Speaking and writing skills are an advantage in any job, but it’s especially critical in the commercial concrete construction business. After more than 26 years of experience in North Texas, we at FraserCon have learned the key to making sure every project goes smoothly is to be deliberate about the way we handle every interaction with general contractors and all parties involved.

The Power of Proactive Problem-Solving and Transparency

The key to successful communication in construction is being proactive rather than reactive. Our goal is to stay one step ahead, smoothing out the ripples before they turn into waves. This hands-on approach means diving into the details and working closely with general contractors and other key players to make sure everyone’s moving together in sync.

The belief here is straightforward: lasting bonds with GCs and partners blossom from a foundation of unwavering transparency and honesty. It’s all about laying the cards on the table when it comes to hurdles.

Keeping everyone in the loop with frequent updates on how things are moving along and stepping up to admit any setbacks or obstacles right away is not optional.

Trust, Collaboration, and Communication = Strong Relationships

At the heart of any strong relationship is trust, and that’s especially true in our industry. There are just too many moving pieces, and we put trust at risk when we aren’t upfront about what we’ll do, how we plan to do it, and what it’s going to cost. 

General Contractors are our top priority when it comes to timely updates on how things are moving along. If we’re not on the same page internally, it’s much harder for all parties to make good decisions.

Building something out of concrete isn’t just about mixing and pouring. It’s like a dance where everyone from the builders to the planners needs to be in sync. The smoother this teamwork flows, the more likely our work will stand tall and proud. FraserCon prioritizes open and frequent communication with our GC partners; viewing them as true partners working towards the same goal of delivering a successful project.

The Art of Timing in Construction Communication

When it comes to communication in construction, timing is everything. Managing information skillfully may mean waiting until the information is needed before delivering it. While it’s important to stay on top of the information flow, there’s no point in loading down others with updates and data they don’t necessarily need or, perhaps, don’t need at the moment. 

A big part of keeping momentum on a project is not only dealing with hiccups early on, so they don’t turn into bigger headaches later but also being proactive in addressing potential snags and making hard choices when necessary.

Tailoring Communication to Project Needs and Stakeholder Preferences

Every concrete construction project is unique and one of the advantages of having seen so many projects from start to finish, we’ve learned to tailor communication strategies accordingly. Knowing our partners and understanding their preferences—communications style for example—is another great perk drawn from experience.

When figuring out the best way to chat about a project, all these hard-won lessons and experiences come to bear and one can weigh everything from logistical details to how much cash is on hand. 

Communicating Beyond Words

We can’t leave this topic without talking about the world of technology and its role. If you’re in the industry and you’ve held off on investing in commercial construction software up to now, it’s time to seriously consider making that leap.

Think of the tech piece as a communication pipeline that’s instantly accessible with all the necessary information flowing through when and where it’s needed. It’s like having a super transparent yet completely secure way to keep track of every move made—no middlemen needed!

Tech is changing the game for construction crews, making it easier than ever to stay in sync and get things done. At FraserCon, we’re all about using the latest tech to make our construction projects smooth sailing. 

We have project management software that keeps everyone on the same page, while notifications and monitoring systems give us a real-time perspective of what’s happening. 

Future Tech Considerations

We’re seeing drones, 3D scanning, and virtual and augmented quickly becoming a reality. We won’t be showing up at sites with AR goggles anytime soon, but we know better than to be complacent about technology. It’s definitely changed the game for us.

Basically, if it will boost our efficiency, get more accurate results, and keep an excellent record of everything from start to finish, we’re interested. 

In the world of concrete construction and communication, we at FraserCon are always striving to keep ahead of problems by having clear plans, open conversations, and right-on-time updates during important moments. 

The Wrap

Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful concrete construction projects, fostering trust, collaboration, and efficiency among all stakeholders involved.

By embracing proactive problem-solving, transparency, and the judicious use of technology, companies like ours are setting the standard for effective communication in the concrete construction industry, ultimately leading to the successful completion of projects that stand the test of time.

If you’re ready to talk about your next project, get in touch.

The post Building Strong Relationships through Effective Communication in Concrete Construction appeared first on FraserCon Dallas Ft. Worth Concrete Contractors.

It’s no secret that the construction industry has been dealt some harsh blows in recent years. And many factors remain unpredictable. But there’s ample reason to start thinking positively.

FraserCon has over 20 years of experience in the construction industry. As concrete contractors, we’ve seen it all, and we know a thing or two about how the industry has evolved.

