Construction Project Management Services and Construction Books
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement

The warning signs of a demotivated workforce

30/5/2014

0 Comments

 
People are critical to construction companies. Motivated workers are essential.

Check out this great article. THE WARNING SIGNS OF A DEMOTIVARED WORKFORCE

0 Comments

Selecting Subcontractors for your Construction Project

27/5/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
"Poor subcontractors will negatively impact construction projects."
A poor subcontractor can harm your construction project, affecting the construction schedule, project safety, client relations, quality, and often costing the main or general contractor additional money. It's therefore essential that contractors and clients go through a rigorous process when selecting a subcontractor.
​#subcontractors #constructionmanagement #constructionprojects

What to consider when selecting subcontractors

​Some items to consider when selecting subcontractors include:

  • The subcontractor's experience and knowledge. It's one thing to have done similar construction work, but have they done it in that environment, for example; a building project in an oil & gas facility is very different to one in the city.
  • Do they have the resources (staff, tradespeople and equipment) and are they available for your construction project.
  • Their safety record.
  • The subcontractor's cash flow. Negative cash flow – the death for many construction companies
  • The reputation for quality construction work.
  • Is their price right? It should be within budget, but at the same time not too low that the subcontractor will loose money which could result in them cutting corners on the construction project, understaffing it, lodging spurious claims, and in the worst case possibly even going insolvent. Are your subcontractors profitable? Should you care?
  • The subcontractor's reputation for submitting claims and variations.
  • The products and subcontractors they will use.
  • Any exclusions or clauses in their tender or quotation which may be unacceptable.
  • Their proposed construction schedule and methodology.
  • The experience and knowledge of the team they propose to put on the construction project.
  • Their current work commitments and any other work that they may be awarded.

Subcontractors are your partners

Never select subcontractors on price alone. Regrettably the cheapest subcontractor often works out to be a very expensive choice when the subcontractor does not perform. Do careful due diligence to ensure that your subcontractors have the experience, knowledge, and resources to do the construction work in their contract. 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
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.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
0 Comments

what makes a good construction client?

19/5/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Have you worked for a bad client? Perhaps they paid you late, or not at all? Maybe they expected you to do extra work for free? Unfortunately there are some clients who you should never work for. They will cost you time and money, and perhaps even damage your reputation.

No matter how desperate you are for work do not be tempted to do a construction project with a bad client. Always research your clients before pricing a project. Know who your client is.
​#constructionprojects

What makes a good construction client?

A good client is one that:

  • pays on time
  • pays in full
  • acknowledges when they have made changes or caused delays and is fair in the way they assess the impacts of these changes
  • responds timeously to requests for information
  • appoints a knowledgeable and competent project team
  • has additional work or projects
  • knows what they want and articulates it clearly 
  • monitors quality in a consistent manner as the project proceeds and gives clear direction as to what is expected
  • adjudicates prices and quotations fairly, awarding construction projects not based solely on price, but rather on the competence of the contractor
  • is well prepared, providing access, information, permits, services, utilities and client provided materials on time
  • is not involved in illegal activities
  • provides clear and complete information for tender purposes
  • is prepared to work with the contractor to solve problems
"Utilizing the practical applications in this book would make for a better construction industry. Thanks for sharing what you have learned." Reader review on Amazon
Picture
Information in this article is from 'Building a Successful Construction Company: The Practical Guide' by Paul Netscher. Available from Amazon and other online stores.

Other useful articles
Your tender submission or quotation – Get it right
Steps to help you win your next construction project
Asking questions in the bidding process ​

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.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
0 Comments

Planning your construction project

15/5/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Planning your construction project is probably the most important part of the project management process. When I say planning I’m not just talking about preparing the construction schedule or program which is an important part of the planning process. I’m talking about developing the overall construction methodology, deciding how you going to build it, who you going to use, what equipment will be needed and what materials will be used.

Many problems encountered during construction are a result of poor planning. Spending more time on planning the project can often result in a faster and smoother construction process. Proper planning can improve safety, quality and resource utilisation.
Other useful articles
How you can make your next construction project more successful. 
construction project drawings
Before starting your next construction project ask these questions

0 Comments

How much profit?

13/5/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
"Too much profit and you won't win the project. Too little and you've left money on the table."
​You are about to submit your construction project quotation (tender, bid, or price) and you have to decide how much profit to add to your price. Add too much and your price may become too expensive and won't be considered by the client. Add too little and you could be much cheaper than your competitors. So what is the right profit?

What impact the profit you add on construction projects

The amount depends on a number of factors including:
  • The current market conditions. The more competitive they are the lower the margin will be.
  • The other bidders or contractors pricing the project. If you know who they are you may have an indication of how desperate they are for the construction project or what level their prices normally are.
  • How desperate you are for the work.
  • How confident you are in your project pricing. If there is some uncertainty about the accuracy of your price you may add additional profit to cover for any possible mistakes in your price.
  • The amount of risk on the construction project. The more risk there is the higher your profit should be to recompense for the risk you are taking on. 
  • The client's budget. You may consider tailoring your price to fit the client's budget provided this doesn't make you lose money or isn't going to make your price uncompetitive.
  • The desirability of the construction project to your company such as: possible further work from the client, a good location, a prestigious project or an easy project with potential to make additional profit. 
  • Whether the construction project will use resources you currently have available.
  • You may want to keep other contractors away from your client or market.
  • You may want the construction project so you can enter a new construction market, or work with a new client.

Adding the right amount of profit is one of the most important decisions in the project pricing process. 

