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

how samples, mock-ups and prototypes can benefit your construction project

29/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
"Will the client be happy with the workmanship and products"
It’s good practice to request a subcontractor or supplier produce a sample, or build a mock-up, of the product they are supplying. In fact, this is often a client requirement which should be included in the request to price or tender and contract documents.

The purpose of a sample or mock-up is to ensure that:

  • you and the client will be happy with the quality of the product

  • the subcontractor is capable of producing the required quality

  • there is a bench-mark for the quality standard for the project

  • any interface problems or flaws with the design will be exposed

  • it gives the client and professional team an opportunity to have a say in the finished product
"If the client rejects the sample even though it meets specifications then they may be liable for additional costs to satisfy their new requirements"
​Just a word of caution though, a sample or mock-up should not cause the client, Engineer or Architect to make fundamental changes to the specified product or finish, that will incur additional costs to either the contractor or the subcontractor. If this does occur the client should be informed there will be a variation. Obviously if there are quality problems with the original sample or mock-up, or the samples don’t meet the required specifications, these are the contractor’s and subcontractor’s issues, and should be rectified at no additional cost to the client.

It’s important, if the client or their representative has requested the sample or mock-up, that it’s formally approved, either in writing or within the minutes of a project meeting. I’ve often had the client claim part way through the project that they never actually approved the item.
"Samples should remain to the end of the project."
​If possible, the sample or mock-up should remain to the end of the project, or at least until after the actual installed product has been accepted by the client. This should prevent arguments with the client over the standard of the final product since it should be the same as the approved sample.
​#constructionquality #constructionmaterials #constructionsubcontractors

"​"A practical guide based on great experience of a real professional." Reader review on Amazon
Picture
This article is from the author's book 'Successful Construction Project Management: The Practical Guide'. An easy to read book packed with tips and insights to make you a better construction project manager. Available from Amazon and other online stores.

More useful articles:
Are your construction materials compliant?
The Contractor's Duty to Ask Questions
Don’t Start Your Next Construction Project Before Reading This
​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.
Picture
0 Comments

The importance of effective delegation for successful construction projects

25/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
"Project managers cannot do everything themselves and it is often necessary to delegate some tasks."
On large, complex construction projects the Project Manager may have several staff working for them, such as Assistant Site Managers, Section Engineers, Engineers, Safety Advisors, Quality Managers, and Supervisors. It’s impossible for the Project Manager to attend to all the tasks, so it’s therefore necessary to delegate tasks to members of their team.
"Not delegating tasks can lead to mistakes and a frustrated and demotivated construction team."
I've seen construction projects where the Project Manager has tried to do everything, often leading to disaster because they take on too many responsibilities, resulting in tasks being completed late, done badly, or forgotten altogether. This leads to frustration in the rest of the project team, since they are left waiting for materials or equipment, which the Project Manager was supposed to organise. Furthermore, members of the construction team may feel overlooked and not trusted to manage their section of work, resulting in poor morale and productivity.
#constructionmanagement #constructionprojects #constructionprofessionals ​
"Time spent training someone, will, in the future, be time well spent"
​Frequently I hear excuses as to why a task has not been delegated such as; ‘it will take longer to show them than if I did it myself’. Yet how will the other person ever learn if they are not taught? Time spent training the person now, will, in the future, be time well spent, since hopefully the person will be able to do the task unaided.

I also hear comments like the person is ‘useless’ or ‘incapable of doing the task’. Are they really useless, or is it because they've not been shown what to do? Do they have the appropriate training and experience to fulfil the role expected of them? If they are genuinely useless, why are they still employed and what’s being done to replace them?

Of course, the opposite of not delegating tasks is to delegate everything, or to delegate inappropriate tasks. This can result in mistakes, and even damage people's careers.

If you are a member of Linkedin check out this great article on delegation Is your inability to delegate holding you (and everyone else) back?
Other useful articles:
Time management
Employing the right people in construction
Successful construction demands good communication

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
"Practical; very informative, and useful" 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.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
0 Comments

Does your company actively promote the reporting of problems?

21/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
"Knowing about a problem means action can be taken to fix it"
In many construction companies there’s a culture of hiding problems. This is often a result of managers blaming subordinates and implementing harsh measures against staff who may be responsible for the problem. It’s important to foster a spirit of openness and ensure people understand it’s not about blame, but rather about solving the problem, and being aware of a problem as soon as possible in order that mitigating measures can be implemented.

Of course where an individual has performed poorly, disregarded company policies and procedures or participated in fraudulent activities it will be necessary to institute the appropriate disciplinary procedures.
​#constructionmanagement #constructionprojects

"No matter how well construction projects are planned, or how well the company is run, problems will arise."
​Unfortunately no matter how well construction projects are planned, or how well the company is run, problems will arise. It's essential decisive action is taken quickly to prevent the problem becoming bigger, and to resolve the issue.

