Under the Hard Hat

Tag: Professional development

  • Adaptive reuse: Giving old buildings new life

    Adaptive reuse: Giving old buildings new life

    Adaptive reuse is an architectural design principle that focuses on repurposing existing buildings for new uses while maintaining the existing historic and architectural features. Taking on an adaptive reuse project helps preserve cultural heritage, slow urban sprawl, reduce construction costs, and optimize building energy consumption. 

    What is adaptive reuse?

    Image courtesy of The Telegraph

    Walking through any city, you’ll find dozens, sometimes hundreds, of old, abandoned, and vacant buildings. A growing architectural approach called “adaptive reuse” paves the way for new life from old, empty historic buildings.

    The adaptive reuse design principle repurposes existing buildings that have outlived their original purpose. The main goal is to preserve the buildings’ natural architectural and historic features while transforming them and giving them a new purpose and life. 

    You’ll see this often—old churches or industrial buildings turned into ultra-modern lofts or an old abandoned warehouse converted into a shopping center or mixed-use venue. 

    Put simply, adaptive reuse breathes new life into old historic structures by transforming them into something useful for the surrounding area. 

    Commercial developers usually tackle these projects because they have the financial means and construction expertise to complete them successfully.

    4 reasons why developers should adopt adaptive reuse

    1. Maintains historic and cultural heritage

    Most cities are plentiful with historic buildings, and one of the main goals of adaptive reuse is to preserve that history. It restores culturally significant buildings and sites that would otherwise be demolished for new buildings or left to decay. 

    2. Slows urban sprawl

    Urban sprawl—unrestricted expansion into urban areas—is happening everywhere. It occurs when builders must expand outside city limits to find new construction sites. And while new infrastructure is key to growth, urban sprawl is a huge contributor to air pollution and significantly impacts the environment, traffic patterns, and infrastructure costs. Adaptive reuse is one of the easiest ways to counter urban sprawl.

    3. Reduces construction costs

    Adaptive reuse projects are often less costly than starting new from the ground up. Plus, it’s also more sustainable and time efficient since companies avoid the legal, regulatory, and political challenges of demolition projects.

    4. Optimizes energy consumption

    When repurposing old buildings, contractors can implement energy-efficient and sustainable practices, such as environmentally friendly heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems that help increase energy efficiency and reduce running costs.

    5 types of adaptive reuse

    1. Facade

    Facadism is a type of adaptive reuse that preserves the building’s facade (the front part or exterior) while demolishing most of the remaining building. This process is called a facadectomy—it preserves the streetscape view but updates the bulk of the building. However, this type of adaptive reuse can be pricey since the historic (and fragile) exterior must be supported and protected during construction. 

    2. Integration

    In an integration, an existing historic structure is built within an entirely new structure—it’s ‘integrated’ into a new building, allowing the original building to be preserved while enclosed in a new site. One of the best examples of integration is Denmark’s Jægersborg Water Tower, which now stands as student housing.

    3. Renovation

    Adaptive reuse naturally implies some semblance of renovation, but while renovation generally involves repairing and refinishing but preserving the building’s original purpose, renovation in adaptive reuse implies transforming the building’s use. Put simply, renovation replaces elements of a historical building that are in poor condition but maintain their core structure and appearance.

    4. Infrastructure

    Adaptive reuse isn’t limited to just historical buildings—it can also be applied to infrastructure, such as bridges, viaducts, and grain silos. Many adaptive reuse projects transform outdated or unused infrastructure into parts of a community.

    5. Historic preservation

    Adaptive reuse and historic preservation preserve a building’s integrity and history but take different approaches. Adaptive reuse repurposes an old building or site for a new use—a compromise between preserving and demolishing. On the other hand, historic preservation maintains the building’s existing form, integrity, and materials without integrating new materials, additions, or structural alterations. That said, minimally invasive procedures, like mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) upgrades required to meet new building codes, are typically allowed, according to standards published by the National Park Service.

    Put simply, adaptive reuse offers the flexibility to use new, more efficient architectural materials while paying homage to the building or structure’s history.

