Running a Construction Company Northampton MA

Source: TOOLS OF THE TRADE Magazine
Publication date: September 8, 2004

By Rick Schwolsky

One of the toughest aspects of running a construction company of any size is integrating the work in the field with the management in the office. Planning and scheduling can make the difference between smooth productivity and people lining up to find out where to be, what to do, and when to do it. Even businesses that have been around for years stumble when it comes to planning and communication. For young businesses, proper planning is the best way to lay a foundation for solid growth.

Building is a team sport. But, unlike baseball or football, you may not know you're losing until you've lost. So the best construction teams prepare for each project with pre-construction planning meetings that include all the key players so that every team member gets familiar with your project and its specifications, schedule, and special requirements.

But having a plan in place is only the beginning. Just as in sports, you've got to keep score in order to adjust as the game goes on. That's where schedule control comes into play. You need to develop a system of reporting from the jobsite to the office in order to keep score and track your progress. Otherwise, you're managing by hope and prayer.

In my experience, there are two types of project managers. Optimists rely on faith that everything will work out and think meetings and reports are a waste of time.

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