The construction industry is currently enjoying a period of sustained growth. The difficulties that were faced during the recent pandemic (most notably, the need to social distance and stay indoors at times) have passed, and firms are looking to the future with optimism. The demand for new commercial and residential buildings remains strong, as is the need to continue to invest in infrastructure projects that can create work.
However, in 2024, all construction firms need to look for unique ways to improve their efficiency. High levels of inflation are pushing up the costs of building materials and energy prices (such as diesel and petrol used in construction vehicles and equipment) remain high.
In this article, some key ways that you can improve the efficiency of your construction firm will be explored. These will help you to remain competitive and profitable, thus ensuring a positive future.
When working on multiple sites
Many construction firms find that they need to undertake multiple projects at once. This is especially true of larger firms that may be operating at several sites concurrently. At times, there will be the need to move heavy equipment from site to site, to ensure that it’s located where it’s needed. This can present challenges and has the potential to cause delays that can impact efficiency and project timelines.
However, it’s important to note that many firms specialize in heavy equipment transportation. Such firms have access to heavy lifting equipment and larger trucks to transport them effectively, making moving from site to site far more efficient.
Search online for firms that have extensive experience in moving heavy construction equipment and take a range of quotes. Creating effective working relationships with such firms is the key to ensuring effective operations on multiple construction sites.
Hire dedicated staff
The efficiency of your construction firm relies largely on your staff. You need skilled and motivated workers to lead projects to ensure that all tasks are completed to the highest standards and finished on time. Conversely, poorly trained workers or those who struggle to start on time can quickly create a toxic working environment where poor workmanship rules.
When hiring new staff, ensure that they have a portfolio of previous work that demonstrates their skills and commitment to projects. They should be time-served professionals who have built their reputation for working to high standards and working safely.
Create a culture of on-site safety
Finally, it’s vitally important to create a culture of safety on every site. In America, there are estimated to be around 150,000 accidents on construction sites every year. These accidents can have a significant impact on construction projects, causing delays and damaging the reputation of the firm. In addition, the firm may need to pay compensation to staff who were injured due to unsafe working conditions.
Ensure that all your staff have the necessary PPE (such as hard hats, steel toe-capped boots, and goggles) to undertake their roles safely. In addition, you should encourage all incidents and near misses to be reported to management. This allows the firm to gain an accurate understanding of the risks at each site and to take steps to minimize the likelihood of any accidents reoccurring.