By Scott Davis and Salomon Vazquez Meza In the fast-paced and dynamic environment of construction sites where schedules are tight, workmanship is paramount and safety is non-negotiable, effective communication stands as the linchpin of success. And construction superintendents, who oversee all daily activities, play a pivotal role in ensuring projects are executed seamlessly. The following are useful tips that can help improve daily communication on the jobsite. The morning huddle Jobsite communication is the glue that holds a construction project together, so keep it simple and direct. Incorporate into your routine a daily morning huddle where tasks are laid out, … Read more
Looking Ahead: 2024 Industry Challenges, Opportunities
3 key areas to keep top-of-mind when planning for the unpredictable By Turner Burton While overall market conditions may seem unpredictable, the 2024 construction landscape is full of innovation and adaptability, and there is still optimism for our industry. According to Dodge Construction Network, the overall value of construction starts is expected to rise 7% in 2024. Ongoing challenges are expected, but the expansion of technologies and out-of-the-box creativity within the industry has maintained a sense of normalcy and resilience despite headwinds. Some factors going into 2024 remain the same as they have been over the past couple of years. … Read more
Discovering an Unlikely Ally in Field Operations
10 ways a partnership with marketing can benefit superintendents By Whitney Thrower In the fast-paced world of construction, where hard hats meet blueprints, marketing might seem like an unlikely ally. However, forging a strong collaboration between field operations and marketing can be a gamechanger. As someone who has spent their career developing strong connections with superintendents and field operations leaders, I recognize this idea can be met with skepticism. So, stick with me, as we dig into how marketing is so much more than a support function; it’s the strategic partner your construction team never knew it needed. Community engagement: … Read more
Culture in Construction: Why it Matters + How to Make it Better
By Association of Equipment Managers Staff There is a labor shortage in the construction industry – and it’s not exactly breaking news. Headlines declare that “nobody wants to work anymore” – but is this explanation really at the root of what’s a longstanding, industry-wide issue? Amid the “Great Resignation,” as baby boomers retire and Gen Z workers reject the long hours of the construction industry, it’s more important than ever to examine the causes of this unprecedented labor shortage and explore potential solutions. Numerous companies are feeling the pressure, especially in the skilled trades, and many have not yet been … Read more
Best Practices for Seismic Retrofits
3 phases for construction preparedness By Dan Haas Undertaking seismic upgrades on existing structures is a complex process that ensures buildings are retrofitted to withstand seismic threats, that they meet new building codes and keep end users safe from harm. However, even codes introduced following the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake are outdated given the continued research into seismic events and their impacts on buildings. Future-proofing existing assets to withstand varying levels of seismic activity and intensity requires an expert-led upgrade and retrofit process. The following best practices outline the three phases to help ensure construction preparedness. 1) Property/portfolio evaluation The … Read more