10 ways to improve efficiency on commercial construction sites

In the fast-paced world of commercial construction, efficiency plays a vital role in achieving successful outcomes. With tight deadlines and budgets, maximizing efficiency on construction sites becomes paramount. To accomplish this, construction professionals must consistently seek ways to increase productivity, minimize waste, and optimize resources.

According to a survey conducted by FMI Corp, U.S. contractors wasted between $30 billion and $40 billion in 2022 due to labor inefficiencies, the largest variable cost in construction. 

To combat these inefficiencies, high-performing companies can enhance productivity through intense planning, reliable budgeting, documentation, and buy-in from all stakeholders. Aligned with lean construction principles, this approach is often adopted by major general contractors to tackle inefficiencies, particularly those arising during project handoffs. 

Whether you are a construction manager, supervisor, or tradesperson, these efficiency-enhancing practices can be applied to a wide range of commercial construction projects. From planning and organization to resource management and safety, each strategy detailed in this article offers actionable steps that can significantly improve your jobsite operations.

Efficiency on the jobsite directly impacts project success and overall profitability

When construction teams operate efficiently, projects finish within the designated timeframes, heightening client satisfaction. Efficient operations also minimize the waste of resources, including labor, materials, and equipment, which directly impacts cost control and profitability. Additionally, an efficient jobsite fosters effective communication, coordination, and collaboration among team members, allowing for better project planning and execution.

1. Equipment and technology

Staying up-to-date with equipment and technology developments can boost jobsite productivity and safety while also benefiting the final product itself.    

Examples of Efficiency-Driven Construction Tech & Industry Developments 

• Drones for site inspections and surveying: Construction sites can leverage drones equipped with high-resolution cameras to capture detailed aerial imagery. This data can be used for site surveys, progress monitoring, and inspections, reducing the need for manual labor.

• Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM is a digital representation of a building's physical and functional characteristics. It allows for better visualizations, clash detection, and accurate cost estimation. By using BIM software, construction teams can efficiently minimize errors, improve coordination, and optimize construction sequencing.

• 3D Printing in Construction: 3D printing technology’s ability to precisely fabricate complex structures and components offers customization, flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the potential to significantly reduce construction time and labor demands; for more information please refer to 3D Printing Technology.

• isoweld® System: SFS engineers products to maximize construction site efficiency by delivering significant time-savings at scale without impairing the final results. A prime example of this underpinning philosophy in action is the isoweld® tool, an induction welding system used to fasten and secure membrane roofs without penetrating the membrane. It improves speed and construction efficiency, and reduces the risk of water infiltration and potential roof leaks by providing one-step calibration. Furthermore, the isoweld® system includes a plate-finding function that helps locate and secure the membrane and insulation without piercing the membrane. Reinforcing the final outcome, the no false welds function ensures that the welding process is accurate and reliable. Check out our isoweld® system here. 

2. Quality control

Implementing quality control strategies—such as regular inspections and testing—helps maintain high standards and reduces inefficiencies caused by retroactively fixing construction issues. Thorough review and testing protocols detect potential issues, mitigating risks and enhancing efficiency.

3. Continuous training

Investing in programs that enhance skills and knowledge leads to better quality of work. Refreshing skill sets keeps workers updated and improves productivity.

4. Clear communication

Clear and effective communication ensures smooth operations and better collaboration among team members, strengthening productivity, innovation, and problem-solving. Clear communication also builds trust and rapport within the team, enhancing overall morale and teamwork. Additionally, providing well-known channels through which frontline employees can provide anonymous feedback, helping to highlight areas of improvement while encouraging your team to feel their input is valued. 

5. Documentation

Proper pre-construction documentation—like blueprints, safety management plans, comprehensive timelines, and budgeting worksheets—provides a clear roadmap to align all teams’ understanding of the expectations. This proactive approach helps address any points of confusion and concerns before starting, while also holding everyone accountable to well-defined standards and milestones.

Maintaining thorough documentation throughout the project further reinforces construction site efficiency. This includes recording meeting minutes, managing requests for information (RFIs), and documenting change orders. Such practices ensure the dissemination of valuable information and the preservation of a reliable record.  

6. Standardize processes

Standardizing processes enhances construction site efficiency by minimizing discrepancies between individuals. This not only guarantees that results consistently meet set standards, but also promotes a cohesive outcome across diverse team contributions. What’s more, it encourages workers to operate in a semi-predictable manner, furthering jobsite safety. 

