A pillar refers to a person, a thing, or quality crucial to an organization, place, or activity. It is synonymous with strength; it also refers to something that provides support. In the construction business, there are a few elements that can be considered as its pillars.
Planning
Every business requires great planning. The construction business is no exception. Construction planning is crucial to execute projects on time and successfully. This is why planning should be done meticulously and carefully; planning is both a fundamental and challenging phase of construction.
Construction planning encompasses the whole aspect of the construction process. It involves choosing the right technology and construction methodology. In the planning stage, work tasks, timelines, and resources are also defined.
In this stage, the budget for a project is determined as well. Additionally, this is the pre-construction stage where organizational decisions are made. The organizational decision involves the relationship between all participants in a project. This may include subcontractors, architects, interior designers, and even clients.
Forbes mentions that there are different ways to plan a successful project. This includes choosing professionals and acquiring the proper permit for a project. Permits can take a long time depending on a project’s scope. Hence, it is better to incorporate this in making decisions about timelines during the planning stage.
Overall, the planning stage is a crucial and challenging step in the construction business. A good plan must be a holistic one that gives attention to detail. This is key for a successful project; hence, a pillar in the construction business.
Quality
Another pillar of a great construction business is quality. When a contractor or firm provides quality services and applies quality practices, longevity in the industry is almost insured. Hence, giving quality in all domains of construction is necessary and should be a top priority.
Quality can be observed in different elements of construction. This can be seen in practices of workers during construction, materials used in the build, and customer service.
Standards
In the planning stage, resources for a project are determined. These resources are both material and human. In choosing the right human resource for the build, time and effort must be invested. Take time to recruit the best people for the team; this will give your company a good foundation.
As mentioned above, a construction project has key players. This often involves a contractor, engineer, architect, and interior designer. Cost estimators, construction managers, and landscape architects may also be involved in a project. The architect’s objective is to define a client’s vision. His or her expertise provides structural goals to a project. Meanwhile, the engineer provides expertise in handling electrical and mechanical systems in a project. The interior designer, on the other hand, provides finishes for the build.
A great team that collaborates well provides great project output. Choosing the best of the best also assures clients that projects will be finished on time, on budget, and have great quality. When high standards are applied when choosing your key team players, you immediately put your business on top of the game.
Materials
Aside from human resources, choosing quality materials is essential at all times. Building durable projects that can stand different conditions is important to create loyalty and trust among clients. Choosing the best steel, concrete, wood and other materials can be your edge among other industry players.
The material used in a project can define a structure’s endurance. These materials are also important and should be determined properly in response to the environment. When you choose quality materials for the build, client expectations are surpassed; it also builds your reputation as a company to trust.
The importance of materials during construction is why certain courses such as construction materials are offered in some universities. This area of study enables students to understand the behavior, composition, and structure of different engineering materials. Understanding these materials can effectively contribute to a structure’s durability; it can also help engineers and builders understand which materials work well with and for the environment.
Customer Service
To stay in the game, excellent customer service must always be presented and offered. A business is not a business without its clients. Hence, a great company must not only satisfy but exceed expectations.
Exceeding expectations is key to have client retention. Most builders take pride when they have repeat customers. These repeat clients are testament to the quality service they have provided, keeping their clients loyal and developing long-term relationships with them.
Happy customers also create referrals and therefore more projects for a firm. Hence, if you wish to stay long in the business, quality customer service is one pillar that should not be neglected.
