Wednesday, December 28, 2016

The History of Wolf Paving

waukesha-asphalt-paving-historyFrom modest beginnings, Wolf Paving's team of asphalt paving contractors have built a reputation for service excellence. In fact, you can track our growth through Waukesha County, Milwaukee and Madison as we built driveways, bridges, roads and parking lots over the past 75+ years. 

We are proud to say that we've helped lay the foundation, literally, of many of the roads in Southeastern Wisconsin. We are also proud that our reputation for exceptional work and service has followed us as we expand our asphalt footprint in Wisconsin. 

Take a look at the history of our company in our infographic below.

 WOLF_History_Infographic-01.jpg 

Request a Free Estimate for Paving Now!

With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

Asphalt Paving Estimate


The post The History of Wolf Paving appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

Wolf Paving Q+A on Mr. Fix It - Asphalt Recycling

asphalt recycling radio interviewWolf Paving, asphalt paving contractors in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Madison, were featured on WTMJ's "Mr. Fit-It" radio show for a one-hour interview with Tom Feiza. The program is designed to offer weekly advice on home improvement and repair, and do-it-yourself projects. 

The final segment of the 2016 Mr. Fix It show, discusses some interesting facts about how asphalt is recycled.

This short clip discusses all of the recycling details you didn't know about asphalt pavement, concrete and asphalt shingles!

Click Here to Listen to the Radio Interview Now! 

Did you miss a segment? Take a listen to some of the past question and answer sessions with Sean Wolf and Tom Feiza.

If you’d like more information about how our team of asphalt paving contractors can help your commercial business or municipality with timely asphalt repair services, click below to request a free estimate now so we can understand the size and scope of your project needs. 

CLICK HERE: Request A Free Estimate Now for Your Next Paving Project

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

Asphalt Paving Estimate


The post Wolf Paving Q+A on Mr. Fix It - Asphalt Recycling appeared first on https://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

Eight Features All Successful Construction Companies Have in Common

Eight Features All Successful Construction Companies Have in Common

There are countless construction and civil engineering companies out there, but not all are equal and if you’re thinking about a career in construction (and the economy needs you!), then here’s what you should look for in a prospective employer.

A company with a vision

Everyone needs a vision, a plan, an aim and a focus so if the company you’re looking at wants to develop an award-winning set of environmental practices, for example, it could be the right one for you. The Lagan Construction Group from Northern Ireland recently won an environmental award, so awards and plaudits are definite things to look for.

A company with a clear leadership plan

Leadership isn’t just about dishing out orders – it’s also about creating an ethos and about finding a niche. Look for a company with a definite ethos, be it considerate construction, ongoing training, diversity or eco-friendly practices.

A company that invests in its people

Investing in people means taking time and spending money to train staff and employees so that they are always growing and developing. Instead of sending everyone home for the day because it’s raining, a good leadership team will spend a few hours teaching new safety techniques, for example.

A company that promotes skills

If a company’s workers all have different strings to their bows, then that’s a strong, flexible workforce. If each worker can operate two or three machines, as well as lay bricks and build fences, then there’s less downtime due to sickness. This makes for an efficient, profitable team.

A company that laughs

The most successful contractors are the ones that people are happy to work for and with, as well as engage. Make sure that staff members feel they can take a few minutes out to have a laugh with (that’s with, not at…) the foreman, the client, the client’s children. Laughter and kindness makes the day go by faster and gets you great reviews from clients big and small.

A company that’s driven…

…but in a good way. If every job is an emergency, workers get exhausted and stressed. However, a sense of purpose and urgency is a good thing – you’re aiming to beat a deadline with ease, not squeak by it all out of breath.

A company that rewards good work and good ideas

Everyone wants to earn more money and by providing a generous (but sensible) incentive scheme, a construction company will get the best out of its staff. The scheme could be a bonus payment for early completion of a project, or it could be one-off rewards for employees who find new clients. It could also be help towards extra training for promising newbies. As long as the criteria are easy to understand and the payouts are honoured, the job’s a good’un.

