ForConstructionPros.com

There is nothing like spring, especially if you're a baseball fan. Preparing for your construction season is similar to a professional baseball team preparing for its season. Even if your business is ongoing for 12 months, there is still a subconscious "spring training" thought process.

Consider my Spring Training Punch List for contractors - things you should have in your playbook to bring your team to a championship season.

1. Review your strategic vision & plan.
You may have heard the old expression, "If you always do what you always did, you'll always get what you always got!" Each year you need to dust off the old strategic plan and spend some serious time assessing where you are, per your plan, and whether you are prepared for the oncoming season. Successful contractors complete their strategic thinking time well before their employees begin the season. Make your updates and revisions and focus on what you want to accomplish.

2. Assess labor, equipment & vendors.
The three primary direct costs on every job include labor, equipment and materials. Therefore, take a very honest assessment of your employees. Do you have workers who need to be educated on new skills? Is it time to promote one of your crew members to a full crew foreman this year? Is this the workforce you feel confident with?

In regards to equipment, answer these questions: What shape is your equipment in? What preventive maintenance plan do you have, in writing? What pieces of equipment would you be wise to rent/lease versus purchase depending on the type of year you're expecting?