A construction site is hard to control because of the many variables. There is bound to be chaos. How projects ever get completed has everything to do with understanding the ins and outs of managing these variables. In that, how to manage a team of construction contractors is important.
More than anything, your team is your biggest asset. Not only do projects require highly skilled workers, but team leads who know how to manage.
Break Down a Construction Project into Phases
Break down your construction project into levels and sublevels, each with phases and job tasks. This makes accountability and quality control easier to oversee and job tasks simpler to schedule.
Set Realistic Timelines Knowing the Risks
Unrealistic timelines are sure to lead to cut corners and disappointments. Have realistic timelines wherein you have accounted for potential weather delays, materials and equipment not arriving on time, and more. Regularly update timelines based on site conditions and progress.
Tap Into Contractor Accounting Software
Many construction tools are at one’s disposal as a construction contractor manager. Contractor accounting software is among the essentials. Ensure you’re able to control costs, schedules, and workforce. See and analyze what’s going on in your project in real time.
Utilize Quality Control and Safety Regulations
Efficiency should never be sacrificed for the safety or quality of artistry. As you lead your team through each construction project phase, confirm that everything has been done safely and correctly.
Enforce Safety Protocols at Every Turn
Properly communicate safety procedures and potential risks. Refrain from assuming every contractor knows what safety measures to follow for a particular job site or equipment. Lead by your actions, and do not cut corners in safety, either.
Hire the Right Construction Contractors
Verify that you’re hiring someone skilled, experienced, and certified with relevant trade licenses. Check client references and past project work. Inexperienced, low-quality workers will slow you down, cause more trouble than they’re worth, and increase costs. Ensure you hire the right team to start.
Clearly Define Expectations and Deliverables
Clearly define what deliverables and job expectations are expected from contractors. There should be no question as to what a contractor’s role is. In this, outline timeless and quality standards, ensuring contractors know how you expect them to perform their work.
Consider Penalties for Lack of Quality
Penalties must be considered if missed deadlines, a pattern of substandard work, or other issues occur on the project. It would help if you outlined the repercussions or consequences within the contracts signed at the outset.
Support Your Contractors
For your team to thrive, they need to feel supported and given the resources they need to perform their jobs. Regularly consult with your team to ensure you, as management, provide some of the key necessities required to complete specific tasks and responsibilities.
Proactively Balance Workloads
Refrain from burning out your construction contractors or running your team so hard that worker fatigue is the norm. Balance the workload correctly and ensure you are actively monitoring labor, material, equipment, and more. Minimize downtime and keep your team working, but do not overdo it.
Hold Kickoff Meetings with Contractors
Ensure all stakeholders at the contractor level are regularly invited to kickoff meetings. These meetings can be used to review job expectations, identify safety concerns, answer questions if anyone has any, and ultimately get everyone on the same page before going out on the job site.
Study, Learn, and Adapt Your Leadership
The right leadership is essential for managing a team of construction contractors. This means managers should continue to learn how to be better managers and adapt their leadership styles according to what’s needed on-site at a given moment.
Carefully Monitor Scheduling and Costs
It is easy to drive up costs on a construction project or for the schedule to go off-track quickly. Initiate corrective action when needed and ensure the agreed-upon terms of the project contract are followed through on time and budget.
Make Yourself Available to Your Team
Even if you have to use remote collaboration tools, be a smooth manager to track down. Be available either in person or by mobile, email, or software. Have an open-door policy to encourage contractors to come forward with any concerns or cost-saving suggestions.
Recognize Outstanding Job Performances
Recognize when individuals and teams of contractors do excellent work. Recognition boosts morale and lets your workers know that you value their efforts. This fosters a lot of goodwill and should be a regular occurrence. Acknowledge hard work at an individual level as well as publicly.
Be Confident in Making Decisions
The only way to move things along with construction contractors is to make decisions. Be decisive. As events occur on-site, coordinate actions and keep timelines moving. As management, everyone is looking to you as the decision-maker and problem-solver.
