Blog | Fieldwirehttp://www.fieldwire.com/blog2024-03-27T00:00:00+00:00FieldwireProject Management Boom with a Twist: Are You Ready to Bridge the Gap?http://www.fieldwire.com/blog/project-management-bridge-the-gap/2024-03-27T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T12:08:08+00:00Amy Chouvin<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/fqtbha7ac6p4/38lfrojjpHKELxt4DOXPb4/bad9d9b33f08690caad326f26e460720/Hilti_PjM2.jpg" alt="Office computer workers project management" /></p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/blog/mastering-construction-project-management-strategies/">world of project management</a> seems caught in a fascinating paradox. On one hand, demand for project managers is skyrocketing. Businesses across industries are realizing the immeasurable value project managers bring to the table.</p>
<p>On the other hand, a separate report by PMI and PwC paints a concerning picture: <a href="https://www.consultancy.uk/news/28809/world-faces-growing-project-management-talent-shortage">the world faces a widening talent gap</a>. The report estimates a need for 25 million new project professionals by 2030, which translates to a staggering 2.3 million people entering the field every year just to meet basic requirements!</p>
<p>But here’s the good news: Project management software can be a powerful tool in <a href="https://insights.raconteur.net/closing-the-talent-gap-in-project-management#meeting-the-demand-for-project-managers-worldwide">bridging this gap</a> and boosting overall efficiency. How?</p>
<p><strong>Software empowers individuals:</strong> By streamlining tasks, automating workflows, and centralizing communication, project management software allows individuals to handle more complex projects with greater efficiency. This increases their value and empowers them to take on greater responsibilities.</p>
<p><strong>Software attracts new talent:</strong> Younger generations entering the workforce often seek tech-enabled environments. By utilizing project management software, companies can demonstrate their commitment to innovation and efficiency, making them more attractive to potential employees.</p>
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<p>So, what can you do to leverage all the potential of project management in the construction industry, and in turn improve the quality and efficiency of your projects?</p>
<p><strong>1. Advocate for the profession</strong>
Highlight the combined power of skilled project managers and innovative software in driving organizational success.</p>
<p><strong>2. Embrace new tools</strong>
Familiarize yourself with <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/construction-management-software/">project management software and its capabilities</a>. This showcases adaptability and a forward-thinking approach, making you more valuable in the job market.</p>
<p><strong>3. Upskill yourself</strong>
Explore online learning resources or certifications related to both project management and software proficiency. This demonstrates your commitment to continuous improvement and positions you for future growth.</p>
<p>By combining human expertise with the power of technology, we can address the talent gap and navigate the exciting future of project management.</p>
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How can data analytics improve decision-making in construction management?http://www.fieldwire.com/blog/data-analytics-construction-management/2024-03-20T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T12:08:08+00:00Rose Morrison<p>Construction management has undergone a deep change as technology advances. While industry leaders once relied on personal experience and intuition, data now plays a larger role in guiding project completion from the drawing board through the finish. Data analytics refers to the process of collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to guide decision-making and improve efficiency and outcomes.</p>
<p>Crews now have numerous avenues for amassing data, from site drones to the IoT. When used properly, these tech tools can do everything from predicting maintenance needs to improving site safety. Knowing what’s possible lets leadership teams employ these advances to their best advantage to get an edge on the competition. Here are seven ways data analytics can improve decision-making in construction management.</p>
<h2 id="four-types-of-data-analytics">Four types of data analytics</h2>
<p>First, you should understand the following <a href="https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/types-of-data-analysis">four types of data analytics</a> as a construction leader:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>Descriptive analytics:</strong> Crews use descriptive analytics to describe the sequence of events that led to the structural instability. For example, if a wall collapses, it answers the question, “What happened?”</li>
<li><strong>Diagnostic analytics:</strong> This addresses why something happened. In the above wall example, teams could use data to evaluate whether the underlying issue was damaged lumber, faulty fasteners or incorrect assembly.</li>
<li><strong>Predictive analytics:</strong> Using undamaged boards and correct assembly means a wall can withstand X pounds of pressure before collapse. Predictive analytics outlines when that could potentially happen.</li>
<li><strong>Prescriptive analytics:</strong> Predictive analytics describes what to do next. For example, if a wall is likely to collapse under X amount of pressure, how can crews reinforce it to withstand the load?</li>
</ul>
<p>Next, examine how these types of data analytics specifically aid construction management.</p>
