January 14, 2022

Planning Your Trade Services for the New Year

Planning out your trade services for the year is a great way to stay organized and on top of your business operations. When you plan ahead, you can ensure that all your trade services are being managed properly and that any potential issues are addressed in a timely manner. Planning will also help you keep track of upcoming projects, deadlines, and other important aspects of running a successful business.

Additionally, having an annual plan for your trade services will allow you to make better decisions about which tasks should take priority so that each project is completed efficiently and on time. Having a roadmap for how your business will operate throughout the year can also save you time and money in the long run by helping you anticipate any potential problems or delays before they arise. Taking the time to plan out your trade services for the year is an essential part of running a successful business.

Every construction project requires extensive planning and foresight. Whether or not you choose to have Rubicon in your corner, we’re always rooting for you to succeed. Lining up and planning for your trade services can be one of the most difficult parts of any construction project. Every project requires a number of trade services. As you’re planning projects for the year ahead, here are some things to keep in mind:

Securing Foundational Trades

Before you even put pen to paper, you know your construction project will depend on foundational trades like framing, Sheetrock, painting, etc. Talk with your general contractor about their library of trades. Do they have a crew in mind? If you have your design plans in hand when you first meet with your contractor, that’s even better. Discuss deeper trade needs like everything from HVAC, plumbing to roofers and specialized trades. 

When planning for trade services on your commercial property, there are several key elements to consider. First, you should plan for delivery and pickup access. This includes making sure that deliveries and pickups can be easily accessed from the street or other areas on the property. Additionally, providing ample parking is essential for both customers and vendors who need to make transactions at your property.

You should also plan for adequate security measures to protect goods and people in case of an emergency. Surveillance cameras, alarm systems, locks, lighting, and other security features can help ensure that your goods are safe and secure while conducting business transactions at the property.

Finally, it's important to factor in storage needs when considering trade services for your commercial property. Designing and building adequate storage space for goods is essential to providing fast and efficient delivery or pickup services.

By taking the time to plan for these key elements of trade services on your commercial property, you can ensure that transactions run smoothly and securely. This can, in turn, lead to increased customer satisfaction and a more profitable business venture overall.

Zoning and Permitting 

Man checking items off list of trade services while holding a clip board

Planning your zoning and permitting for trade services on a commercial property is essential to ensure that the business is allowed to operate in its proposed area. Zoning laws can restrict certain types of businesses from operating in certain areas, so it's important to obtain the necessary permits and licenses before getting started.

Additionally, having the proper permitting will help protect you from potential legal issues. If you fail to get the appropriate permissions, you could be subject to heavy fines or other consequences. As such, planning your zoning and permitting for trade services should not be taken lightly and should be done well ahead of time in order to avoid any costly mistakes or delays down the road.

With careful consideration of local regulations and ordinances, you can ensure that your commercial property remains compliant and productive.

When you sit down to plan the calendar for the trade services needed on your next project, make sure you and your general contractor discuss zoning & permitting. We have seen first-hand how difficulties at this stage can cause slowdowns in any area of a commercial construction project. If you enter into a project with accurate expectations of timelines, you will save time and money.

Here is a quick guide to zoning and permitting.

Communication

As a property manager for a commercial project, it is important to understand the trade services that are required to complete the project. Communication with contractors and other members of the construction team will be crucial in ensuring that each job is completed safely, on time, and within budget. To ensure effective communication between yourself and your construction crew, consider the following tips:

1. Clarify expectations early on in the process – Before beginning any work, make sure that everyone involved understands their roles and responsibilities. This includes not only you but also all of your contractors. Take time to clearly explain each person's tasks and objectives so they know what is expected of them.

2. Establish open lines of communication – Ensure that there are consistent channels of communication between you and your team. This will allow for efficient problem-solving and prevent delays in the project. Establishing regular meetings, either in person or online, can be beneficial in this regard.

3. Ask questions – To ensure that all jobs are completed correctly, do not hesitate to ask questions if something is unclear or if there is a need further clarification on something. Doing so will help keep everyone on the same page with respect to the project's progress.

This is the key to a successful project. Do you have an open line of communication with your construction crew? Does your general contractor or project manager have a direct line of communication with each and every trade partner working on your project? We have seen many well-planned projects break down due to miscommunication. 

Rubicon is proud to provide a deep Rolodex of skilled tradesmen. If you’d like us to help you on a one-off project, give us a call at 801-928-2800 or give us your contact information. If you’d like more assistance, we offer design & consulting, project management, and full general contracting services. We’re happy to help show you how we live up to our motto—Acta. Non Verba. Actions. Not Words.

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