ConstructConnect Blog

Although the construction industry is in the midst of a boom, project managers can’t seem to find enough qualified workers. As a result, more teenagers and young adults are joining the construction workforce. While construction jobs are an excellent way to teach youth practical skills and to help them gain work experience, they come with some caveats.

Wage theft is a serious problem in the United States that affects workers in many industries. The construction industry, both residential and commercial, is not immune to the growing epidemic of wage theft. Wage theft occurs when a worker is denied full payment of the wages and benefits they legally owed by their employer.

Most businesses prefer bringing in a new equipment if their old one fails, but there may be times when you would prefer buying used equipment. While it may not be very different from making a new purchase altogether, it is a time-consuming process. Some of the things to consider while looking at used equipment include quality, price and buying experience.

If cash flow is the lifeblood of the construction industry, then most are in desperate need of a transfusion. In a recent survey of construction firms, 84% reported that they had problems with cash flow. Almost 19% stated that they dealt with cash flow issues on a constant basis.

Climate is the biggest and most important factor in construction; it’s what determines the materials used, the time frame for construction and the durability and longevity of the constructed building.

The construction industry tops the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ list of most dangerous jobs. This is a fast-paced industry that requires the use of heavy equipment, and often, hazardous chemicals. To complete projects safely and efficiently, contractors need to be supported by employees who are skilled, knowledgeable, and sober.

For many construction businesses the biggest obstacle they face isn’t finding enough qualified workers or even bidding for jobs, it’s actually cash flow — specifically, not having enough of it to pay for liabilities like bills and payroll. According to a recent study conducted by TSheets and zlien, 1 in 5 construction companies faces a cash flow problem.

In the wise words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is ‘What are you doing for others?’” This age-old question is one that is taken into consideration in many companies today. Given the construction industry’s great and lasting impact on society, some may even argue that it’s more important for our industry to incorporate community service into everyday business practices. It can seem daunting, but by creating a culture of service within your business - no matter how big or small — you can go beyond profits and productivity to make a positive impact on the communities in which you work.

Fleet management has always been a data-driven industry. Assets generate an immense amount of information, but it wasn’t always possible to access it, let alone analyze it. In the past, fleet managers had to comb through handwritten logs and overstuffed filing cabinets to find the insights they needed to operate more efficiently. But now, thanks to innovative technology, there’s a mountain of information right at your fingertips. Easy access to data is reshaping the industry. Let’s take a look at how.

The overhead costs involved in a construction business are very different from those involved in a business from any other industry. The involvement of independent contractors, labor costs, equipment rentals and frequent location changes make the overhead costs in this business very different from any business in any other industry. These costs form a substantial portion of any estimate of any construction job.