<h2 id="predictive-analytics">1. Predictive analytics</h2>
<p>Predictive analytics utilize historical data from your team or the experience of other firms. It can help crews:</p>
<ul>
<li>Accurately estimate job costs</li>
<li>Devise a timeline and schedule</li>
<li>Allocate resources</li>
</ul>
<p>They often play a pivotal role in project planning, with obvious value in compiling estimates and making bids. Additionally, they can forecast aspects of a job crew chiefs might overlook if they have only a ground-level view of operations.</p>
<p>For example, technology can predict the potential adverse effects of a construction project on nearby waterways and whether they will <a href="https://www.calalaw.com/practice-areas/construction-law/property-development-land-use/environmental-law-compliance/">trigger the need for additional permits</a> near conservation areas. Knowing this from the drawing board starts the process, preventing future delays that can cost time and materials.</p>
<h2 id="resource-allocation-and-optimization">2. Resource allocation and optimization</h2>
<p>Things change quickly on construction sites, so data analytics helps crews make the most efficient use of available equipment and personnel to minimize downtime and reduce waste. For example, real-time tracking alerts supervisors to delays on one portion of a construction site so they can send otherwise idle bulldozers and backhoes to an area awaiting their arrival.</p>
<p>Using data analytics to allocate resources appropriately matters for more than a crew’s bottom line — it also protects the planet. Currently, the construction industry accounts for <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8745857/">30% of all waste</a> generated, greatly contributing to climate change. The same shifts that save you money also benefit Earth.</p>
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<h2 id="quality-control-and-risk-management">3. Quality control and risk management</h2>
<p>How do you know when quality control issues arise? Historically, crews relied on reports from unsatisfied customers, which invariably led to conflicts. However, data analytics helps you analyze quality control data from inspections, testing results and defect reports in real time to identify and rectify patterns more quickly.</p>
<p>For example, using AI to analyze data can reveal the underlying cause behind a recurring defect that requires finishing correction. Identifying the reason for the deficiency and correcting it at the source prevents costly and time-consuming redoing of work.</p>
<h2 id="supply-chain-optimization">4. Supply chain optimization</h2>
<p>Part of construction management entails getting the materials you need to the job site on time. Having plumbing subcontractors stand around waiting for a pipe delivery wastes time when they could be handling other projects. While factors such as soaring gas prices due to supply chain issues or international conflicts affect all suppliers, data analytics can determine which does the best job for the lowest price regardless of external pressures.</p>
<p>Data analytics lets you keep better track of existing inventory and predict when to order more. It can even facilitate contract negotiations, providing data to back up mileage reimbursements and determining the best routes for goods to reach your site.</p>
<h2 id="performance-monitoring-and-benchmarking">5. Performance monitoring and benchmarking</h2>
<p>How well is that new piece of equipment performing? Data analytics lets you see how a new forklift pays for itself over time and eventually results in greater profits. It also compares your usage to industry benchmarks, letting you know if you’re making the best use of your investment. If not, where can you improve?</p>
<p>You can also use data analytics to <a href="https://renovated.com/construction-workflow/">track employee performance</a> against key performance indicators, rewarding the best workers for a job well done. Encouraging those who exceed preset standards with bonuses and raises improves overall morale and productivity, encouraging others to excel.</p>
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<h2 id="safety-and-risk-analysis">6. Safety and risk analysis</h2>
<p>Construction is a dangerous career, lagging behind <a href="https://www.bls.gov/news.release/pdf/cfoi.pdf">only the transportation and materials-handling sectors</a> in overall hazardousness. Reducing these accidents spares families immeasurable heartbreak, and avoids a considerable amount in lost labor and legal fees.</p>
<p>Data analysis informs leaders of why accidents occur, which is crucial when establishing liability. It also empowers them to make changes to prevent similar incidents in the future, maybe even stopping trouble in real time. Devices such as drones can monitor sites for hazards, alerting crews to dangers so they can evacuate humans from the scene.</p>
<h2 id="cost-estimation-and-budgeting">7. Cost estimation and budgeting</h2>
<p>How do you create estimates? Many leaders in the construction industry pull data from past jobs, request bids from subcontractors and study financial forecasts to determine the price of materials over the coming months. Even the best and brightest make mistakes that can prove costly. However, the right data analytic technology uses AI integration to do most of the work for you, combining information from various sources into comprehensive reports to guide decision-making.</p>
