Lean Built

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How Can I Get A Construction License

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

In this blog, I’m going to talk about how to get your construction license and share some valuable tips along the way. This process can help you obtain your general contractor’s license and even start your own construction company. Let’s dive into the steps, and I’ll share my personal experience with getting a general contractor’s license in Arizona.

My Experience Getting a General Contractor’s License

First, let me tell you a quick story. I co-founded a company called Lean Belt in Phoenix, Arizona, which focuses on construction projects and showcases lean implementation. One of the first steps we needed to take was getting a contractor’s license.

 I thought it would be simple – but it was far from that! I ended up with a stack of books filled with technical information, regulations, codes, and guidelines. From the International Building Code to OSHA manuals and trade-specific details, it was overwhelming.

To tackle this challenge, I signed up with a local test prep company that provided resources, references, and practice tests, which was incredibly helpful. When the test day arrived, I was well-prepared, but it was still tough. I practiced relentlessly and passed on the first try. Now, let me break down the steps to help you get your construction license.

Step 1: Determine the Type of License You Need

The first thing you need to do is determine what type of construction license you need. For example, in Arizona, we needed a general contractor’s license to operate. There are trade-specific licenses like electrical or plumbing, but my role as the qualifying party required a commercial and residential B1 license. Be sure to understand what type of license fits your work and consult with people who know the system to stay on track.

Step 2: Understand Local Requirements

Each state and municipality has its own licensing requirements. Some areas have stricter regulations than others. Arizona, for instance, is known for its rigorous licensing process. Research your state’s requirements and work with people familiar with the complexities of local regulations and the application process.

Step 3: Meet the Education & Experience Requirements

Typically, you’ll need several years of experience in construction before you can apply for a license. In my case, I needed four or five years of experience as a builder and general contractor. Since I’ve worked in construction for over 25 years, I easily met this requirement. Make sure you have enough experience and secure references from previous employers or colleagues.

Step 4: Pass the Exams

Passing the exam is perhaps the hardest part. It involves memorizing dense technical information from stacks of books. I highly recommend purchasing a study package, which usually includes study materials, practice tests, and online resources. These packages can be expensive, but they’re worth it. Without adequate preparation, it’s nearly impossible to retain all the specifics needed to pass the exam.

Step 5: Submit the Application Properly

The application process is just as critical as passing the exam. If you make mistakes, it can delay your approval for months. For instance, in Arizona, if your application is denied multiple times, you may have to wait a year to reapply. When I saw how detailed the application requirements were, I decided to hire a company to help me submit the paperwork. Even with professional help, the application process took several weeks.

Step 6: Get Your Insurance & Bonding

Once you’re ready to submit your application, you’ll need to secure insurance and bonding. Many companies that assist with test prep can also help you find the right insurance and bonding options. This is crucial because you won’t get approved for your license without them.

Step 7: Pay the Fees

Paying the fees is usually the easiest part of the process. Although it’s not fun to pay fees, it’s a necessary step. After that, you’re almost there!

Step 8: Pass Background Checks

Every owner or partner in your business will likely need to pass a background check. These checks are typically handled by the local licensing authority or the test prep company. Once everything is clear, you’re one step closer to getting your license.

Final Thoughts

Key takeaways for getting your construction license:

  1. Know what type of license you need.
  2. Be diligent and motivated throughout the process.
  3. Get help—whether for the exam or the application.
  4. Stay current with all licensing and continuing education requirements.

Make sure you have a supportive structure in place, as it’s more time-consuming and challenging than it seems. Focus, stay organized, and carve out time to complete the process.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

How To Manage Construction Projects

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

In this blog, I’m going to walk you through a simple, effective pattern for managing a construction project step-by-step. This approach is tied to the Integrated Production Control System, and I’ve designed it in such a way that you can follow it easily and implement it immediately. Let’s dive in!

Key External Factors to Observe Before Starting a Construction Project

Before you take on any construction project, it’s crucial to assess external factors that could affect the project’s success. Here are five key considerations:

  1. The Project’s Paradigm: Does the owner and the project’s team understand how this project should be managed, focusing on respect and timely completion? If not, there may be challenges ahead, and you might need to either protect yourself or reconsider involvement.
  2. Leadership Mindset: The owners, designers, and management team need to be aligned with a lean implementation mindset—one that values respect for people and aims to deliver the project on time.
  3. Project Goals: Sometimes, projects have goals that aren’t aligned with timely completion or respect for people. If that’s the case, it may be wise to reconsider your involvement because success will be difficult to achieve.
  4. Structure of the System: From contracts to organizational structure and rules, everything needs to support the successful execution of the project.
  5. System Rules: These rules should enable you to do your job efficiently—whether it’s related to scheduling, organizing the team, or handling delays.

By carefully observing these external factors before jumping into a project, you set a solid foundation for success.

