Challenge:
A successful construction project is dependent on several interconnected processes. From the office to the job site, an on-time and on-budget build requires communication, collaboration, and connectivity. And yet, anyone who has worked in construction long enough knows that it’s easier said than done.
Sometimes within construction teams, you don’t always have all the professionals or tools in-house that you need to complete a build. Many companies lack the budget and interest in hiring a full-time employee to manage certain workflows like accounting, takeoff, compliance, etc. They don’t want to carry the associated payroll costs or the
An inaccurate billing system, uninsured subs on the job site, and underestimated quantities for the project – all these issues stem from certain office workflows taking a back seat to job site pressures and lead to costly delays. This is when outsourced work should be considered in order to fill in the procedural cracks that are affecting your project completion success. Implementing 3rd party solutions or collaborating with partners is a great way to enhance your team’s capabilities and reach your project goals.
Solution:
Construction companies who do not have the time or budget to hire an employee for a specific workflow should consider outsourcing the job duty. Below are some important processes that can be outsourced in order to manage your business effectively and contribute to project success.
1. Accounting
Construction company owners who do not have a construction-savvy accountant are missing out. An outsourced accountant can provide a much-needed skillset while being budget-friendly because they are not full-time and don’t require benefits that employees do. When construction accounting is done well, owners gain better insight into their financial data and save money by avoiding costly mistakes or taking advantage of opportunities.
Construction Executive’s Top 10 Accounting Firms Ranked by Number of Construction CPAs: RSM US LLP, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), Eide Bailly LLP, Baker Tilly, Moss Adams, Crowe LLP, RubinBrown, CohnReznick LLp, CBIZ & MHM, Marcum LLP.
2. Takeoff and Estimating
When you outsource your estimating and takeoff process to experts you save money because you do not need a full-time estimator and you do not need to invest in expensive estimating software. Often contractors will purchase expensive software based on their estimator’s recommendation. However, if that estimator leaves then you are stuck with software that you do not know how to operate.
Outsourcing estimating is easy and cost effective – all they need from you is a set of plans! You’ll be able to save on overhead expenses, increase your bid volume, improve estimating efficiency, and win more projects.
Top Estimating and Takeoff Outsourcing Companies: Viatechnik, Total TakeOffs, OutsourcedEstimating.com, Outsource Estimating Inc.
3. Prequalification
>By outsourcing subcontractor prequalification, your company will get assurance that you’re working with safe, qualified, and socially responsible contractors and suppliers. You’ll be able to decrease the time it takes to analyze sub risk, annually or for a specific project. Qualify subs through automated analysis and recommendations so you can mitigate risks sooner and bid with confidence.
Top Subcontractor Prequal Outsourcing Companies: SmartBid, BROWZ Contractor Management Services – Prequalification, and Pickett Fence Virtual Services.
4. Compliance
Taking your chances with subcontractor compliance is risky business. Outsourcing the compliance process can reduce the burden for your team and save you considerable time, money, and headache down the road by preventing noncompliance issues.
Compliance tracking software helps collect and manage sub licenses, certificates of insurance and W-9 forms to ensure compliance. A majority of these automated solutions also offer full-service options in which their experienced insurance professionals manage the entire compliance process for you.
Top Subcontractor Certificate of Insurance Tracking Software: SmartCompliance, MyCoi, CertFocus, and Ebix.
5. Permit Expedition
Using an outsourced permit expediter is ideal for contractors or architects with more than one project and require many permits to be managed across the country. Permit expediter service companies assist with due diligence, code consulting, application preparation, entitlement services, submittal services and get the project ready to issue. You’ll be able to get building permits faster by simplifying the difficult and complicated building permit process.
Top Permit Expedition Outsourcing Companies: Permit Place, Imperial Home Services, Express Permits, and Scout Services.
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