<p>The buck ultimately stops with you, so <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/blog/project-cost-estimation-budgeting/">budgeting accurately</a> ensures everyone gets paid on time and the job is completed to standard. Tying up time and resources with courtroom disputes and unnecessary liens is something no general or subcontractor wants, so use today’s tech to compile a meaningful project budget that covers every base.</p>
<h2 id="improve-construction-management-decision-making-with-data-analytics">Improve construction management decision-making with data analytics</h2>
<p>Data analytics utilize technology to scour the mountains of information available today to help construction leaders make wiser decisions. It assists in every stage of projects, from planning through completion.</p>
<p>Using technology and data analytics improves site safety, eases supply chain woes, improves budgeting and estimating, and effectively allocates resources. Using them to guide decisions leads to better job site performance, fewer headaches and a bigger bottom line.</p>
OnDemand webinar | Fieldwire in action: A day in the life of a jobsite userhttp://www.fieldwire.com/blog/webinar-blog-fieldwire-in-action/2024-03-13T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T12:08:08+00:00Zach Adcock<p>In a recent webinar, Fieldwire’s construction team was joined by Paul Gutierrez, MEP Superintendent/QC Manager, from The Morganti Group, Inc. to share how his team uses Fieldwire daily on their projects. Fieldwire Construction Success Manager, Zach Adcock, spoke with Paul about how his teams use Fieldwire to revamp daily responsibilities on the jobsite, making it easy to manage work and to build documentation that supports teams even after projects are completed. Zach and Paul did a deep dive into how The Morganti Group is using <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/construction-forms/">Forms</a>, <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/document-management/">Files</a> and <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/construction-management-software/">Tasks</a> in Fieldwire.</p>
<p>Paul has been working in Fieldwire since 2019 when the company began using the software to manage work on their projects building schools in New York City. Morganti uses Fieldwire to coordinate work with all their subcontractors as well as keep track of documents and forms so that project files are accessible by all teams working on the projects. Before Fieldwire, Paul said there was a lot more paperwork and it was a lot of work to coordinate all the documents.</p>
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<a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/submittals/">submittals</a> that were approved just in case we need to share it with anybody in the field we can share it very quickly from our mobile devices or from our iPad.”</p>
<p class="quoteauthor">Paul Gutierrez, MEP Superintendent/QC Manager from The Morganti Group, Inc.</p>
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<p>Watch the webinar and learn more about how teams are using Fieldwire on the jobsite.</p>
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<p>Want to sign up for an upcoming webinar or watch an older webinar OnDemand? Visit our <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/webinars/">webinars</a> page.</p>
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8 essential steps for effective project cost estimation and budgetinghttp://www.fieldwire.com/blog/project-cost-estimation-budgeting/2024-03-06T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T12:08:08+00:00Rose Morrison<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/fqtbha7ac6p4/5CuyA4dYHXWGpgPeK4QuxM/28b5479e20a926f1061d18ea08650b8c/L147134.jpg" alt="Man working in the computer at the office" /></p>
<p>To say that winning bids is the key to success in construction is a half-truth. Estimating project costs correctly and managing the budget accordingly are just as vital.</p>
<p>Subcontractors getting awarded a contract spells financial disaster if the bid is too high to be competitive or too low to be profitable. Submitting a price within the Goldilocks zone can be challenging. You must have domain expertise and foresight to calculate how much everything will cost, avoid charging too little and spend funds properly.</p>
<p>All subcontractors make project cost estimation and budgeting errors. You can learn from your mistakes and get wiser with experience and insight. However, only some businesses can afford to commit too many faults to keep the lights on. Follow these eight essential steps to estimate project costs and budget funds effectively to prevent grave miscalculations.</p>
<h2 id="study-the-project-details">1. Study the project details</h2>
<p>Understand the construction project’s specifications and requirements during the bid solicitation phase. Paying close attention to these details can help you determine whether you’re qualified for the job and should submit a proposal.</p>
<p>Bidding on projects you have yet to gain experience in can broaden your horizons. However, trying to be a specialty contractor for everyone can backfire. Concentrating on jobs that fit with your business has merits.</p>
<p>Establishing a solid reputation for specific projects can increase your hit ratio. Property owners can find your credentials impressive and confidence-inspiring when you’ve been around the same block a few times. Finding your niche can benefit your brand, gaining repeat business from general contractors and design-build construction firms.</p>
<p>For example, <a href="https://ptt.edu/importance-of-skilled-tradespeople-in-sustainable-construction/">focusing on green projects</a> in your county where recycled and carbon-neutral materials are paramount can make you the local authority in sustainability. Zeroing in on historic restoration jobs is another way to differentiate yourself from the competition.</p>
