Tools and Systems

Construction companies that specialize in the work they perform can operate at a higher level of efficiency, charge more for their work, and deliver more consistent results than those construction companies that don’t develop a niche market specialty. Just because you can do it doesn’t mean that you should. In…
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Development of construction business systems enables you to provide accurate pricing for your work, track your productivity, and allows your business to operate without the owner getting bogged down in the whirlwind of the day-to-day. THE MODERN CRAFTSMAN PODCAST with KEN ALGER Ken Alger, @RIwoodworker on Instagram and the Owner…
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Running a successful construction business requires more than technical proficiency with tools and the ability to do good work. Establishing clear lines of communication with your construction employees enables them to operate more efficiently, empowers them to execute their jobs without delays, and ensures quality standards are met. How a…
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I speak with many construction business owners all over the world and when I ask them about their goals for their company, they often talk about growth…but then many of them say this… “I am not really into it for the money.” And I understand why they are saying this…because…
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TECHNIQUES FOR ESTIMATING A CONSTRUCTION PROJECT There is a two-step process for estimating every construction project: Step 1. Determine Your Costs Step 2. Apply a Markup that will yield the appropriate profit after expenses It is that simple, but it is not that easy if you don’t have a systematic…
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Finding good subcontractors for your construction business involves establishing two key systems. The first system to develop is based on the relationship you will have with your subcontractors or specialty trade partners. This system is based on trust. The second system to develop within your construction business is one that…
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Communicating the construction labor budget to your crew is vital to achieving the production goals of any construction project. But many construction companies ignore calculating the specific labor budget for a given job. If you do not clearly communicate the labor budget to your employees, then your employees are left…
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Your Business Is Only As Good As Your Numbers I am a numbers guy at heart.  I can’t help myself.  It’s just the way I was made. Many contractors struggle with understanding the numbers side of their businesses. And I love helping contractors learn the numbers side of their businesses.…
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Glengarry Glen Ross, a movie based on the play by David Mamet, debuted in 1992 with an all-star cast. The movie depicts a day in the life of four real estate salesmen and their dubious tactics to close less than optimal leads. Alec Baldwin plays Blake, a suit, sent from…
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Setting big goals may be the problem. The beginning of a new year is a horrible time to start working on goals.  People put too much pressure on themselves to make massive changes.  These goals are often too big and too general to be of any use.  Studies show that…
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