The Build,

As you can imagine it was difficult to onboard new subs and get them to agree to the timeline. It is something I deal with on a daily basis. 

  I remember vividly vetting the HVAC sub I wanted to use for the project. I had worked indirectly with them in the past on many projects and they were very capable. The sub we had been using prior had provided a really high price for the job and they were not worth the squeeze. So I brought in someone else, agreed on pricing and the start and finish dates.

  The biggest challenge building at a reduced timeline is making sure everyone fully understands you are going to be on time for them to start. Delays in construction are typical (when or if allowed). Today there are so many ways to mitigate delays that you really have a lot of control. The only thing you cannot still control is mother nature but now it is when she acts extreme. 

  We were fortunate to avoid delays and when contracting the HVAC sub they were to start rough installation 5 weeks from contract signing. No big deal, except at that time we were still excavating for the foundation. The concern was raised from the sub and I assured them we were going to be ready and this is normal for us. 

  Well three weeks before HVAC start date we were pouring footings and the sub stopped by the project very concerned. I had a lengthy conversation and really delivered my message that I will be ready regardless of how long it takes everyone else to build that they work for. I could see this was really tough for them to swallow. In the timeframe of 2 weeks we finished pouring the foundation, waterproofed, installed underground piping and drains and backfilled ready for framing. I hired 6 framing companies to frame the house hourly under my leadership. They did not know they were going to be working with the other 5 companies. That monday am one of the companies left and I was down to 5 companies. 

  We started Monday am and framed the house complete by days end Saturday. The cost was equivalent to contracting one firm, the time savings was enormous. To put this in perspective it would have taken a framing company most likely 6-8 weeks to frame what we did in 6 days. 

  This type of processes was duplicated over and over again. Outside the box perspective and action to gain results. When we arrived at interior trim and millwork, I hired numerous companies to work by the hour again. I set up a millshop in the Family Room and we made mouldings and raised panels along with many other parts needed to complete the work. I used the architects autocad to work with the trimmers and reduce questions by expanding drawing profiles to see dimensional properties. I also had a meeting with each of the company owners and workers (alone) to offer time and half for anyone who was willing to work over 40 hours. I made sure the owners and workers were present so the money was assured to go to the worker and not in the owners pocket. I was also clear that they had to perform each week during the 40 hours or the overtime was negligible. They agreed and diligently worked as they felt comfortable performing. 

  I worked many hours weekly on this project coordinating everything from value engineering the pre-buy, permits and approvals, to overseeing field work, project management, inspections, processing invoices and tracking all expenses. Most companies have numerous people on the construction team. I had one supervisor, one pm, an office assistant, and myself. We did have a full accounting office, excavation, masonry, landscaping division and hundreds of laborers but on the construction management side it was the four of us (and we had other projects in various stages).  

  The painters were our employees and the client at this time changed the floor finish color after we completed the floor finish. To not extend the schedule I had a meeting with our painters and asked them if they wanted they could work from that Monday to Friday. They all looked at me smiling like I was certifiably crazy, “Lee we already work Monday to Friday”.  I laughed and apologized for my shortness, I explained that I meant work from Monday 7am until Friday late evening and not go home in between. We can make a bunk area to sleep and I will provide dinner and breakfast, you will receive time and half plus double time, you work until you can’t then sleep and do it again. They all agreed at the opportunity to make extra money and they did it. I already had cameras set up to monitor work from anywhere on my laptop. But with the walls up it was tough to really monitor anything. So to make sure everyone was honest I would randomly show up at the house to check on the production and workers. 11pm, 1am, 3am, 8pm, 10pm never the same time and no pattern.  I never encountered anyone taking advantage they were all great workers and exceptional people. 

More to Follow..

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