<p>In contrast, trying your luck on any project coming your way can lower your chances of winning a contract. Construction project stakeholders expect you to self-regulate and reflect on whether you’re up to the task. Even experienced subcontractors can seem like novices when bidding on jobs outside their areas of expertise.</p>
<p>You may underestimate the job’s scale and complexity if you outbid others when you’re unqualified. Biting off more than you can chew can put you in a bad light.</p>
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<h2 id="perform-a-material-takeoff">2. Perform a material takeoff</h2>
<p>Conducting a material takeoff is a sound practice to identify and address discrepancies early. General contractors can review all available construction documents or the bill of quantities the property owner or project engineer prepared. Subcontractors can do a separate takeoff based on the general contractor’s specs to verify material and equipment quantities and ensure an accurate count before contacting suppliers and vendors.</p>
<h2 id="solicit-pricing-information">3. Solicit pricing information</h2>
<p>Request quotes from various sources and study their pricing structures. Consider how much savings you can get when ordering large quantities. Buying slightly more than needed may entitle you to bulk pricing discounts.</p>
<p>Factoring material waste into the equation can reveal how many additional supplies you should procure to prevent delay. This task may involve guesstimation, although your life will be easier if you track this information through <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/blog/construction-management-software-productivity/">construction software</a>. Digital data lends itself to analytics. It enables you to evaluate your past projects and have a concrete basis for the amount of extra materials you should order.</p>
<p>Quality must take priority over price. Although almost any product has a budget-friendly option, <a href="https://renovated.com/construction-procurement-tips/">finer materials contribute to functionality</a>, aesthetics, safety and longevity. Skimping on supplies can save you money once. However, investing in quality items can keep you in business for a long time. It can help you build a reputation for excellence and ensure counterparty satisfaction consistently.</p>
<p>Ask about quote expiration, too. Suppliers and vendors rarely wait forever. Determine whether their offers are valid until you snag the contract to see if you can count on them.</p>
<p>Regarding tools and machines, renting what you seldom use for projects is smart. It spares you from maintenance and storage duties.</p>
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<h2 id="calculate-labor-costs">4. Calculate labor costs</h2>
<p>Labor costs include worker wages, taxes, insurance premiums, retirement contributions, vacation and sick leaves, and union dues. These expenses multiply for every extra person you have on staff.</p>
<p>Know the exact roles the project requires and the hours needed to complete the job to build the right crew.</p>
<p>If you don’t have enough employees, use independent contractors to round out the team. They can reduce your labor-related expenses since they’re <a href="https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/05/06/2021-09518/independent-contractor-status-under-the-fair-labor-standards-act-flsa-withdrawal">not entitled to the federal minimum wage</a> and overtime pay.</p>
<p>Sadly, many construction businesses purposely misclassify their employees as independent contractors to slash their <a href="https://www.calalaw.com/blog/construction-industry-worker-misclassification/">payroll costs by up to 50%</a> and shrink bids by 25%. The financial advantages may be enticing, but decide against it to avoid getting sued.</p>
<h2 id="determine-indirect-expenses">5. Determine indirect expenses</h2>
<p>You must estimate insurance, bonds, indirect field expenses and overhead costs. Insurance and bonds particularly matter because they mitigate risks for all stakeholders and make you a safer party to do business with.</p>
<p>Integrating overhead expenses into estimates accurately is simple. Discerning estimators determine the business’s expected annual revenue and overhead cost when assigning a specific percentage of the overhead to a project.</p>
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<h2 id="prepare-for-contingencies">6. Prepare for contingencies</h2>
<p>Unknown and unforeseen events can lead to budget overruns, so setting aside a contingency fund is necessary. Gleaning insights from past projects can help you determine a reasonable amount to add to your estimate and keep from pulling a number out of thin air.</p>
<p>Sometimes, property owners have contingency limits. For example, the Washington State Department of Transportation bars contractors from allocating more than <a href="https://wsdot.wa.gov/sites/default/files/2021-11/EngineeringandContPercentageTables.pdf">4% of the contract amount</a> for contingencies.</p>
<h2 id="take-target-profit-into-account">7. Take target profit into account</h2>
<p>Determine a suitable profit margin to make the project worth your while without turning off property owners. On average, <a href="https://eyeonhousing.org/2023/03/remodelers-average-net-profits-are-down-nahb-study-shows/">remodelers net 4.7%</a> before taxes. Regardless of how you feel about this figure, it’s an excellent reference point for deciding how much you should charge.</p>