"What I personally liked about this book were the case studies; they were great. Also, the proper explanation of every thing talked about." Reader review on Amazon
Picture
For more information on pricing projects read 'Building a Successful Construction Company: The Practical Guide' by Paul Netscher. Available on Amazon and other online stores.

© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
0 Comments

Reasons why construction projects lose money

8/5/2014

1 Comment

 
Picture

Why is your construction project unprofitable?

There are many reasons for construction projects to lose money, and often more than one for a particular loss. Some reasons may be:
  • There are too many people.
  • Inadequate, poor or insufficient supervision.
  • The wrong mix of trades and skills.
  • Poor worker morale.
  • Poor discipline and time-keeping.
  • Poorly trained workers.
  • Poor safety.
  • Too much equipment or the inefficient utilisation of equipment. ​The impact of poor equipment productivity on construction projects
  • The wrong type of equipment. What Size Equipment Is Right for Your Construction Project?
  • Equipment that continually breaks down. The Alarming Truth about Using Old Construction Equipment
  • A shortage of materials. 
  • Defective materials.
  • Materials aren't available when they're required or where they required. Do Your Material Deliveries Suck? How to avoid problems
  • The project is poorly planned and managed. Daily planning of construction projects
  • Subcontractors not performing as they should, delaying follow on trades. Managing your subcontractors. Ensuring your project is successful.
  • Poor workmanship resulting in work having to be redone. The true costs of poor quality construction
  • Theft of materials and equipment.
  • Wastage of materials.​

Why clients cost contractors money

Of course sometimes the reasons are because of the client, in which case it's important that the contractor notifies the client, claims for the delay, changes, or additional scope, and assists the client to rectify the problem. 15 Rules for construction variation claims and change orders When can contractors claim extra costs?

​Some reasons the client is causing the contractor extra costs may be:
  • Changed project conditions to those expected at tender stage such as restricted working hours, longer haul routes or materials with different properties.
  • Increase in scope.
  • Changed project specifications.
  • Changed testing procedures.
  • Late access.
  • Late information.
  • Changes to work already completed.
  • Different ground conditions.
  • Client provided services are inadequate or further from the work area than specified. 
  • Inadequate access or the client's operations impacting on the work.
  • The client taking too long to approve designs and drawings.
  • The client's design is more complex than the one tendered for.
  • Encountering unexpected services.
  • Finding unexpected artefacts or hazardous materials.

Occasionally the problem is due to a mistake in the project price in which case the estimator should be told so the same mistake doesn't occur on the next tender.
​#constructionprojects #constructionmanagement #contractors

Your Construction Project is in Trouble – Who are you Going to Blame?
Information in this article is from Paul Netscher's construction management books all available on Amazon and from other online stores.
​© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
1 Comment

Construction project documentation

6/5/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Two weeks ago my father died. My mother had died two years earlier and my father had been less than communicative with my brothers and I about his personal affairs, so trying to sort his things out after he died wasn’t easy. Fortunately he had given the church instructions on how his memorial service should be conducted. His financial advisor seemed to have his financial affairs under control. However, one of the biggest problems we had was finding out who his friends were and how to contact them to inform them of his death. There were five different lists of contacts and we didn’t know whether they were his or my mother’s friends and who was still living. Many had changed their telephone numbers and we couldn’t contact them.

This reminded me how important it is for Project Managers to keep records on site. As a Project Director I have on occasion had to step in on a construction project when a project manager has been suddenly taken ill or had to attend to urgent personal business. It’s often been frustrating trying to find who to contact and which suppliers and subcontractors were being used on the construction project. #constructionmanagement #constructiondocumentation 
"Project information on computers and phones must be accessible to the company"
In this day and age project managers have their own laptop computers, tablets and smart phones, and it can be even more frustrating since all the project information is often stored on these devices which travel with the project manager. It’s therefore important that the construction company has systems in place whereby information on these devices is regularly backed-up onto the company’s central computer system so that it can be retrieved by someone else should the project manager be unavailable. The information should also be stored in a standard system of files and folders so that information can be easily found.
"Ensure the next project manager has access to all the project information"
It’s important that project managers give a full set of handover documentation to project managers who are relieving them while they are away on leave.

Sometimes construction projects work double shifts and there is a project manager on duty for each shift. Again it’s vital that they handover sufficient documentation to the incoming project manager so they know what work was done in the previous shift and what they need to do during their shift.
"A comprehensive and up to date set of project documents is invaluable."
​If the construction project has a full set of records which are easily accessible, and the project manager prepares a comprehensive set of handover documentation, then the transition from one project manager to another can be fairly seamless.
See also 
Documents That Will Make Your Construction Variation Claim Successful
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
​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.
0 Comments
    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases

    Archives

    January 2023
    October 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

    Copyright 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"

Construction Books

Successful Construction Project management
Building a Successful Construction Company
Construction Claims: A Short Guide for Contractors
Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
​
Build and Renovate Your Home With Your Eyes Wide Open
Book Reviews

Construction services

Construction Management Services
Paul Netscher
Construction Management Blog
​Home Improvement Blog

Contact
Developing Successful Construction Project Managers.

Building Successful Construction Companies.
30 years of construction project management experience
  • Construction Home
  • About Paul Netscher
  • +Construction Books
    • Successful Construction Project Management
    • Building a Successful Construction Company
    • Construction Claims
    • Construction Project Management: Tips and Insights
    • Construction Management: From Project Concept to Completion
    • An Introduction to Building and Renovating Houses
    • The Successful Construction Supervisor and Foreman
    • Designing your ideal home
  • Construction Management Services
  • Book Reviews
  • Contact
  • Blog | Construction Management
  • Site Map
  • Blog | Home Improvement
  • Index of construction articles
  • Useful Links
  • Index Home Improvement