ConstructionOnline Blog

Building Smart: How Team Communication in Construction Minimizes Risks

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.

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Topics: Best Practices General Contractors Commercial Project Communication Residential Contact Management Project Management

The Importance of Using Technology in Construction

With the accelerating rate of technological advances across the construction industry, it’s a natural expectation that contractors keep up with the times by utilizing technology in some form. Whether it’s using a basic spreadsheet to create accurate estimates or investing in a project management software that handles larger-scale projects, technology helps contractors execute successful projects with more ease.

Although the role of contractors hasn’t changed much since the onset of the digital age, the way in which contractors execute projects has changed from relying on manual documentation and tracking to more automated ways of carrying out project tasks. So in this article, we’ll explain the importance of tech, the risks of not using tech, and how contractors can embrace tech as the new way of doing construction.

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Topics: Best Practices Project Management

Multifamily Construction Management: The Essential Guide

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.

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Topics: Best Practices Builders & Remodelers Multi-Family

The Complete Guide to Commercial Construction Estimating

The success of any construction project starts with an accurate, organized, and detailed estimate, and when you’re dealing with commercial projects which tend to be more complex and involved than say other types of estimates, the stakes are often higher. There are typically more fees, more permits, more compliance, and more safety considerations that take place.

That’s why it’s crucial that you get the estimate right from the get-go. In this article, we’ll lay out exactly how you should construct a proper estimate for commercial construction projects so that you can know what to expect financially, and ultimately protect your bottom line.

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Topics: Best Practices Estimating Financials

The Complete Guide to Residential Construction Estimating

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.

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Topics: Free Template Best Practices Estimating Financials Residential Builders & Remodelers

6 Crucial Skills of a Successful Construction Estimator

With the vast majority of construction projects globally experiencing project cost overruns due to inaccurate estimates, it should be no secret that getting the project estimate right sets a good financial foundation for the rest of the project, and fumbling the estimate can lead to lost money.

As a construction estimator - whether you work for a contracting company or you're a freelance estimator - knowing how to create accurate estimates every time is the crux of your job, so in this blog post, we've included some important skills that are crucial for being a successful estimator based on our experience with helping hundreds of thousands of construction professionals create accurate estimates.

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Top 5 Tips: Digital Marketing for Construction Companies

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.

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Topics: Best Practices

How to Ensure Customer Satisfaction in Construction

Customer satisfaction has the potential to make or break your construction business; one happy customer can lead to three more leads who feel comfortable trusting your business - and this boosts your reputation. Alternatively, one unhappy customer can deter potential customers from choosing your business and may even have a negative impact your reputation in the long-term.

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7 Essential Digital Construction Tools for Contractors

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.

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Topics: Best Practices

Construction Project Scope: What It Is, Why Use It, & How to Define It

Defining a project scope is important for any major project, and construction projects are no different. Because of the multifaceted nature of construction projects, it’s easy to run into problems if you, your client, and your team don’t have a clear picture of everything that is expected out of a project.

This article covers everything you need to know about defining a construction project scope, including what it is, why it’s essential to project management, and some steps you can take to clearly define a project scope, so that your projects and your construction business can be successful.

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