<p>The construction bidding process is only a meritocracy occasionally. Charging too much is a losing strategy if you bid on public projects because government rules generally favor the lowest bidders.</p>
<p>On the contrary, commercial property owners are more keen on hiring contractors with stellar project experience, scheduling philosophies and safety records, even if it means paying more.</p>
<h2 id="technologize-budget-management">8. Technologize budget management</h2>
<p>Responsibly spending funds is a different skill. Ensuring the project costs as close to the estimate as possible is the ultimate goal. Preventing unnecessary expenses within your control is a must.</p>
<p>Tracking how much money goes out of your account manually isn’t the most efficient method. Instead, use a construction management program to stay on top of your budget. Cloud-based tools designed to keep tabs on invoices and <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/blog/change-orders-in-fieldwire/">compare actual spending against the budget</a> are indispensable. They can help you economize in every area, finish the job on schedule and get paid ASAP.</p>
<h2 id="underestimating-estimation-and-budgeting-errors-is-costly">Underestimating estimation and budgeting errors is costly</h2>
<p>Estimates are no guarantees of cost overrun avoidance. What’s certain is getting them wrong can put you out of business sooner or later. Let the above steps guide you and trust the process.</p>
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Tackling construction pain points: Episode 1 - poor communicationhttp://www.fieldwire.com/blog/pain-point-video-poor-communication/2024-02-28T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T12:08:08+00:00Erin Coulter<p>No matter the trade and no matter the size, construction companies around the world face a common set of challenges. From disjointed communication to low productivity, labor shortage to ineffective business processes, Fieldwire can be used to improve workflows and increase communication, collaboration and productivity on any project.</p>
<h2 id="using-fieldwire-for-improved-communication">Using Fieldwire for improved communication</h2>
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<p>With Fieldwire, all communication happens in real-time. You can access, edit, and view <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/as-built-drawings/">as-built drawings</a> from any device. Add annotations, notes, photos, and track revisions. Plus, with automatic version control, you can be sure everyone is working off the same set of plans. Fieldwire’s <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/blueprint-app/">plan viewer</a> brings clarity, speed, and efficiency to any jobsite.</p>
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Punch list 101: Best practices for general contractors, subcontractors and architectshttp://www.fieldwire.com/blog/what-is-a-punch-list-best-practices/2024-02-21T00:00:00+00:002024-03-28T12:07:59+00:00Tara Callinan<p><img src="//images.ctfassets.net/fqtbha7ac6p4/5e2B7nAxen2e2FGMWPxqcp/7b5480d1e2196ac4f12a8cc534d645f3/Punch-List-101.jpg" alt="Punch-List-101" /></p>
<p>While rework is inevitable in construction projects – either due to new demands from the client or from unexpected problems encountered on the field –, they can be avoided or more easily managed by improving communication. A good <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/blog/construction-management-software-productivity/">jobsite management app can help construction teams easily report</a> and correct defects, making the punch list process quicker and cost effective.</p>
<p>Understanding all the steps involved in <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/punch-list-app/">punch lists</a> and implementing best practices to make sure information is shared to the right people at the right time can make the closeout process easier for general contractors, subcontractors, owners and architects. In this article, we share some valuable tips to streamline your punch list process.</p>
<h2 id="what-is-a-punch-list">What is a punch list?</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/punch-list-app/">A punch list</a> (also called a snag list, deficiency list, or punch out list), according to the online <a href="https://www.bussinessdictionary.com/definition/punch-list">Business Dictionary</a>, is “a document listing work that does not conform to contract specifications, usually attached to a certificate of substantial completion.” Put simply, it is a list of to-do’s that need to be completed before a project can be considered finished.</p>
<h2 id="why-is-it-called-a-punch-list">Why is it called a punch list?</h2>
<p>In the past, these checklists created during closeout were often written on paper. When an item was completed, the person responsible for the task would punch a hole next to it using a hole puncher – hence the name “punch list”. Nowadays, punch lists are usually made with digital solutions like construction management software, which makes it easier to share information on deficiencies with other team members.</p>
<h2 id="the-punch-walk-process">The punch walk process</h2>
<p>When construction is 99% complete, a combination of the owner, architect and general contractor will walk the entire project, or a section of the project, looking for deficiencies. This is what is called <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/punch-list-app/">the punch walk</a>.</p>
