The Benefits of Outsourcing Your Construction Projects

April 25, 2023

Outsourcing is the process of shifting a particular part of your business operations to an outside company. You remain in control of the projects, but the company you contract with handles the staffing and all of the day-to-day concerns. If you’re a contractor, outsourcing your subcontracting needs to a specialized staffing agency can be a smart business decision. Here’s why:

Expertise

As you know, construction is a complex business. From pulling permits to final inspections, there are a lot of moving parts in even the smallest construction project. No matter how good you are at your job, at times, you may feel like you are running in circles to ensure that everything happens on time and on budget. But what about all the subcontractors you need? Searching for each skilled trade individually can be maddening.

Outsourcing these projects to a dedicated construction and skilled trades staffing agency means giving up the hassles and headaches. We are familiar with the entire construction process from start to finish, allowing us to easily understand the specifics of each project. And we have the skilled trades experts you need already on staff. No more running around looking for subcontractors or trying to explain the overall vision to a bunch of different teams.

Time and Cost Savings

The more time you spend dealing with subcontractors on a particular project, the less time you have available for other projects. Outsourcing frees you up to focus on the parts of each job that only you can do.

It can also save you money. As you know, construction mistakes can be quite costly. Anything that doesn’t meet the code will have to be ripped out and redone. A poor choice of materials could result in leaks or other issues that lead to expensive repairs. Even a subcontractor who is working more slowly than necessary might cause other work to back up, creating expensive delays.

Outsourcing can help minimize cost overruns. With all the experts you need on a single payroll, we can maintain strong oversight over your subcontractors.

Improved Speed and Efficiency

Since all of the subcontractors are on our payroll, we can manage timelines to ensure maximum efficiency. Your projects can get done more quickly, without you having to constantly check up on all the different teams.

Need Skilled Trade Professionals?

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!