How a Subcontractor Can Help a GC Be More Efficient

As a subcontractor, it can be incredibly frustrating to deal with inept general contractors (GCs). The delays and miscommunications can significantly affect your bottom line. But what if there was a way to turn that around and not only streamline your workflow but also build a stronger relationship with your GCs? In this article, based on insights from Jerry Aliberti, we'll explore practical strategies for subcontractors to help GCs become more efficient, leading to more successful projects, in addition to useful tips for subcontractors to control costs.

1. Scheduling: Your Blueprint for Success

One of the fundamental aspects of project efficiency is robust scheduling. Jerry emphasizes the importance of GCs providing a baseline schedule and updated schedules every month. Larger GCs are already implementing pull planning, a lean construction practice that encourages collaboration in scheduling. However, not every subcontractor gets to be a part of these sessions. Therefore, it’s vital to develop your own schedules.

Two-Week and Four-Week Look-Ahead Schedules

Adopt two-week and four-week look-ahead schedules to better grasp the dynamics of the project. Understand what contractors are proceeding and succeeding your tasks, and how this integrates with the GC’s overall schedule. Identifying inefficiencies early can help inform the GC, ultimately fostering a proactive approach rather than a reactive one.

2. Pre-Task Planning: Preparation is Key

Before embarking on a major task, it’s crucial to assemble your own meeting with the GC. Educate the GC on what your job entails over the next few weeks or months. Let them know the specifics about what needs to be done by other trades prior to and following your tasks.

Developing a Detailed Process Schedule

Provide a detailed schedule that includes the activities of trades that precede and follow yours. This will pinpoint potential bottlenecks, allowing the GC to address issues proactively. The extent to which you understand and communicate these nuances can sharply enhance the fluidity of operations on-site.

3. Becoming a Solution-Oriented Partner

When issues arise, don’t just call the GC and report the problem. Instead, propose two or three solutions to the issue at hand. This not only saves time but also portrays you as a reliable, solution-oriented partner.

Proactive Problem Solving

The idea is to mitigate delays by enabling the GC to make informed decisions quickly. By having solutions ready, you can reduce downtime and prevent the snowball effect that often stems from unresolved issues.

4. Workforce Management: Right-Size Crew for Optimal Efficiency

Managing the size of your crew in alignment with project needs is crucial. Starting with a smaller crew and scaling based on actual project progress helps in controlling labor costs. Avoid starting with a large crew based on the initial promises of the GC's schedule; projects tend to encounter unforeseen delays.

Controlled Crew Scaling

Implement a gradual increase in crew size as the project progresses. This approach helps manage resources efficiently and prevents the need to pull back a large, unmanageable crew later.

5. Active Participation: Be Present in Morning Huddles

Morning huddles are golden opportunities for effective communication. Even though it's not always enforced, being present at these meetings ensures you’re aligned with the day's objectives and can contribute to resolving inter-trade issues in real-time.

Promoting Daily Communication

Advocate for consistent 15-minute morning huddles if the GC doesn't already practice this. These meetings can reveal critical issues that impact the day’s productivity and foster a culture of collective problem-solving.

6. Direct Communication With Fellow Subcontractors

Though it's a grey area, direct communication with other subcontractors can be beneficial. Engaging with trades that precede and succeed you helps in understanding their needs and schedules. This collaborative approach can reduce miscommunication and project bottlenecks.

Building Inter-Trade Relationships

Navigate this with tact, ensuring not to overstep but to facilitate smoother transitions between different trade tasks. This can lead to overall improved productivity and efficiency on-site.

7. Cost Tracking: The Pillar of Financial Efficiency

One of the most critical aspects Jerry discusses is the importance of meticulous cost tracking. This should be done on a weekly basis, providing real-time data that informs labor decisions for the subsequent weeks.

Weekly Labor Cost Tracking

Develop a system that includes weekly meetings with your crew to review over-budget and under-budget areas. This immediate feedback loop allows you to correct inefficiencies and optimize costs effectively.

More tips on cost tracking can be found by clicking here.

8. Smart Handling of Change Orders

Change orders can either be quick fixes requiring immediate action or planned changes that need to be priced and approved. Develop a streamlined process to handle both scenarios effectively.

Daily Sign-Off and Written Directives

Ensure that time and material (T&M) sheets for emergency change orders are signed off daily by the GC. For planned changes, ensure a proper process for obtaining written directives from the GC to safeguard against future disputes.

By adopting these practices, subcontractors can not only assist GCs in achieving higher efficiency but also create a harmonious working relationship that can lead to more business opportunities in the future. Jerry Aliberti’s insights underscore the importance of proactive communication, detailed planning, and strategic problem-solving as the cornerstones of an efficient, resourceful, and successful subcontracting operation.

To book a Free Consultation with Jerry email jerry@pro-accel.com or click below and schedule a call directly.