Recently, we came across this article forecasting the construction industry in Texas, and we had a few thoughts. So here’s our take on what’s going on with the Texas construction industry:

The construction industry’s talent pool is shrinking.

Many industries suffered massive job losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and construction was no exception. As a result, many construction projects were deemed non-essential, so progress ground to a halt for months. As a result, thousands upon thousands of people were out of work while the industry sat in a holding pattern.

Thankfully, much of the industry is recovering—but it’s not back to where it was before the pandemic. Most construction companies and contractors have massive backlogs to work through. As a result, they’re incredibly eager to hire. 

Residential contractors were the first to start hiring in earnest. But we’re seeing more job postings for nonresidential work. So much hiring activity indicates that we’re moving in the right direction. And the construction industry is a great place to work.

Supply chain bottlenecks remain challenging.

Ongoing supply chain issues may be the biggest problem currently plaguing the construction industry. Contractor just can’t get their hands on the supplies they need. Lumber, steel, and concrete slab are just a few commodities that have been hard to come by. And what little is available is astronomically expensive. As a result, contractors have been forced to dramatically change the prices on projects they quoted before the pandemic. As a result, some projects are being delayed or canceled altogether due to budget constraints.

The only solution is to work with contractors who have ample experience. All those years in the business yield strong relationships and deep supply chain knowledge. In addition, experienced contractors can help you navigate the unexpected and find creative solutions to keep your project on track.

Economic recovery is really ramping up for the construction industry.

In spite of these setbacks, all signs point to the Texas commercial construction industry flourishing in 2022 and beyond. And the ripple effects may be far-reaching: The construction industry could contribute mightily to the economic recovery process.

Second only to residential, infrastructure is poised to be the biggest construction industry segment over the next few years. President Biden signed off on the Infrastructure Investments and Jobs Act (IIJA), a $1.2 trillion infrastructure package, last year. This means more work for contractors and materials suppliers, as well as more jobs for American workers. 

And Texas is getting a big cut of that money. $35 billion has been designated for the Lonestar State. The money has been earmarked for a few specific things over the next five years, such as:

• Airports
• Bridges
• Electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure
• Highways
• Public transportation
• Transportation safety

Westlake Entrada: A Visionary Texas Construction Project Inspired by Catalonia

Texans can handle it. So can FraserCon.

“No state can survive a recession quite like the Lonestar State.” Texas has a long history of weathering economic downturns well. Our economic diversity is a big part of it. Texas is home to a highly diverse blend of market sectors and industries. We’re not vulnerable to statewide collapse if one sector goes under. And our real estate prices were stable all throughout the Great Recession.

The past few years have been long and unpredictable. Thankfully, there are many reasons to feel hopeful. Construction projects are underway again. It’s becoming a little easier to source materials. And the construction industry is getting a big payday that’ll keep us going for several years.

At FraserCon, we’re big believers in staying positive. We’ve made it through a real roller coaster since early 2020, but we pulled through. We’re still here, and we’re ready to help you bring your most ambitious construction projects to life. It’s been our mission and our honor for over 20 years.

If you’re looking for a reputable, experienced concrete contractor in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, give us a call.

The post What’s Going on in the Texas Construction Industry? appeared first on FraserCon Dallas Ft. Worth Concrete Contractors.

The internet is rife with motivational messages about the beauty of failure. But a pithy quote doesn’t always make it easier to stomach the loss. It’s one thing to fail when you’re trying a new recipe. It’s quite another when a business venture flops—and there are jobs and money at stake.

In the construction industry, failures can be large-scale. And failures can often be traced back to a few common causes.

Construction project failure is often due to poor planning.

There’s a well-known platitude that says it all: If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. There are too many moving parts in a construction project: “Winging it” never works.

Planning starts with scope and specs. A poorly defined project scope comes with several significant risks. Contractors take on projects that end up being bigger than they can handle. Customers ask for unplanned changes that disrupt the entire process. Insufficient estimates lead to unpleasant conversations about needing more money. A defined scope of work—before work starts—is vital to minimizing the risk of failure.

The construction industry does not have the luxury of assuming “business as usual” when the forecast calls for rain. Bad weather can cause massive delays in construction projects. And if a contract doesn’t include clauses and weather policies, there can be significant problems.

Poor communication can derail a construction project.

Harvard Business School professor Nitin Nohria said it best in 1992: Communication is the real work of leadership. For example, most construction projects are joint efforts between many different contractors and workers. But leaders are on the hook to make sure people know what is expected. If important people miss important messages, the entire project can fall apart.