A company that encourages input and suggestions

This shows that a company has a good, forward-thinking culture. If the workforce is educated and well-trained, then it’d be foolish to ignore their ideas and suggestions. If the culture encourages wider reading, or visits to expos, then the natural result is some good ideas and suggestions and these shouldn’t be ignored.

 


The post Eight Features All Successful Construction Companies Have in Common appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Bidding to start for £150m Luton Airport rail link

Thursday, December 15, 2016

Marshalls Tegula Driveway and Indian Sandstone Patio Paving

Project in Stockton Marshalls Tegula Driveway Paving & Indian Sandstone Patio Paving

This project in Stockton on Tees, using Marshalls Tegula Driveway Paving and Indian Sandstone Patio Paving.

Marshalls Tegular Driveway Installation – 68 Square Metres

For the driveway installation, we used a combination of harvest and traditional mixed colours. To finish off the overall design of the driveway we used jumper blocks. You can see in the images below how beautiful this combination looks.

marshalls-tegula-driveway driveway-stockton-marshalls-7 large-driveway-stockton stockton-driveway-project stockton-tegula-paving stockton-paving-10 paving-marshalls-stockton pathway-stockton

These paving blocks offer a timeworn appearance, certainly enhancing the character of any property. Furthermore, the tegula paving blocks are known for their quality and durability.

In addition, there are a variety of different options available with this paving. Four colour versions and circular sets to give a unique shape and feel to your driveway. Circle sets can certainly provide a stunning focal point for driveways.

For your information, the different colour options available are Traditional, Harvest, Pennant Grey and Hazelnut.

Marshalls Indian Sandstone Brown Multi – 35 Square Metres

At this property, a beautiful Indian sandstone patio was also installed. For the installation, brown multi-bricks were used. This particular paving looks lovely especially on larger patios as you will see from the images below.

IMAGES TO GO HERE 

Marshalls Indian Sandstone paving comes in 3 different colours, brown multi, grey multi and buff multi. Circle features are also available in this design to give your patio area a bespoke look and feel.

Approved Contractors For Marshalls

The benefit of being Marshalls approved landscaping and driveway installers is that customers can be assured of quality workmanship for their project. For your peace of mind, all our installers are employed direct by our company, we do not sub-contract our work.

Furthermore, the Marshalls paving we install comes with a  5-year installation guarantee and Marshalls 10 year product guarantee.

Finance Options

0% Finance 

A 25% deposit is required and the remaining balance paid in either 12 or 24 equal monthly payments. See our Finance Page for further details and typical examples.

Buy now pay later 

Please ask for details or a quotation for this option.

Keep informed of all our latest news, projects and promotions.

You can keep informed of all our news, featured projects and promotions by joining our Facebook Page 

 

The post Marshalls Tegula Driveway and Indian Sandstone Patio Paving appeared first on Driveways, Block Paving, Patios, Newcastle, North East | Driveway Company UK.

Marshalls Paving Contractors

Marshalls Paving Contractors New Brochure For 2016/2017

Marshalls paving contractors in the North East. We can offer a full design and installation service for your paving or landscaping. The 2016/2017 catalogue has now been launched by Marshalls and has some fantastic new products and ideas.

Marshalls Register of Accredited Landscape Contractors and Driveway Installers

Having the correct installation for your driveway or patio is vital when it comes to the overall finish and longevity of the project. Therefore it is crucial that with any paving project you choose a quality approved installer.

Being on the Marshalls register of accredited landscape and driveway installers gives our customers peace of mind that when they are buying Marshalls Paving products they can enjoy peace of mind and are guaranteed of quality workmanship.

In addition to this, we have worked in the landscaping industry since 1980. Therefore when it comes to design and ideas we have years of experience to help put you on the right track with your installation.

Project Guarantees

Another important factor about being on the register is the fantastic guarantees that come with it for our customers. Marshalls offer a 10 year guarantee of performance covering

  • Material defects for a full 10 years
  • Installation defects for 5 years

This guarantee is even valid if the paving contractor ceases trading, giving you total peace of mind.

