Time Savers for Every Contractor – Part 1 of 3: The Job Planning Phase
There are numerous differences between a good contractor and a great contractor. Aside from the simple fact of being knowledgeable in your trade there are a few main factors that will set the best tradesmen aside from the rest. When it comes to being the best in your trade, you need to be knowledgeable, good at what you do, and efficient. Whether you’re an electrician, plumber, HVAC, general contractor or the like, here are my tops tips to save time on any contracting job.
Plan Your Job Efficiently and Effectively
This sounds simple; but there are various important factors that come into play when it comes to effectively planning your job for efficiency.
1.) Quoting the Job
When you get to your job site, make sure that you take proper measurements. This may seem like a no-brainer; but, in the heat of the moment, we can slip up on this. Quoting a job is never a spot to rush, with the hopes of cutting time. Also be sure to include everything in your quote. Make sure that you do not miss any parts of the job that could potentially cause problems. It is much better to thoroughly investigate a situation before hand and include it in the quote, rather than eat the cost in time and materials after the fact. Take a camera and note pad with you to take pictures and write descriptions of elements of the job that could be tricky, or where you are unsure of the materials.
2.) Your Materials
When you are quoting your job, make a clear list of all the materials that you will need. Don’t miss any materials. It is better to have too many materials than too little. You can always take unused materials back at the end of a project. Trying to pick up materials when you’re in the middle of a project will stop your flow and eat away at your time. Make sure you do your homework on parts and supplies. Know which suppliers carry good quality products at a cheaper price, keep them in stock, and when to buy from a regular hardware store. Also, don’t forget to order any specialty materials well in advance. Nothing drains more time than going to a job without the materials to complete the job.
3.) Your Route to the Jobsite
Plan your route effectively. Keep a GPS in your vehicle so that you can save time on the commute. Make sure that you avoid routes with many traffic lights or high volumes of traffic. A good strategy is to plan any stops on your route in a circle so that you never have to backtrack while driving. Make sure to also practice punctuality. Not only will being on time show your customers that you respect their time, and have integrity as a contractor; but it will also get you on a quick-start to your day. You’ll get to the suppliers faster, to your job faster, and best of all, home faster.
4.) Your Clothing
Put your clothing out the night before and check the weather report. This way you don’t spend your morning looking for your favorite pair of workpants, shirts, socks, safety hat, safety boots, neoprene boot covers, and safety gloves. If you’re dressed for the weather, you’ll never have to run out to get clothing to keep you warm or dry. Keep these items together so they are quick to grab and put on in the morning.
Once you have these steps down, read on to Part 2 of the Time Savers for Every Contractor series. It will show you how to save time by working smarter, not harder in any trade.
