What You Can Do to Help Your Security Contractor Finish the Job on Time

Security contractors are typically one of the last guys on the job. There’s a lot riding on them to get their work done on time, so there aren’t any costly delays.

To help keep things running smoothly, here are a few things that you can do to help your security contractor.

• Work & Plan Ahead – Work with your security contractor to plan ahead. Talk with them to see what things they may need to successfully complete the job on time. Get a time estimate on how long they think the job will take. Based on your discussion with them, establish realistic timelines for completion of tasks.

• Communicate – Communication is critical on any construction project. The most common cause for disputes on the jobsite stems from a breakdown in communication. Work hard to facilitate dialogue with your security contractor. You can do this by establishing a clear channel of communication between all parties.

• Discuss Potential Issues – Having a discussion about potential issues that could arise during the project can help you develop contingencies to avoid delays and other headaches. Sit down with your security contractor to voice concerns and issues that could arise on the site.

• Don’t Fall Behind – We know this is easier said than done. However, security contractors are generally the last ones working on the job. If things are falling behind schedule, it’s only going to delay their work. Just take a look at our post, “How a Qualified Security Contractor Can Make Your Life Easier” to get ideas on how to keep things on schedule.

• Hold Regular Meetings – Holding regular project meetings can help keep everyone in the loop about progress and potential issues on the horizon. It’s a great way to regularly review progress and get everyone on the same page.

Following these tips can significantly help your security contractor. At Hue & Cry, Inc., we are a leading life safety and low voltage security contractor in California. We have successfully completed numerous construction projects.

To see our work and find out more about us, please visit our page on Contractor Programs or call us at 1-800-762-3196.

Why It’s Better to Go With a Local Security Contractor

When it comes to hiring a low voltage security contractor, you have two options.

1. You can hire a big national or regional contractor.
2. You can hire a local contractor.

As you might have guessed from the title of this post, it’s usually better to go with a local security contractor. And we’re not just saying this because we’re one of the top California security contractors. Here are the reasons why it’s usually better to go with local contractors.

• Local Knowledge – A good local security contractor generally understands the local permit process. Local contractors have the benefit of knowing the area’s rules and regulations for construction. When you go with a national company that doesn’t know the city, you could be in for some delays and other headaches.

• Availability – When a problem pops up on the job, having a local security contractor typically makes it easier to get in contact with someone. It could be a major hassle to communicate with someone in another time zone.

• Better Communication – When working with a small family contractor, you know who you’re going to communicate with on a regular basis. Larger companies may have you talking to several people throughout the job, making it difficult.

• Keeps Jobs in Community – When you hire local, you’re keeping money in the community. Studies have shown that working with local businesses strengthens the economic base of a community. It also helps to build strong neighborhoods by keeping residents employed.

It’s important to note that not all local security contractors are created equal. Be sure to check their references and licensing.

Read our post “Signs You’ve Hired the Wrong Security Contractor.” It includes some excellent information on what separates good local contractors from the bad ones.

Signs You’ve Hired the Wrong Security Contractor

Finding a qualified life safety and low voltage security contractor is a difficult job.

That’s because most of them all say and do the right things at the beginning. It’s only after they get on the jobsite that you realize they don’t know what they’re doing.

To help avoid this pitfall, here are some potential red flags that you should find out when they’re bidding on the job.

• Doesn’t Have Proper Licensing – A qualified life safety and low voltage security contractor will have a license to work in your state. It’s important to check licensing before hiring someone. The good contractors have their licensing on their website for easy access. Be sure to examine the expiration date of the license.

• Unethical Business Practices – Is the contractor offering to do unethical things to save you time and money? Are they willing to do things without the proper permits? If this is the case, it’s probably because they’re not qualified to get a permit or they’re doing inferior work that won’t pass an inspection.

• Missing Liability Coverage ­– A good security contractor will show you their certificate of liability insurance. Don’t hire anyone that doesn’t have liability coverage. Their mishaps could become an expensive problem for you if they don’t have insurance.

• Proposal Seems Unbelievable – If they’re saying the can get the job done in record time at a crazy low price, beware. These are big red flags that signal they are not qualified to handle the job or the work may suffer because they’re cutting corners to submit a low bid.

• Sends You Home Contractors – Another red flag is a company that sends out home alarm installers to work on a large construction project. Make sure the contractor has experience working on jobs similar in size to your project.

