Scaling Your Growing Construction Business Without Sacrificing Quality of Work

Scaling Your Growing Construction Business Without Sacrificing Quality of Work

If you're a growing contractor struggling to maintain the quality of your work as you scale, you're not alone. This challenge is among the top five pain points for many burgeoning contractors. I'm Jerry Aliberti, owner of Pro-Accel, and I've spent the last 20 years working with major contractors in New York City and across the country. Over the years, I've seen firsthand how declining quality can devastate not just project outcomes but long-standing business relationships and profitability.

The Consequences of Declining Workmanship

The repercussions of declining workmanship can be severe. It destroys years of built trust with clients, leading to the loss of repeat business. All it takes is one subpar project to ruin a relationship that took years to cultivate. Additionally, poor workmanship often results in costly rework that directly impacts your bottom line. I've encountered contractors who have spent millions annually on rework alone, a loss detrimental for both large and small businesses.

Understanding Quality Control in Construction

So, what is quality control in construction? It involves ensuring that all aspects of a project, from materials and workmanship to processes and final outcomes, meet established standards and specifications. This includes regular inspections, testing, and monitoring throughout the construction process to identify and correct any defects or deviations.

Why Workmanship Declines as Contractors Grow

Several factors contribute to the decline in workmanship as contractors grow:

1. Increased Project Complexity and Size: As your business scales, so does the complexity of projects. What was once a handful of smaller projects becomes a multitude of larger, more complex ones. This shift requires more advanced planning and a higher level of competence within your organization.

2. Hiring Challenges: With growth comes the need to expand your team. This often means hiring project managers, supervisors, and tradespeople with varying skill sets that may not align perfectly with their new roles. The skills required for one project may not be the same for another, leading to a mismatch of skills and project requirements.

3. Pressure to Cut Corners: Cash flow is crucial in any business. Contractors often feel pressured to cut corners to maintain financial stability, which inevitably leads to reduced quality work. This is especially problematic in sectors like public works, where strict inspections can make cutting corners disastrous.

More about maintaining cash flow can be found by clicking here.

4. Communication Breakdowns: Larger teams complicate communication channels. Clear hierarchy and respect for each role within the team are essential to maintain smooth communication and high-quality work.

5. From A-Teams to B and C-Teams: As you grow, it’s impossible to always have the best of the best. Hiring younger, less experienced workers and training them takes time, resulting in variable skill levels within your team.

Strategies to Maintain Quality Control

Maintaining quality while scaling your business is about more than just hiring more people. It involves careful planning, effective communication, and consistent training. Here are some strategies to consider:

1. Standardized Processes: Having standardized processes is crucial. Determine which processes are absolutely necessary and ensure they are implemented consistently across your organization. This helps in maintaining quality and streamlining operations. Remember, too many will stump the creativity of your employees. You must only implement and push processes that are mandatory to move your company forward keeping everyone working on the same path.

2. Investing in Training: Regular training sessions are essential. Whether monthly or bi-weekly, these sessions should focus on quality control and continuous improvement. Use real-life examples from past projects to illustrate points and provide practical, hands-on training.

3. Quality Control Systems: Implement quality control systems such as checklists to ensure consistency and accountability. Whether it’s for pouring concrete or installing electrical systems, having a detailed checklist ensures nothing is overlooked.

4. Leveraging Technology: While technology can sometimes be a distraction, it is also an invaluable tool for scaling. Proper training is key to ensuring your team can effectively use new technology. Build their confidence and comfort level to prevent underutilization of these tools.

Scaling your construction business without sacrificing quality is a delicate balance. It requires a combination of effective planning, consistent training, and robust quality control systems. By implementing standardized processes, investing in continuous training, and leveraging technology, you can ensure that your growing business maintains the high standard of workmanship that built your reputation in the first place.

If you found this blog helpful and would like to discuss creating a quality control plan for your company, email Jerry Alibert at jerry@pro-accel.com or schedule a call directly by clicking the blue button below!

Jerry Aliberti is the owner of Pro-Accel, a company dedicated to helping contractors across the country grow their businesses effectively. With over 20 years of experience in the construction industry, Jerry provides invaluable insights and practical advice for maintaining quality while scaling up.