Download the 2016/17 Brochure

marshalls-paving-contractors-brochure

Keep informed of all our latest news, projects and products

If you would like to keep informed of all our latest projects, news and products, please join our Facebook Page.

 

 

 

The post Marshalls Paving Contractors appeared first on Driveways, Block Paving, Patios, Newcastle, North East | Driveway Company UK.

Tuesday, December 13, 2016

the 12 Days of Paving – A Twist on the Classic

WOLF_12_Days_blog.jpgTo spread a little holiday cheer, we thought we’d put an asphalt paving twist on a classic holiday song.

Sing along and get in the spirit of the holidays with Wolf Paving – your local asphalt paving contractor!

The 12 Days of Asphalt Paving

On the first day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a personalized custom quote and information about why to choose asphalt.

On the second day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a follow up phone call with a fantastic member of the paving team.

On the third day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, demolition and removal of debris and old surfaces.

music-notes.png

On the fourth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, grading and sloping to allow for proper water drainage.

On the fifth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, great customer service!

On the sixth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a team of paving contractors to expertly install and prepare my sub-base.

music-notes.png

On the seventh day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a compacted sub-base-- the foundation of a great asphalt surface.

On the eighth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a proof roll to test the new sub-base.

On the ninth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a binder layer and surface course to support my new asphalt surface.

music-notes.png

On the tenth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a brand new layer of fresh asphalt pavement!

On the eleventh day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, smooth transitions and butt joints.

On the twelfth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a roller truck to compact and smooth my brand new asphalt!

music-notes.png

Do you have additional questions about asphalt paving and winter weather? Contact us directly and we’d be happy to help!

Request a Free Estimate for Paving or Snow Removal Now!

Additional Resources of Interest:

With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

Winter Preparation Checklist


The post the 12 Days of Paving – A Twist on the Classic appeared first on http://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

How to Prepare Asphalt Pavement for Winter and Snow

prepare-asphalt-for-snowAs the cold weather approaches, we often take the time to clean up the exterior of our home or office building and clean up gardens and landscaping, but what about the asphalt pavement?

Like your favorite perennial, your asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot needs some attention and protective maintenance to prepare for cold weather.

The asphalt paving contractors at Wolf Paving, servicing Milwaukee to Madison, have some simple things you can do to prepare your asphalt for winter and snow. Take a look at our helpful tips, below.

Prepare Asphalt for Cold Weather with Repairs

As the weather starts to cool down, you might be surprised to learn that your asphalt is changing. As the freeze / thaw cycle begins in Wisconsin, asphalt expands and contracts with the moisture in the air and the moisture in the ground.

There are steps you can take to help your asphalt maintain structural integrity and high performance as the winter months pass, such as:

  • Repair potholes so water doesn’t pool and expand, making the pothole larger.
  • Fill any cracks in your pavement, so water cannot seep underneath the asphalt surface and comprise the sub-base.
  • Sealcoat your asphalt to protect it from harsh winter weather and temperatures.

clean-asphalt-before-winterClean Up Debris

Clear driveways and parking lots of all debris to ensure that snow can be properly and safely removed. You can clean any small driveway surface easily with brooms and blowers, but consider getting your asphalt parking lot or business driveway professionally cleaned for three key reasons:

  • Professional cleaning will reveal any existing structural issues, like cracks or potholes, which should be repaired immediately.
  • To make sure that debris does not interfere with the snow removal process.
  • To ensure that large pieces of debris don’t freeze and damage your asphalt surface over the course of the long, cold winter.

Stock up on Maintenance Essentials for Asphalt Pavement

To ensure your asphalt still looks great once all of the snow melts, stock up on a few keys items every season.

Shovels and Snow Removal Services

Purchase enough shovels for your home or business to ensure that snow and ice can be cleared away quickly and easily. Try to find shovels that do not have overly sharp edges that may chip or damage the pavement.