What to Do in the Design & Pre-construction Phase

Once you’ve assessed the external factors, the next phase is design and pre-construction. Here’s how to get started:

  1. Win the Project: This involves preparing a solid proposal and nailing the interview by solving the owner’s problems and adding value from the beginning.
  2. Align the Team: Once awarded, ensure the project team is aligned with the right budget, schedule, and conditions of satisfaction.
  3. Support the Design Team: During the design development phase, offer real-time feedback, budgeting, and scheduling updates.
  4. Start Planning Early: By the midpoint of design development, ensure the builders, PMs, and supers are involved in planning the project. It’s crucial that the people who will build the project have input in the planning process.
  5. Prepare to Start Strong: In the 90 days before the project begins, focus on holding quality pre-construction meetings, organizing visuals, and preparing for mobilization. This sets the tone for success right from the start.

Minimum Outcomes of the Design & Pre-construction Phase

By the time design and pre-construction wrap up, you should have:

  • A tax plan
  • Zone maps
  • A logistics plan
  • A risk and opportunity register
  • Your procurement log and trailer design ready

In addition, the design should be complete, and your guaranteed maximum price (GMP) should be locked in.

How to Manage a Construction Project

Once the project begins, managing it effectively is key to success. Here’s a breakdown:

  1. Build the Right Team: Ensure you have the right balance in your team, with each individual in the right role.
  2. Have a Production Plan: You need a solid production plan that is reflected in your contracts and backed by a risk and opportunity register.
  3. Focus on the Supply Chain: Ensure you have the right procurement strategy, coordination, and logistics to support your trade partners.
  4. Foster the Right Culture: You can’t just focus on people and plans—you also need the right culture on-site. Clean, safe, and organized environments, along with effective onboarding, are key.

Key Systems to Implement in a Construction Project

Once your team, plan, and culture are in place, you need to ensure everything flows smoothly using the right systems:

  • TAKT Production System: This is essential for managing trade flow on your project.
  • Last Planner System: This helps ensure trade partners engage in pull planning, look-ahead planning, and weekly/daily work planning, which keeps the project on track.

4 Key Components to Managing a Construction Project

Even with these systems in place, there are four other critical components you must manage:

  1. Trade Partner Preparation Process: Each trade partner should go through a thorough process from buyout to pre-construction meetings, first-in-place inspections, and follow-ups.
  2. Accountability: Implement a system that ensures safety, quality, and accountability at all times.
  3. Continuous Improvement: Always look for ways to improve through problem-solving and feedback.
  4. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs): Use metrics and feedback to measure your project’s success and make necessary adjustments.

To dive deeper into the concepts and systems discussed here, check out the First Planner System book. It provides detailed tools, visuals, and even grading criteria to help you assess your progress.

I hope you found this guide helpful! If you have any questions or need assistance as you implement these strategies, don’t hesitate to reach out.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

 

 

On we go

Can A Woman Be A Construction Worker?

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

In this blog, we’re going to dive into the age-old question: can a woman be a construction worker? The answer, without hesitation, is a resounding yes! 

Beyond simply answering that question, let’s explore how we can support and welcome women into the construction industry—a field I’m incredibly passionate about. I’m confident that by the end of this blog, you’ll walk away with a fresh perspective that could very well change the trajectory of your career.

The Current Problem with Inclusivity in Construction

The construction industry faces a significant inclusivity challenge. Traditionally, it’s been dominated by white males, and minorities, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals often struggle to break into and thrive in this space. There are clear data points showing that women, minorities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community are selected less frequently for construction jobs. This needs to change—quickly.

For every one person entering construction, six others are either retiring or leaving the field. We simply can’t afford to let biases prevent capable people from entering the workforce. Regardless of personal beliefs, the industry needs a larger, more diverse workforce to stay afloat. A healthy, thriving industry depends on creating safe and welcoming spaces for everyone, regardless of gender, race, or background.

How We Can Attract More People to Construction

To recruit more women into construction, we need to create inclusive environments. Women require workplaces that are free from discrimination, sexual harassment, and toxic behaviors. Diverse teams consistently outperform homogenous ones, and if we want to win in construction, we need to attract diverse talent. We need to be intentional about cultivating safe, supportive environments that foster innovation and collaboration.

One of the most concerning trends I’ve witnessed in the construction industry is the presence of unsafe environments—things like explicit images on walls, inappropriate jokes, and discriminatory behaviors. These must be eradicated. The good news is that construction is adapting faster than many other industries, and with intentional effort, we can continue this progress.

Examples of Unsafe Environments for Women in Construction

Let’s address some of the unacceptable behavior women often encounter on construction sites. I’ve personally seen explicit images hung on walls, ironworkers spray-painting inappropriate messages for women, and frequent cases of sexual harassment. This behavior is not only disrespectful but also destructive to the work environment. It’s past time to move beyond these toxic behaviors.

