Consistency and repetition help develop routine and build momentum toward success. Consistency also forms habits that can become second nature, which can ramp up to continuous drive in one direction. Building a system that helps your program stay on a consistent track pays its dividends.
But will such a system address the ongoing and historically tragic issue of low productivity in housing construction? With so many entities muddled in the process of housing development, the ability to create consistencies and consistent practices becomes nearly impossible.
Some new programs are attempting to address the issue, according to Mark LaLiberte, principal partner at Construction Instruction, a group leading the industry with building science education and best practices, and panelist on the HIVE strategy panel with Maura McCarthy. McCarthy, co-founder of Blu Homes, was one of the first to identify processes and create a system with consistent, manufactured housing. LaLiberte points to others who are also investing in new programs with success.
“CalAtlantic has a system for pre-framed walls that are sheathed and brought to the jobsite on a flatbed truck that took the inconsistencies out of the framing process,” LaLiberte says. “The ground crew only has to attach everything, which means they can do nearly 15 homes per day. A true case where the consistencies deliver results.”
Gerald McCaughey, founder of Entekra, also sees value from automating the trades and has created a formula to drive consistency and save time, which allows him to build at lower costs. He looks at the sequencing of the process, the rhythm, and the efficiencies that can be derived from each part—the equivalent of orchestrating a symphony in housing. Another firm, Katerra, also builds prefabricated sections of buildings in its factory in Arizona. It benefits from doing every stage of construction itself, as opposed to relying on a tangle of subcontractors.
Other builders are looking at additional areas to improve beyond the construction process. For instance, LaLiberte says some are adopting new software systems such as Hyphen that synchronize timelines, contractors, and payments. With so many parties involved in one project, one thing out of sync can send the rest of the schedule into a downward spiral. But, technology is helping to improve communication and reduce the amount of labor and scheduling issues. Now there is visibility to when supplies arrive and when the labor should follow.
LaLiberte also mentions DIGIBILT, an online service that puts a house design into a BIM model that goes directly into a material list. This software as a service can expedite the bidding process and provide consistencies in bidding. The digital model of the building and its related component details are all automated and are double checked against material that arrives at the jobsite.
“Plus, at the end of the day, the software calls the contractor and finds out if they completed the work and it can be saved into the software,” LaLiberte says. “Based on their response, the schedule is automatically updated. Then other contractors can see when they are up on the schedule, and have on-demand access to any changes.”
These advancements in technology help coordination overall and put projects on a faster route to completion. However, a language barrier is one of the main issues that many subcontractors face and it needs a different approach.
“Uneducated trades and language barriers are dampening consistencies and challenging processes,” LaLiberte says.
When language is a barrier on the jobsite, using technology is critical. New technologies, such as language translation apps, can quickly help overcome language challenges. Joseph McFadden, president of McFadden & Associates, is a specialist in the effects of language and culture on occupational safety and health and offers these tips to contractors dealing with this issue and inconsistency.
- Pair a new, non-English-speaking worker with a seasoned employee. This helps the newcomer learn safety rules and language and promotes cultural understanding between the workers.
- Select some non-American holidays celebrated by employees and organize workplace observances. This gives employees from other countries the feeling that their culture is respected and better understood by others.
- Remember that when employees are faced with differences, they sometimes resort to horseplay and practical jokes, gestures that can lead to serious injury. Human resources and safety professionals should work together to root out such behavior.
- Conduct safety training in both English and the language of the native speakers, using translators.
- Make liberal use of visual aids to demonstrate hazards. For example, to illustrate the importance of goggles, use a head form from a beauty supply shop. Place safety goggles on the head and splash pretend acid (colored water) on it. When the goggles are removed, the students can see how well they protect.
With language and in many other cases, technological advancements are improving the work environment by reducing questions. LaLiberte points out that every contractor now has a smartphone, which has become one of trade’s most critical tools.
Take part in this discussion at HIVE. Register now to see McCarthy and LaLiberte discuss how housing will advance into the future.
