Every construction professional knows that building a structure requires blueprints, materials, and skilled labor. Yet when it comes to building a profitable business, many contractors operate without the equivalent of a financial blueprint. The difference between a thriving construction company and one that barely breaks even often comes down to how diligently the owner tracks […]
Since 1997, JLC’s Notebook column has tracked the evolving business landscape of professional construction. Four topics from that era Internet marketing for contractors, steel door safety hazards, NAHB performance guidelines, and standardized remodeling contracts remain deeply relevant to building professionals today. This article examines how each topic has developed over the past two decades and
Every builder knows the sinking feeling of a project that starts spinning out of control. The contract was airtight. The scope was clear. Yet somehow the job drifted, costs crept up, and the relationship with the client turned adversarial. The missing piece is often not the contract itself but the systems that translate that contract
Everything You Need to Know About Fidic Contracts No contractor sets out expecting a job to go sour. Yet as many in the construction industry learn the hard way, a single problematic client can turn a seemingly smooth project into a costly legal battle. The first line of defense against such outcomes is not better
New England Construction Business: Navigating Rising Costs, Labor Shortages, and Regulatory Shifts Contractors across New England are facing one of the most complex operating environments in recent memory. Material costs remain volatile, the labor market is historically tight, and regulatory changes are emerging from statehouses in Boston, Hartford, and Augusta. Running a profitable construction business
For construction subcontractors, the difference between a thriving operation and one that barely breaks even often comes down to how well the business side is managed. Skilled tradespeople excel at their craft, but many struggle with the paperwork, tracking, and financial discipline required to run a profitable subcontracting business. A systematic subcontractor notebook approach transforms
Running a successful construction business requires more than skilled trades and reliable subcontractors. Just as a physician tracks vital signs to assess a patient’s health, savvy contractors monitor baseline financial numbers to diagnose what is working in their business and what needs attention. Without ever visiting a job site, you can predict the long-term viability
Builders and remodelers across New England face a rapidly evolving landscape of legal requirements, construction technology, and business practices. From the historic stone walls that define the region’s character to modern energy-efficient heating systems, staying informed is critical for success. This article provides a comprehensive update on the key legal and business considerations shaping the
Contractors who consistently control costs, sweat the details, and work smart are the ones who stay in business and remain profitable. Those who fail to monitor productivity, control overhead, and build efficient organizations are often the first to fail when market conditions tighten. Understanding which business practices hurt profitability most is essential for long-term survival.
Just as a physician checks your weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure to assess your physical health, construction business owners can use key financial metrics to assess the health of their companies. In her article “Business Forum: Diagnosing Your Business” published in the Journal of Light Construction, business consultant Judith Miller drew a powerful analogy between