Thankfully, construction is evolving. It is critical to remember that diverse teams are proven to be more effective. If we want to succeed as an industry, we need women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of all ethnicities and backgrounds. Their skills and perspectives are invaluable.

How to Promote Equal Opportunities for Women in Construction

One of the first steps we can take toward inclusivity is promoting equal opportunities in recruiting, hiring, promotions, and pay. Let’s eliminate the pay gap, provide maternity leave, and ensure that women are given the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Equal and fair opportunities should be the standard, not the exception.

How to Provide Membership & Sponsorship Programs

Supporting women in construction doesn’t stop at hiring them. We also need to offer membership and sponsorship programs to elevate women in this field. Sponsorships and scholarships, like those offered by organizations such as Arcade Wayfinding, can help women who may not have had the same opportunities to break into the industry.

How to Sponsor a Supportive Environment & Culture

A supportive environment doesn’t happen on its own. If left unchecked, toxic behaviors will continue to flourish. We need to intentionally create educational programs and safe work environments where everyone feels welcomed and valued.

How to Offer Flexible Work Arrangements

Flexible work arrangements are also essential for inclusivity. Whether it’s allowing flexible start and end times, providing adequate maternity leave, or accommodating different physical needs, we need to be more adaptable. 

One example of where this is critical is in ergonomics. Studies have shown that many work environments, such as chairs and airplane seats, are designed with men in mind. Women, on average, require more sleep than men—so making accommodations for different physical needs is important for everyone to be at their best.

How to Stop Discrimination & Sexual Harassment in Construction

Finally, discrimination and harassment must be met with a zero-tolerance policy. There’s no room for sexist or racist jokes, or for any form of harassment. Construction is no longer a “boys’ club.” It’s a space where everyone should be welcomed and supported.

In conclusion, women can absolutely be construction workers, and they can thrive in this industry with the right support. The responsibility is on us to create safe, inclusive environments. If we want to recruit and retain the best people, we must provide the conditions for them to succeed. Let’s make sure we are not just talking about inclusivity but actively practicing it.

Important Things to Remember About Discrimination

Discrimination often seems abstract until it affects someone we care about—a daughter, a friend, or a colleague. Inclusivity and acceptance should not just be buzzwords—they should be the foundation upon which we build our work environments.

Women belong in construction. They are capable of achieving anything in this field, and it’s our job to create the spaces where they can flourish. As we move forward, let’s keep this in mind and commit to being real leaders who lift everyone around us.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

Entry Level Construction Management Salary

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

Entering the world of construction management can be incredibly rewarding, offering significant room for growth, a competitive salary, and the potential for high-ranking positions like VP, COO, or Director of Operations. However, navigating your entry-level path requires the right mindset and preparation. In this blog, we’ll explore salary expectations for 2024, important considerations when evaluating job offers, and how to set yourself up for long-term success in the industry.

Entry-Level Salary in Construction Management

As of 2024, the entry-level salary for construction management roles ranges between $55,000 and $75,000. If you’re starting in residential or civil construction, expect your salary to be on the lower end of that spectrum. For those entering industrial, commercial, or mining construction, salaries can climb closer to $80,000.

When I started in the field around eight years ago, top companies were hiring field engineers at $68,000 to $82,000. While the base salary is important, there are other significant factors to consider when evaluating your compensation package, especially when factoring in living expenses and overall benefits.

Important Considerations Beyond Salary

1. Cost of Living and Subsistence

It’s crucial to understand the cost of living in different geographical areas when assessing a job offer. For instance, living in Texas or Arizona is vastly different from living in California or New York in terms of expenses. 

Ensure you factor in any subsistence packages offered by companies, as they are specifically meant to cover living costs in higher-priced regions. Compare offers by focusing on the base salary and make sure you’re getting the best deal for your personal situation.

2. The Overall Compensation Package

Don’t get hung up on base salary alone. Look at the overall package, which can include benefits such as stock options, retirement contributions, healthcare, and bonuses. A company offering a slightly lower salary but a comprehensive benefits package could be a far better deal in the long run.

When I worked for Hensel Phelps, their retirement and stock option programs were top-tier. They contributed 15% of my salary to my retirement plan, which proved invaluable over time. So, when you’re comparing offers, weigh the entire package, not just the base pay.

3. Company Training Programs

One of the biggest factors in your career progression will be the training you receive. Promotions and raises in the construction industry are often tied directly to the skills you acquire, not just tenure. 

A company that offers excellent training programs can position you for long-term growth, even if their initial salary offer is slightly lower. Remember, investing in your skills will pay dividends as you climb the ladder in your career.