    Cool adaptive reuse projects across North America

    The High Line, New York City, New York

    The High Line in New York City is one of the most well-known adaptive reuse projects—and a fantastic example of adaptive reuse isn’t relegated to just buildings. Opened in 1934, the High Line railway enabled the transportation of food items, but it became inoperable in the 80s with the rise of transport trucks. After decades of disuse, Joshua David and Robert Hammond founded Friends of the High Line, a non-profit conservancy, to advocate for preserving and reusing the High Line as a public space. Transformed by landscape architecture firm James Corner Field Operations, design studio Diller Scofidio + Renfro, and planting designer Piet Oudolf, the High Line now operates as a public park.

    Ghirardelli Square, San Francisco, California

    Ghirardelli Square was originally a chocolate factory established by Domenico “Domingo” Ghirardelli in the mid-1800s. The company was sold in the 1960s and transferred to San Leandro. Fearing the building might be demolished, a group of San Franciscans purchased it and repurposed it into a mixed-use complex featuring shops and restaurants. It officially opened on November 29, 1964.

    Low-carbon community, Blatchford, Alberta

    Edmonton’s City Centre Airport, which functioned as Canada’s first licensed airstrip in 1927, was decommissioned in 2013. The airport’s 217 hectares would be converted into a walkable, densely populated, carbon-neutral development housing 30,000 people. The vision was bold, and the centrally located City Centre Airport land was a blank slate. 

    The 12 airport buildings were disassembled, and building materials were removed and repurposed for other sites. Any buildings that could not be reused as complete units were recycled in their component parts and sold back to companies—asphalt, concrete, and gravel were sold back to the construction industry and aviation-related fixtures were purchased by an airport undergoing expansion.

    Cotton Factory, Hamilton, Ontario

    The former site of the Imperial Cotton Co. built in 1900 is a prime example of adaptive reuse. Sitting in the heart of lower Hamilton, The Cotton Factory has been transformed, breathing new life into a historic industrial building. It stands as a creative industries complex, offering space for workshops and small manufacturing, office space for creative professionals, and studios for artists. 

    Monique Corriveau Library, Sainte Foy, Quebec

    A mid-century modern church, the Saint-Denys-du-Plateau church in Quebec, was given a new life in 2013 and transformed into the Monique Corriveau Library, a modern public library and community center. The church was built in Sainte-Foy in 1964 and was architecturally innovative, even then. Its glass walls between the descending beams formed an open conversation between the congregation inside and the community outside—this prompted its transformation into a public library, a community center, and a cafe. The building was modernized and equipped with the latest technology, but the original structure was left intact.

    Roundhouse, Vancouver, British Colombia

    Once the home and service station for great steam locomotives, the Roundhouse is a culturally significant building in the City of Vancouver from an architectural and social perspective. With the rise of diesel-powered engines, the once-vibrant building was abandoned and slated for demolition. Given its uncertain fate, Vancouver residents rallied and helped revive the space as a thriving community center. Roundhouse is Vancouver’s oldest heritage building, which remains on its original site. 

    Montreal Tower, Montreal, Quebec

    The Olympic Tower has been one of Montreal’s most distinctive landmarks since its completion in 1987. , has finally undergone a renaissance. Initially constructed for the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympic Games, the tower spent most of its post-Olympic years vacant. Renamed the Montreal Tower, this architectural gem was repurposed to house more than 1,000 Desjardins Group employees as a modern office space. The project was extensive and enhanced the existing structure’s architectural features and historic elements.

    Evergreen Brick Works, Toronto, Ontario

    In 2010, Evergreen transformed a collection of 16 deteriorating historical buildings and an adjacent 16-hectare public park in Toronto into a global showcase for green design—collectively, they’re called Evergreen Brick Works, Canada’s first large-scale community environmental center in the heart of Toronto, Canada.

    Evergreen Brick Works is open year-round to the public. The site and surrounding trails and ravines see more than 500,000 annual visitors experience its magic—public markets, conferences and events, outdoor learning and nature play opportunities, and public art exhibitions. It’s now a space where people can learn about incorporating regenerative practices into the design of public places to help them heal and grow.

    Portland Japanese Garden, Portland, Oregon

    The Portland Japanese Garden is a prime example of the fact that not all adaptive reuse projects focus on transforming interior spaces or historic buildings. Growing cultural ties between Oregon and Japan inspired the gardens. Mayor Terry Schrunk and members of the Portland community came up with the idea to build a Japanese garden on the site of the old zoo in Washington Park. The park served two purposes: it provided the citizens of Portland with a garden of incredible beauty and serenity. It forged a healing connection to Japan on the heels of World War II. It enabled Americans to experience firsthand Japanese ideals and values communicated solely through nature.

