Journal of Light Construction: Scheduling

Preventing Handoff Errors

Mon, 12 Nov 2012 11:07:16 EST

Putting all the paperwork for a project in a single notebook ensures details don't get lost during the transition from sales to production

Breaking Through the Language Barrier

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 02:12:25 EST

Going back to school to learn Spanish can pay big dividends in the field

Active vs. Passive Fall Protection

Thu, 4 Oct 2012 02:29:37 EST

Either guardrails or safety harness systems can be used to proect workers from falls

Controlling Whole-House Remodeling Costs

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 03:36:41 EST

Managing customer and architect expectations can head off problems in a remodeling project.

Why You Should Cross-Train Your Employees

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 01:36:44 EST

Temporarily moving your employees to different jobs will get them enthused about both your company and their job.

Getting Started with Flowcharts and Process Mapping

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 02:13:27 EST

Free and inexpensive webware to help you create flowcharts.

Reach for the Sky: ReechCraft PowerLift

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:54:46 EST

Achieve easier access to work at height indoors or outdoors with the 20-foot reach of the PowerLift personnel platform.

Comparing Cloud-Based Apps: CompuTool and BuildTools.com

Fri, 8 Feb 2013 12:53:44 EST

The type of company you operate and the kind of work you do should guide your choice of cloud-based applications and services.

Getting Started With Strategic Planning

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 01:13:03 EST

It's almost 2012 and time again for annual planning.

Tracking Changes With Variance Purchase Orders

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:08:55 EST

This month I want to talk about one of the most important aspects of a purchasing system: the ability to accurately capture, manage, and minimize unwanted job-cost variances.

New Jersey Towns Waive Permit Fees in Flood Recovery

Fri, 7 Dec 2012 04:41:26 EST

Put Your Construction Business Purchasing Systems to Work

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 04:00:21 EST

In July we discussed the basics of a purchasing system, and how it can help you control costs and improve the quality of your projects.

Control Costs With a Purchasing System

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:05:07 EST

For the past several columns we've been talking about the importance of gross profit and contribution margin, or the amount that each job "contributes" toward overcoming your annual fixed overhead expenses and reaching your profit target.

Make More By Controlling Your Growth

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:04:36 EST

When I was a young builder in the early '80s, there was an old-timer in town who worked with a couple of his sons, a small crew, and a handful of good local subcontractors.

Convoluted Layers in the Lighting Supply Chain

Sat, 15 Sep 2012 09:05:18 EST

How and why it came to be this way.

JLC Report

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 11:18:19 EST

Outsourcing paperwork with a PEO; high-school building program faces closure; defective-drywall guide raises eyebrows; more

Four Alternatives to the Competitive Bidding Process

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:03:23 EST

A recent experience got me thinking about the competitive bid process.

Protecting Profits in Your Construction Business

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:02:48 EST

Let's begin this month by reviewing some basic financial concepts and benchmarks.

Faster Time Tracking

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:07:24 EST

This automated time clock can speed payroll, improve job-costing, and help you estimate more accurately.

Business

Fri, 6 Jul 2012 05:07:11 EST

Budgeting for your marketing, sales, and project starts