Technology has penetrated nearly every profession. The construction industry is no exception. Contrary to the past, contractors do not have to rely on conventional means anymore to get the job done. There are so many modern tools out there that have made their life a lot easier.
However, it is still inevitable for project managers to wear multiple hats despite all the latest equipment. Since many contractors fail at multitasking, it is just a matter of time before poor management starts to take a toll on the project. It is one of the key reasons why constructions keep on lingering past the deadline. In some cases, not completing the project in time triggers employee dissatisfaction and keeps your license at stake.
If you want to avoid these consequences, stick to the following fundamentals:
- Map out budget smartly
Planning a budget is not easy even for a seasoned contractor, let alone a novice. One reason behind this is that a construction project is likely to go through surprises; design changes, rise in material costs, to name a few. Albeit challenging, mapping out a precise budget is not an impossible task by any stretch of the imagination. It is all about setting the basics right.
Compared to the past, budgeting has become easy these days due to the availability of various software. Whether you are erecting a building from scratch or working on a remodeling project, you will have difficulty selecting software that fits your requirements.
- Establish solid communication
No matter how small a project, maybe, it usually involves several stakeholders. It would help if you kept all of them in the loop to keep things moving swiftly. Depending on the kind of information you want to convey, you could choose in-person or other communication methods. For example, it is crucial to communicate with the crew that they should only procure the best material. Investing in the right kind of material and equipment helps in enhancing productivity and reducing lag. Set out guidelines to get the best material, such as asphalt paving, and use the latest equipment, such as cement mixers.
According to a credible study, as many as nearly 80 percent of the construction employees undergo stress due to insufficient communication. As a superintendent, you can’t expect your workers to be on top of their performance when they are not even well-versed about the project needs.
Here are a few practical tips that bridge the communication gap between contractors and crew members.
- Regular meetings are a must:
- Even if you have provided a clear roadmap to everyone on the job site, there is no way you can overlook the importance of regular discussions. As a rule of thumb, meeting once a week would be sufficient. Make sure none of the employees miss out on the meeting, regardless of his/her role.
- Do not use industry jargon:
- Every industry has its particular terminology; the same goes for the construction business. But sometimes, industry jargon, aka industry-specific words, could be a significant hindrance in transparent communication. For example, instead of saying “ponding,” you are better off using a phrase like “water accumulation on the roof.”
- Invest in protective gear
Construction sites make up for a massive number of injuries. Stats reveal that about 150,000 construction workers get injured every year. Depending on the severity of the wound, a worker could take many months to recover. What is worse, almost 1000 injuries prove to be fatal. Although you can always replace one worker with another, it could cause great inconvenience because every worker needs some time to adjust.
That is where investing in quality protective gear can make a world of difference. Be it the nose, head, eyes, feet, or any other part of the body; the equipment safeguards your workers from enduring injuries.
- Stick to specialists
As mentioned above, technological intervention has been unprecedented in the construction industry. You can even automate a host of responsibilities at the construction site. But, irrespective of the cutting-edge machinery, it would be a flawed idea to rely on a mediocre workforce. From the design team down to a plumber, everyone must be a specialist in the respective field. Instead of relying on referrals, the best way to get hooked up with the finest construction team is to establish a high-quality recruitment process.
The final verdict
Being a contractor, you may have tons of happy clients by your side; it takes only one unsatisfied client to ruin all your reputation. So it would help if you did not take the liberty of starting a project without ticking the above boxes.