• Bad Reputation With Other Contractors – Have other contractors on your job heard of them? Do they have good things to say about them? These are things that you’ll want to ask the other guys working on the job.

Stop putting up with bad security contractors in California and hire Hue & Cry, Inc. We are an experienced low voltage security contractor that knows our way around a construction site.

We have lots of experience working on construction projects in California. To find out more, please visit our Contractor Programs page or call us at 1-800-762-3196.

Communication Tips to Avoid Contractor Arguments

As a life safety and low voltage security contractor, we know what it’s like to work on a construction site. Tempers flare and arguments happen. It can sometimes feel like a boxing match.

Arguments are bound to happen. But that doesn’t mean you can’t reduce the number of disputes to make your workplace less stressful. If you want to reduce the number of arguments on the job, here are a few tips to should try.

1. Listen more – Don’t be in a rush to get your point across. Listen to what the other person has to say. Be patient when they’re talking. Don’t interrupt them. It could cause tempers to flare.

2. Cool down before talking – If you find yourself getting angry or emotional, take a step back and cool down. Table the conversation until you feel ready to talk.

3. Watch body language – If you’re talking to someone, watch their body language. If they look tense or standoffish, you might want to be careful what you say.

4. Use “I” statements – Using “I” statements as opposed to “you” statements can help defuse a bad situation before it starts. Suppose a deadline was missed. Instead of saying, “You didn’t give me enough time to complete the work,” consider saying “I didn’t have enough time to complete the work because the deadline was very tight.” By using “I” statements, you remove the blame, which can help to limit arguments.

5. Own up to mistakes – When you make a mistake. Own up to it. Don’t make excuses or try to avoid the blame. It helps to boost your reputation and shows that you’re an honest worker.

Most importantly, come to a resolution that resolves the problem so you don’t keep having the same argument.

Following the communication tips in this post will help to avoid ugly arguments on the jobsite.

At Hue & Cry, Inc., we are a life safety low voltage security contractor that knows construction best practices. Find out how we can help you by visiting our California fire alarm contractor page.

Ways to Reduce Stress on the Construction Site

Working in construction is a stressful profession. In fact, construction is regularly rated as one of the 10 most stressful blue collar jobs. It’s right up there with firefighters and prison guards.

So how do you combat stress on the jobsite? Following the tips below could significantly help your stress levels.

• Plan Ahead – Having a plan in place can really help to avoid stress. At the same time, you have to be flexible with your plan on the jobsite. Things change and you have to roll with the flow.

• Improve Communication – Listening can help improve your relationships with other contractors and stakeholders on the jobsite. By improving your listening skills, you can reduce the chances of disputes, arguments and other headaches.

• Utilize Technology – Technology can make life a lot easier on the jobsite. For ideas, read our postings on “The Best Project Management Software for Contractors” and “Our 7 Favorite Mobile Apps for Contractors.” When you implement new technology, be sure to get proper training. Technology can only make your life easier if you and your co-workers know how to properly use it.

• Stay Positive – A negative attitude can really cause stress levels to rise. Try to look at things from a positive point of view both publically and in private. Staying positive is infectious. It can help improve the atmosphere on the jobsite.

• Take Care of Yourself – Your personal health can affect your stress levels. Take a look at how you live your life. Are you getting enough sleep? Are you eating healthy foods? Are you exercising? Whether you realize it or not, these kinds of things can impact your life at work. Make it a goal to take better care of yourself.

Following these tips can help to reduce stress on the job. Hiring a qualified security contractor can also help to alleviate stress. Find out more by reading, “How a Qualified Security Contractor Can Make Your Life Easier.”

How do you try to reduce stress? We’d love to hear from you! Leave your comments below.

How a Qualified Security Contractor Can Make Your Life Easier

On August 17, 2000 in Las Vegas, the new Aladdin Casino was scheduled to open at 6 p.m. with fireworks and a full lineup of celebrity appearances.

There were no fireworks that day or even a grand opening. The opening was delayed for more than 16 hours because of last-minute repairs and testing of the casino’s fire and sprinkler system. The delay was an embarrassing black eye that caused millions of dollars in loses.

The Aladdin never really recovered from that opening night. Financial troubles and other issues caused them to file for bankruptcy in 2003.

There’s an important lesson to be learned from this story… Hire a good life safety and low voltage security contractor.

Getting a qualified life safety and low voltage security contractor can make life a lot easier on a construction site. More importantly, it won’t cost you expensive and embarrassing delays.