    Union Station, Denver, Colorado

    Train stations across America showcase some of the country’s grandest architectural works. Denver’s Union Station opened its doors in 1881 and was the gateway to the growing city. It spanned 500 feet and was adorned with a 180-foot clock tower. At the time, the station was the tallest building in the West. With train travel being phased out by other modes of transportation, the Station gradually fell into disuse. In 2001, efforts began to revitalize the historic landmark, culminating in a grand reopening of the reimagined Denver Union Station—a multi-use complex housing boutique shops, restaurants, and lounges.

    The future of construction might be in the past

    Adaptive reuse plays an integral role in the redevelopment of cities across the globe. In the best cases, these projects retain timeless architectural features and cultural significance, finding new spaces for people and businesses to gather. But adaptive reuse isn’t just about retaining cultural landmarks—they can also help reduce the environmental impact of construction by reusing existing materials and avoiding demolition and waste.

    While not all buildings can be repurposed, contractors and construction companies should consider adaptive reuse to solve building challenges, especially when sites are hard to come by. Abandoned factories and warehouses, old theaters, and neglected office buildings are waiting for someone to see the potential and make them the hottest and most sought-after new venue on the block. 

  • A contractor’s etiquette lesson: to be a neighborly contractor, love your neighbors

    A contractor’s etiquette lesson: to be a neighborly contractor, love your neighbors

    Urban renewal is in full swing all over the US. With projects booming in suburbs and metro areas, disruption has become the norm. To be a neighborly contractor, there are some rules you’ll want to follow—be realistic with your project schedule, follow local building codes, don’t be overly noisy, and be courteous of residents.

    Avoiding the local code enforcement officer should be an understood objective of any contracting company, which means following local building codes, staying safe on the job, and not intentionally or unwittingly angering the neighbors.

    To be a neighborly contractor, be mindful of the work you’re doing and how it impacts people around the project. 

    In simple terms, you need to love your neighbor.

    6 etiquette rules for neighborly contractors

    1. Define an achievable and swift project schedule

    When working in a residential area, keep your projects timely. Construction sites aren’t known to be quiet, and neighbors don’t want to hear noise for years on end. A contractor should plan a timely completion without compromising work quality.

    Feeling no deadline pressure can engender tardiness or infrequent work and an apathetic attitude among workers.

    2. Follow local building codes and permits

    Every job site has specific codes and permits that dictate when they can work. Disregarding permits and codes can result in city official visits and hefty fines.

    3. Keep a clean worksite

    Job sites are fenced off for a reason—they aren’t safe for the general public to enter without proper PPE. To avoid injuries, ensure you keep your job site clean. Where possible, clean up debris and excess materials. 

    “Consideration for the rights and feelings of others is not merely a rule for behavior in public but the very foundation upon which social life is built.”

    —Emily Post

    4. Remember, you’re a guest in the area

    While you may be at your location for a job, you’re still a guest in the area. Behave as courteously as if you were staying with long-lost relatives on an out-of-town visit.

    Be kind. Never bicker with, heckle, flip off, curse, or in any way quarrel with neighbors around the project.

    5. Don’t drag out the project timeline

    Remember that your project impacts others in the area and you don’t want to cause unnecessary disruptions.

    Unless you hit major roadblocks, like a lack of proper financing, stick to your project timeline and aim to complete it as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality.

    6. Never use one work site to stage materials for another

    Cities have zoning laws to separate land uses in a reasonable way. That’s why you’ll never find large piles of gravel and other industrial materials in residential areas—they aren’t permitted. Storing materials on a residential street isn’t just illegal—it’s also highly disruptive. 

  • Bridging the construction skills gap, brick by brick

    Bridging the construction skills gap, brick by brick

    The lack of qualified workers in the skilled trades is perhaps one of the biggest issues facing the construction industry. It’s estimated that the industry needs more than 250,000 workers by 2028 to meet its goals​​​​—this includes everything from building homes to maintaining infrastructure. A lack of labor doesn’t just slow down projects, it has massive impacts on the economy, and tackling this issue requires a mix of short-term fixes and long-term strategies.