Construction projects fail due to poor productivity.

As they say, many hands make for light work. Large-scale construction projects rely on many people, from high-level managers to hands-on workers, to be successful. But if too many of those people are skipping work or wasting time, the entire project can suffer. Low productivity can lead to missed deadlines, frustrated customers, and overall failure.

Sometimes, project failures can be traced back to business failures: In this case, poor hiring practices. If contractors cannot identify, hire, and retain reliable workers, the business’s reputation can sink along with the project.

Ignoring minor problems for too long derails construction projects.

Ignore a small problem for too long, and it becomes a big problem. This is true of construction projects, marriages, toothaches, and pebbles in your shoe. If a minor issue goes unreported, the window for a quick fix can shrink quickly. The painful outcome can be a costly fix or a large-scale failure.

Construction projects fail without enough financial support.

It’s been sung on every stage from here to Broadway: Money makes the world go round. A construction project funded by a handshake and an IOU is doomed to fail. No construction project should start without due diligence and a clear understanding of how the project will be funded. If someone realizes halfway through the project that the money doesn’t exist, they could abandon the entire thing. When a project fails because no one pays, contractors stand to lose thousands—even millions—of dollars in labor and materials.

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Motivational speakers have wise-sounding quips about the upside of failure, but in the construction industry, it can be devastating. Reliable, experienced contractors who understand the vital elements of a successful project are your best defense against failure.

The team at FraserCon has over twenty years of experience in contracting, construction, and concrete. In addition, we have a proven track record of successful collaboration and good relationships with other contractors throughout DFW. If you’re ready to talk about your next project, get in touch.

The post Four construction project failure warning signs appeared first on FraserCon Dallas Ft. Worth Concrete Contractors.

Legend has it that the average construction project encounters at least 20 months’ worth of delays. This can lead to extra costs, very unhappy customers, and a big hit to your reputation.

Construction Project Delays

While some delays are unavoidable, such as supply chain disruptions and bad weather, many are preventable. The FraserCon team has over 20 years of experience in construction. During that time, we’ve learned a few valuable lessons in how to minimize delays. Here are our top 6 tips:

Provide accurate estimates for construction projects.

A tip for contractors: Back-of-the-napkin math helps nobody. If you estimate too low, you may end up not being able to pay for supplies—or your crews. Renegotiating takes time and can lead to frustration. Do your due diligence before you throw out a number. Research current prices and trends and talk to your suppliers so you know the landscape before you write your estimate.

If you’re the one hiring contractors, you can do your part too. You should know your budget front and back so you know exactly what you can afford. This can save you the frustration of searching high and low for the right price.

Communicate with everyone involved in your construction project.

Establish a centralized communication hub so everyone knows where to share and find updates. The goal is for all communication to occur in one spot, so you have a consistent record of the plan. If there are any hiccups or unexpected issues, everyone involved can be informed immediately and adjust accordingly.

A centralized communication hub can streamline and speed up approvals, too. Make sure you know who needs to sign off on each step, so you’re not chasing down approvals at the last minute.

Make sure everyone knows the quirks of your job site.

Some job sites have features that can slow down a project if people aren’t expecting them. A few examples include keycard entry systems, a limited number of freight elevators, or a glitch in Google Maps. Everyone involved in the project should know about these things right away so they can make a plan. Otherwise, the project can bottleneck until someone works out a way around the issue—which can take a long time.

Set clear expectations by clarifying scope.

“Scope creep” is not just a buzzword. It’s a very real issue that can cause major slowdowns and frustrations on a construction site. If a customer starts asking more and more of a contractor, a project can grow to be unsustainable. The way to avoid scope creep is to have a very clear discussion about scope—and make a record of it. Create an accurate schedule, too, one that covers the entire project, and share it with everyone. That way, you won’t be on the hook to do more work than was agreed to. The result: Your project can stay on track.

Everyone must know their role and responsibilities.

There should be no confusion about who is in charge—and not in charge—of what. Everyone should know exactly what they’re responsible for, and those roles should be recorded. There are three major benefits here:
You can prevent action steps from getting dropped because no one knew it was their job.
You can prevent people from making decisions they’re not authorized to make.
If you know someone’s exact role, you can replace them faster if they have to leave the project unexpectedly.
Clear roles and responsibilities lead to greater clarity, more accountability, and an efficient project.

Make a plan for construction project delays.

