The role of a specialty contractor is not easy, but it is rewarding.
There are practical skills like learning how to budget or set up a comprehensive schedule. And then there are characteristics you either need to adopt or hone in on.Whether you are looking for a change in career or want to improve in your current position, here are nine important traits of a successful specialty contractor.
1. Master Your Trade
The best specialty contractors are those who know their trade inside and out. They move efficiently, like clockwork, because they know that the sooner they finish up, the sooner they can move onto the next job.Ultimately, that’s time and money saved on two projects.
2. Know Your Weaknesses
Honesty is the best policy, understand what is realistic for you and your team and don’t agree to anything more.It’s important to always read the entirety of the contract before signing on the dotted line and promising something that you can’t deliver.
3. Be Reliable and Available
One of the biggest complaints that GCs make about specialty contractors is lack of dependability.Luckily, this one is an easy fix: listen and take notes, be on time, answer your phone, and meet your deadlines.
4. Communicate Problems and Provide Solutions
No one wants to hear a lame excuse or apology for why you can’t get something done.If there is a problem or something unexpected happens, come to the table prepared with what you’ll need and how you’re gonna get it done correctly and safely.
5. Find Out What Works and Stick to It
Standardizing and instituting basic procedures like payroll and communicating with the GC across your entire team is extremely important.When you can rely on your communication and business processes, you not only increase your productiveness you increase your profits.
6. Prioritize Quality Over Quantity
Never sacrifice the quality of your work in exchange for a faster or more profitable job.In the end, you could find yourself dealing up with a huge rework ordeal and set everyone back, including you and your team, in time and money.
7. Provide Positive Customer Service
This one should go without saying, and yet it is often disregarded or just completely ignored.Be fair and friendly not only to your GC but to the other trades who are working with and around you.
8. Rely on Your Team
Communicate with your team and be sure that they are always in the know in regards to the schedule.When you can guarantee that your team always has the tools, materials, and knowledge of scope to mobilize, your GC can trust that you will get the job done right.
9. Don’t Be Afraid to Embrace Technology
In this digital age, staying complacent and set in your ways can be detrimental to your bottom line, and your reputation.By embracing a project management software system like Procore, you can deliver projects on schedule and on budget by providing your GC with real-time productivity info.
At the end of the day, the most successful specialty contractors blend these traits with their experience and education. So, what’s the bottom line?
Combining all these traits could make the difference between being a good specialty contractor, and being an excellent one. Learn more about Procore for Specialty Contractors. Supporting everyone and every trade with construction project management software that goes wherever you need it to.
I like how you said that the best contractors will be a master of their trade and can save you money by working efficiently. My husband and I want to find a reliable roofing contractor in our new area since it’s pretty common to get damage from intense weather here. Thanks for teaching me what factors to consider as we start reaching out to potential roofers for the job soon.