ConstructionOnline Blog

Imagine you’re building a house, but no one’s checking the plans, tracking the budget, or making sure the materials fit the design. Sounds like a recipe for disaster, right? You may be surprised to hear that when your company doesn’t have proper construction expense management, it can be just as disastrous. Inaccurate and unorganized construction expense tracking can lead to project delays, budget overruns, and even legal trouble. Let’s dive into the 8 biggest mistakes construction companies make when tracking expenses, and how to solve them.

The internet is not new, and neither is the cloud. Technology in construction has been around for over 20 years, but desktop solutions are causing contractors to fall behind. Switching to cloud-based construction management can be daunting, but did you know that it could be the difference between a desktop management system and the cloud that causes you to go out of business?

There’s not much that’s as frustrating as finding out too late that a crucial task from early in the life of a project needs to be completely re-done. Something as simple as a misplaced electrical outlet could result in thousands of dollars that were not estimated for. Not to mention, the potential weeks required to add to a project’s timeline can damage your reputation or worse – lead to costly legal disputes. 

Communication in construction is crucial for smooth project execution. In the construction industry, team members are often in different locations at any given time – a job site, meeting with stakeholders, the office, etc. Having the right construction communication plan in place can keep projects on track and reduce legal risks. Keep reading for different internal communication strategies to set your team up for success from the very start.

Multifamily construction projects are key to creating accessible housing no matter the area, offering options from small duplexes to large apartment developments. As the demand for housing continues to increase, building these types of homes has become more important than ever. Multifamily construction comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. It’s crucial for builders, developers, and investors to understand how it works.

In this blog post, we’ll break down the different types of multifamily projects one might encounter, how to get started, and explain different management strategies. Whether you're new to this type of construction or looking to improve existing processes, this guide will provide more understanding. After reading this guide, you'll be more equipped to handle these projects with confidence.

The success of any residential construction project starts with an accurate, organized, and detailed estimate. Whether you are new to residential construction estimating or experienced, it's easy to overlook small details that can cause big problems later. This guide covers everything you need to include in your estimate, from materials and labor to permits and inspections. We’ll also discuss best practices to help you stay on track, highlight free construction estimate templates, and point out common mistakes to avoid.

Preparation is key. Before estimating, research prices and understand your project's full scope. Using residential construction estimating software can make this process easier and more accurate. As the project progresses, track actual costs and compare them to your estimate to stay on budget and make informed decisions. By following the 8 tips in this guide, you can ensure your residential construction project runs smoothly from start to finish.

For construction industry marketing strategies, digital marketing is essential. Having a strong online presence is crucial for any business, including construction companies. With the continuing rise of technology, it is crucial to use digital marketing to reach potential clients. With the right preparation and resources, digital marketing for construction companies is easily accessible. Here are the top five tips to boost your digital marketing efforts.

Starting your own business will introduce many questions along the way. In the construction industry, you may ask - “What beginner construction tools do I need?”. Of course, it is important to make sure to have tools like a hand drill, a nail gun, and a concrete mixer handy. However, having the proper digital construction tools can make or break your company’s success.

This guide will detail the essential tools for small contractors that are crucial for your company’s success. Set your company up for success from the start with the right construction software for small builders. By doing so, you can have a more efficient team, reduce legal risks, and win more jobs by setting yourself apart from your competitors.

The world is changing quickly, which means business practices will need to change with it. It’s not unusual to struggle with change in your business. Every business has to grapple with change at one point or another, and it’s a difficult challenge for us all. 

The good news is that if you’re having to make a change in your company, you’re not alone! There are a few ways to help ease and expedite the process. By adjusting your mindset, embracing creativity, and maintaining clear and constant communication, managing workplace change will become much easier.

In the construction industry, every detail counts. From the initial site work to final touches, documenting the journey of a construction project is essential. Amidst the chaos of heavy machinery, intricate designs, and tight deadlines, photos serve as the eyes that capture every phase of progress.

However, managing these visual records can be a daunting task. This guide will express the importance of documenting photos for construction projects, how to organize them, and other photo management best practices.

Between contracts, drawings, safety reports, photos, and the countless other construction documents, there is plenty for construction professionals to have to manage. The way a company manages construction documents and other files and photos is crucial for success. The good news? It’s simpler to manage than it seems. With these five quick tips, construction document control is easier than ever.