The construction business is a big industry to manage. There are many aspects to running a successful construction company, from bidding on projects, hiring employees to maintain equipment, and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Construction companies also need to be aware of the ever-changing landscape of the construction industry, as new technologies and trends can impact how they do business.
Construction spending in the United States is expected to total $1.589 trillion through 2021. And about 4.8% of the workforce works in construction, according to January 2022 statistics — a little more than 7.5 million people. This is a massive industry with a lot of moving parts. So, how can construction business owners increase their productivity?
There are many different ways to do this, but some of the most effective methods include:
Communication and collaboration
Construction is a complex process involving many people working together towards a common goal. Without communication or collaboration between these people, the project can quickly fall apart. Without communication and collaboration, construction workers can quickly become frustrated with each other, which can lead to tension and conflict.
Internal conflict can slow down the project and cause mistakes to be made. To avoid this, it’s crucial to have a good communication and collaboration strategy in place. This can involve using project management software to track progress and deadlines, holding regular meetings to update everyone on the project’s status, and having a clear chain of command so that everyone knows who to go to with questions or concerns.
Updated training for the employees
One of the best ways to increase productivity in any business is to ensure your employees are properly trained. This is especially true in the construction industry, where workers must know how to safely use potentially dangerous equipment and machinery. If your employees are not adequately trained, they could make mistakes that could cost you time and money.
This is why keeping your employees’ training up to date is essential. Training can involve regularly sending them to refresher courses and keeping up with the latest changes in construction methods and technologies.
Proper maintenance of construction equipment and machinery
If a construction company does not have proper maintenance on their equipment, it can lead to several problems. The equipment may not work properly, which can lead to delays in the project. The equipment may break down and need to be repaired or replaced, which can be expensive. Finally, if the equipment is not maintained correctly, it can be dangerous for employees.
To avoid these problems, construction companies must have proper maintenance procedures. This can involve regularly cleaning and lubricating them and performing preventative maintenance.
But once your equipment and machinery break down, you’ll need reliable heavy equipment repair services to get them back up and operating as soon as possible. Sometimes, construction companies try to repair it themselves to cut back expenses or use it even when it’s not functioning optimally. This can lead to more damage and extended downtime, eventually affecting your business’ productivity.
Embrace technology and design better workflows
Construction companies that don’t embrace technology and design better workflows are at a disadvantage. They will have a hard time keeping up with the latest changes in the industry. This means they can’t take advantage of new technologies that could improve their productivity.
Construction companies need to embrace technology and design better workflows to stay ahead of the curve. This can involve using project management software to track progress and deadlines, investing in new equipment that is easier to use and more efficient, and using prefabricated building systems.
The following are some of the most popular project management systems in the construction business:
- Procore
- E-Builder
- Buildertrend
- PlanGrid
- CoConstruct
- Raken
Prioritize Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR)
It is a process of comparing the actual cost of a project with the estimated cost. The company has saved money if the actual price is less than the estimated cost. CVR can help construction companies improve their productivity in two ways.
First, it can help them identify areas where they are wasting money. This can involve looking at things like materials that are being wasted or work that is not being done efficiently. Second, CVR can help construction companies negotiate better deals with their subcontractors. This is because they will have a better idea of what the project should actually cost.
CVR is a valuable tool for construction companies but is often underutilized. This is because it can be time-consuming and expensive to implement. However, the benefits of CVR far outweigh the costs.
Shift towards prefabricated building systems
Prefabrication is an increasingly popular method of construction that has been shown to save time and money. Prefabricated building components are manufactured off-site and then assembled on-site. This can be done with various components, including walls, floors, ceilings, and trusses.
Using prefabrication has many benefits. For one, it’s faster than traditional construction methods and less expensive. Furthermore, prefabrication can result in fewer on-site injuries, minimizes waste, and improves quality control. With prefabrication, modular homes take less time to build than standard ones because they are prefabricated and don’t require hand-welding or complicated construction techniques. Modular models have been found to save builders 30% to 50% in production time compared to traditional houses.
Productivity in business is key to success. Business owners must find ways to increase productivity to stay competitive in a global market. Implementing these tips will help you get more done in less time and improve your bottom line.