How to Make Every Construction Project More Profitable

Let’s face it, the ebb and flow of construction work mean that projects will overlap and intersect. Crews and equipment will—at times—be spread thin. On the one hand, it’s the nature of the beast. On the other hand, it’s not always smart to view each project as separate—especially if your project backlog is shrinking In […]

How to Build Stronger Sub-GC Relationships

It’s been a long, hot summer for anyone in construction. In July, the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) reported its Construction Backlog Indicator declined to 7.8 months—a full month lower than in July 2019. In addition, 47% of construction leaders reported they expect to see shrinking profits in the next six months. In these uncertain […]

Seize the Opportunity! 3 Reasons to Take Your Training Now 

The COVID-19 pandemic is forcing most of us to stay home and stay safe. As a result, you probably have extra time on your hands. Let me offer a suggestion for all of you who work in preconstruction and are searching for something to fill a little extra downtime.   If you recently purchased new takeoff […]

Bid and Win More Construction Projects

In the wake of COVID-19, all efficiencies that can be gained—from the takeoff process through the project build-out—begins with a high-quality bid. Your bid should be built on the accuracy and timeliness of your company’s takeoff and estimation process. As trades become more specialized, complex, and precise, construction pros must work hard to reduce waste […]

Leaning on Cloud Technology in Tough Times

No doubt, the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) is changing how many construction pros get work done. For an industry built on handshakes and one-on-one conversations, the concept of social distancing may be hard to comprehend. For many, the new normal may involve carving out a workspace on the kitchen table. Your daily worries may revolve […]

Setting Up Your Home Workspace for Success

Many of us in the preconstruction industry are adjusting to working from home due to social distancing mandated by the need to control the spread of the coronavirus. By this time, you’ve probably secured the basic technology, such as laptops, HDMI cables, additional monitors, extra keyboards and a mouse, and so on. But that’s just […]

5 Aha Moments for Estimators

Do you often feel chained to your cell phone? Maybe not, but you probably think life would be bleak without it. Even so, I suspect a few of us ever leverage our mobile devices to their fullest potential. Think of it—we’re basically carrying around a supercomputer in our pocket, yet we tend to use only […]

How to Recruit Generation Z in Hot Construction Market

Wow. There appears to be no relief in sight for contractors trying to find qualified construction workers. Call it a “nice to have problem” if you like—but the struggle is real. With a record low unemployment rate, most construction firms are worried about where to find the next generation of workers. In some parts of […]

New Materials Take Concrete from Gray to Green

When it comes to the concrete and masonry trades, you don’t have to look far to find lots of buzz around green and sustainable construction methods and materials. This includes everything from scientists studying how cigarette butts can conduct energy in bricks and pavement to paint developers rethinking chemicals and colors for more energy-efficient homes. If you’re a […]

Four Ways You Can Work Smarter in 2020

With another holiday season behind us and a new year (and decade) just beginning, you may be searching for new ways to maximize your time, increase your efficiency, and generally get more done in both your professional and personal life. Time—let’s face it—is the great equalizer. Whether you’re a roofing contractor in Iowa or a […]