For any general contractor to survive in this risky economy, there are some basic tools that he needs in his toolbox in order to be successful. He must develop, incorporate and maintain three basic skills – construction, communication and controls. It might sound obvious and simple, but for many new construction or remodeling contractors, it’s not.
- Construction- This may seem like a no-brainer for anyone wanting to make it in the contracting industry. Yet often, and much to the dismay of clients, the lack of construction skill by a general contractor only becomes apparent when a lot of money has already been spent. Usually, it’s after the project has been completed and things start falling apart or leaking that an unsuspecting client finds out that the contractor had limited knowledge and experience.
- Communication- This also seems an obviously critical skill, but often it’s one of the most underrated, understated and most under-skilled tools. When the ability to communicate authoritatively, quickly and clearly is lost, a once-busy general contractor becomes a has-been who is just trying to hold his head above water. Bluntly put, poor communication is one of the main reasons a contractor loses his edge and competitiveness.
- Controls- This involves tracking, monitoring, risk management, evaluation, quality control, etc. Believe it or not, in the old days, homes were built without email, cell phones and computers – no hi-tech gadgets or methodologies at all – and yet they were still durable and of high quality. Today, a general contractor has no excuses. He has all the technological tools needed to help him with tight schedules and complex projects.