When hiring a contractor, here’s what you should look for.

• Experience:  Find a contractor that has a proven track record of completing projects on time and on budget. A good contractor should have a laundry list of all the projects they have successfully completed.

• Licensing and liability insurance: Make sure the contractor is properly licensed by the state and carries a certificate of liability insurance. Working with a licensed and insured contractor helps to protect your business from potential liability issues.

• Responsible for actions: Look for a contractor that takes responsibility for their actions. A good contractor will send in submittals on time or pay a penalty if they’re late. They’ll also pay the cost for any missed equipment and necessary labor for system code compliance.

• Good references: A good security contractor will be able to supply a list of quality references that will demonstrate their track record on past projects. Take the time to find out their reputation from others. You might also want to talk with close associates to see if they know anything about the contractor.

Finding a qualified security contractor will make life a lot easier on your next job. For even more tips for contractors, Like the Hue & Cry, Inc. Facebook Page.

The Best Project Management Software for Contractors

The best project management software for construction companies is the one that your people actually use.

You see, the problem with most project management software programs today is that people don’t use them – at least to the extent they should be used. In addition, multiple project managers will use the systems many ways, creating a lack of uniformity and consistency within the program.

So how do you get the best software?

Here are some questions that you’ll want to ask to see which project management software is best for your business.

Does it interface with my accounting software?

You want to find project management software that easily interfaces with your accounting software. This will help streamline business processes because no time consuming data entry will be needed.  Plus, it will also help to ensure that financial reports are accurate and up to date.

Will it interfere with my inventory system?

When buying project management software, you want to make sure that it works with your inventory system. Any issues with your project management software could cause shipping delays with building materials. That’s why it’s important to make sure it’s compatible with your inventory system. This will help to keep everything on track with your project.

Can I message stakeholders?

Key stakeholders want to be regularly informed on progress. You want to find project management software that can send status updates without much effort. Check to see if it easily ties into your email software, so it’s easy to send out messages to stakeholders.

How are the change order options?

The change order features of any contractor management project management software are very important. Find a program that makes it easy to create and send change orders. Select construction management software with an easy-to-read change order log that makes it simple to authorize and distribute change order information to stakeholders.

Is it cloud based?

Cloud-based software options use the internet to store, manage and process data. Nothing is stored on computers or servers at your business. This makes it easy to access the program anytime from most computers with internet connections. Cloud-based programs are ideal for construction companies that have workers on different jobsites and locations.

Does it include mobile apps?

Smartphones and tablet computers are becoming a popular option on construction sites because of their portability and ease of use. If you use smartphone and tablet computers or are thinking about using them, consider getting construction management software that includes mobile apps so you can access the software from mobile devices.

What are people saying about the software?

Finally, you’ll want to read some reviews on construction management software. You’ll find the answers to many of your questions as well as what people actually think of the software. SoftwareAdvice.com has some excellent reviews on construction management software.

Asking these questions will help you find the right construction management software for your business. For even more tips and best practices, join the conversation on the Hue & Cry, Inc. Facebook Page.

Our 7 Favorite Mobile Apps for Contractors

Looking to view important files on the go and get more organized? Here are seven of the best mobile apps for contractors.

1. BIMx

With the BIMx app, you can open and examine three dimensional building information models (BIM models) created in ArchiCAD, which is software for architects and contractors. This app is free to download and is available for iPhone.

2. Aconex Mobile

The Aconex Mobile app for the iPhone as well as the iPad makes it a breeze to review and edit project information using the Aconex management platform for construction and engineering projects. This app is free to download.

3. Onsite Planroom

Share important project files on the go with the Onsite Planroom app. This app makes it easy to review construction plans and documents from your iPhone or iPad. You can collaborate with others on your team with real-time communication features. This app is free.

4. SmartBidNet

The SmartBidNet app is a bid management tool that allows you to easily manage vender communications on your iPhone or iPad.  With the app, you can easily target vendors and subcontractors for bids. This app is free.

5. Home Builder Pro Calcs

Have measurements, guides and calculations at the touch of a finger with the Home Builder Pro Calcs app. Get calculations for building a staircase and estimate the amount of wire mesh you need for a concrete slab. This app is priced at $4.99.

6. Toodledo

Manage your daily priorities with the Toodledo app. This app for Apple and Android devices allows you to organize tasks and improve productivity. It’s easy to collaborate with others that also have the Toodedo app. This app is priced at $2.99.

