Author: admin
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Memo 13 – How to Remind clients about variation approvals
The Building industry in Australia is tough. The insolvency rate is over: 20%. Lies, non-paying etc. strikes, cost surges etc. is all de rigger. Builders are stressed. There’s no need to stress them out even more. Variation work is common the industry. Simply use the forms on our quote app – they are standard template…
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How to Quote For Jobs
The Golden Rule: Be very clear and specific about what you are quoting for. e.g. I am only going to work on the following (insert specific details), and everything else is excluded. Why is this important? Clarity: Your client will know exactly what you are quoting for. Use diagrams, and present documentation to improve clarity.…
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The Beauty of Status Updates
At scale, efficient systems of communication and coordination are required in order to efficiently prosecute projects. These systems will likely be of immense value to yourself, and your clients. Consider the following example: Our critical path sits within the ABCD building, I have run a target date commencing 29/6/22. Is this possible for the ABCD…
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Memo 11 – Avoid using AWS VPN Client while in the Office
When accessing our Tekla servers, we have traditionally been using the AWS VPN client to access our licenses. All of this results in high costs for the firm, just to access our licenses. But now we can access our licenses, from the office, without doing anything. You don’t need to log into Azure, or use…
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Light Gage Framing Scottsdale
This is the first project we have completed after an extended training period on the Scottsdale software. Thanks to Rob, Lance, Derek from Scottsdale Also thanks to Christy and Nick from Elite Homes.
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Memo #9 – Justify Variation Hours to Clients
If you have 20 hours worth of variations: do you think your client will rejoice? Typically, no! Clients demand transparency! They have every right to know: (i) why you are charging them, and (ii) what they will get in return. It will not do to simply say: variation: 20 hours. Why not? Clients will assume…
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Memo #8 – Don’t use private emails/channels etc for firm correspondence
This will probably apply wherever you work: don’t send project and firm related correspondence on your private whatsapp chats, or on your private emails etc. Why not? It’s very hard to track. We have no record. Nothing can be verified. Protect yourself, your careers, your firm, and your clients: it’s pretty simple: avoid using private…
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Memo #7 – ETAs must be accurate
When traveling overseas, especially India, I often hear the following: “Where are you? “I’m almost there” “When will you arrive?” “Five minutes!” They always say: “five minutes”. Once, I remember waiting, for at least 45 minutes. Not sure if this is a cultural thing. I’ve heard Indians say: “Oh, that’s IST – Indian Standard Timing”.…
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Memo #6 – Drawings not to be issued “IFC” markings without approvals
Here is a memo we received from one of our clients. Such memos are not infrequent: I am pushing for stamped drawings, however from the IFAs issued there should be no changes made. I need to begin the steel ordering process tomorrow. There is a lead time on the ordering of the steel, and by…
