5 Key Areas to Help Control Problems on the Construction Site

There is no substitute for experience—especially in construction. Years of experience in building projects, managing employees, working with owners, hiring subcontractors, keeping the cash flow coming in, and tackling daily issues as they arise all help mold a person into an expert in their field.   

Below are 5 areas in which experience is useful in a construction company to help avoid problems.

1. Management. In my experience as a construction manager, I believe 90% of all problems in construction can be traced back to poor management. A construction management team has the responsibility to put the right people in place to oversee, coordinate, and organize the activities of a business in order to achieve a defined objective. This shows that management affects all areas. This is why investing in quality staff is critical. From office administration to field management, good leadership keeps everything interconnected and flowing well.   
2. Legal. There is always a level of risk for a construction company. Just as you need a floor plan to build a building, you need a plan to keep your company legally protected. Having a well-defined contract that protects you is the foundation. Conflict disagreements with owners, subcontractors, and material suppliers can manifest into long drawn-out situations that can cost considerable time and money. As laws change and more regulations are put in place, it is more important than ever to stay on top of things.  
3. Employees. Employees are the bedrock of a company. Developing and keeping good employees can be challenging in an industry where the workload can fluctuate. Construction workers today tend to move on more than ever. Good wages and benefits help, but in my experience, performance-based incentive programs are what keep good people around. Offering a three- or four-year on-the-job training program to new employees for commitment of loyalty and hard work in those years can show a willingness to invest in your employees as well as some job security. Delegating to employees can also bring a sense of power and security and make them feel like an important part of the company.  
4. Safety. Safety must be one of the highest priorities in any company, especially construction. A well-seasoned in-house safety director can create and maintain a strong safety culture. As new employees join the company and environments change from job site to job site, constant monitoring can bring about the need for additional safety training overall or for specific employees. 
5. Sales. Keeping fresh new work coming in can be challenging. Many times the company’s owner seems to be the salesman in spite of all they have on their plate. Sales seem to be the toughest part for the owner to let go of—even if that owner is not a great salesman. An owner may have good knowledge of the product or service he or she is selling, but there is much more to sales. 

Enthusiasm can carry a meeting when things begin to go awry. The ability to solve problems can help you create solutions to satisfy customers’ needs. Listening carefully to customers can show understanding. Assertiveness can move a sales situation forward without offending or frustrating customers. Keep all of these items in mind as your construction business grows.