    Quick look

    • The construction industry needs about 501,000 additional workers in 2024 to balance supply and demand.
    • Many applicants lack the necessary skills, making it tough for companies to meet project deadlines.
    • Fewer young people are entering the trades, preferring other career paths, which reduces the number of new entrants in construction.
    • Over 20% of construction workers are 55 or older, leading to a significant loss of experienced workers as they retire.
    • Investing in training programs, apprenticeship opportunities, and government initiatives can help bridge the skills gap and build a skilled workforce.

    What’s the deal with labor shortages?

    First, there’s a significant shortage of applicants for the positions available. This shortage is causing major headaches for construction companies trying to keep up with project demands. For instance, the U.S. construction industry needs to attract about 501,000 additional workers in 2024 to balance supply and demand. This figure underscores the critical shortage of workers needed to keep projects on track​​.

    Even when people do apply, many lack the skills needed for the job. This skills gap means companies struggle to find workers who can handle specific tasks, making it harder to meet project deadlines and maintain quality. This issue is compounded by the fact that 31% of construction employers find it challenging to find suitably skilled staff, particularly with aging workers closing in on retirement. 

    Waning interest in trades

    One big reason behind the industry shortage is that fewer young people are interested in construction careers. Many see these jobs as physically demanding and less appealing compared to other career paths. This perception, along with a cultural shift towards more tech and office jobs, has led to a significant drop in new entrants to the trades​​.

    The aging workforce is also a concern. More than 1 in 5 construction workers are 55 or older, meaning a large portion of experienced workers are nearing retirement. This trend is particularly worrying because it not only reduces the number of available workers but also leads to a loss of valuable experience and expertise​​.

    Fixing the skills gap

    One effective way to fix the skills gap is by offering proper training and education to new hires. If we can take people who are interested but lack the necessary skills and give them the training they need, we can start to bridge the gap. This might involve more apprenticeship programs, online training courses, and partnerships with educational institutions​​​​.

    Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) also has a network of over 800 apprenticeships, craft, health, safety, and management education programs. These initiatives help bring in fresh talent and ensure they receive the training required to succeed in the industry​​.

    The immediate impact of these efforts can be significant. By hiring individuals who are keen to work and providing them with opportunities to gain the skills they need, companies can build a more capable workforce. This approach helps to fill positions more quickly and ensures that workers are well-prepared for the demands of the job.

    The challenges of hiring during labor shortages

    Resource constraints

    One of the biggest challenges for construction companies, especially smaller ones, is the lack of in-house training resources. These companies often struggle to provide the necessary training for new hires who don’t yet have the skills they need. Training programs can be expensive and require dedicated staff, which many smaller companies can’t afford. This makes it hard to get new workers up to speed quickly.

    The difficulties of training new hires

    Construction work requires precise skills to do the job safely and effectively. Without proper training, the risk of mistakes, injuries, and accidents increases exponentially—a high liability for companies.

    Compound that with the fact that many experienced workers are nearing retirement. The average age of a construction worker is 42.5 years, and most older workers aren’t planning on working into their 70s. This means there’s a big need to pass on their knowledge and skills to younger workers, but without structured training programs, this transfer of knowledge can be hit-or-miss.

    Smaller companies also face high turnover rates because they can’t always offer the competitive wages and benefits that larger firms can. As such, they have to keep training new workers, which takes both time and money​​​​.

    Addressing the trades skills gaps

    While the lack of in-house training resources and difficulties training unskilled new hires present significant challenges, strategic investments in external training programs and partnerships with trade schools and community colleges can help. Apprenticeship programs are also ideal because they offer structured training and a clear career path for new workers. These programs are also crucial for valuable hands-on experience. 

    Bridging the skills gap in the trades also requires a focus on education and training. The goal is to do more with the workforce we already have by providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to excel. Here are a few ways to do that.

    Online training

    Online training programs are a fantastic resource. They offer flexibility and accessibility, allowing workers to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule. This is especially helpful for those who can’t attend traditional classes due to work or personal commitments.

    The National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER) is just one online training portal that provides a range of online courses covering various construction skills. These courses are designed to be interactive and engaging, making it easier for workers to retain what they’ve learned. The “Build Your Future” campaign is another option, offering online resources and training modules to help kickstart your career in construction.