Examples of jobsite processes to standardize (and scale) include safety measures and inspections, equipment handling, communication and documentation protocols, and waste management, to name a few. All these are tasks that, if approached from inconsistent perspectives, can lead to operational inefficiency and inflated construction site costs.

7. Finding reliable vendors and contractors

The importance of having trusted vendors with proven track records, like SFS cannot be understated. Reliable vendors ensure that products or services are delivered on time and of high quality, minimizing any disruptions or setbacks. They offer expertise, experience, and the resources necessary to meet project requirements and objectives effectively. Moreover, they should have long-term partnerships they can leverage to grant better pricing, priority access to resources, and a strong support system. 

By investing in finding reliable vendors and contractors, businesses can save time, money, and effort in the long run, ultimately contributing to their overall construction site efficiency and project success.

8. Effective planning and scheduling

Proper preparation before starting a job helps in clarifying goals, identifying potential roadblocks, and prioritizing tasks. By conducting a thorough risk assessment of prospective hazards, project managers and estimators can develop appropriate controls to mitigate risks and establish emergency response plans.  Examples of potential challenges include extreme weather, labor issues, supply chain slowdowns, and compliance complications.

Gathering planning input from all major stakeholders and encouraging cross-team communication can optimize resources, minimize inefficiencies, and enhance productivity, while ensuring the safety of workers and the public. Understanding the timelines and risk-factors that other divisions face can help contractors plan accordingly and preemptively identify workarounds. 

9. Prioritize jobsite safety

Creating a culture of safety through training, regular safety meetings, and hazard identification empowers workers to take ownership of their safety. Proactive safety measures—such as implementing safety procedures, conducting equipment inspections, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE), prevent incidents, foster responsibility and teamwork, and ultimately boost productivity.

10. Regulate industry standards

Ensuring regulatory standards is crucial to maintaining efficiency on commercial construction sites. In the United States, two prominent organizations play a significant role in setting these standards: the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) and the International Code Council (ICC). 

The USGBC, through its LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification program, promotes sustainable and environmentally friendly construction practices. Adhering to LEED standards not only reduces environmental impact but also enhances efficiency by encouraging energy-efficient designs and advanced building techniques. Likewise, the ICC, responsible for developing the International Building Codes (IBC), lays down safety and performance requirements for commercial construction. These codes ensure consistency in construction practices, addressing structural integrity, fire safety, accessibility, and other critical aspects. Adhering to the regulatory standards set by USGBC and ICC not only ensures compliance but also contributes to improved efficiency, creating safer and more sustainable commercial construction sites.

11. Embracing technology game changers 

Embracing collaborative technology solutions can revolutionize the way construction projects are managed, leading to improved efficiency on commercial construction sites. For example,  implementing project management software and cloud-based platforms enables teams to strengthen communication, streamline workflows, and increase transparency. These tools provide a centralized hub for project documentation, allowing stakeholders to access real-time information from anywhere, at any time. Collaboration becomes seamless as team members can easily share updates, track progress, and coordinate tasks. Furthermore, collaborative technology solutions enable effective resource management by providing visibility into equipment availability, scheduling conflicts, and material deliveries. Integrating these technological advancements empowers construction professionals to effectively allocate resources, identify and resolve issues in real-time, and optimize project timelines.

12. PreFabrication and modular construction

Prefabrication in modular construction involves manufacturing building components off-site and then assembling them on-site. By manufacturing components off-site, construction time is significantly reduced and quality control is improved. The streamlined workflow allows for parallel tasks, minimizing project duration and improving coordination between trades.

Closing thoughts about construction site efficiency

At times, job sites can feel like a living organisms consisting of interconnected systems co-dependent upon one another to thrive. With each breakdown in communication or miscalculation, overall progress slows. Luckily, there are clear opportunities to self-assess and improve construction site efficiency, including:

• Tactical deployment of technology to improve planning, safety inspections, and project execution

• Investing in purpose-driven equipment to optimize workflows

• Confirming quality control and heightened safety standards 

• Systemizing communication and documentation to reduce misunderstandings 

• Partnering with vetted suppliers for reliable procurement and potential cost-savings

• Utilizing project management software to consolidate and automate related functions

• Consider prefabrication and modular construction for additional time-savings 

The key is to regularly assess and adapt these strategies to suit the specific needs and challenges of each project, ultimately leading to a more efficient and successful construction process. SFS Group has demonstrated exceptional proficiency in these areas, consistently delivering top-notch solutions to streamline operations, reduce costs, and optimize productivity. Reach out to SFS Group today to experience the benefits of their innovative approach firsthand and take your construction projects to the next level.

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