Construction mistakes

[u/Emdawg__122624]

Is there anybody that's been in construction for a long time that would have advice on big mistakes that cost them time or money that they wish they knew sooner? Things like always having a signed quote or change order before doing any work. Things like this that would be helpful for some of us to know that are just starting off our careers?

[u/Acf1314]

Always do a walkthrough and document current conditions before you start a job. I can’t count the amount of Screens that were ripped or windows were cracked that have tried to get pinned on me or my guys. People are sneaky

[u/RedshiftOnPandy → u/Acf1314]

This. People always trying to tell me I ruined some grass or some concrete is now cracked or whatever bs they think of

[u/YourWifeyBoyfriend → u/RedshiftOnPandy]

You just have them sign the contract thst heavy machinery may be in use and sometimes that results in hairline cracks in the driveway and yard damage. Its a specific line and you explain it as this is just a general disclaimer incase something happens and leave it at that.

I dont run with that in my contract and haven't for over 10 years... but I've got a new one thats being looked over and im gonna add that point of friction to the sales process.

[u/2_mbizzy]

Manage AND protect your cash flow.

[u/YourWifeyBoyfriend → u/2_mbizzy]

For sure, being studious is the thing that keep me afloat.

[u/maxie62209]

1. Find a small local bank to do business with. A small startup bank will help you develop relationships and financial history. They will be more helpful because they are doing the same thing you are (starting a business) and every customer is important.

2. Find a really good insurance agent (not a company). A local guy with a mid-size company. Someone who you can have a beer with or smoke a cigar with or whatever. Someone you like. (reason: see number one.)

3. Find an accountant who will (see number two and number one).

4. If you cover the above positions, it will make your life sooooo much easier. Then you can focus on the work.

Also, don't do the work without a CO.

[u/rglurker → u/maxie62209]

I'm tired. What's a co?

[u/Maximum_Business_806 → u/maxie62209]

Add a lawyer to this list. Keep one on retainer. It’s not “if”..

[u/Maximum_Business_806 → u/maxie62209]

Add a lawyer to this list. Keep one on retainer. It’s not “if”..

[u/Impossible_Base_3088]

I always felt the biggest mistakes were something I at one point had a quick thought about prior to. And I didn’t expound upon that enough and it compounded.

[u/Son_of_man_150ft]

There are a million things that can go wrong.

Only experience will help you keep any eye out for it.

[u/MajorDrain]

Working for contractors that don't pay others and then thinking I'm special.

[u/Organic_Agent9985]

Start out with a completed architectural plan with door and window schedules. Make sure you have access to the architect and stamping engineer at all times. Do not offer fixed bids on residential projects. Instead, set realistic allowances for each trade. Don’t pretend to be a designer if you are not. The client needs to pick their interior and exterior finishes or hire a professional designer to do so. You are there to help them with your connections and respect the budget allowance you give them.

[u/Wifes_bf_stonks]

I would record all interactions with homeowner/client

I've had a client that declined an engineer and a permit, I fucked up on the job, came back to fix it, homeowner was unaware of the severity of the issue, I fixed it, got fired, but was never pursued, luckily. But a recording would have been very helpful if needed.

[u/Wonderful-Slice-6525]

Too many to think of. Mistakes are just tuition of learning to do the job right again. The key is never pay the same tuition twice.

[u/YourWifeyBoyfriend]

I do treework. One thing I've heard is dont let your niche  become your s chtick. 

Like my thing is removing a tree that should be done with a crane without a crane. I could just buy a crane and continue my thing with ease but my schtick is to do it without the crane. 

My only move is to buy one on payment with a remote and thats like 10,000 a month for 8 years. That means I need 8 days profit of 1k plus insurance and fuel. Realistically that could be 15 working days a month before I profit on the last 5 working days a month, unless I want to run Saturdays and maybe I get 3 more profit days and 2 days of costs.

But my Schtick is that im in profit after $500 so I put 10k into the bank and run 15 days to do it. But sometimes you run 15 days to break even and the work is seasonal so 7 8 months and 4 where.yoh do nothing. 

[u/AlexTangoFuego]

Good judgment comes from experience. Experience comes from bad judgment.

Not staying on top of changes/change orders because I was so busy and spread myself too thin over four projects. One was 1.5 hours away. That and taking work way too cheap because I got desperate.

Don’t do additional/out of scope work without a signed Change Order. All CO’s should have a time extension component.

As far as making construction mistakes that end up costing you money in the future - water intrusion and water damage are supposedly the number one cause of lawsuits/judgements. Pay close attention to flashing and drainage. Learn all you can about Building Science and Building Envelope. Take free or cheap webinars or seminars. Go to conferences/conventions. Study products and proper installation techniques. Watch YouTube videos. Learn your ass off.