    Apprenticeship programs

    Apprenticeship programs are another invaluable tool for addressing the skills gap. They combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, giving apprentices a comprehensive learning experience. These programs are crucial because they allow workers to earn while they learn, making them more accessible to a wider range of people.

    Pro tip The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) is a great resource for finding apprenticeship programs across the United States, covering trades such as carpentry, electrical work, and plumbing. 

    Government-run programs

    Government initiatives also play a significant role in addressing the skills gap. These programs often provide funding and resources to support training and education efforts.

    A great example is the Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario (PBCTCO), which runs a free training program aimed at increasing female participation in the construction industry. This program offers online training tools and exclusive employment opportunities to job seekers, making it easier for women to enter and thrive in the construction trades. 

    The bottom line

    Addressing the construction skills gap is crucial for the industry’s future. Without enough skilled workers, projects get delayed, costs go up, and the quality of work suffers. This impacts not only the companies involved but also the economy and the communities that rely on these construction projects.

    It’s time for companies, educators, and government bodies to collaborate on solutions. Companies can invest in training and development programs, educators can create more accessible and engaging training courses, and governments can provide the necessary funding and support for these initiatives. 

    Together, we can build a stronger, more skilled workforce ready to meet the growing industry demands.

  • Solving the worker shortage, one employee at a time 

    Solving the worker shortage, one employee at a time 

    Employee retention is an issue for most businesses—especially in the construction field. If you want to keep your employees, show them respect, be grateful and give thanks, offer better benefits and perks, and provide growth and learning opportunities.

    What’s the problem?

    Experts say there is a serious shortage of workers in construction, which is impeding productivity and growth in the sector. 

    With wages stagnant in some areas, even among unions whose pay rates haven’t risen equally on pace with inflation, workers’ dollars just don’t buy as much as they used to. It’s disconcerting and often leads employees to consider finding greener pastures. 

    According to some sources, even with foreign-born immigrants swelling the ranks of the industry by upwards of 30 percent, there remains a need for hundreds of thousands more workers in construction. Some even suggest this lack of available workers is holding the industry back from greater success.

    How to improve employee retention

    Keeping workers content and willing to work starts with respect. Companies that don’t value their employees experience poor morale, and workers are unhappy and unproductive. Plus, employees feel trapped in a competitive market where new jobs are few and far between.

    Contractors must be able to build a competitive business that can pivot with market changes and plan for growth while retaining and attracting dedicated and skilled workers.

    There’s more that can be done to achieve this goal, but contractors must be willing to seek advice. 

    To attract and retain good workers, you need to treat them well and show them respect. Treat them as humans and recognize their success is your success. A company is only as good as its employees.

    While talking recently with a semi-retired union-trained insulator, I asked him how his bosses treated him. He laughed at the question, saying: “My boss treats me great.”

    I’d gleaned as much and more in my past conversations with this old friend, so I pried a bit more. “Does your boss ever give you a bonus for doing a good job?”

    “Of course. All the time,” he said.

    It turns out that his current employer gives him an extra day’s pay as a bonus pretty frequently, simply in gratitude for a job well done. The boss pays him well and also buys him lunch often, too. He treats his employees with respect and gives him an “Attaboy” often to thank him for a job well done.

    In addition to frequent praise, this employee has received gas allowances to help offset the cost of a long commute. Bonuses like these are a regular thing for him, and he was surprised that anyone would take note of them.

    When employee respect and value are commonplace within a company, worker retention levels are likely to be higher. 

    The bottom line: Fair payment, value and respect, and job stability are the forces driving employee retention.

    4 factors that improve retention rates

    Solving the employee shortage in construction doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are a few tips to retain employees and prevent a worker shortage:

    1. Respect. Treat all workers with dignity and respect. Everyone plays a valuable role in the workplace, and despite outside problems, workers show up and put their best effort forward—and that should be recognized.

    2. Gratitude and thanks. Something as simple as “great work today” speaks volumes to employees. People who feel their work is valued are more inclined to work harder and be happy doing it. Recognition and thanks for their effort inspire loyalty and dedication in workers. People need to know their work is valued—and valuable.

    3. Offer perks. Whether mileage payouts, lunch, or a year-end bonus, investing in the happiness of your employees is a direct investment in your company. Small actions can have a big impact.

