Six Shortcuts You Can’t Afford to Take With Your Construction Project

Shortcuts can be helpful. There are lots of handy shortcuts to make math easier. You can even watch a movie or use CliffsNotes to skip reading long, boring novels. However, when it comes to construction projects, shortcuts can mean big trouble and costly repairs down the line.

Buying Cheap Materials

Opting for lower quality materials to cut costs can lead to major issues in the future. While it’s not necessary to purchase top-of-the-line products, you should use quality materials that will perform as intended. It’s not worth cutting your budget a little now only to start pouring money into repairs in the next year or two.

Taking the Lowest Bid

When it comes to contracting any part of your job, think of professional services the same way as materials: cheapest isn’t always best. If one contracting is underbidding everyone else, then there’s usually good reason, and you may want to pass them over. You want a quality contractor who’s licensed, insured, and focused on doing the job correctly.

Ignoring Safety

If there’s a rush to get a job done, it’s tempting to cut corners, which can lead to injuries. Make sure all safety measures are followed and crews have all of the safety equipment necessary to do the job. If you see something when you’re stopping by, it’s important to say something.

Allowing a Messy Work Site

It can be tempting to put off cleanup duty, especially if it’s been a long day. Trash, excess materials, and packing items can disguise tools, supplies, safety concerns, and problems with the building. A dirty site also invites pests and critters onto the property. If you notice the worksite is not being cleaned, be sure to speak up.

Ignoring the Details When Installing Siding

Whether you’re using siding, synthetic stone, or brick, it’s important to ensure the materials are applied correctly. Don’t skip the building wrap if siding is being used. Ensure synthetic stone is installed properly so it moves with the building as it settles. Brick requires weep holes and an air space between the brick and wood.

Neglecting to Check in Regularly

Stop by the site daily to check in with progress and make sure things are being done correctly. Take pictures to keep track of each step—especially the walls when the frame, plumbing, and wiring are all visible. 

It can be very tempting to do whatever it takes to cut costs, but when it comes to building projects, shortcuts can end up costing more than they initially save. The old adage, “You get what you pay for” has stood the test of time because it’s been proven true time and again. While you can’t control everything, it’s important to keep an eye on your project and ask questions if something doesn’t seem right.

If you’re ready to start a building project, reach out to the professionals at Pro-Line Building Company to get started!