Quality Assurance: Why Hiring Qualified Workers Is Key to Project Success

July 25, 2023

If you’re a busy construction contractor, you might need skilled trade workers in a hurry. It can be tempting to simply hire whoever shows up, hoping that they can learn on the job. But this is a recipe for disaster. Instead, make an effort to hire people who are highly qualified in their individual trades. Here are a few reasons why it’s worth the trouble.

Achieving High-Quality Standards

As a contractor, you undoubtedly take pride in your work, and you need people with the skills to execute your vision. But a chain is only as strong as its weakest link. How can you ensure that your entire project is up to your standards if your subcontractors are only minimally qualified? The skilled trades are both an art and a science, and it takes time to achieve mastery.

Lowering Costs Due to Errors

It’s always less expensive to simply do the job right the first time. If an unqualified worker measures incorrectly and cuts a countertop too short, you’ll have to spend money to replace it. If the wiring isn’t up to code due to an inexperienced electrician, you’ll have to correct the problem. Choose highly qualified workers, and you’re far less likely to encounter simple but expensive errors.

Maintaining Customer Satisfaction

Most customers hate the construction process. Their home or office has been torn up for weeks, or they’re just waiting for you to finish so they can open a new production facility. The longer the project runs, the more impatient they are likely to become. But inexperienced workers can bog down the entire process. And if something is done incorrectly, you can be sure that your customer will notice. Keep your customers happy by hiring qualified people with the skills to do the job correctly the first time.

Enhancing Productivity

You probably have a lot on your plate. During the busy construction season, you might be juggling multiple projects at different work sites. It’s best for you, your customers, and your teams for each project to run as efficiently as possible. Qualified and experienced subcontractors can make that happen, boosting productivity and getting the job done, even when you aren’t on-site.

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!

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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!