If you need snow removal services for your business or municipality, consider what you should look for in a professional snow removal company. Simple things like a 24-hour dispatch services, removal of excess snow piles and DNR-approved salt storage sheds can make a big difference in the winter.

Request more information about professional snow removal services

The Role of De-Icers

Preventing ice and slippery surfaces from developing on your asphalt parking lot and your home or business entrance is important, but make sure you get the right products. There are many different types of de-icers on the market that are created for specific temperatures and results. It is important to know that while de-icers do not deteriorate asphalt, they are not always environmentally friendly and should be used sparingly.

Cold-Mix for Pothole Repair

If your business is seeing a lot of potholes developing, you may want to invest in using cold-mix asphalt for pothole repair. Professional asphalt contractors will know how to use cold-mix asphalt to help repair your potholes so they do not cause structural damage to your asphalt surface during the winter. At Wolf Paving, we have custom cold-mix asphalt designed specifically for Wisconsin winters and pothole repair. View our short and helpful video on the cold mix asphalt process.

pooling-water-asphalt-parking-lot.jpgLook for Pooling or Standing Water

As you prepare for winter, take note of any areas in your asphalt surface where water tends to pool.

You should note the locations so you can be sure to have those areas repaired in the spring, but also, to make sure you remove standing water before it has a chance to freeze and turn to ice. This is especially important in municipal and business parking lots and thoroughfares.

Do you have additional questions about asphalt paving and winter weather? Contact us directly and we’d be happy to help!

Request a Free Estimate for Paving Repairs or Snow Removal Now!

Additional Resources of Interest:

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

Winter Preparation Checklist


The post How to Prepare Asphalt Pavement for Winter and Snow appeared first on http://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

the 12 Days of Paving – A Twist on the Classic

WOLF_12_Days_blog.jpgTo spread a little holiday cheer, we thought we’d put an asphalt paving twist on a classic holiday song.

Sing along and get in the spirit of the holidays with Wolf Paving – your local asphalt paving contractor!

The 12 Days of Asphalt Paving

On the first day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a personalized custom quote and information about why to choose asphalt.

On the second day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a follow up phone call with a fantastic member of the paving team.

On the third day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, demolition and removal of debris and old surfaces.

music-notes.png

On the fourth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, grading and sloping to allow for proper water drainage.

On the fifth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, great customer service!

On the sixth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a team of paving contractors to expertly install and prepare my sub-base.

music-notes.png

On the seventh day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a compacted sub-base-- the foundation of a great asphalt surface.

On the eighth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a proof roll to test the new sub-base.

On the ninth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a binder layer and surface course to support my new asphalt surface.

music-notes.png

On the tenth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a brand new layer of fresh asphalt pavement!

On the eleventh day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, smooth transitions and butt joints.

On the twelfth day of paving Wolf Paving gave to me, a roller truck to compact and smooth my brand new asphalt!

music-notes.png

Do you have additional questions about asphalt paving and winter weather? Contact us directly and we’d be happy to help!

Request a Free Estimate for Paving or Snow Removal Now!

Additional Resources of Interest:

With more than 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

Winter Preparation Checklist


The post the 12 Days of Paving – A Twist on the Classic appeared first on http://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

How to Prepare Asphalt Pavement for Winter and Snow

prepare-asphalt-for-snowAs the cold weather approaches, we often take the time to clean up the exterior of our home or office building and clean up gardens and landscaping, but what about the asphalt pavement?

Like your favorite perennial, your asphalt driveway or asphalt parking lot needs some attention and protective maintenance to prepare for cold weather.

The asphalt paving contractors at Wolf Paving, servicing Milwaukee to Madison, have some simple things you can do to prepare your asphalt for winter and snow. Take a look at our helpful tips, below.

Prepare Asphalt for Cold Weather with Repairs

As the weather starts to cool down, you might be surprised to learn that your asphalt is changing. As the freeze / thaw cycle begins in Wisconsin, asphalt expands and contracts with the moisture in the air and the moisture in the ground.

