Like the coach of a team, the GCs role is to make sure that everyone knows the game plan, everyone knows their role, and everyone is in sync. How do Subs define good communication?
It starts with clarity. Clear expectations are fundamental to a successful construction project, beginning at the bidding stage. The GC needs to provide all the critical information and communication from the design team and the owner as to what is expected. This allows the Sub to anticipate the challenges and know what and how to deliver. Subs want the GC to clarify the scope and services he requires. What services is the GC going to provide and what do they want the Subs to providea lull to transport materials, a lift to transport the Subs workforce and materials up and down in the building, dumpsters, temporary power for the office trailers, a tower crane? The best GCs are meticulous about clarifying these kinds of details so there are no surprises or misunderstandings down the line. Beyond the bidding stage, communication remains paramount. As Matt Westegard suggests, I think most often where things begin to become unraveled is when the communication stops. We are in a very physica
