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Big construction projects are among the most complex and arduous business endeavors. In some cases, dozens of companies and subcontractors cooperate, often leading to various on-site issues and miscommunication.
As a general contractor, one of your main tasks is to handle all these entities, many of which have their own agendas. For example, you’ll often encounter situations where you have to delegate tasks and give priority to one subcontractor over another. To make all of this possible, you must introduce intuitive workflows that work on a project level.
Good contractors understand that proactive planning, clear communication, and modern construction technology are vital for success. By setting goals in advance, using joint channels of communication, and holding regular meetings, you’ll be able to coordinate all subcontractors working on a project.
The good news is that there are so many different ways to handle your subcontractors. In most cases, providing a transparent playing field will do the job. You should also introduce the necessary technology that will make cooperation a breeze.
Like with any other business endeavor, you must be certain that your partners are worth their salt. Older construction companies have a list of subcontractors they often work with on these projects. However, that doesn’t mean that these lists are static, as you can always introduce new organizations with better crews and tools.
When selecting subcontractors for the first time, there are a few areas you should pay attention to. The most important things are experience and reputation. If you’ve worked different jobs in construction, you can quickly disqualify people who don’t have enough expertise or might not fit the current project.
You should also ask subcontractors about their past projects and performance. Financial stability might also be important, as it will show you whether tools, materials, and salaries could be a problem. Once you select your crews, you should acquaint them with the timelines, project scope, and quality standards, so you can be certain they can match them.
With so many companies and crews on a single project, there’s bound to be certain communication problems. To make matters worse, a slight disagreement can delay a building by one or two days. This is why all general contractors must have a centralized communication platform that will be used by each company’s foreman.
The good news is that software has become so advanced nowadays that you can share various files with your subcontractors. For example, you can use the platform to send drawings, specifications, schedules, and other project data. To further enhance cooperation between teams, it is recommended that you hold regular meetings to address issues and talk about the progress.
It is also a good idea to have a few separate channels for specialists. For example, you can have a single channel for all your electrician subcontractors and another for masons. In the last few years, more and more general contractors have started using time tracking software for construction, as it helps them locate each person in the field and relay instructions.
We’ve already talked about the importance of centralized communication software and time tracking solutions. However, there are lots of other apps that you can use to enhance your performance. A good example and project management tools, which help you track what’s happening with each room or area of the construction site.
Your equipment can also benefit from an upgrade. You can use tools and machines that have automatic maintenance procedures, so you don’t have to worry about that aspect of things. Furthermore, some of these devices can show you data on consumption, so you can delegate critical tasks to more efficient teams.
The main difference between successful and unsuccessful projects is often attributed to planning and scheduling. Great managers create a roadmap for each subcontractor, showing them what’s expected from their teams in the upcoming days. With all dependencies and tasks in a single file, subcontractors will have a better insight into deadlines and roles.
Smart managers create contingency plans that help patch things up in case of an emergency. Regardless of your scheduling acumen, you can expect things to go awry. In these cases, you must find the best way to coordinate subcontractors without interrupting their previously-assigned tasks.
Another way of streamlining your partners is by carefully allocating resources. Make sure everyone has enough materials and the right tools, so you don’t have to backtrack or stall the completion of different tasks.
Before starting a new project, you should set quality standards and share them with all your subcontractors. This is not only important for improving the building’s safety, but it can also potentially increase efficiency across the board.
To be certain that everyone is following your instructions, you must conduct regular inspections. Implement other solutions that will help you measure performance and progress. If you do notice a problem, you must address it swiftly. This will not only keep things going, but it will set an example for everyone on the construction site.
Construction companies that constantly do projects in the same city will eventually build rapport in the field. This is especially true for subcontractors that you hire, as you’ll likely select the same crews over and over again.
Even if we disregard this slow buildup of familiarity, you have to make sure all your subcontractors are on the same page. When introducing rules, they must apply to everyone. Foster a collaborative environment, set up meetings, and joint activities that will bring your subcontractors together.
With so many moving parts, construction projects become hectic really quickly. As a manager, it is your task to properly plan, schedule, and motivate your subcontractors to minimize mistakes and increase efficiency. And by following the instructions in this article, you’ll have a much easier time doing just that.