<p>The general contractor will put together a report of all of the deficiencies found on the jobsite, including photos and location on plans. Then, the architect will review the report and confirm that it includes all of the items discussed during the punch walk. The deficiencies will be distributed to the responsible subcontractor, who will then be responsible for addressing all the punch list items in time.</p>
<h2 id="who-is-responsible-for-the-punch-list-items">Who is responsible for the punch list items?</h2>
<p>All stakeholders of a construction project play an important part in the punch list process. Some will be more involved in creating the punch list, while others will have more responsibility in addressing the punch list items.</p>
<p>The <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/solutions/general-contractor/">general contractor</a> will do walkthroughs with the owner and the architect to create the punch list. The GC will then assign the items to be fixed to the corresponding subcontractor. It is the general contractor’s duty to communicate punch list progress to the owner and communicate punch list items with specialty contractors.</p>
<p>The specialty contractor must resolve the items on a construction punch list. It is their job to get in and do the actual work in an efficient manner to streamline project close out. Subcontractors must ensure that the work they do complies with drawing specifications set by the architect or design team to avoid unnecessary rework or conflict.</p>
<p>The construction project owner should be present for site walkthroughs at various stages of a project so they’re aware of construction pace and progress. At the completion of a project, it is the owner who will sign off on a construction punch list and ensure all punch list items are resolved.</p>
<p>From project start to project finish, it is the architects, designers, and engineers duty to ensure all construction meets the approved, specified drawings and everything will work as intended. They must be included in final site walkthroughs to sign-off on punch list items and confirm that the final product matches the original drawings.</p>
<h2 id="best-practices-for-punch-lists">Best practices for punch lists</h2>
<p><a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/punch-list-app/">Punch lists</a> are commonly tackled towards the end of a project when deadlines and tight and workers are exhausted. Which, in turn, increases error and prolongs project turnover. One punch list best practice is the ‘rolling punch list;’ a real-time log of punch list items that develops as deficiencies arise. According to Michael Clippinger, the National Director of Quality at JE Dunn, an ENR Contractor of the Year, “a rolling punch list is the most common approach toward achieving the ultimate zero-punch list goal.” A zero punch list indicates that there is no outstanding punch list work at the time of project completion. For this to occur, effective planning, project management, and transparent communication is required.</p>
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<p>No matter whether you’re working from a rolling punch list or working towards a zero punch list goal, everyone — from the project owner to the various subcontractors — must understand their role and responsibilities in the punch list process. While certain punch list items are common, there isn’t a universal “best practice playbook” applicable to all, but rather a set of best practices for each unique team. Below, we list some punch list best practices for general contractors, subcontractors, owners and architects.</p>
<h3 id="general-contractor-create-punch-list-items-from-the-jobsite">General Contractor: Create punch list items from the jobsite</h3>
<p>When the <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/solutions/general-contractor/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=punch-list-best-practices">general contractor</a> starts a project, they should also start a punch list. It can become like a punch list checklist. Anytime they walk through a site and notice a defect, it should be documented immediately for future discussion with the owner and/or <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/solutions/subcontractor/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=punch-list-best-practices">specialty contractors</a>. Instead of waiting until the end of a project to communicate punch list items, the general contractor should produce punch list reports that are automatically sent to each specialty contractor on a given day, week, or month. <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/punch-list-app/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=punch-list-best-practices">Construction punch list software</a> like Fieldwire makes the construction punch list process easy. From any device in the field, a general contractor can annotate site issues on the fly to create a project punch list and tag specific trades. They can generate a trade-specific punch list report or <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/blog/construction-daily-report-best-practices/">construction daily report</a> in seconds and send it to each specialty contractor in just a few clicks. Repeating this process regularly will help general contractors reach project close out faster because the more punchlist items they tackle now, the less there is to do later. This process is far more efficient than having to manually take notes during site walkthroughs, type them up, and attach them to an email for subcontractors back in the office.</p>
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<p>Graham tracked 15,000 punch items and saved $35,000 on printing costs on the $285m hospital Project.</p>