Yes, this is an article about preventing delays, but it would be foolish to claim they never happen. All parties should discuss delays and how to handle them. A few key points to agree on:

• The difference between a preventable delay and an unavoidable delay. For example, a delay due to poor communication is preventable—and you’re accountable for it. A delay due to inclement weather is unavoidable, and it’s no one’s fault.
• Whether or not you still get paid in the event of different types of delay.
• How extra time will be granted—and compensated—in the event of a delay.

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With a few good practices and clear records, you can cut way back on construction delays. The result is a happy customer and a solid reputation for good, efficient work. If you’re ready to talk about your next project, get in touch.

The post Six Tips For Avoiding Construction Project Delays appeared first on FraserCon Dallas Ft. Worth Concrete Contractors.

There’s a lot of job security in construction

To keep up with the needs of a growing population, we’re going to need 13,000 new buildings every day—and that’s not including single-family homes. It’ll take a lot of people to make that happen. On top of that, America is short about a million construction workers right now. This shortage includes skilled technicians and entry-level laborers. There is a lot of opportunity in the industry, and that’s not going to change any time soon. If you get in now, you can enjoy a long and fruitful career in construction.

Stay active all day long

Sitting at a desk is not for everyone—and it’s not all that good for you. But, in the construction industry, you get to keep moving all day. All that activity is bound to have some health benefits. Plus, you don’t have to worry about straining your eyes in front of a screen all the time.

Earn a good living

Construction companies are offering higher and higher starting rates to combat the labor shortage. But even under normal conditions, a career in the construction industry pays well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, construction workers earn an average hourly wage of $32.86, $14 more than a restaurant or hotel worker.

In the construction world, experience matters. The more years you have under your belt, the more money you can earn. So construction managers, for example, leverage their experience to increase the financial rewards.

Get started without an expensive degree

As of mid-2021, Americans owe upwards of 1.59 trillion dollars in student loan debt. For some people, it’s a few thousand dollars. For others, it’s in the hundreds of thousands. As a result, millions of people are crippled by their student loan debt, to the point where they can’t take a vacation, buy a house, or even start a family.

That doesn’t have to be you.

A trade school education is far less expensive than a four-year degree. And with such good earning potential, you can pay it down fast and start chasing your other financial goals at a young age. And most technical programs are shorter than traditional college paths, which means you’ll be starting your construction career much sooner.

One more perk: Many vocational schools offer classes outside of working hours. So if you want to pick up another lucrative skill later on without having to leave your current job, you can.

Many different paths to a career in the construction industry

The construction industry relies on the skills and talents of many different kinds of people. As a result, there are endless possibilities for your career path in this dynamic field. Of course, we’re biased toward concrete, but the beauty of construction is that you’re always meeting someone with a slightly different specialty.

For example, many choose to become construction equipment operators. And a quick google search shows plenty of demand for this skill.

It’s easy to make connections with people who can share a thing or two about their area of expertise so that you can get a sense of all the options available to you.

See the outcome of your hard work with your own eyes

We never get tired of driving to the grocery store or the zoo and passing one of our completed projects on the way. It’s a real thrill to see the tangible results of your skills and time. Not every field offers you that level of satisfaction at the end of a project, but in construction, you get to watch the fruits of your labor grow every day.

There are a lot of on-the-job and off-the-clock benefits to working in the construction industry. If you want to talk to a member of the FraserCon team about why we love it, just give us a call.

Who knows — maybe we’ll hire you!

The post 6 Great Reasons to Choose a Career in the Construction Industry appeared first on FraserCon Dallas Ft. Worth Concrete Contractors.

It’s been nearly two years since COVID-19 became part of our vocabulary and changed lives all over the world. As life slowly returns to normalcy, people are excited to start construction projects that have been on hold for months. However, it’s not always that simple.

What’s going on in the commercial construction market?

With just a glance at a few trending headlines, you’ll quickly see that these are challenging times:

Skyrocketing steel, lumber costs threaten to slow construction jobs

Soaring material prices, supply chain delays spook owners and developers

CONSTRUCTION INFLATION ALERT

The construction industry is still reeling from the disruptions to the supply chain and the labor market. There’s a mad rush to get going on projects sidelined by the pandemic. Contractors are overwhelmed with calls, requests, and bids. However, there are significant barriers to moving forward with all these projects.

No industry has been spared from the challenges of hiring during our historic labor shortage. Many construction companies are increasing their wages to remain competitive in the hiring market. But nearly everyone is struggling to assemble the crews they need to get work done.

Fewer workers means longer project timelines and higher costs.

