Do you utilize battery-powered tools?
Handheld battery-powered tools have come a long way from their first iterations, especially over the past few years. I've started making the switch away from gas-powered equipment throughout the last few seasons for my business and have found the switch to be positive for my workflow and bottom line. This is a trend I believe will continue as batteries become more powerful and long-lasting. Are you utilizing any battery-powered equipment and, if so, do you have any favorites you'd like to share??
System to handle subcontractors payments
Hi I’m trying to implement a solution to paying our subcontractors as efficiently as possible. We send out their contracts for signatures and get them on the schedule. We pay each of them 3 draws. The first is on the day they start the second is the day everything is installed (when all the tile have been installed or all the drywall is up and mudded) and the final payment is when it’s completed and inspected for approval. I’m manually uploading the signed contracts, pictures and payment expenses into jobber which takes a lot of time that could be utilized in other areas of growing our company. Currently they are sending pictures through texts and asking for payments which has become a nightmare to keep up with. Im looking for a solution to streamline the process for the subs and for us while being user friendly and easy to navigate for someone that may not be familiar with tech. Does anyone have any ideas? as an add on I would love to incorporate a bonus structure for incentive to complete jobs accurately and in a timely manner
Non billable hour tracking in Jobber (time clock workarounds)
I use Jobber and am finding the Time Clock feature too limited for my needs. While I don’t plan on switching from Jobber any time soon, I wanted to reach out to the community to see what others have done in this situation. I can’t imagine I’m the only one facing this issue. My main concern is that the "General" time clock category hides too much information. Having only the options for clocking "Job Time" or "General" time leaves a lot of room for error, in my opinion. For example, when a team member has a slow day and completes various "overhead" or "non-billable" tasks, it all gets lumped under "General" time. For our company, these tasks include picking up chemicals from a supplier, fixing a headlight on a truck, delivering door hangers, etc. Relying on team members to make their own notes after the fact or expecting an admin to remember these details later feels unsustainable. If we see that a team member has clocked 5 hours on a job and 3 hours under "General" time, it could easily be mistaken for them simply forgetting to clock out for the day. My team is small, but I imagine this issue is even more pronounced in larger teams. Can anyone suggest workarounds or solutions they’ve found? Maybe I need to put more focus on verifying these manual adjustments, but that feels quite labor-intensive. Thanks!How do you utilize reports in your business?
I am curious to hear which reports you consider most valuable in your business and what actions are taken based on those reports if anyone is willing to share. Are there reports that you use regularly in Jobber or reports that you wish were part of Jobber? If so how do you utilize the information that the reports provide? Are changes made based on the reports? Is the data used to create the reports monitored internally for consistency? Thanks for sharing all input is helpful!
Green?
So, as a general contractor, framing, cabinetry, finish carpentry, flooring, and painting as my trades, I am looking into a new form of construction. Literally building the entire structure out of styrofoam. Walls, roof, floors, everything. Curious what this forum/chat would think of it. Is there a niche in northern Arizona for an alternative form of building? A green way of construction in both residential and commercial applications? strataus.comThe Importance of Proper Planning in New Construction and Home Improvement Projects
Embarking on a new construction or home improvement project can be an exciting venture, but without proper planning, it can quickly become a costly and time-consuming ordeal. One of the most critical aspects of this planning involves understanding the timelines and requirements associated with land surveying and permit acquisition. Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays In the land surveying industry, turnaround times for documents can vary significantly depending on the time of year and current demand. It is essential to plan ahead and allow for a lead time of anywhere from 4 to 8 weeks for surveying and the creation of permit or plot plans. This time frame ensures that all necessary details are accurately captured and processed. Understand the Approval Process For projects that require recorded maps, such as those needing county approval and recording, the process can take even longer. Typically, this approval and recording can take a minimum of 2 to 3 months. Being aware of these timelines can help you plan your project more effectively and avoid unexpected delays. Get Accurate Quotes and Timelines When seeking quotes for land surveying services, it is crucial to obtain detailed turnaround times and to ask when the final documents will be ready for delivery. Some surveyors may promise quick fieldwork, but the actual mapping and documentation might take significantly longer. Ensure you are comparing apples to apples when evaluating quotes from different providers. This means understanding not just the cost, but also the scope of work and the time required to complete all necessary tasks. By properly planning your new construction or home improvement project, you can avoid unnecessary costs and wasted time. Being aware of the various stages and timelines involved in land surveying and permit acquisition allows you to make informed decisions and keep your project on track. Remember, the key to a successful project is not just in starting strong but also in ensuring every step is meticulously planned and executed. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the land surveying process.Quote Disclaimers - General Contracting
What kind of disclaimers, contract language do you include in every quote you send? We are a general contractor so the disclaimers can be vague-ish compared to a roofing company, etc. I just had a situation where I needed to add a dust control disclaimer. I asked ChatGPT for 5 disclaimers and it was super helpful but I'm curious what you always list on your quotes. For reference, this is what ChatGPT recommended: Here are five contract disclaimers for a general contracting business: Unforeseen Conditions: While we strive to accurately assess all project details during the planning phase, unforeseen conditions (such as hidden structural damage, hazardous materials, or utility conflicts) may arise during the project. These conditions could impact the scope, timeline, or cost of the project and will be addressed through a change order. Material Delays: [Your Company Name] is not responsible for delays caused by the unavailability of materials, supplier shortages, or other supply chain issues beyond our control. Any resulting delays may affect the project timeline, and adjustments will be communicated as promptly as possible. Owner-Provided Information: [Your Company Name] relies on the accuracy of information, plans, and documentation provided by the client or their representatives. Errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in this information may result in additional costs or delays, which are the responsibility of the client. Third-Party Contractors: In instances where the client employs third-party contractors or suppliers not under our direct control, [Your Company Name] assumes no liability for their performance, workmanship, or delays. Coordination with these third parties may impact the overall project schedule or quality. Environmental Factors: [Your Company Name] is not responsible for delays, damage, or additional costs caused by weather, natural disasters, or other environmental factors beyond our control. Any necessary adjustments to the project scope or timeline due to such events will be documented and discussed with the client. Each disclaimer ensures clarity in client expectations and protects your business from potential disputes.
Managing Fill in Jobs
Hi Community! One challenge we face is keeping track of fill in jobs or jobs that need a follow up visit but dont know exactly when it will happen. Having one central location or a way to keep track of all of these for easy reference would be key. We try to use the job status' as much as possible but turns out this does not always work. The work around we have done is creating a new customer named "Fill In" then created a new job titled "Fill In Jobs List". Now techs or **bleep** can add a new line item with scope of work, estimated duration and job number. Each new line item represents a separate fill in job. This puts all our fill ins in one location and we can reference it then direct to the job number in Jobber for scheduling. This works but don't feel its scalable. Curious what others have been doing for this! Thanks, Carson
