626: From Chaos To Clarity: The Right Construction Job Management System
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
Release Date: 05/02/2025
642: How To Know If It's Time To Raise Your Rates Without Losing Clients
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 642, And It's About How To Know If It's Time To Raise Your Rates Without Losing Clients A Practical Guide for Contractors Who Want to Stay Profitable—Without Scaring Off Business If you're like most small construction business owners, you've probably had this thought: "I'm working non-stop, but I'm still barely keeping up—should I raise my prices?" And then right after that, the fear kicks in: "What if I lose clients? What if no one can afford me anymore?" As construction bookkeeping specialists, we hear this frequently. Contractors are nervous to raise their...
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641: A Week In The Life Of A Profitable Contractor- Habits That Pay Off
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 641, And It's About A Week In The Life Of A Profitable Contractor- Habits That Pay Off If you're a small construction business owner, you know what it feels like to be busy but not consistently profitable. You're running from job sites to supply runs to client meetings, answering calls at night, and still wondering where the money went at the end of the month. Here's the truth we see every day as construction bookkeeping specialists: The most successful contractors aren't just working harder—they've built weekly habits and systems that keep the business running while...
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640: How To Build Systems That Support Your Construction Business
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 640, And It's About How To Build Systems That Support Your Construction Business Turning the 3 Pillars—Marketing, Accounting, and Production—Into Repeatable Routines(without adding more work) You've done the hard part—you're running a construction business, getting jobs, and turning out quality work. Perhaps you've even begun to refine your marketing, job costing, and project delivery strategies, thanks to the three pillars we've discussed: Attracting the Right Jobs, Controlling the Money, and Delivering Projects Profitably. But here's the next step that will...
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639: Pillar 3 - Delivering Construction Projects Profitably
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 639, And It's About Pillar 3: Delivering Construction Projects Profitably A Construction Bookkeeper's Guide to Smarter Production for Small Contractors You've done the hard work: marketed your services, landed the job, and priced it to make a solid profit. But here's where a lot of small construction businesses lose money—even after doing everything right up to this point. That moment is project execution—or what we in the business world call production. As construction bookkeeping specialists, we've seen many jobs transition from profitable to painful...
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638: Pillar 2: Controlling The Money - Construction Accounting And Bookkeeping
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 638, And It's About Pillar 2: Controlling The Money - Construction Accounting And Bookkeeping How Smart Money Management Keeps Your Business Profitable and Stress-Free When most small construction business owners think about success, they envision a steady stream of jobs, high-quality work, and satisfied clients. But there’s another side to the story that often gets ignored: the financial health of your business. And here’s the truth we see every day as construction bookkeeping specialists: Even skilled contractors with full calendars can run into cash flow...
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637: Pillar 1: Marketing - Attracting The Right Construction Jobs
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 637, And It's About Pillar 1: Marketing - Attracting The Right Construction Jobs A Guide for Small Construction Business Owners (from Your Bookkeeper's Point of View) As construction bookkeeping specialists, we spend a significant amount of time analyzing the numbers behind small construction businesses—everything from job costs to cash flow to profit margins. However, here's the truth most contractors don't hear enough: Your profitability starts before the job even begins. Yes, it starts with the jobs you say yes to—and more importantly, the ones you should start...
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636: The Three Pillars Of A Profitable Construction Business
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 636, And It's About The Three Pillars Of A Profitable Construction Business Running a small construction business is no small feat. You're on job sites one minute, sending invoices the next, and trying to line up your next project after that. It's a constant juggling act—and without the right systems, it's easy to fall behind or burn out. As construction bookkeeping specialists, we work with small contractors who are incredibly skilled in their trade but often feel overwhelmed when it comes to running their businesses. And over the years, we've noticed a pattern:...
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635: The #1 Reason Contractors Lose Clients: Poor Invoicing—And How to Fix It
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 635, And It's About The #1 Reason Contractors Lose Clients: Poor Invoicing—And How to Fix It As we celebrate Independence Day and the spirit of hard work and craftsmanship that built our country, it’s the perfect time to think about strengthening your construction business, so you have the freedom to grow and succeed. When most contractors consider why they lose clients, they often blame price competition, slow projects, or a client’s unrealistic expectations. But in my experience as a construction bookkeeper, one of the most common—and preventable—reasons...
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634: Financial Red Flags Your Construction Company Can't Afford To Ignore
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 634, And It's About Financial Red Flags Your Construction Company Can't Afford To Ignore As a construction bookkeeper, I've had a unique vantage point, watching countless projects unfold from the first bid to the final payment. While the hammers and blueprints are the visible signs of progress, it's the numbers behind the scenes that truly tell the story of a company's health. And let me tell you, those numbers often whisper warnings before they start screaming. Small business owners in the construction industry are incredibly busy. You're juggling bids, managing...
