Construction managers have the mammoth task of ensuring their jobsites run smoothly. Pre-job planning takes care of contracts, plans and the ordering of equipment and materials, but it’s scheduling during the build that often causes delays. When scheduling fails, customers get angry and you lose money as you’re able to complete fewer jobs in the …
As a construction manager, getting the admin done in time can help you to keep your business thriving. Taking time to communicate effectively and get everything in writing will protect you and your client and ensure you get paid on time and in full. Taking time to draw up contracts and alter them as the …
Every builder has some tips and tricks that can help to reduce waste, save time and improve your profit margin. Here are some classic tips that can help you streamline your building process. Draw a ruler on your workshop floor. It won’t be precise, but for rough cuts on large pieces of lumber, it can …
Interior design has inherent rules—paint small rooms light colors and don’t use more than one pattern in the same space. With homeowners taking a more hands-on approach to design (thanks Pinterest!) the guidelines have been somewhat blurred. Here are a few rules that are outdated. If you choose to break them, you can add a …
Homeowners often take on DIY project hoping to improve their properties while saving money. The results are sometimes disastrous and may actually end up costing more. A recent survey of 2,000 US homeowners who attempted a DIY project in November 2018 found that 63% regretted not getting professional help. About half of the respondents said …
It used to be that the number of bedrooms and bathrooms was what determined a home’s retail value. Times are changing and so have the demands of potential homeowners. Keeping on the cutting edge of market demands will help you to build homes that sell fast and renos that maintain your profit margins. With couples …
Light switches, light fittings and outlets can be a major source of heat loss in winter and cool air in the summer. A tiny 1/8-inch gap around six ceiling light fixtures adds up to a 2 square-inch hole in your ceiling. Putting gaskets behind switch plates is a good start, but these don’t provide a …
Many callbacks are the result of too much moisture in the home. Not only can this result in mold and mildew, but swelling of materials can cause buckling, cracking and other issues. Here are some common ways that water finds its way into a new home. Proper Drainage Intersecting roof planes can make for stunning …
The most essential element of maintaining your profit margins is forward planning. Don Macgruder from ProSales: “Most executives lack focus on future margins because they are not prepared to face the harsh reality that they use losing strategies. It is easy to complain about a 19.8% margin on last month’s report; however, it takes effort to develop a winning pricing strategy. Good margins don’t just happen; they require a forward-looking strategic plan.” Here are some strategies that will ensure proper forward planning:
The extreme cold affecting large swathes of the US and Canada has many crews working in life-threatening conditions. Hyperthermia can affect you even when the temperature is above freezing, so it’s important to know the signs and ensure your crew is properly prepared for cold weather. Get the Right Gear Start by dressing right. Layering …
