How Do You Ensure Your Vision Is Realized by Your Construction Team?

February 7, 2024

Every successful construction project begins with a strong vision. But how can you ensure that your team brings that vision to reality? Here are a few tips for construction managers.

Create an Actionable Construction Plan

The first step is always to sit down with your client and learn what they want from the project. But most clients don’t know the language of construction. It’s your job as a manager to translate the client’s ideas into a concrete, actionable construction plan. The more detailed the plan, the better your team members will be able to follow it.

Ensure Constant Alignment with Project Goals

Think of your construction plan as an overall guide, with each piece divided into specific goals and milestones. As the project moves along, continue to refer to the plan. Does progress on the ground align with the goals you established at the outset? If not, call a team meeting to get back on track. It’s always better to identify potential issues as they emerge rather than waiting until a significant amount of work has been done.

Keep the Client Engaged and Informed

Ultimately, your client is the boss. So don’t leave them out of the loop. They should sign off on the initial construction plan, as well as any changes that are made. Keep them updated on your progress, and always ask for their input on any key decisions. Keeping the client engaged throughout the process serves two very important purposes: First, it helps minimize the risk that they will hate something you did when it’s too late to make a change. And secondly, it holds you accountable. When you are accountable to the client, it’s much easier for you to hold your team members accountable.

Bringing a vision to reality isn’t always easy. But taking the time to develop a comprehensive and detailed plan, then referring back to that plan while also engaging the client, will help you and your team members stay on track.

Need a Skilled Trade Professional?

At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services and contact us today!

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Overcoming Common Challenges in Urban Commercial Construction

March 27, 2024

Urban commercial construction brings a whole set of challenges that contractors in the suburbs and rural areas never have to consider. But revitalization is extremely important for urban cores to survive and thrive, so these projects can be quite lucrative. Here are some common difficulties, along with tips to overcome them and remain on good terms with the neighbors. Tight Spaces In urban areas, there simply isn’t as much space to move around. You might have difficulty getting some of your heavy machinery to fit, or your subcontractors could be trying to paint an apartment the size of an average broom closet. Rise to the challenge by thinking outside the box. Carefully survey the entire space before you get started, and develop a detailed project plan in advance. Be sure to include entry and egress routes, alternative ways of getting things done, and even subcontractor schedules that minimize the number of people working in the same space at the same time. Local Regulations Many urban areas have byzantine construction regulations that are confusing and hard to follow. Take the time to research these regulations and understand what you need to do. Then, boil it all down into a simple, easy-to-read document that you distribute to everyone involved. Get to know the local authorities and find someone whom you can call whenever you have questions or concerns. Make sure your team members are ready to pivot if you find out that you missed or misinterpreted something significant. Always have a backup plan. Community Engagement Transparency can go a long way toward getting the local community on your side. Let people know what you’re working on and how it will benefit them. Explain why the project is happening, how long it will take, and whether it will impact their costs (such as taxes). If you’re redeveloping a historic building, be especially sensitive to the concerns of preservationists and meet with them separately to explain your plans. Noise Control You won’t endear yourself to the local community if you’re making a lot of noise when residents are trying to sleep. And remember, even if you’re working on an office building, there could be luxury apartments right next door. Use sound baffling measures to reduce noise. Whenever possible, work during daylight hours. Minimizing Disruptions No matter how careful you are, urban commercial construction projects are inherently disruptive to the neighborhood. But you can mitigate this with careful planning. Try not to block streets during morning or evening rush hours. Be considerate of any upcoming local events. Do your best not to interfere with vehicular or pedestrian traffic patterns. When you do need to create a blockage, be sure to put up signage and work as quickly as you can without compromising safety. Need a Skilled Trade Professional? At Great Lakes Skilled Trades, we specialize in connecting contractors with professionals in the skilled trades throughout the Great Lakes region. If you need a skilled tradesperson, learn more about our services, and then contact us today!