Additionally, material prices are in a state of constant flux. Because of unpredictable supply chains and limited availability, it takes much longer to procure materials. And what can be procured is much more expensive. Concrete prices are up and lumber costs have increased as much as 100% since 2019.

Contractors are having to redo bids from 2020 to reflect the escalating costs. People are frustrated by the price hikes and shopping contractors in search of a better deal.

Some have halted projects altogether because they can no longer afford it. In some cases, contractors are having to sacrifice profit margins to stay competitive.

Trust: the differentiator in uncertain times.

In a volatile, fast-moving environment, the pressure to act quickly can feel overwhelming. There’s hardly time to make informed decisions before circumstances change.

The best solution is to find one contractor you can trust, rather than starting from scratch on every project.

There are a few key elements of trust in this context:

• It may sound obvious, but you need someone who will tell the truth when it comes to their current capabilities. The last thing you need is someone making promises they can’t keep. Your contractor should tell it to you straight, even if it’s something you might not want to hear.
• You need someone you can trust to make fast decisions on your behalf. Things are changing so fast right now, there’s not always time for drawn-out analysis. If you trust your contractor to represent you, they can seize openings and lock in good prices for you. A good contractor will have the knowledge needed to make smart judgment calls and act fast. This also saves you from the stress of making decisions under pressure yourself.

So, how to find a trustworthy concrete contractor?

In a previous post we shared some tips for spotting a good concrete contractor and offered the following due diligence questions.

Ask your prospective partners:

• How long have they been in business?
• How would they handle a redo? What’s the process? Can they offer an example of a recent instance?
• What’s their process for maintaining quality standards on the specific work you need done?
• Are they and their vendors insured?
• How long have they been working with their vendors?
• Do they have a good grasp of the plans and drawings?

But even if you don’t choose FraserCon, we encourage you to look for experienced partners with great reviews.

Experience is king when margins are as tight as they are now. Make sure you find someone who knows what they’re doing.

FraserCon has been in business since 1998. We’ve experienced fluctuations in the industry before, and we can guide you through this season of uncertainty. If you’re ready to talk about your next project, get in touch.

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The post Why trust always wins in a disruptive commercial construction market appeared first on FraserCon Dallas Ft. Worth Concrete Contractors.

Timelines and budgets are the lifeblood of construction projects. As a project planner and manager, time and money are paramount to all of your plans and decisions, but never at the expense of quality. The guidelines below provide some ways to qualify the kinds of contractors who will help ensure the success of your next project.

Look Two Levels Deep

When you choose vendors or construction contractors, you’re also choosing to work indirectly with their partners and the accountability cascades from there with each party they involve. It makes good business sense to see that your contractors are using reliable vendors, but how can you know for sure that they and their vendors have sufficient infrastructure in place?

Here are two major considerations:

● Cover the basics first. Do your homework to ensure you’re working with a trustworthy company with an extensive history of good work. That means doing background checks, asking for references, and verifying the company’s insurance.
● Look for a specific experiences. When you have a job that you need done correctly, at or under budget, and on time; it’s critical that you hire a company that you can trust. This is particularly important if you’re a commercial company, and have multiple contractors on deck waiting for the concrete to be poured correctly and on schedule. The DFW concrete contractor you choose should be capable of providing the basics, such as concrete foundation systems (like slabs and basements), concrete paving solutions (like driveways & sidewalks), and ancillary concrete solutions (like stairs and retaining walls).

Keep a List of Qualifying Questions

In addition to the considerations above, it’s important to keep a list of questions you ask anytime you’re considering a new partner, and add to it when you encounter a painful lesson. It’s best to ask these questions in person, but the important thing is to ask them upfront. Don’t allow the urgency of the project to cause you to make hasty decisions.

Here’s a list of questions we find helpful to ask:

– How long have they been in business?
– How would they handle a redo? What’s the process? Can they offer an example of a recent instance?
– What’s their process for maintaining quality standards on the specific work you need done?
– Are they and their vendors insured?
– How long have they been working with their vendors?
– Do they have a good grasp of the plans and drawings?
This “up front” work is easy to overlook when the heat is on. Taking the time to do your diligence will not only save you time and money down the road, it will also relieve you of undue worry and anxiety.

What are some of your suggestions for choosing construction contractors wisely?

FraserCon has more than 26 years of experience and would love to be your DFW concrete contractor. We’re ready to serve you with our tenured, strong, and knowledgeable team. Over the past two decades FraserCon has established tried and true systems and developed a reputation for honesty, integrity, and tenacity.

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