Additional Factors to Consider

When choosing a company, here are some other key considerations:

  • Location: Will you be working in a high-cost living area?
  • Education Requirements: Do you need additional certifications or training to qualify for the position?
  • Company Size & Culture: Is the company family-oriented? Do they foster a positive work environment?
  • Certifications & Training: Does the company offer the necessary training for your role?
  • Cultural Fit: Can you see yourself growing with this company long-term?

By keeping all these factors in mind, you can make an informed decision that sets you up for success—not just in terms of salary, but in overall career satisfaction.

Average Salaries for Various Positions

To wrap up, here are some average salary figures for different roles in construction management across the U.S.:

  • Field Engineer: Around $70,000
  • Project Engineer: Between $72,000 to $93,000, depending on the company and specific responsibilities
  • Assistant Superintendent: Typically falls within the $70,000 to $89,000 range

Always remember that salaries vary based on factors like location, company size, and industry, so do your research and weigh all the components of your compensation package.

Conclusion

Construction management offers a dynamic and lucrative career path for those willing to work hard and add value. When evaluating job offers, remember that it’s not just about the base salary—take into account the entire compensation package, training opportunities, and long-term growth potential.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

How Much Water Should A Construction Worker Drink

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

In this blog, I’ll share stories, talk about hydration in the construction industry, and highlight why it’s crucial to stay hydrated on the job. Living in Phoenix, I’ve learned firsthand how important hydration is, and I want to pass on what I’ve experienced. If you’re wondering how much water a construction worker should drink, you’re in the right place.

My Experience with Severe Dehydration

Let me tell you a story. I used to think I was tough, rough, and could push through anything. I vividly recall an incident where I helped lead a Boy Scouts of America group. After battling a stomach bug for 42 hours, I thought I was fine

. I had started eating and drinking again, but I wasn’t properly hydrated. I joined a high-adventure hike up a mountain, but without the right electrolytes and salts in my system, I ended up in the hospital.

During this ordeal, I learned that I had a genetic heart disorder called a first-degree AV block, which slows down the electrical signal in the heart. Whether dehydration caused it or not, I found myself severely weakened, barely able to turn a doorknob. It took six weeks to recover fully. Ever since, I’ve been hyper-vigilant about staying hydrated on construction sites, constantly ensuring I have water on hand.

The Importance of Staying Hydrated

No matter how tough you are—whether you’re 120 pounds or 350 pounds of muscle—everyone is vulnerable to dehydration. Construction workers are particularly susceptible, given the physical exertion and exposure to extreme heat. I’ve seen people drop like flies in the heat, regardless of size or fitness level. So, staying hydrated is a topic we can’t ignore.

There are some simple rules of thumb to follow: You need access to water, ice, and hydration stations on the job. This is not negotiable. We aren’t machines—we’re humans, and we need water to function.

Recommended Daily Intake of Water

It’s generally recommended to drink about eight cups (or 64 ounces) of water daily. Many of us walk around in a constant state of dehydration, often without realizing it. Having 11 kids, frequent doctor appointments, and regularly donating blood have taught me to recognize the signs of dehydration. Staying hydrated isn’t just a matter of drinking enough; it’s also about maintaining the right balance of electrolytes and salts.

For construction workers, especially those working in extreme heat like in Phoenix, you need to drink more than the average eight cups. A helpful rule of thumb is to monitor the color of your urine. Light yellow to clear is ideal, but if it’s dark yellow or orange, you’re in trouble and need to hydrate immediately.

How to Check Your Hydration Level

Keeping an eye on how often you’re urinating is another way to monitor hydration. Ideally, you should be going every 30 minutes in hot weather. If you’re not, increase your water intake. However, be cautious about overhydrating—this can deplete your body of essential salts and electrolytes, leading to a different set of problems. Supplements like Propel or Gatorade can help restore the balance.

Differences Between Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke

Understanding the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke is critical. Heat exhaustion occurs when your body struggles to cool down, causing fatigue and profuse sweating. On the other hand, heat stroke is life-threatening. It happens when your body loses its ability to cool itself, leading to a complete shutdown. If you stop sweating and start overheating, that’s a 911 emergency.

How Much Water Should Construction Workers Drink?

In hot and humid climates, the guideline is to drink one cup of water every 20 minutes. This may sound like a lot, but it’s necessary to prevent dehydration. Setting reminders via group texts or communication systems on job sites can help ensure workers remember to hydrate.

It’s also essential to watch for signs of dehydration and heat exhaustion in yourself and others. If someone looks dizzy, fatigued, or has dark urine, they need to increase their water intake. The key here is to listen to your body—if you feel like you need more water, electrolytes, or breaks, take them.

Important Guidelines to Stay Hydrated on Site

Hydration stations must be readily available on construction sites. Supervisors and foremen should ensure their crew is taking water breaks and staying cool. A buddy system can be an effective way to monitor each other’s hydration levels and prevent heat-related issues.

Ignoring the need for water or cooling down isn’t a sign of toughness; it’s a mistake that can lead to severe health problems. Whether you’re working with full gear in the heat or just starting your day, hydration should always be top of mind.