    4. Growth opportunities. Retaining workers is tricky, but retraining good workers is even trickier. If you want them to stay, incentivize them. Offer learning or training opportunities, better pay, or equity in the company. When employees have a reason to stay (and they’re happy doing their job), they will.

  • Tips for getting into the skilled trades

    Tips for getting into the skilled trades

    A career in the skilled trades can be incredibly rewarding for people who enjoy hands-on work. While the industry is known for its high-stress environment and long work hours, it’s also flexible, variable, and offers many learning experiences.

    Why work in the trades?

    A job in the skilled trades is one of the most in-demand career paths. From high salaries to paid hands-on experience, you might decide to enter the trades for many reasons. 

    Here’s a brief overview of why you should choose a job in the trades.

    1. Skilled trades are in high demand
    2. Competitive salaries and excellent benefits
    3. Apprenticeship programs allow you to earn while you learn
    4. Red seal certification allows for job location flexibility
    5. Plenty of opportunities for career advancement
    6. High job satisfaction and security

    But getting into the skilled trades can be tricky if you’re not sure where to start. Here’s what you’ll need to get on the right path.

    What you’ll need to apply for a job in the trades

    1. Obtain a high school diploma or GED

    Career paths tend to start in high school, and if you haven’t obtained one already, you’ll need a high school diploma or GED—this is the minimum educational requirement for most jobs in the skilled trades. Most high schools offer hands-on courses like mechanics or woodworking to help you decide which trade you want to get into. 

    2. Pick a skilled trade

    This might sound like the most straightforward step, but finding the trade you want to specialize in can be tricky. With hundreds of trades, we recommend finding something you already have an interest or passion for. 

    • If you really love cars, you may want to consider an automotive mechanic
    • If you love metalworking, consider a career as a welder, millwright, or sheet metal worker
    • If you love building things with your hands, a career in carpentry or as an electrician might be the right path

    Many hobbies and interests correlate with skilled trades, so take the time to look inward and figure out what you enjoy and could see yourself doing as a career—and if you need extra help, hit the web and do some research! If you know people in the skilled trades, don’t hesitate to reach out to them for their opinions. 

    Pro Tip If you know you want to be in the skilled trades but aren’t sure where you want to specialize, companies like PeopleReady look for workers just starting in their career who need some guidance. You can check out job openings at jobs.peopleready.com.

    3. Find the appropriate training

    In most cases, training is done through apprenticeships. Apprenticeship programs allow you to gain practical hands-on experience in your trade while simultaneously completing in-class education. They typically take between two and five years to complete.

    One of the major benefits: you get paid to learn. Most programs consist of anywhere from 75-80% on-the-job experience and 20-25% in-class learning, and you’ll earn a percentage of a journeyperson’s salary depending on your level of training. 

    Plenty of resources are available to help you find an apprenticeship, or your college may do so.

    Remember: While apprenticeship programs are one route to entering the skilled trades, there are other ways to enter this rapidly growing industry. Some people choose to start as general laborers at small organizations, while others prefer to complete a certificate at a technical school or community college.

    Prepare for an apprenticeship

    Apprenticeship requirements will vary based on your province or state and trade, but might include:

    • Be at least 16 to 18 years old
    • Have legal permission to work in Canada or the United States
    • Meet the minimum educational requirements
    • Pass the entrance exam for your chosen apprenticeship program (if applicable)

    4. Obtain certification

    Obtaining additional certification is integral to moving up the ladder within the trades. 
    If you choose a college or tech school, you’ll usually be certified upon completing your program. But if you decide to pursue an apprenticeship, be sure to keep an eye out for the next steps of your career—i.e., becoming a journeyman.

    In most cases, becoming a journeyman takes about four years of apprenticeship work, depending on your trade, to apply for and take the test. Once you’ve completed and obtained your Certificate of Qualification (C of Q)—an official document proving you’re qualified within a particular skilled trade—you can legally work independently without supervision.

    Once you’ve become a journeyman, the next step is to obtain your master-level certification—of course, this is optional. If you want to pursue this path, it comes with additional training and testing, along with some significant perks. As a master of your trade, you’ll be at the top tier of your trade and will likely enjoy better pay, more benefits, and even the opportunity to lead a team and take on new responsibilities.

