Archive for the 'Project Management' Category

3 Key Steps that Build Trust with a Subcontractor

Relationship Built on TrustGranted, there are many things a general contractor can do to foster a good working relationship with a subcontractor.  The following three items are a few of the top priorities a builder should have if he wants to create an environment of trust with his subs. Read the rest of this entry »

Four Ways to Get the Most out of Your Builder in Tough Situations

Teamwork within the Construction Project TeamOn a typical construction project, all of the key players (owner, architect, engineers, and general contractor) start out talking the talk about “teamwork” and “cooperation”.

Unfortunately, as the project moves deeper into the construction phase, some difficulties creep in and the “team” concept can quickly deteriorate into finger pointing and distrust.  Here are a few suggestions to keep your builder motivated even through tough situations.

Read the rest of this entry »

The Upside of the Downturn – How the Current Economy Benefits the Construction Industry

Financial Downturn in the MarketIs There an Upside?

These days, it is difficult to come up with a positive spin on the state of the economy and specifically the construction industry.

But there is a thin silver lining on a few of these gray clouds that are worth mentioning. Read the rest of this entry »

Riding the Construction Balance Beam without Falling Off

Balancing Cost with Quality on a Construction Project

Cost versus Quality

This is the constant battle of every construction project.  Each owner wants a top notch finished product.  But in today’s economy, project budgets are tighter than ever. 

The common question is how do you keep that in balance?  It is not an easy task. Read the rest of this entry »

Who Am I – General Contractor, Consultant, or Designer?

Contractor wearing many hats on a construction projectThese days, the typical construction contractor is forced to wear many different hats during the course of a project.  This begins during the design phase and continues all the way to completion. 

There are many factors which can contribute to this necessity – some are customary and expected, some are not.  Here are a few that come to mind. Read the rest of this entry »