Take care of yourself, stay hydrated, and keep safe!

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

How Early Can Construction Starts

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

Starting a construction project isn’t as simple as breaking ground and getting to work. There are critical steps that need to be taken to ensure the project will run smoothly from start to finish. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the key parameters and mindset you need to adopt when deciding when to begin your construction project. We’ll explore what you need before starting, why it’s crucial not to begin prematurely, and how to think strategically about phased design.

The Importance of Flow and Full Kit

One of the core principles for success in construction is maintaining flow. The more you limit work fronts and focus on completing one stage fully before moving on to the next, the smoother the overall project will be. This concept is also tied to the idea of having a full kit—a term that refers to ensuring everything needed to complete a specific task is ready and available before starting.

This principle comes from Goldratt’s rules of flow. In an insightful interview with Dr. Ephrat Goldratt, I learned about the importance of limiting work in progress and how it helps create seamless flow on a construction project. Do not start a phase unless you have a full kit. This approach minimizes delays, cost overruns, and project derailments.

Phased Design Construction: Getting It Right

Phased design is often viewed as a way to accelerate timelines, but starting a project without a full kit, even for just one phase, can lead to significant problems down the road. For example, if you’re planning to begin construction on foundations and superstructure, it’s not enough to just have the design for that part of the project ready. You need to consider aspects like design loads for the central plant, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) locations, and coordination under the slab before breaking ground.

Phased design, when done correctly by top professionals, ensures each segment of the project is completed before moving on. However, if rushed, incomplete designs can cause project delays, confusion, and increased costs.

When Should You Start?

When determining the best time to start your project, it’s crucial to work backward from the desired completion date, using Takt planning, risk analysis, and forecasting. This will help you determine how long each phase of the project will take and when you need to begin to finish on time. Before starting, you must ensure you have completed the following critical tasks:

  1. Design: The project design must be fully completed for either the entire project or for the specific phase you’re working on. An incomplete design will inevitably lead to delays and extra costs.
  2. Procurement and Buyout: All materials and contractors should be lined up and ready to go before construction begins. Long lead items need to be secured in advance to avoid disruptions.
  3. Permissions: Make sure that all permits and approvals are obtained. Failure to do this can halt construction and create significant delays.
  4. Full Kit: Ensure that everything is in place to start and complete the phase or project at hand. This includes people, plans, resources, and any necessary buffers for unanticipated risks.

The Role of Buffers in Construction Success

Buffering is another critical element in successful construction projects. By building in buffers at different stages, such as commissioning or final completion, you ensure the project can absorb any unforeseen delays or issues without completely derailing your timeline. This is especially important for projects with tight schedules, as these buffers give you the flexibility to adjust without missing deadlines.

The Value of Repeated Planning and Risk Forecasting

To achieve success in construction, your project plan should be reviewed, revised, and validated multiple times before you start. Just as Pixar reviews and revises its films multiple times before release, your construction plan should go through a similar iterative process to ensure it’s robust. Ideally, the plan should be reviewed at least three times, focusing on identifying risks and ensuring that the project duration is realistic based on previous similar projects.

Merging Supply and Demand

Finally, successful projects merge supply and demand by balancing the owner’s expectations with realistic production schedules. Todd Zabel’s book, Built to Fail, emphasizes the importance of simulating a production rhythm that aligns with end dates and project milestones. By simulating this rhythm, you can ensure that the project starts on solid ground and that production flows smoothly from one phase to the next.

Conclusion

In summary, never start a construction project without a full kit—this means having your design complete, contractors and materials ready, permissions in place, and a solid plan in hand. Successful projects are built on preparation, proper sequencing, and a thorough understanding of the risks involved. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your project stays on time, on budget, and on track to meet your goals.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

How Can Drones Be Used In Construction

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

Drones are a game-changer in many industries, and construction is no exception. I’m super excited to dive into the innovative ways drones are transforming construction sites and how they can enhance project management, safety, and quality control. Whether you’re a construction professional or just curious about the possibilities, let me take you through some incredible uses for drones in construction.

The Versatility of Drones

Drones are everywhere these days. While they’re commonly associated with warfare and delivery services, drones are making significant strides in industries like firefighting, freeway maintenance, entertainment, and, of course, construction. 

For our company, drones have become essential tools for inspections and capturing video footage. Imagine drones automatically taking off, following pre-programmed routes, and providing real-time data on your construction project. This isn’t the future—it’s happening right now!

The Potential Uses of Drones in Construction

Before we get into specifics, I want to share a quick story. I once read a fantastic book, Building the Empire State, which detailed how the superintendent on the project used “runners” to gather and communicate production information. 

