Running a plumbing business would be much simpler if you could handle only one bathroom at a time, but it does not always work that way. At times, you will need to manage the work for multiple bathrooms at the same time, often requiring travel to different locations. Multi-bathroom projects can be a way to expand your clientele and revenue, but they require different approaches to management. By considering these tips, you can streamline your workflow and manage the problems that come up when handling multi-bathroom projects.
Anticipate Risks
Every project has risks that can delay work or even cause the project to fail. Anticipating these risks in advance gives you an opportunity to evaluate which ones need additional planning to avoid. Problems come from a variety of places and may include:
- Trouble getting materials
- Changes in price due to rapid inflation of a particular component
- Difficulty securing services of a subcontractor
- Inclement weather that prevents work
- Equipment downtime for maintenance or repair
For each risk, do some research and estimate whether you need to plan ahead. When in doubt, try to order materials and secure labor services as early as possible, and build in extra time to complete the project.
Create Efficient Schedules
Creating an efficient schedule for bathroom remodeling becomes more complicated when you have multi-bathroom projects. Consider itemizing the tasks for each bathroom so that you can break it down by the work and the type of service provided at any time. Create time estimates for the work needed at each location and be sure to build in time to get from one place to another. Avoid overbooking your staff and subcontractors, as it is more likely to result in late shows and annoyed customers. Instead, consider using a time management tool that allows you to highlight each worker’s responsibilities so you can minimize overbooking.
Manage Material Allocation
Ordering a larger amount of supplies for multiple projects can save you money and time, but it requires a robust inventory management system. If your warehouse is an impractical place to keep your supplies during the project, consider designating a single spot for each project site to hold inventory. Remember to bring a little more than you need to account for damage or manufacturer defect in the materials. Perform a count of each item at the beginning and end of every day, to confirm that you have the right number of materials and components.
Monitor Each Project
Ideally, one person on your staff can monitor the status of projects as they progress. When you are knee-deep in a single task, it can be easy to forget responsibilities and other work you need to do for other stages. Assign someone who can maintain oversight of the entire project, possibly coordinating efforts between plumbers, subcontractors and customers. Use a system that allows you to update the status of the project at various benchmarks so customers can see how the project is going at a glance. Remember to look at the status regularly so you can make adjustments to timelines and schedules as needed.
Maintain Communication With Stakeholders
Proper communication is the key to making all the effort come together into a sleek project that pleases the customer. Without it, you run the risk of letting misunderstandings turn into problems or failures. Set aside time at regular intervals to communicate with staff, other plumbers, subcontractors and clients. Find out which communication methods are most effective and use them consistently. Leave enough time in your schedule to make phone calls or send texts and emails so you do not forget to provide an update.
Managing projects for multiple bathrooms can yield several benefits for plumbers, but they have unique needs. By following this advice, you can increase the quality and success of your next multi-bathroom project.
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