7. TurboViewer

View and manage both 2D and 3D CAD and DWG files with your smartphone with TurboViewer. This app for Android and Apple devices saves you a lot of time with its ease of use. This app was specifically optimized for mobile devices. This app is free.

At Hue & Cry, Inc., we are a top life safety and low voltage security contractor, serving California and Oregon. We work hard so you don’t have to worry about the fire alarm and security system on your project.

To see how we can help you, visit our Contractors Program Page or call us at 1-800-762-3196.

How to Buy the Right Project Management Software

Finding the right construction project management software can be a difficult decision. There are so many options and it seems like they all promise the same thing.

So how do you buy the right project management software for your business?

Following the steps below will help you sift through all the different options to find the right project management software for your business.

• Step #1: Determine Your Needs – Make a list of what you would like the project management software to address. Rank what you think are the most important software features.

• Step #2: Figure Out Your Budget – You need to figure out how much you can realistically spend on the software. You’ll also want to consider the cost of any new hardware that you might need to implement the new software. Be realistic with your budget.

• Step #3: Examine the Options – Once you’ve determined your needs and set your budget, start to examine the options. You’ll be able to narrow down the field based on your budget and your desired features. You’ll want to narrow down the list to at least four or five viable options.

• Step #4: Test Out the Software – Most software vendors will give you a demonstration or offer a free trial. Take the time to thoroughly examine the project management software. Examine its ease of use. You might also want to check if it has mobile capabilities for use with smartphones and tablet computers.

• Step #5: Get Thoughts From Colleagues – Talk with your colleagues that will be using the software on a day-to-day basis. Get their thoughts and opinions. See what they like and dislike about the different options. Try to narrow the field down to two or three options at this point.

• Step #6: Research the Finalists – Once you’ve narrowed the field to two or three options, do a little more research. Read some reviews on the software. Get answers to questions that may have come up during your discussions with colleagues. The key is to thoroughly review the software to make a smart decision.

• Step #7: Pick Your Project Management Software – When you’re ready to pick the software, work to establish a timeline with the vendor for implementation. Find out from them what you need to do to prepare for installation. Get important contact information from the vendor such as technical support and customer relations phone numbers.

By following these seven steps, you’ll be on your way to choosing the right construction project management software for your business.

At Hue & Cry, Inc., we know our way around a construction site. We are one of the top life safety contractors in California and Oregon. To see how we can help you on your next project, please visit our Contractor Programs Page or call us at 1-800-762-3196.

What to Do If You Don’t Agree With Your AHJ

There may come a time when you do not agree with the ruling of an AHJ (agency having jurisdiction). It might be with an electrical inspector over a particular system or with the fire marshal over the fire alarm system.

How you handle the disagreement could determine your success on current and future projects. If you disagree with your AHJ, you should take the following steps to improve your chances of winning an appeal.

• Obtain Proper Forms – To appeal the decision, obtain the proper forms to request an appeal within the municipality. It’s important to follow protocol to improve your chances of getting a ruling changed.

• State Grounds for Appeal – You want to clearly state your grounds for appeal. Often it is due to the codes or regulations being incorrectly interpreted or applied by the inspector. Other reasons for appeal include the provisions of the code or regulations do not fully apply or that an equally good or better form of construction can be used.

• Include Documentation to Support Your Claim – Provide as much detail as possible to support your claim. You’ll want to state the AHJ’s ruling and explain why it should be overturned. You might want to provide alternative solution that will eliminate the problems in your appeal. You should also include any visual documentation to support your case. This might include plans, pictures, diagrams and other visual materials to help them better understand the situation.

• File on Time – Many municipalities have time requirements. Being late isn’t going to help your situation. Pay close attention to important deadlines and time tables.

• Follow Submission Guidelines – You’ll want to follow the instructions. If you have to hand-file the appeal, don’t send it via email or fax. You don’t want it getting thrown out or ignored because of a technicality.

• Show Respect – You want to be cognizant of the timelines regarding how appeals are handled. Be courteous of these timelines and keep a cool head when going through the appeal process.

Following these steps will help you when you have a disagreement with an AHJ. The key is to NOT alienate them. It’s not about winning or losing. It’s about building a strong relationship so you can work long-term with these people without issues or major disruptions.

At Hue & Cry, Inc., we know construction best practices when it comes to life safety and low voltage security. If you need a bid on a job in California or Oregon, call us at 1-800-762-3196 or visit our page on Contractor Programs.