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<h3 id="specialty-contractor-prioritize-what-needs-to-be-done">Specialty Contractor: Prioritize what needs to be done</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/solutions/subcontractor/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=punch-list-best-practices">Subcontractors</a> must clearly understand what to do to resolve punch list items, knowing what are the deficiencies but also when, where, and why they need to be addressed. For subcontractors to have access to the information they need at all times, construction punch list software like Fieldwire should be used to bring jobsite data and teams together in one place. For example, when a punch list item is assigned to a specialty contractor in the field, they will be notified in real-time. From a smartphone or tablet, they can open the punch list item on the Fieldwire app, see the exact location of it on a plan, the man-hours required, and a due date. As they work to resolve the punch list item, the subcontractor can send messages, photos, and videos to the general contractor using the Fieldwire app to communicate progress. This way, punch list items are resolved efficiently, everyone remains on the same page, and there is no need for back-and-forth emails between the various parties to communicate change.</p>
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<h3 id="owner-use-the-punch-process-to-track-progress">Owner: Use the punch process to track progress</h3>
<p>An owner-specific best practice is to ask the general contractor a list of questions during site walkthroughs that may spark additional punch list items. A few example punch list questions from the owner include: “Does every outlet work properly?” or “Is there adequate paint coverage?”. If the answer is no, the general contractor will need to create a new punch list item(s) for trade contractors to address.</p>
<p>By using a construction management app to foster transparent communication, <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/solutions/owner/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=punch-list-best-practices">owners</a> can keep track of the construction site conditions even before doing a walkthrough. Setting up permission levels in construction jobsite software that gives the owner (and only the owner) the right to verify punch list items will help the project progress in a way that meets their demands, contract specifications, and original plans.
At the completion of a project, it is the owner who will sign off on a construction punch list and ensure all punch list items are resolved. Setting up permission levels in construction punch list software that gives the owner (and only the owner) the right to verify punch list items will help the project progress in a way that meets their demands, contract specifications, and original plans.</p>
<h3 id="architect-verify-that-punch-list-items-match-final-drawings">Architect: Verify that punch list items match final drawings</h3>
<p>By continually checking in with the owner to align on expectations <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/solutions/designers-software/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=punch-list-best-practices">architects, designers, and engineers</a> can ensure the final walkthrough should be painless and very minor in nature. Creating and following a set of punch list best practices is critical for attaining zero punch-list status and finishing construction projects on-time. Having templates and checklists in hand can also help with accurate walkthroughs, effortless reporting, and faster close out.</p>
<h2 id="save-time-using-punch-list-templates">Save time using punch list templates</h2>
<p>When an <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/building-inspection-app/">inspection</a> is approaching, prepare for it by easily assembling every component within Fieldwire’s construction management app. <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/construction-management-software/">Add tasks</a> for items across the job site, whether they’re trade-specific, location-based, or pertain to a specific room or building. Each task can include detailed notes, instructions, and checklists so that each contractor knows exactly what needs to be completed (and in what order). Every checklist template you create is saved within Fieldwire, so you can quickly add that same checklist into any other similar tasks or sample punch lists in your project.</p>
<p>Once your tasks are created and you’re ready to begin the walkthrough, take your punch list template with you into the field on your mobile device. You can access project data in Fieldwire even if you’re offline, and if you see any outstanding punch list items, document everything in the app and let your team know that more work needs to be done. When you reconnect to WiFi, the project will be updated with all of the new data you added while on-site and your trades will be notified. And to make sure your team knows exactly what to look for, take photos of every deficiency and add them directly in the task comments. All content added to tasks is <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/construction-scheduling-software/">timestamped</a> and real-time notifications are sent out to all parties involved. Tasks can easily be duplicated as well if certain items are found in multiple locations. This is particularly handy if you place the tasks directly on your drawings, so there is no confusion regarding where to find each snag.</p>
<p>After the punch walk, you can easily create a report using Fieldwire. Learn how to create a punch list report in <a href="https://www.fieldwire.com/blog/create-punch-list-report/">this blog article</a>.</p>