Now, imagine if drones could serve a similar function, helping superintendents manage their projects from mobile command stations. Here are some of the most exciting ways drones can be used on construction sites today:

1. Site Surveys and Mapping

Drones offer remarkable aerial footage and can map the 3D topography of a project site with high accuracy. This capability aids in logistics, integrates with building models, provides real-time data for superintendents and foremen, and assists with material takeoffs by tracking production.

2. Progress Monitoring

Progress monitoring is vital for keeping a project on track. Imagine if, during your afternoon huddles with the foremen, a drone captured an aerial view of the entire site. While we aren’t quite ready for drones to fly safely inside buildings, exterior footage provides invaluable data. Drones can help you plan for the next day’s work, recover from delays, and keep everything on schedule.

3. Inspections and Quality Control

Drones are already revolutionizing inspections and quality control. I remember the days of manually inspecting hard-to-reach areas with harnesses and boom lifts—it was time-consuming and often impractical. Now, drones can inspect these areas safely and efficiently, reducing the need for costly and dangerous manual inspections. This technology is especially useful for exterior inspections and roof checks.

4. Safety Management

Safety is paramount on construction sites, and drones can play a significant role here. While I believe in being on-site to assess safety firsthand, drones can supplement this by inspecting high-risk areas, checking for compliance with safety protocols, and even ensuring workers are wearing their fall protection gear. This isn’t about creating a “police state”; it’s about backing up your team with an extra layer of safety assurance.

5. Progress Photos and Documentation

Drones are fantastic for capturing progress photos and providing historical documentation of a project. Instead of relying solely on daily reports with a few pictures and notes, imagine having drone footage that documents every single day of construction. This creates a comprehensive visual record that tells the story of the project from start to finish.

Different Ways Our Company Uses Drones

At our company, we’ve already integrated drones into various aspects of our projects. We use drones for aerial photos, topographic mapping, progress monitoring during foreman huddles, documentation, and even inspections. They’ve been invaluable for inspecting hard-to-reach areas and ensuring safety compliance.

One of the best uses of drones I’ve seen is allowing the assistant superintendent to monitor specific areas from their desk, creating a balance between office work and fieldwork. Drones provide real-time data that supplements the work of superintendents, helping them manage their time more effectively.

How to Start Using Drones in Construction

If you’re interested in implementing drones on your construction projects, start by collaborating with the tech experts in your company. Identify a suitable model, make your first purchase, and assign someone to explore the most valuable uses for drones. 

As you move from project to project, you’ll continue to discover new applications for this cutting-edge technology. Drones have the potential to be a game-changer in construction, especially for real-time video and photographic documentation during foreman huddles.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

Benefits Of Construction Management Software

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

In this blog, we’re going to discuss how construction management software can be a key asset—if it’s implemented correctly. If you’re wondering what you can use this technology for, how to maximize its potential, and how to keep it from steering you off track, then you’re in the right place. Let’s dive in.

How the Software You Use Can Affect Your Systems

Let me start with a story. A consulting company that was incredibly proficient in lean construction and implementation was excelling with Last Planner, Takt, and other great scheduling tools. During one of their sessions, we were asked to provide feedback. 

As Kevin and I did a field walk, it was clear they were experts in creating flow on projects. However, one of their team members explained how they had stopped using certain fundamental practices because their construction software no longer supported them.

This is something I’ve seen repeatedly throughout my career. The construction software you choose can guide your workflows. But if it limits you, it can create challenges for your processes and systems. That’s why it’s important to understand the impact of the software on your project. You need to ensure that it enhances, rather than hinders, your workflow.

Qualities of a Good Construction Management Software

For construction management software to be truly effective, it needs to be fast, addictive, and—most importantly—useful. If the software slows you down, introduces unnecessary complexity, or adds steps that waste your time, it’s not worth using.

A good example is a safety app that required 23 additional steps just to log safety incidents and documentation. The excessive steps discouraged usage and diminished the overall effort. So, when selecting construction software, it’s essential to find one that accelerates workflows, not complicates them.

How Construction Management Software Can Help With Cost Management

Construction management software is invaluable when it comes to cost management. This is one area where I don’t recommend relying on Excel. Even one incorrect formula in Excel can wreck your estimates and projections. The software available today for cost estimation and budgeting helps you manage data accurately, from budgeting to pay applications. It minimizes the risk of errors that could tank a project.

How Construction Management Software Can Increase Efficiency

Efficiency is one of the main benefits of construction software. As a superintendent, I once used an app called Note Vault. It streamlined my workflow by allowing me to take a picture, add voice-to-text notes, and sync them into the project management software for the daily report—all with minimal effort. The key to efficiency in software is finding applications that enhance normal workflows without adding unnecessary steps.

How Construction Management Software Can Make Documentation Easier

One of the best things about construction software is its ability to improve documentation. Having everything in one place—plans, specifications, RFIs, contracts—simplifies record-keeping and ensures easy access for years to come. This kind of centralization is crucial for ensuring that documentation is retained and retrievable when needed.