Regrettably many problems only come to light when it’s too late to solve or mitigate them – possibly jeopardising the survival of the construction company.
Picture
"Very helpful with lots of useful information!
Definitely a book to read/study for construction professionals."
Reader review on Amazon 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.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
0 Comments

labour productivity on construction sites

18/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
"Labour productivity is often poor on construction projects"
​On many construction projects poor labour productivity is a major problem. It results in tasks costing more than was originally budgeted, causes schedule slippage, and means more personnel are required than allowed for, in turn increasing accommodation and transport costs, and even requiring additional supervisory staff.
​#constructionproductivity #constructionmanagement #construction

Reasons for poor construction productivity

The obvious sign of poor labour productivity is personnel standing idle on on the construction project during work hours. This could be due to a number of reasons for example:
  • construction workers not being supervised properly or the Supervisor being poorly organised

  • excessive and lengthy staff meetings resulting in workers being unsupervised for lengthy periods and waiting for further instructions, or simply taking the opportunity to take an extended break

  • a lack of access to the construction work area caused by:

    • other workers or contractors working in the area

    • access scaffolding being unavailable

    • access routes being closed

  • workers waiting for equipment like cranes

  • waiting for material, like concrete deliveries

  • too many construction workers on the project

  • too many workers of a particular trade and not enough of another trade

  • one construction trade waiting for another to finish

  • workers being poorly trained and unable to skilfully carry out the tasks or achieve the required quality

  • workers feeling unhappy or unmotivated to work

"The cost of poor productivity in construction is enormous"
​It’s important to ascertain the reasons the workers are idle because the costs can be enormous to construction companies.
Picture
"I found this book very insightful. The author did a very good job." Reader on Amazon 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.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
0 Comments

What can a winning soccer team teach business managers?

14/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Well the 2014 Soccer World Cup is over. It cost billions of dollars. Brazil is saddened in defeat. The Germans are elated by their victory.
Can the winning team teach business anything?
Read this article Eleven lessons to learn from the German football team
I think whoever we support we can concur with most of the items. In fact I'm sure that if we analyse most winning sports teams we will find the same things. Indeed, just as companies do, many teams have experienced periods when they have fared poorly and they have had to change their approach to once again become winners. 
0 Comments

Brazil out of the 2014 soccer world cup. What are the lessons for your project team?

11/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Brazil was beaten 7-1 by Germany in the semi-finals of the 2014 soccer world cup. This was the biggest semi-final defeat in the history of the world cup and was devastating for Brazil as the host nation.

So what went wrong? Some of Brazil's star players were unable to play, while others performed poorly. Germany exploited these weaknesses with devastating effect.

Are there lessons for your project team?

Most project teams are similar to a soccer team. Different members with different skills and responsibilities. Some of these will be stars, while others may just be average. As much as we would like to have a team consisting only of stars, this isn't always possible, and in most cases isn't always necessary. After all stars often demand more money and aren't always happy to do the ordinary everyday tasks. It's therefore important to organise the various team members in such away that people are used to their best abilities.

So what happens when one of your star players leaves, is sick or performs badly? Well make sure you implement a contingency plan to cope with the situation. You also need to be continually training the next generation of stars who can step up as replacements. Where necessary you need to look after your stars - this may even include not overworking them and allowing them time off so others can step up into their positions.

Of course like every soccer team you cannot let complacency set in. You also need to be continually training and honing the team's skills and setting new targets.

0 Comments

the importance of good communication on construction projects

8/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
"Communication is something that a Project Manager has to do all the time, every day"
​Communication is something that a Project Manager has to do all the time, every day on construction projects. It’s both verbal and written, and will be with workers, project staff, management, Head Office staff, subcontractors, suppliers, the client, the client’s team (which may include Engineers and Architects), local authorities and members of the public.
​#constructionmanagement #contractors #construction

What is good communication?

Communication should:

  • be civil

  • be clear and concise

  • be persuasive and forceful enough to ensure instructions are followed

  • achieve the best outcomes for the project,

  • be effective

  • take into account relationships

  • take into account the level of understanding the other person has

  • not be condescending
"Good communication is vital to the success of any construction project."
​Good communication is vital to the success of any construction project. There are courses and programs which can improve the level of written and oral communication, and consideration should be given to attending one of these.
Picture
"Great book, this guy is a construction genius! Highly recommended." 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.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
0 Comments

how to use emails on a construction project

5/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Emails can save time on a project, but they can also waste time and lead to embarrassing actions which we would all rather forget. For this reason emails must be dealt with in an appropriate manner.
See the following interesting article: Effective use of Emails in construction project communications
0 Comments

How poor safety costs your construction company money

2/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
"We always hear excuses that safety costs money, but poor safety and accidents cost money."

The costs of poor construction safety

Poor safety could result in additional costs due to:

It resulting in an accident which may result in:
  • ​management requiring time to investigate
  • the worker being absent for a period of time while being paid
  • a key worker, such as a crane or excavator operator, or a supervisor, being injured, resulting in other workers being unable to work affectively, or even a section of work standing
  • a key piece of equipment being damaged
  • ​completed work being damaged, resulting in repair costs and delays to the project
  • an increase in insurance premiums
  • poor morale which impacts productivity
  • the construction project being closed down  by the client, or a government body, for safety violations ​
  • ​fines being imposed

unsafe work conditions also affect productivity

Poor safety measures also waste money

​Inappropriate implementation of safety measures could result in:

  • potential safety issues not being addressed

  • additional expenses being incurred due to unnecessary safety procedures being implemented

Poor construction safety costs lives and money

​Poor safety performance will reflect poorly on the contractor and clients may not award projects to a contractor whose safety is poor.
​Poor safety costs money, but more importantly it can cost lives, and change lives forever. Poor safety on your construction project could even claim your life. No construction project or construction schedule should risk people's health or life.
​#constructionsafety #constructionprojects #constructionmanagement
"Poor safety on your construction project could even claim your life"
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
"This is a fantastic book to get a realistic and detailed idea of construction management." 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.
© 2022 This article is not to be reproduced for commercial purposes without written permission from the author.
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