{{TotalFavorites}} Favorite{{TotalFavorites>1? 's' : ''}}

On the jobsite, time is almost literally money, making it critical to keep processes running as efficiently as possible. Use these five tips to ensure a productive jobsite and smooth operations.

1. Plan ahead

A contractor should never go into a job or jobsite blind; instead, get the lay of the land ahead of time and figure out any quirks about the site, the job or the plans.

Have a strategy for how the crew can deal with any surprises that come up. Consider factors such as: What tools are needed to address the job? What additional parts, materials and adaptors might be needed if X or Y should happen?

Map out a construction plan that defines work tasks and the order in which they can be completed, as well as what skillsets, tools and equipment are needed for each task. After this, the schedule can be created—taking into account suppliers and subcontractors and their schedules as well.

2. Respect the tools

As owners of tools, professionals have to respect them and keep them in shape. Tools are investments that help get the job done, and regular maintenance will help the crew derive the most value from them and show up like a professional.

Encourage preparedness practices for the crew. Instruct them to inspect their tools the evening before the job. Are drill bits dull? Is the circular saw’s electrical cord frayed? Are the extra extension cords packed and loaded? These are the small things that can make the difference between a job that stays on schedule and one that doesn’t.

In addition to maintaining the tools, it’s important to stay organized while on the jobsite. It isn’t just the minutes lost trying to find where the drill was last placed that causes undue stress; it’s also constantly getting out of the rhythm of the job, which can sap focus and efficiency.

Construction professionals make their living using their tools as well as their skills; creating suboptimal conditions due to worn or missing tools will only lead to frustration.

3. Rely on high-quality supervisors

Contractors need to rely on trustworthy, knowledgeable site supervisors to oversee daily operations and keep projects on schedule.

An experienced site supervisor will be adept at monitoring project progress; keeping an eye on material and labor costs, as well as the schedule; communicating progress or issues to every stakeholder involved; and maintaining safety standards.

4. Focus on safety

A jobsite that focuses on safety is also a productive jobsite because accidents don’t just result in work stoppages, but they also lower worker morale and damage productivity.

Create a written, site-specific safety plan and share it with anyone who walks onto the jobsite. This will help all workers understand safety expectations and what to do in case of an accident or emergency. Look to a site supervisor to enforce safety practices.

5. Encourage and/or provide back-up equipment and tools

A contractor can’t anticipate shredding a bit on the bent stud sandwiched between boards, but they should anticipate that their tools can be damaged on the job. This foresight ensures readiness for when unforeseen circumstances do happen.

A prepared professional always brings backups of power tools and sharpeners to maintain performance of drill bits, knives and tools throughout the duration of the job. In many cases, the time saved from a single extra trip from the hardware store will pay for the sharpeners, ensuring the last hole drilled is as clean as the first.

A Roadmap for Success

Extreme attention to detail, a thirst for planning and a desire to get it right the first time are hallmarks of a construction professional. In an industry with little room for error on the job, adopting the preparation rules covered in this article will give contractors an edge over the unexpected, contributing to a record of performance and quality to be proud of.