Retaining Skilled Workers
Finding and retaining skilled trade workers is a battle every builder has to fight. Things have only gotten tougher as the shortage of skilled labor continues in many regions throughout the country, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost. To attract workers from the skilled trades, you need to make sure your company is one that subcontractors actively want to work for. If you’re interested in having something newly built, such as your home or a part of your home, call on Columbus remodeling contractors.
To make that happen, here’s what you need to do.
- Make sure your business is organized
Working well with the trades requires careful planning and consistent communication to ensure the safety of the workers. Many aspects of construction work are dangerous. However, some of the most dangerous construction jobs are those that involve working high in the air on scaffolding. If you or a family member were injured as a result of a scaffolding collapse or similar accident, then you should contact a scaffolding accident lawyer for legal help. In an industry with so many moving parts, these organizational basics can be a challenge, but subs don’t want to work for unorganized builders. As for the organization of all your equipment and materials, you can optimize storage solutions such as warehouse racking or other important systems.
Luckily, technology can make things easier – try one of these mobile apps that help streamline how you run your business. In fact, seamless communication, especially on the field, is achievable with the detailed secret on this blog post.
- Share the project’s plans with subs
Scheduling which job gets done when is a major project for any builder, and according to ProBuilder, “Builders with the most successful trade relations give trades the information they need to plan ahead. This was the first thing that every single trade named when asked what characterizes the builders they prefer to work with. The information they need includes clear plans and specs, and a schedule that lets them reliably forecast for the coming weeks and months.” If you’re planning to build you dream house, you must look for professionals who specialize in general contracting so you can make sure that your dream can turn into a reality.
If you have a system for delivering this information, that’s even better. Even a shared cloud storage tool, like Google Drive, can make sharing plans much easier. If you need to decide what and where to buy construction equipment, you may visit now a site like https://www.badgerladder.com/ladders/ for more helpful info! It’s worth knowing that used heavy equipment can be underpriced which can dramatically reduce your overall cost.
- If the schedule needs to change, let subcontractors know
Anyone who works in the skilled trades understands that timelines change, but subcontractors need to know if a project will be delayed. They’re likely working on a number of other projects, and will need to take any changes into consideration when planning their schedules. Signage such as heras fence covers may also be utilized on constructions sites to prevent casualties especially from passersby.
It might sound simple, but lack of communication is a surprisingly common complaint from subs.
- Establish communication channels
At the beginning of the relationship, determine how communications will be delivered. You shouldn’t be calling, texting and emailing subcontractors — keep things simple for everyone and choose one or two primary methods.
- Offer financial incentives for careful work
Aside from paying subcontractors on time and in full, builders can also offer financial incentives for high quality work. The cost to the business is often minimal, too.
How to retain subcontractors? Contact Parker Associates to help.
In the ProBuilder article referenced above, one builder created a punch package for each framing contract. It covers things like blocking and framing for duct chases, but careful framers who don’t use the package can have the cost credited back to them.
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- Treat the trades like partners
Ultimately, it all boils down to trust. If you want subcontractors to work for you, they have to trust you and your business. This requires obvious things like paying workers on time, but building trust also takes communication, honest feedback and a sincere desire to be a good partner in business.
Parker Associates and PTC Computer Solutions are experts in helping with Financial Models and the Sales Process as well as Coaching the Sales Team with Sales & Marketing. If you need some assistance and guidance, contact us to set up a personal meeting. We’re happy to discuss your personal situation and offer some ideas on how you can better handle Sales.
David WB Parker is a principal of Parker Associates of Jacksonville, Florida, marketing consultants to the real estate industry; President of PTC Computer Solutions, IT Specialist, and an active real estate sales professional with PARFAM REALTY based in Jacksonville, FL. He can be reached at 904-607-8763 or via email davidp@ptccomputersolutions.com.