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633: Cash Is King But Do You Have A Crown? Why Cash Flow Trumps Profit
Contractor Success Map with Randal DeHart | Contractor Bookkeeping And Accounting Services
This Podcast Is Episode 633, And It's About Cash Is King But Do You Have A Crown? Why Cash Flow Trumps Profit
info_outlineThis Podcast Is Episode 626, And It's About From Chaos To Clarity: The Right Construction Job Management System
But how do you know if a job management system is right for you? And if it is, how do you select the one that best suits your needs? Let's break it down.
Investing in a job management system doesn't just make tasks easier—it helps your business thrive. Here are the top benefits of implementing one into your workflow:
A job management system allows contractors to manage all projects from a single platform. This central hub provides easy access to project timelines, tasks, and milestones, ensuring everyone knows their responsibilities and deadlines.
Clear communication is vital on construction sites. Job management systems facilitate real-time updates and notifications, reducing the likelihood of miscommunication between team members, subcontractors, and clients.
Construction projects often require careful scheduling and resource allocation. Job management tools help track materials, labor hours, and equipment, ensuring that resources are used efficiently and reducing downtime on-site.
4. Real-time Reporting and Tracking
These systems provide real-time updates on project progress, budget adherence, and timelines. This visibility enables contractors to make informed decisions and adjustments as needed, minimizing delays and cost overruns.
Keeping construction projects within budget is critical. Job management systems help track expenses against budgets, providing insights into profit margins and alerting contractors to any financial discrepancies before they escalate.
The construction industry is heavily regulated, and keeping track of permits, safety regulations, and compliance documents can be overwhelming. A job management system helps streamline this documentation, ensuring everything is up-to-date and easily accessible.
Ask yourself, "What are my top priorities right now?" You may need better tracking for resource allocation. Your focus may be on speed or improving client communication. Write down what matters most—this will guide your decision.
Determine your key requirements as a construction contractor. Consider factors like project size, number of team members, and specific functionalities you need, such as scheduling, budget tracking, or safety compliance.
Some systems offer all the bells and whistles, but they may strain your budget. Be realistic about what you're willing to spend. Remember, it's okay to focus on features that align with your goals and accept trade-offs for secondary needs. While investing in a robust solution is essential, ensure you find one that offers the features you need without overspending.
Your team will use the system daily; in some cases, so will your clients. Choose intuitive and user-friendly software, especially if your team or clients have varying levels of comfort with technology. Given the diverse tech proficiency of team members, a user-friendly interface can enhance adoption and minimize training time.
Every job management system has strengths. Some excel in scheduling and resource management, while others shine in reporting or integration with other apps. Research each tool's strengths and match them with your specific demands.
Evaluate features tailored specifically for construction, such as Gantt charts for scheduling, bid management, and mobile accessibility for on-site updates.
Focusing on software marketed exclusively to your industry is tempting, but don't limit yourself. Tools designed for other sectors often have features that better align with your company's unique needs. Broaden your search to explore all options.
Opt for a system that integrates well with other software you're using, such as accounting tools or design software. This can streamline processes and maintain data consistency across platforms.
Even the best systems won't work unless they're properly implemented. Consider how much time and effort it will take to onboard your team, migrate data, and integrate the software into your operations. Look for providers that offer support or training to make this process smooth.
Consider providers that offer solid customer support and training resources. Transitioning to a new job management system requires time and effort, so having assistance available can ensure a smoother onboarding process.
A job management system can transform your business, helping you work smarter, not harder. It fosters better teamwork, provides real-time insights, and saves you from labor-intensive manual work—all while keeping your bottom line in check.
A robust job management system can significantly enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of construction contractors. These tools can facilitate better project outcomes and increased profitability by providing streamlined communication, real-time data, and improved resource management. When selecting a system, focus on your specific needs, budget constraints, and the usability for your team. With the right job management solution, construction contractors can minimize chaos and focus on delivering quality results more efficiently.
The right choice isn't solely about features; it's about finding something that aligns with your goals and empowers everyone, the team, and clients, to succeed. Let's chat today, and let me know if you need help choosing the right system for your construction company.
About The Author:
Sharie DeHart, QPA, is the co-founder of Business Consulting And Accounting in Lynnwood, Washington. She is the leading expert in managing outsourced construction bookkeeping and accounting services companies and cash management accounting for small construction companies across the USA. She encourages Contractors and Construction Company Owners to stay current on their tax obligations and offers insights on managing the remaining cash flow to operate and grow their construction company sales and profits so they can put more money in the bank. Call 1-800-361-1770 or [email protected]