How Construction Management Software Can Improve Collaboration

Collaboration is vital in construction, and there are many software options that facilitate this. Whether it’s WhatsApp for communication, Miro for whiteboarding, or Microsoft Teams for chat and file sharing, the right collaboration software can make team communication smoother and more effective. When your team is better connected, the entire project benefits.

How Construction Management Software Can Streamline Your Process

Software can also assist with risk management and quality control. However, be careful to select software that doesn’t overcomplicate things. I’ve seen software systems that were so clunky and burdensome that quality checks plummeted. Quality and safety must be integrated into the software in a way that makes them easy to monitor and track consistently.

Other Uses for Construction Management Software

Data analytics, mobile access for field workers, resource management, and even tracking material procurement are just some of the additional functions that good construction management software can provide. Power BI is great for data analytics, and tools like Beam 360 Field and Bluebeam help streamline documentation, project tracking, and more. Make sure the software you choose integrates well with other tools you already use and enhances your overall project workflow.

My Favorite Construction Management Software

Some of my favorite construction management tools include Bluebeam, Beam 360 Field, and Procore, among others. These tools can enhance everything from daily reporting to punch lists and collaborative work environments. Just make sure that your suite of tools works together harmoniously to support your project’s goals.

Conclusion

The right construction management software can empower you to do your job better by making key processes more efficient and streamlined. When implemented correctly, software should support your work, not complicate it.

I hope you found this blog helpful and feel more empowered to make smart choices with construction management software!

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

Final Inspections Unveiled: Avoid These Common Pitfalls

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

I’m excited to bring you this blog post because it represents the culmination of the trade partner preparation process. Following these steps will ensure that before your trade partners demobilize, you’ve got everything wrapped up. In this blog, I’ll walk you through the agenda, the concept, and explain why this process can be a game changer for you.

Key Meetings in the Trade Partner Preparation Process

Let’s dive in. The trade partner preparation process includes key meetings such as the buyout, pre-mobilization meeting, pre-construction meeting, initial inspections (or first-in-place inspections), follow-up inspections, and finally, the all-important final inspection.

This final inspection is crucial for many reasons. One of the biggest issues arises when trade partners demobilize before the project is truly finished.

The Biggest Problem When Letting Trade Partners Demobilize

Once a trade partner demobilizes, they no longer have the labor, tools, focus, or context to easily return and fix something. They aren’t being dishonest; it’s just the nature of their business. 

However, this situation can introduce variation into the project and potentially delay your timelines. To avoid this, ensure that everything is done and reconciled before they leave. Make sure the punch list is completed as they go, and everything is wrapped up before they demobilize.

What to Check in Final Inspections

During final inspections, you need to ask the following:

  • Is all the work complete?
  • Has everything been punched out?
  • Are all corrections made?
  • Have you created the right conditions for successor trade partners?
  • Are all change orders reconciled?
  • Is the project 100% compliant?
  • Have all deliverables, including attic stock and training manuals, been handed over?

This ensures you can release final payments or retainage without any future delays. It also means that your trade partners can demobilize with confidence, knowing their work is complete.

When to Conduct Final Inspections

The timing of the final inspection will vary. If there’s a potential for changes or rework, you may need to schedule the inspection sooner. If the work is simpler, you could schedule it a few days, or even weeks, in advance. The key is to schedule it early enough to ensure all issues are resolved before the trade partners leave.

Key People to Include in the Final Inspections

In your final inspection, the following individuals should be present:

  • Trade partner’s project manager
  • Superintendent (possibly)
  • Foremen (definitely)
  • Superintendent
  • Assistant superintendent or field engineer
  • Project engineer (if necessary)

The purpose of this meeting is to ensure that the trade partner’s scope is complete before they leave.

The Purpose of Final Inspections

The ultimate goal is to ensure that all work is completed before moving on. This aligns with the central theme of lean thinking: plan, build, finish. The final inspection ensures that everything is finished before demobilization, so you can maintain flow and avoid disruptions.

The Agenda for Final Inspections

During the final inspection, you will:

  • Confirm that you’ve met the requirements for the owner’s top priorities
  • Ensure compliance with internal company checklists
  • Conduct a quality inspection using checklists and visual quality boards
  • Ensure all areas and scopes are completed
  • Confirm that all deliverables have been turned in, including attic stock and training manuals
  • Set due dates for any remaining corrective action items—these must be completed before demobilization

It’s crucial to avoid postponing corrective action items. Tackling these issues before demobilization saves time and money in the long run.

How to Do the Final Inspection Process Effectively

It’s easier to hold trade partners accountable when you address issues as they arise, rather than waiting until multiple partners are involved. Make sure to tie these inspections to progress payments and notify the trade partners regularly.