There are steps you can take to help your asphalt maintain structural integrity and high performance as the winter months pass, such as:

  • Repair potholes so water doesn’t pool and expand, making the pothole larger.
  • Fill any cracks in your pavement, so water cannot seep underneath the asphalt surface and comprise the sub-base.
  • Sealcoat your asphalt to protect it from harsh winter weather and temperatures.

clean-asphalt-before-winterClean Up Debris

Clear driveways and parking lots of all debris to ensure that snow can be properly and safely removed. You can clean any small driveway surface easily with brooms and blowers, but consider getting your asphalt parking lot or business driveway professionally cleaned for three key reasons:

  • Professional cleaning will reveal any existing structural issues, like cracks or potholes, which should be repaired immediately.
  • To make sure that debris does not interfere with the snow removal process.
  • To ensure that large pieces of debris don’t freeze and damage your asphalt surface over the course of the long, cold winter.

Stock up on Maintenance Essentials for Asphalt Pavement

To ensure your asphalt still looks great once all of the snow melts, stock up on a few keys items every season.

Shovels and Snow Removal Services

Purchase enough shovels for your home or business to ensure that snow and ice can be cleared away quickly and easily. Try to find shovels that do not have overly sharp edges that may chip or damage the pavement.

If you need snow removal services for your business or municipality, consider what you should look for in a professional snow removal company. Simple things like a 24-hour dispatch services, removal of excess snow piles and DNR-approved salt storage sheds can make a big difference in the winter.

Request more information about professional snow removal services

The Role of De-Icers

Preventing ice and slippery surfaces from developing on your asphalt parking lot and your home or business entrance is important, but make sure you get the right products. There are many different types of de-icers on the market that are created for specific temperatures and results. It is important to know that while de-icers do not deteriorate asphalt, they are not always environmentally friendly and should be used sparingly.

Cold-Mix for Pothole Repair

If your business is seeing a lot of potholes developing, you may want to invest in using cold-mix asphalt for pothole repair. Professional asphalt contractors will know how to use cold-mix asphalt to help repair your potholes so they do not cause structural damage to your asphalt surface during the winter. At Wolf Paving, we have custom cold-mix asphalt designed specifically for Wisconsin winters and pothole repair. View our short and helpful video on the cold mix asphalt process.

pooling-water-asphalt-parking-lot.jpgLook for Pooling or Standing Water

As you prepare for winter, take note of any areas in your asphalt surface where water tends to pool.

You should note the locations so you can be sure to have those areas repaired in the spring, but also, to make sure you remove standing water before it has a chance to freeze and turn to ice. This is especially important in municipal and business parking lots and thoroughfares.

Do you have additional questions about asphalt paving and winter weather? Contact us directly and we’d be happy to help!

Request a Free Estimate for Paving Repairs or Snow Removal Now!

Additional Resources of Interest:

With 75 years of asphalt paving experience, from highways to driveways, we are your local source for all of your asphalt paving needs.

For more information on Wolf Paving or to request a free estimate for your next paving project contact one of our two offices. If you live or work in the Milwaukee area, call us at 262-965-2121. For the Madison area, call us at 608-249-7931.

Winter Preparation Checklist


The post How to Prepare Asphalt Pavement for Winter and Snow appeared first on http://www.wolfpaving.com/blog

Letting agent fees ban could force rent increases

pinnacle-tower-londonIn the Autumn Statement the chancellor, Philip Hammond announced new government policies to tackle the housing challenges the UK faces.

One of the biggest changes for the buy-to-let sector was that letting agent fees will be scrapped.

The ban will help struggling renters, as the average cost of these fees is £340 per tenant.

As a result of the new ban,  stocks of Foxton’s and Countrywide fell sharply.

However, there has been concerns in the industry that the fees could be passed on to landlords, who are already facing the upcoming ‘tax attack’ in April 2017.

Experts fear landlords will be left to foot the bill, as estate agents will raise fees to make their money back. As a result landlords could be forced to raise rents to cope with more financial strain.

