Four Construction Communication Tips
At G&G Builders, we know that effective communication is vital for a successful job. When dialogue breaks down, projects break down - which is why we have implemented strategic communication systems that lead to seamless results.
Here are 4 communication tips for your construction company.
1) Establish a Communication Chain of Command
Complications are bound to arise if your team is disconnected, so excellent internal communication is essential for a smooth project. Improving job-site efficiency starts with creating a communication chain of command. This requires the owner, general contractor, architect, project manager, and superintendent to communicate closely. Then, different project leaders should have various roles and responsibilities when it comes to sharing information with their teams.
As a boutique company, we have a communication advantage that comes with being a small team. Our owner and president, Gerard Callahan, stays closely involved by overseeing every project and regularly communicating with our project manager and site supervisor. From there, Erick and Tom can easily relay information to our crews. This gives us the tools to navigate challenges that might arise, ensuring precise and seamless results.
2) Use Construction Management Software
Web-based software has changed the face of the construction industry. It has increased sales and efficiencies, all the while decreasing costs and keeping teams better connected. By using construction management software, you can more effectively communicate with your team without any worry of losing important data and files.
Our team uses Raken to create daily reports, upload progress photos, and keep track of the work we’re doing on each project.
Used by 94% of top contractors in the nation, Bluebeam is key for design review. This software allows project managers to collaborate on and edit documents and drawings in real-time. If a challenge arises, our crew can easily communicate with the rest of the team by taking photos of the issue and highlighting it on a plan sheet. This process ultimately simplifies communication between our team and the owner’s representative.
3) Take Advantage of Zoom
As 2020 revealed to us, we now live in a Zoomified world. Pre-pandemic, in-person interactions with clients and co-workers required a significant time commitment. For example, kickoff meetings meant commute time, parking, waiting for your client to arrive, then traveling back to the office.
By utilizing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, we have dramatically decreased the amount of waiting time. Instead, with quick meetings online, we can get to work right away.
4) Regularly Schedule Check-In Calls With Your Client
Transparent communication with your client is key to a project well done. From the first phone call to the last, everything should be clear, simple, and smooth. So that your client feels well-supported throughout the project, it is vital that you regularly schedule project progress meetings with the owner.
Because our team is small at G&G Builders, the same person oversees each project from start to finish, and clients are never handed off to a new crew. Depending on the size of the project, we schedule weekly or biweekly meetings with the owner. We thoroughly update our clients during these meetings, informing them of any challenges that could adjust the cost or timeline. We make sure to provide a 3-week-look-ahead that precisely summarizes what we will be working on each day. We believe that excellent workmanship begins with transparency, and we uphold this belief on every project.