One technique I’ve found helpful is tracking inspections through weekly updates. By keeping an eye on the rolling completion list and contractor grading, you can ensure that all outstanding items are resolved before demobilization.

Wrapping It All Up

Following this process made a significant difference in my own experience. Before I adopted this approach, managing the final stages of a project was chaotic. After implementing regular inspections and tying them to progress payments, it became easier to manage trade partners and ensure that everything was completed on time. 

This blog post represents the final step in the trade partner preparation process, and if you follow these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to completing projects smoothly without any major hiccups.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!

Creating Flow In Lean Construction: A Step By Step Guide

Posted on by Danny Jiménez⁩

In this blog, I want to dive into the rules of flow, focusing on Goldratt’s rules of flow, as outlined in a book co-authored by his daughter. This perspective on flow can be applied to any industry—whether it’s business operations, construction, or manufacturing. The concepts introduced here are brilliant, offering a fresh take on optimizing flow in your projects.

Let’s explore these concepts step by step so you can implement them effectively in your projects.

Rule 1: Avoid Bad Multitasking, Control Your Work & Process

Bad multitasking can seriously derail your progress. When you have too much work in process (WIP) beyond the capacity of your team, it slows down everything. Just as a freeway overloaded with cars causes traffic jams, overloading your team with too many tasks will extend timelines and create inefficiencies. Staying within your capacity and focusing on one thing at a time will keep your project flowing smoothly.

Tip: Allocate resources to what’s most important and control the WIP. Multitasking beyond capacity only prolongs project completion.

Rule 2: Verify a Full Kit Before You Begin

Before starting a task, ensure you have everything you need—a “full kit.” In construction, this could mean materials, tools, equipment, information, and layouts. Starting without a full kit often leads to delays as you scramble to find missing pieces. Having a complete kit allows you to open the metaphorical gate to smooth, uninterrupted work.

Tip: Always verify that your team has a full kit before beginning work. This prevents stops and restarts, which are costly and time-consuming.

Rule 3: Triage to Focus on the Right Priorities

Triage, much like in emergency rooms, is about prioritizing the most critical tasks first. Not every task can or should be done simultaneously. In construction, focusing on what’s most critical ensures that you allocate the right resources to the right tasks. Distractions from lower-priority tasks can cause mistakes, delays, and spirals of inefficiency.

Tip: Always prioritize tasks that are essential to project flow. Just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be done right away.

Rule 4: Ensure Synchronization Between Projects, Tasks & People

Synchronization is key to project success. For example, on one project, different crews were on different floors, all competing for resources. This led to chaos. By synchronizing tasks and leveling resource allocation, we were able to focus on the right areas, optimizing the flow of work across the project.

Tip: Synchronize resources to avoid suboptimization. Focus on leveling your resources to ensure that the most important areas get the attention they need.

Rule 5: Increase the Dosage

If you keep facing the same issues, it’s time to increase the dosage of preparation, planning, and training. For example, if every time you start a new phase of a project, you encounter the same problems, you might need to enhance preparation or resources. Always fixing the same issue is inefficient. Increasing the dosage helps resolve bottlenecks before they become bigger problems.

Tip: Instead of reacting to issues, preempt them by increasing the dosage of preparation and planning.

Rule 6: Find Out the Causes of Unnecessary Rework

Unnecessary rework is often the result of underlying issues that haven’t been addressed. Instead of masking problems by working overtime or adding extra resources, find out what’s causing the problem. Use a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to identify root causes and implement countermeasures.

Tip: Avoid masking inefficiencies with temporary fixes. Instead, identify and address the root causes of rework.

Rule 7: Standardization Is Recommended

Standardization is critical, especially when improvising becomes costly. By creating standard work processes, rhythm, and consistency, you allow for continuous improvement. Standardizing repetitive tasks reduces the need for improvisation, which can lead to mistakes and inefficiencies.

Tip: Standardization creates the foundation for continuous improvement and reduces the risk of costly errors.

Rule 8: Abolish the Local Optimum

Optimizing individual tasks or departments won’t necessarily improve the overall system. It’s essential to focus on the global optimum, where the entire project benefits from improvements. Addressing bottlenecks and ensuring smooth flow throughout the system should be the priority.

Tip: Don’t focus on individual efficiencies; focus on optimizing the entire system. The goal is to remove bottlenecks to create continuous flow.

The Key to Creating Flow in Construction

All these rules of flow, outlined in Goldratt’s book, work as a system. The key to creating flow is to focus your efforts on the bottlenecks and not waste resources elsewhere. Once you optimize one bottleneck, move on to the next, constantly improving the flow of your project.

By applying these rules, you can significantly improve the flow of your construction projects, leading to faster completion times, fewer delays, and optimized resource use. Whether you’re working on a large-scale construction site or a smaller operation, these principles can transform your approach to project management.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here) 
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here) 
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go!