Others advise landlords to look elsewhere for new letting agents to cut costs. The emergence of online letting agents who can undercut high street agents could be where landlords turn next as a way of negating the need to increase rents.

Many believe that the ban could backfire as landlords are left with no choice but to raise rents, making rents even more unaffordable.

Additionally the government plans a comprehensive package of reform to increase housing supply and help first time buyers.

A new fund, the Housing Infrastructure Fund, will invest £2.3 billion into housing by 2021. The fund will be competed for between local governments in high demand areas and will help to build 100,000 new homes.

A further £1.4 billion will be provided in 2020-21 to start building an additional 40,000 affordable homes.

Funding will be made available for a large-scale regional pilot of the Right to Buy scheme too.

The scheme will be for housing association tenants, helping over 3,000 of them to buy their own home with under the new right to scheme discounts.

Will you look to pass on any additional costs, or do you plan to absorb them ?

Well, following the announcement last month that Chancellor Philip Hammond is to abolish letting agency fees for tenants, it is expected that many private landlords will increase rents to compensate. This is a further blow to buy-to-let landlords who are also facing higher borrowing costs and increased Stamp Duty fees, as the Government cracks down on the sector. Tenants’ fees add on average £340 to the cost of letting a home, so naturally the 4.3 million renters in the UK will be concerned of further rental increases when landlords have to pay the letting agency fee themselves.

 https://www.simplelandlordsinsurance.com/landlord-news/letting-agent-fees-ban-could-force-rent-increase

Professional, corporate landlords such as Folio London offer a fresh alternative to private landlords. Renting with Folio London, tenants can be assured against these increases and any unpredictable changes in the market. Many lettings agencies charge for administrative work such as contracts and inventories. Folio does not charge admin fees, only a deposit of £350 to secure the property while references are checked, which is then deducted from the first months’ rent and deposit.

For further information on Folio London and the rental offering across the capital, please see attached press release and images.

 


The post Letting agent fees ban could force rent increases appeared first on http://ukconstructionblog.co.uk

Monday, December 5, 2016

Construction Project Management Advice

Managing construction projects is no small feat. With 1000s of action items to handle, timelines to be met and projects to be delivered, the question many project managers face is, “is my team working as effectively as possible?”

In efforts to help you answer that question, we asked over 30 experienced project managers in the construction industry about how they spend their time on the job, their best advice for managing their team, and how they know when their team is performing to its full potential.

How do Project Managers Spend Their Time?

Many in the workforce agree that email occupies a significant amount of time spent during the workday. This article from Huffington Post found that workers spend 3.2 hours on average on work emails per day.

The construction project managers we interviewed fell in line with this finding.

Of the 17 project managers who responded to the question “How many hours per day do you spend on emails to and from your team?”, the average response was 3.02 hours. The median response was 3 hours flat. Talking numbers, this adds up to an average of 72 emails per day, with a median of 50.

>> Share on Twitter<<

So, if you find yourself spending significantly more than three hours clearing out your inbox on a daily basis, you may want to explore methods to cut back on the number of emails you’re sending to your team.

Project managers also dedicate a significant amount of time to meetings, an average of just under 1.4 hours per day.

If emails and meetings count as “managing”, this adds up almost perfectly to an 8-hour workday, with about half of the hours spent on emails and meetings, and the rest spent working on other activities that move the metrics they care about most.

Impressively enough, when asked how they split their time between “managing” and “working” most common answer we received was an even 50/50 split. This not only means that these managers balance their time well, but that their perception of how they spend their time is accurate down to the hour.

Finally, the median number of construction projects the project managers we surveyed reported is between 3 and 4. While respondents told us that things change depending on the phase of projects, most of the project managers we talked to reported splitting their time 75:25 between the office and the field.

Construction Project Management Advice and Best Practices

So, how do these project managers keep everything running smoothly to make sure their teams deliver projects on time and within budget?

We asked the project management experts to tell us the most important thing they’ve learned in their role in the construction industry, and here’s what we heard in response.

