3 Tips on how to Manage Your Construction Company
Austin Clouse • June 17, 2021
Successfully managing a construction company is a multifaceted job that requires knowledge of common business practices, accounting principles, regional economic conditions and expertise in the building process. As long as people continue to open businesses, update their existing structures, or make repairs to their homes and business construction companies will have clients. In small construction companies, the manager might also be the owner. Larger companies, however, are more likely to hire one or more managers who answer to the owner or to a board of directors.
Managing the Business End of Your Construction Business:
A successful construction company must create proper pricing and manage its financial assets to ensure that the owners and workers are paid and that the Internal Revenue Service gets its share of the earnings. Managing even the smallest construction company usually requires hiring someone to oversee the back office tasks like complete bookkeeping tasks, handle communication throughout the business, invoice jobs, ect. By delegating business tasks, the construction manager is free to devote more time to bidding, client and worker interaction and job site duties.
Company Structure:
A successful owner or manager fully comprehends the construction process and provides leadership and supervision for his team in the field. Generally, this involves hiring or promoting a supervisor or foreman who reports to the manager. Bigger construction companies might implement more levels of management like hiring multiple crew supervisors who communicate with a project manager, who in turn answers to a general manager. No matter how large or small the company is, it will run more efficiently if it has a workable structure that provides a set chain of command.
Managing Clients:
Satisfied clients are a construction company’s bread and butter. An efficient manager knows how to effectively communicate to overcome tough spots and keep their clients happy. Good communication skills are essential to effective management. A successful manager will make themselves available to their customers to listen to their options; answer questions; serve as a liaison between clients, distributors, retailers and subcontractors; and handle day-to-day issues as they arise. Problem-solving and decision-making skills are essential for construction company managers, who must be able to minimize conflicts and keep projects running smoothly.