Construction is tough. You have to please clients, which isn’t always possible, considering delays are very much a part of the job. You also have to stick to the budget – easier said than done. And not to mention managing the team, where everyone has a different working style.
But if you find ways to do all of this efficiently, you can say goodbye to many of your struggles while giving your company a chance to grow and stand out among the competition.
The global construction market was valued at around USD 12.9 trillion and is expected to grow to about USD 20.3 trillion by 2035, growing at an average rate of 4.2 % per year.
So, since the market is getting more competitive, let’s help you become more efficient.
Why efficiency matters in construction
Put simply, efficiency means that you’ll be getting things done without wasting money, time, and effort. Now, when we put this in the context of construction, it means that:
- Materials will arrive when expected,
- Workers will always know what to do, and
- You’ll be able to solve problems before they slow down everything.
In such an ideal scenario, everyone is happy – you, your team, and your clients. And not because being efficient helps you work smarter, but because all of your results depend on it.
Finish projects on time
It’s not easy to work with a deadline hanging over your head. Especially when you work in an industry where small problems are always expected and can easily turn into big ones.
For example, if the wrong type of cement is delivered or the steel beams arrive later than expected, the whole project can come to a standstill. So, what happens? Your workers will sit around waiting to do their jobs while tasks pile up, and your clients will start getting frustrated.
The thing is, everything is connected in the construction industry; that is, you can’t just keep moving on if one section is stuck. This is why being efficient in construction is so important.
Make the most of your team
Skilled workers aren’t easy to come by. In fact, according to one study, 94% of construction companies struggle to find workers and fill positions. It might seem like the end of the world, but not if you learn how to work with less. And working with less means working efficiently.
You could have a huge team of workers and still not manage to finish the project on time if everyone isn’t coordinated. But if everyone is aware of their tasks for the day, and if everyone’s strong skills are put to use, you can get the job done even with a smaller team.
Keep costs under control
There’s no need to make materials, equipment, and labor more expensive than they already are. And by being efficient, you can keep track of resources, making sure that nothing goes to waste. You’ll get everything on time and use it correctly to have it ready when needed.
What does this mean?
It means that when you get materials on time and your team uses them correctly, you won’t have to reorder or make your team work late hours to catch up. And this is how you cut down on costs.
Stay reputable
Clients pay money, so of course, they notice everything – from delays to mistakes. More importantly, they talk. So, if you don’t meet their expectations, word can get around fast. And considering how picky they can be, you need to make sure to leave a good impression.
The only way to make sure that your clients’ demands are met is to work efficiently. That is, to finish projects on time, stay within a budget, and maintain a quality that keeps your clients happy so that they continue choosing you. Otherwise, you’ll be putting your reputation at risk.
How to be efficient in construction
Being efficient isn’t as simple as it sounds. You can’t become efficient overnight. It takes some effort. But that’s why we’ve prepared a list of the steps you can take to start working smarter.
Use technology to stay on track
It’s not a myth. Technology really can make your work a lot simpler. And it has come a long way since the early days of basic calculators and simple scheduling programs. We now have modern tools like project management apps, drones, and 3D modeling software to rely on.
Without doubt, one of the most useful tools for staying efficient is using software for construction project management by Fieldwire, for example. This tool is all about organizing. Fieldwire by Hilti helps you schedule tasks and assign work to your team, as well as track materials. It also allows your workers to report problems directly from the job site, so you can solve issues quickly.
Put simply, with project management software, you’ll always be in the loop. You’ll know what’s happening on the site, which tasks are done, which still need attention, and where any problems might arise. This means that your team can keep working without unnecessary delays.
3D modelling and drones make the job all the easier. With 3D modeling, your workers can see exactly how the project should look before they begin working on it. Drones, on the other hand, allow you to take a look at the site from above to monitor progress and spot any problems.
Plan and organize everything
Now, technology can help, but you still need a clear plan. Being efficient consists of organizing tasks, setting deadlines, and making sure everyone is aware of what they’re responsible for.
Here’s how you can manage all of this:
- Create a clear schedule: You need to have a daily or weekly plan when working on a construction project so that your workers know what to work on and when.
- Assign tasks based on skills: There’s no one out there who knows your workers better than you do. So, when assigning tasks, you need to think about who’s better at tiling or plumbing, or who’s better at working under pressure. This is how you make sure that your workers put their best skills to use, work gets done faster, and mistakes are minimized.
- Prepare resources ahead of time: Doing things at the last minute never works in construction. When you make sure that no material or equipment is damaged, missing, or in the wrong place, your team can dive right into their tasks safely.
At the end of the day, this is your project, and you know best which materials to use, how much time a task usually takes, and what problems you might deal with. So, planning and organizing shouldn’t be that hard. Especially when you have technology on your side.
Listen to your team on the job site
You might be overseeing the projects, but your workers are the ones who are facing the challenges in real time. They see the problems as they happen, whether it’s equipment that doesn’t function properly or materials that are harder to use than expected.
This is why you need to listen to them. A construction worker’s point of view is worth a lot, so provide them with the equipment and materials they’ve asked for and listen to their advice when they say that something isn’t working or could be done differently. Listening can do wonders.
Focus on safety
Construction is, without doubt, one of the most dangerous industries. In fact, about 1 in 5 fatal injuries happens on construction sites. So, you need to give safety some serious thought.
Learn to work smart in the construction industry
Safety is closely related to efficiency. It’s simple. If there are fewer accidents on the job site, your projects won’t be facing that many delays, as tasks will be done on time. Your workers will also feel safe and can continue doing their job without worrying about potential safety hazards. After all, is there anything more important than making sure your workers are safe?
Considering that the two main challenges happening in construction right now are labor shortages and increased demand, working efficiently is now more important than ever.
By planning and organizing your projects well, listening to your staff, relying on technology to keep track of resources, and making sure everyone uses their skills in the right place, you can finish your projects on time, meet your client’s demands, and stand out among the competition.
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