Advice for Construction Project Managers

>> Share on Twitter<<

  1. “Make sure that [you] are looking ahead and understand the risks involved in the project and are able to mitigate those risks prior to them becoming problems.” – Derick Hofstetter, South Bay Construction
  2. “You must keep up with technology and new construction practices and materials.” – Frank Narciso, South Bay Construction
  3. “Meetings are a necessary evil for large, complicated projects.” – Anonymous
  4. “Stay positive, do your best to catch every detail and make sure the cash flow river flows…” – Mark Vandersea, Ciarra Construction
  5. “Keep an open environment that fosters trust and communication. People should feel comfortable to ask questions all the time. Take the time to know about subordinates’ lives, even if the relationship is short.” – Anthony Garcia, Operation Nova
  6. “The importance of relationships.  If you can develop a friendly rapport with people you manage, you will always be able to work together to help solve problems (whether it be financial or something physical in the field)” – Haydon Osborne, Sevan Multi Site Construction
  7. “How to be successfully persuasive.” – Cloy Coats, DEB Construction
  8. “Patience” – Mitch Rhodes, Blach Construction
  9. “Never stop learning. If you aren’t learning new means, methods, practices, then you are stagnant and not growing. Teach others around you so they can learn.” – Curtis Stavinoha, Metropolitan Contracting Company, LLC
  10.  “No action is an action.” – Evan Butler, Bear Construction
  11. “Good relationships with the owners of projects is vital to success.” – Michael Candelaria, MGC Contractors
  12. “Communication is most important.  Whether it’s with the client or with subs, it needs to be constant.” – Zach Cannon, The Burt Group
  13. “Learning never ceases” – Jim Larsen, GSI, LLC
  14. “People skills are more valuable than technical construction skills.” – Gregory Cashen, Wood Partners
  15. “You are only as good as the people you work with.” – Michael Williams, T Morales Company
  16. “Communication is key, as well as accountability.” – Jeff Ewing, Byrne Construction
  17. “Deliver bad new as soon as its identified with multiple solutions” – James, Company Not Provided
  18. “Communication is one of the most important tools to have in this industry, and possibly one of the most challenging. I’d have to say outside of communication, bonding and rapport is very important in customer relationships.” – Rusty Reynolds, Contractors, Inc.
  19. “Be firm, but fair. Look ahead. Try not to get too far into the weeds.”- Josh Lowe, Streetlights Residential
  20. “Every day matters.” – Nathan Fellows, MAPP

>> Share on Twitter<<

What Makes for a Great Team?

We also wanted to find out how construction PMs know their team is performing well.

Out of the 20 project managers who responded to the question, two answers swept the majority of the responses.

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The first, to be expected: deliver projects on time and under budget.

The second? Understanding the “big picture” or “intent” of the project, so the team can act proactively to keep things moving in the right direction.

This was described well by Anthony Garcia, of Operation Nova, who explained that when there is an issue, his team doesn’t just notify their superiors, but rather, they line up potential solutions, so that superiors can simply give approval. Garcia explained further used the example of an on-site issue. When a problem occurs, rather than raising the issue to the next level of command and asking for direction, his team explores the potential best solutions and presents them to a manager for approval.

In order for this to work, though, the team must have understanding of the general direction of the project. In order to achieve this, Garcia says he strives to keep lines of communication open, whether via text, emails, or updates on the Google Spreadsheets they share to manage operations. Project management tools can also help increase project visibility to ensure that your team knows where the project is headed.

Haydon Osborne from Sevan Multi Site explains how to implement this practice simply: “Look ahead, and go beyond the bare minimum.”

Finally, a number of project managers pointed out that when their team focuses on building strong relationships, communication flows more smoothly, which is reflected in more effective collaboration. As Tony Stock of Koontz Construction put it, “construction is a as much a function of creating and maintaining relationships with people, as it is actually building a building.”

Conclusion

At the end of the day, when the hard hats come off and the spreadsheets are put away, how do construction management teams celebrate project success? One anonymous respondent tells us, “100 beers”.


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