When You Shouldn’t Cut Corners in Your Building Trades Business

In the construction industry, it’s all about margins, and anything you can do to reduce them seems like a good idea, right? Well, it doesn’t always work out that way, and sometimes, cutting corners can lead to more problems, and less profits down the line.

That being the case, let’s take a look at 6 times when it doesn’t pay to cut corners if you’re in the construction biz.

1. Equipment Repair: Don’t Wait for the Breakdown 

Ignoring that “strange noise” your machinery has been making is a no-go. It’s like ignoring a dancing elephant in the room – eventually, it’s going to demand your attention, likely at the most inconvenient time. Regular maintenance and prompt repairs are key. Not only that but let the experts do it. DIY chainsaw repair might seem like a good idea, for example, but if it goes wrong, it might not just be a big equipment bill you are facing! 

2. Safety Training

Safety training is as crucial as a hard hat on a construction site. Trying to save time or money by skimping on this is like playing hopscotch in a minefield – not a wise move. Ensuring everyone knows how to dodge the metaphorical bullets keeps your crew safe and litigation at bay. Plus, a team that ends the day with as many fingers and toes as they started with is usually a happy one.

3. Quality Materials: The Foundation of Everything

Using subpar materials is like baking a cake with expired flour – the end result is going to leave a bad taste in everyone’s mouth. Quality materials are the bedrock of any sturdy construction project. Compromising here is like building your castle on sand, literally and figuratively. Remember, in the game of construction, the tortoise and his quality materials win the race.

4. Hiring Qualified Personnel

On the hunt for new talent? Remember, hiring unqualified personnel for the sake of saving a few bucks is like inviting a bull into a china shop – something’s going to break, and it won’t be pretty. Skilled workers are worth their weight in gold, or in this case, concrete.

5. Permits and Legalities: Don’t Play Hide and Seek with the Law

Trying to dodge the legal hoops and hurdles is about as smart as juggling flaming chainsaws – not very. Ensure all your permits are in order and that you’re up to code on all fronts. The only surprise visits you want on your site are from the taco truck, not the local inspector.

6. Final Inspections

Last, but really not least, final inspections. Rushing through or skipping these is a surefire way to ensure your project has more hidden issues than a hastily planned elopement. Thorough inspections ensure that the only thing collapsing are your clients into relieved, happy heaps because their project is done right.

Cutting corners in the construction business is a game of Russian roulette where the stakes are high and there’s a good chance you won’t win, so be careful what you do and don;t skimp on!