  • Top 5 causes of construction litigation—and how to avoid them

    Top 5 causes of construction litigation—and how to avoid them

    Disputes can happen at any stage within the construction process, from contract negotiations at the start of a project to non-payment when it’s complete. Contracts are put in place to establish clear guidelines and expectations between various parties during a project, but the end result may not be what was outlined—and a construction lawsuit might be the outcome.

    Quick look

    • Nonpayment by the project owner is one of the most common reasons for construction lawsuits.
    • Construction delays can happen due to labor shortages, material shortages, and weather—they’re the second most common construction project pitfall.
    • Workplace injuries are categorized into purposeful injuries by a worker leading to self-inflicted injuries or injury due to a lack of proper safety education or unsafe working conditions.
    • Insufficient work quality and failure to meet contractual terms are other reasons for construction litigation.

    Top 5 causes of construction litigation

    1. Nonpayment

    The problem: Contracts are put in place to establish guidelines—including work compensation. When a contractor completes a project and the owner doesn’t provide the agreed-upon compensation, contractors can file a lawsuit and sue for nonpayment. 

    In most cases of nonpayment, contractors will file a construction lien. Lien documents will typically go further than a lawsuit and will become attached to the title of the property and become available for public record. Once a lien is placed on a deed or property, it cannot be solid until the liens are cleared. 

    The solution: Unless the contractor has broken the terms of the contract, the project owner is obligated to complete the payment.

    2. Failure to meet the terms of the contract

    The problem: Project details are outlined in contracts to ensure all parties are on the same page. Omitting key details from a contract paves the way for conflict, and failing to meet the terms outlined in a contract paves the way for profit losses and lost business. 

    The solution: A well-worded contract in the construction industry can make the difference between a happy client and a messy lawsuit—but don’t include details that you don’t have the tools or manpower to fulfill. Of course, timelines and details may change due to various reasons, so even if you maintain your personal obligations, material suppliers and contractors could cause problems. 

    3. Workplace injuries

    The problem: The construction industry is subject to some of the highest injury rates of any sector—falls, struck-by incidents, caught-between incidents, and electrocutions are the top four injuries experienced in the field. While safety protocols are put into place for a reason, accidents still happen.

    Although many safety protocols are set throughout the construction industry, accidents are always likely to occur. There are typically two outcomes of job site injuries:

    • A worker purposefully put themselves in danger, and they are responsible for their self-inflicted injuries 
    • The injury is a result of a lack of proper safety education or unsafe working conditions; the individuals in charge will generally be held responsible for these injuries

    The solution: Following a workplace injury, the incident should be reported to the WSIB as soon as possible and within six months. After the WSIB has been notified, you can file a claim with your workers’ compensation insurance to help access important benefits, such as medical treatment coverage. ​​Following up with your company and the WSIB and fixing whatever caused the injury are also essential. 

    4. Construction delays

    The problem: Labor and materials shortages, permit delays, weather—delays like this happen frequently and, in most cases, these factors aren’t within anyone’s control. Construction delays are arguably one of the biggest job site stressors that can quickly derail a project and set you back weeks, sometimes even months. 

    According to the Crux Insight Report, conflicts over unforeseen physical conditions were the second most common project pitfall in the Americas.

    The solution: While delays aren’t usually the contractor’s fault, if a completion day is laid out in a contract, the contractor can incur late penalties. 

    5. Work quality

    The problem: Construction quality is critical for several reasons. If the site doesn’t meet specific standards, it poses a risk to every individual who enters and will likely result in litigation. The same goes for inspections. If building quality isn’t up to par, the project won’t pass inspections, and it will cause further delays and even more financial input. 

    The solution: In some situations, claims can be refuted—like when a contractor used the agreed upon materials or materials were faulty. But if work quality didn’t meet standards due to inexperienced laborers or the like, legal action will be harder to avoid. The Crux Insight Report showed that deficient workmanship is a significant cause for contention in the Americas on 20.3% of projects.

    Tech can help mitigate lawsuits

    If contractors and owners want to avoid litigation, there needs to be a fundamental change in the approach to projects. Projects are becoming increasingly more complicated, and with quick delivery expectations in a fast-paced environment, disputes will continue to arise.

    Moving towards digitization can help contractors streamline the construction process and integrate every stage into a single construction management tool. While some disputes are inevitable—such as those arising from weather—construction software can support better planning, stronger management, and more efficient project competition.