Construction companies are always looking for ways to cut expenses and improve efficiency. This could mean anything from forgetting to secure the required permits to using lower-quality materials. Unfortunately, some shortcuts simply aren’t worth taking.
These four mistakes can end up costing your construction company a lot of money in the long run:
Not Getting the Right Permits
You could face hefty fines if you don’t get the right permits before starting a project. Sometimes, you may have to redo the entire project to meet the necessary requirements. The whole process will cost your company time, and money that could have been avoided had you taken care of the permits from the beginning.
To avoid this, make sure you do your research and acquire all the necessary permits before starting any construction project. Aside from the usual permits you often get, consider every possible detail to ensure you don’t forget anything.
Let’s say your new project involves erecting a building that can result in the disturbance of more than 1,000 square feet of impervious surface. This only means one thing – you need a construction stormwater general permit. You need to submit a Notice of Intent (NOI) and construction stormwater pollution prevention plan (SWPPP) to get this permit. But since such a task can be intimidating even for construction companies, it helps to find a reliable stormwater management company to help you secure this type of permit.
The best firm will describe the procedures you need to take to acquire your construction stormwater general permit and how they can assist you with your SWPPP. They are up to date with the latest changes in SWPPP regulations and can take care of the needed paperwork to secure your permit. This way, you can focus on actually planning the project. At the same time, they make sure all of the necessary permits are in order.
Relying on Outdated Software and Equipment
Technological advances have made a significant impact on the construction industry. There are now software programs that can help with everything from project management to estimating the cost of materials. There are also new types of equipment that can make construction projects faster and easier.
However, some companies continue to rely on outdated software and equipment. This might be because they’re trying to save money or because they’re comfortable with how things have always been done. However, this can cost the company more money in the long run.
Old software and equipment can lead to inefficiencies and mistakes in construction projects. This will result in delays and additional costs. In some cases, it could even lead to accidents.
To avoid this, invest in new software and equipment for your company. This can include anything from project management software to new construction equipment. Yes, it might be expensive upfront, but it will save you money in the long run. Invest in training your workers on properly using the new software and equipment.
Hiring Undocumented Workers
Some companies would hire workers that do not have the proper documentation to work in the United States. One might think this is a great way to fill positions that are hard to fill and save some money on labor fees. However, this could lead to some serious penalties. You may also lose your business license. This will put a stop to all your construction projects and cost your company a lot of money.
Aside from the legal penalties, undocumented workers may not have the skills or training to do their job correctly. This could result in lower quality work and more accidents on site. All of these will end up costing your company time and money.
To avoid this, only hire workers with the proper documentation and have the right authorization to work in the United States. You can ask for their green card or work visa to be sure. It’s also a good idea to conduct a background check to ensure that they don’t have any criminal history that could pose a threat to your company.
Finding the right workers might take some time, but it will be worth it in the end. Your company can avoid any legal penalties, and you can be sure that your workers have the qualifications for the job.
Cutting Corners on Safety
Safety should always be a top priority for construction companies, regardless of the project size or scope. Unfortunately, some companies cut corners when it comes to safety to save time and money. This could mean anything from failing to provide proper safety gear to taking shortcuts in construction procedures.
This could cost your company a lot of money in the long run. First of all, you could end up having to pay hefty fines for not following safety regulations. You might also have to pay for medical expenses if one of your workers gets injured while on the job site. In some cases, you may even be liable for wrongful death.
Aside from the legal penalties, neglecting safety will also result in more on-site accidents. This will lead to construction delays and additional costs for your company. This will also damage your reputation and make it harder to find workers willing to work for you or clients who will hire your company.
So, make sure you always put safety first. Comply with all safety regulations and ensure your workers have the proper training and safety gear. Don’t take any shortcuts on construction procedures. Yes, it might take some time to do things right, but it’s better than risking an accident that could cost your company a lot of money.
Making mistakes is an inevitable part of doing business. But some errors are more significant than others—especially in the construction industry, where even a tiny mistake can result in extensive delays and rework. Avoiding the above-mentioned mistakes will help you save time and money and keep your construction projects on track.
