10 ways to save time running your building firm
Being the boss of a building firm typically means lots of responsibilities: estimating, quoting for work, overseeing work on site, obtaining planning permission, approvals, health and safety, trips to the merchants… Every minute counts. If you feel like you need to become more efficient, check out our list of what productive people do well.
1. DO THE WORST JOB FIRST
You know the task that keeps slipping down the to-do list? The tricky, time-consuming, generally unappealing one? Do that first. You’ll feel über productive once you’ve crossed it off your list and you’ll no doubt fly through the easier tasks once you’ve got it out of the way.
2. FOCUS ON ONE TASK AT A TIME
Multi-tasking is over-rated. You can end up half doing multiple things, and not doing anything well. Try to focus on one task and complete it before moving onto the next. You’ll do each thing quicker and better.
3. THE TWO-MINUTE RULE
Got a job that’ll take two minutes? It might sound obvious, but do it straight away. Bang it out. Get it done. Writing it down (or holding it in your head) and coming back to it later is a waste of time and energy.
4. DO SIMILAR TASKS TOGETHER
Group together similar tasks and do them in one go e.g. booking subbies or following up on quotes. The hardest part is often getting started. Once you’re in the groove, you’ll rattle through your list of similar tasks.
5. PHONE DON’T EMAIL
Don’t draw things out with email exchanges. Pick up the phone. Some tasks can be resolved in minutes with a phone call or two.
6. PLAN YOUR VISITS TO THE MERCHANTS
Visiting your merchant every other day for adhoc material purchases is not the best use of your time. And with the current material availability issues, it’s asking for trouble. Plan ahead and prepare a list of all the materials you need on site and when. Better still, choose estimating software for builders that’ll produce a report for you. Software such as EstimatorXpress and BuildingWorks automatically produces Material Order Schedules and Material Order Reports directly from your estimate. Email the schedule to your merchant and get the materials delivered to site when you need them.
7. AUTOMATE TASKS
I bet there are many tasks you’re currently doing manually, with a calculator, on a note pad, that could be done more quickly and with greater precision using software. Investing a few hours now in software could save you days and weeks in the long term. Think about the time you could save with estimating software. Using EstimatorXpress, the market leader for small to medium sized builders in the UK, extensions can be estimated in half an hour. With BuildingWorks - construction software designed for general builders, property developers, house builders and designers - you can draft building plans and estimate the project simultaneously. Consider what tasks you need to automate and see which software is the best match for you.
8. SHUT THE OFFICE DOOR
Put a “do not disturb” sign on the door, ignore any calls, don’t check your emails. Set some boundaries, even if it’s just for an hour. You’ll be surprised what you can achieve without the usual distractions.
9. BE DECISIVE
Don’t waste time pondering decisions. Try not to overthink. Just do it! If you get stuck on a decision, discuss it with someone else. Ask yourself, would the business benefit? Yes? Go for it.
10. PLAN AHEAD
Spend a few minutes at the end of the day preparing for the next one. Reflect on what you’ve achieved today and plan for a productive tomorrow.
If you only run with one of these ideas, it’s a good start. Remember, being busy is only worthwhile if you’re channelling your energy into the right areas and making good progress. Time management is key to success, whether you’re building new builds, loft conversions, renovations or extensions.