to my heart, and something I've written several articles about, which I reference below. I've also written an easy to read guide for contractors: Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors. Below are 15 simple rules to help you successfully deal with variations and changes on your construction project. #constructiondisputes #changeorders  15 Rules for dealing with construction variations and delays
Winning Construction Change OrdersIt is possible to amicably agree change orders with Clients by following these 15 rules. Contractors are entitled to claim for legitimate changes and delays which they could not reasonably have foreseen or allowed for. Change orders should not end in disputes. #constructionclaims #constructioncontracts #constructionlaw Other useful articles Don’t start construction projects without a proper contract. Can I Claim for Additional Time on My Construction Project?  Information in this article is from the author's book ‘Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors’. © 2021 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
Visit to read more. The books are available in paper and ebook from most online stores including Amazon. The warehouse is the heart of any business, and it's crucial to get the storage right. A warehouse can be tailored to suit your needs in a number of ways; for example, you might need specific shelving or racks depending on what you're storing. We'll take a look into some of the basics that go into constructing a warehouse, so you know exactly what you're getting when building one. We also recommend checking out this blog post about The Top 5 Software for Construction Project Planning & Management.  Photo by Pickawood on Unsplash What Is A Warehouse?A warehouse is the storage facility for a company's inventory and serves as its point of distribution to consumers. It can either be spread over an entire area or part of one, depending on how much you need to store! A standard warehouse consists primarily of shelves where merchandise is stored pending shipment out. However, there are different construction types that can be used to suit different needs. We'll take a look into some of the basics that go into constructing a warehouse, so you know exactly what you're getting when building one! According to Statista, The number of warehouses is expected to reach just under 180,000 by 2025. The boom in e-commerce has led retailers and manufacturers alike for space that can store goods without transportation costs as well as provide easy access at any time necessary; this has caused an upsurge throughout North America where 25% more warehousing facilities are being built every year on average than anywhere else around the world! Types Of WarehousesThere are three types of warehouses to consider for your storage needs. These include full-service (i.e.: including manufacturing and distribution), general service (storage only), or cross-docking (where the shipment is received, processed, and shipped out again). It's important to consider this when choosing your warehouse type. Warehouses are vital for most businesses; make sure you get the one that suits your needs best! Considerations For Warehouse ConstructionThere are a number of factors to consider when constructing your warehouse. These include the type and size, but also important elements such as ventilation, noise control, lighting, and more! Make sure you get it right from the beginning so that no aspect is left unfinished or overlooked. Building Material When it comes to warehouse construction materials, steel is the most common. The framework of a typical building uses this material for its support and durability in holding heavy loads without getting damaged easily over time as other types can do. Designers also prefer using metals due to their strength when combined with fiberglass roofs that allow natural light inside while making them easy enough repairs if anything ever needed to be replaced on-site during use too! As expected wood has always been an important resource used not only within buildings themselves but also shelves/storage space all around them; they're perfect places where goods will stay safely until needed again at some point down the line. Construction costs account for about 80% of the overall cost of a warehouse, which emphasizes the importance of ensuring high quality. We're all looking for a little inspiration, so why not check out this blog post about the Most Popular Commercial Roofs and Roofing Materials. Structure and Location To keep up with the demand for next-day delivery, warehouses are being built closer to customers. However, this requires an adequate location and good connections for logistics in order to reduce inventory wait times which is why most new development takes place on industrial estates near major cities, where land prices allow them access into those areas without having too much traffic congestion around their facilities as there was once before due primarily because people living close by needed things delivered quickly. Importance of Size When choosing a warehouse space, size matters. According to WarehouseSpace, the typical 1 km long and over 500 thousand container-sized buildings can cost hundreds or thousands more depending on which type you choose: smaller ones are cheaper but they offer less storage capacity for inventory while requiring similar running costs as larger facilities (costs per square meter). Safety A warehouse is a great place to store things, but it also comes with risks. All structures must be fireproof and the roof cannot exceed 40 feet tall if you want an easy way out in case of emergencies like fires or other accidents that happen on site. In addition to this precautionary measure for safety purposes, there are some key steps taken before construction begins such as obtaining planning permission which can only occur after meeting all necessary requirements via inspection from local authorities overseeing building codes. These precautions protect both inventories stored within these facilities (warehouse stock) plus those who work inside them by reducing risk factors caused by injuries resulting from falls among others. As a warehouse employer, you also have a legal responsibility to protect workers and others from risk to their health and safety. According to the warehouse experts at Todoos, to keep a safe and operational warehouse, ensure you have a thorough cleaning schedule, garbage receptacles placed in priority areas, and information to promote hand-washing and general hygiene.  Photo by CPG. IO on Unsplash ConclusionYour warehouse is your most valuable asset. It’s the backbone of your business and must be designed with safety in mind always. Considerations should be made about what materials will work best in your situation and where the location may have an impact on how much it would cost to construct a new one. How big does your company need? What safety features do they require? These questions can all help with determining whether or not constructing a new facility is worth it! After considering all these factors, you should have a good idea about how to build or renovate an effective warehouse for your company's needs. Remember that no two warehouses are built alike so it’s important to take into account what will work best for you and yours before getting started on any project! We hope this article has been helpful in understanding more about warehouses and why knowledge in this area may benefit you as well as others who read it! Other useful articles How can clients ensure their projects meet their expectations? The 10 Biggest Risks Clients and Owners Face On Construction Projects Collaboration in construction AuthorFrom Murray Bilby, Crowd Control Expert at Todoos. Todos specializes in everything that warehouse managers may require for seamless functioning of their facility – from queuing systems to waste receptacles, cigarette receptacles, signage, and even barriers for restricting access to areas where only a selected few are allowed. Do you want to learn how to manage construction projects successfully Click on picture to view books on Amazon Paul Netscher has written several easy to read books for owners, contractors, construction managers, construction supervisors and foremen. They cover all aspects of construction management and are filled with tips and insights.
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January 2023
CategoriesCopyright 2016 - The attached articles cannot be reproduced for commercial purposes without the consent of the author.
The opinions expressed in the attached articles are those of the writer. It should be noted that projects are varied and different laws and restrictions apply which depend on the location of the contractor and the project. It's important that the reader uses the supplied information taking cognisance of their particular circumstances. The writer assumes no responsibility or liability for any loss of any kind arising from the reader using the information or advice contained herein. "I have what I consider some of the best books on construction management."
Books are available from: Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk takealot.com kalahari.com Amazon.in Amazon.de Amazon.fr Amazon.it Amazon.com.au Powell's Fishpond uread bokus Amazon.ca Amazon.es Other retail stores Available in paperback or on Kindle "28 YEARS OF CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE, DEVELOPING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGERS AND BUILDING SUCCESSFUL CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES"
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