From the very beginning, Millstone Management Group, a provider of commercial general contracting and construction management services, was going to be different. The fact that Chris Huntley, and his father Mike, formed the company during the downturn in 2008, when other companies were shuttering, punctuated that.

Based in Ohio, outside of Cleveland, the father/son duo combined forces to build Millstone. While Mike brought industry experience, Chris would be the driving force to marry innovation and new technology with company values. At the end third year, after putting in the long hours, accepting a variety of projects, and reinvesting, they knew they were on the road to success.

However, as the company grew, Chris began to notice issues in projects due to a lack of clear or central communications. There were inefficiencies in tracking modifications, including by whom and when they were made. Not only did they need a way to communicate and track changes in real-time, Chris also wanted a solution that could keep owners and architects in the loop.

Proving once again why Millstone is unique was the decision at the end of fourth year, to invest in technology as a differentiator. In a competitive market that was still slow to adapt to high tech, it was clear that being more progressive and integrating new technology with their core values would keep them competitive and position Millstone as cutting edge.

As Millstone began to adapt more technology, Chris realized it could also be a more efficient way to run projects and the solution to get their communications on track. He began to research how construction project management platforms could not only make managing projects easier, but facilitate communication, provide accountability and keep everyone up to date.

Project by Millstone Management Group

To guide them through the different software, options, features and benefits available, Chris hired an outside consultant that focuses on efficiencies, to help in their selection of a project management platform. Together they developed an itemized “wish list” of all the qualities and features they needed. After testing and interviewing approximately 5-7 different options, it was determined that SKYSITE checked the most boxes and was also the most cost effective solution.

For about 2 years, Millstone has been using SKYSITE as a repository for their projects; a place where they update and share documents constantly. This has improved their communications because it not only records changes as each person makes them, it also track time, who and when. This has allowed SKYSITE to become a single source of information for everyone, including architects and owners, and allowed for fast resolution when issues arise.

For example, there have been multiple situations where a field condition was questioned. They were able to go back and use time stamped photos to identify the exact origin of the condition. Because the photos can be tracked chronologically, they are able to go back and review at what point during the project the issue occurred and make the correct call for resolution.

While Millstone has embraced the tools SKYSITE has to offer, including punch lists (a favorite), markups, viewing documents, RFIs and photo management, the transition to tech didn’t come easy. Chris admits, due to the resistance to changing processes, it wasn’t a smooth implementation for his team.

His advice for companies looking to implement new tech to their team is to have the managers test it on a project first. This will allow them to get familiar with the software and be able to answer questions post training. He also recommends incremental implementation of the tools. This helped keep his staff from being overwhelmed at trying to learn too much at once. For example, they became expert users of photo management and punch lists before phasing in submittals.

Throughout their success, Millstone has kept their core values of customer communication cutting edge technology to get an edge over the competition. SKYSITE is honored our construction project management software is part of their competitive advantage. Or, as Chris said, “an integral part of what we do.”

These days, you don’t have to search far to find the latest news story of a corporate data breach. It’s a nightmare scenario, yet people still go about their day with an “it can’t happen to me attitude.” More and more companies are moving to cloud-based platforms, which provide convenience and easy collaboration, but moving to the cloud can also raise a variety of new data security questions. At SKYSITE, we take protecting your information seriously, and for the past year, we have been working hard to prove it.

This May, SKYSITE met the requirements of ISO 27001 and joined an elite group of international companies that have been certified under this standard. The certification shows that we have been assessed and demonstrated all the requirements of a sound information security management system (ISMS).

This means that SKYSITE follows recognized guidelines and best-practices for the management and security of the data you entrust to us, and that a certifying authority has validated our procedures. Bottom line; we keep your critical information and assets safe.

More than simply requiring 2-step verification or other password protections, an ISMS is a systematic approach of applying risk management processes to manage sensitive company information so that it remains secure. Importantly, it extends past just online security and includes people, processes and IT systems. It specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system within the organization.

For SKYSITE, this ISO 27001 certification represents an external validation of a belief we have always held. Your data is private, your data security matters, your data is yours and should be protected. For you, ISO 27001 should provide piece of mind that we take your data security seriously.

For more information on our certification, you can read our corporate press release here.

Today’s technology has given companies and employees the flexibility to work from virtually anywhere. Tech has given us the ability to work remotely, keep up to date with the office while traveling and to facilitate a great work/life balance. But it comes at a cost.

Security and safety of files and servers is a daily concern, and the more people work remotely on various devices (phone, tablet, laptop), the more this concern is magnified. All those devices, out of reach of IT, can become infected with malware that may also infiltrate the company’s network putting valuable company data at risk. Even mobile devices are at risk, as they can be lost, stolen or even accessed by a.

Construction and facility management industries aren’t immune to data breaches. Both have team members traveling and working out in the field, making it increasingly important to keep critical data safe as the susceptibility of data increases the more the team works remotely.

To help keep your data safe, here are six tips to remember when working remotely:

Protect files with complex passwords

It may seem intuitive, but it’s surprising how many people not only use week passwords, but also rarely change them. However, using a complex password is one of the easiest ways to protect your important data. Remember to update them regularly and use a combination of letters, numbers and special characters. It’s also a good practice not to allow your device to “remember” passwords.

Don’t trust public or unknown Wi-Fi

For convenience sake, you might be tempted to use unknown Wi-Fi while you’re working offsite, but it might not be safe. Consider using a hotspot or your phone’s personal hotspot. A hotspot protected by robust passwords may provide better protection than public wireless Internet.

Also, if you do use public Wi-Fi, double check to make sure you are on the right network. Hackers will try to fool you and use a similar network name.

Track your device

By switching on the “Find My Phone” mode, you’ll have better chances to locate your phone if it’s lost, left behind or stolen. If you’ve lost a phone before and want extra tracking, you can also install special software that includes a geo-locater and will lock down the phone and even delete passwords.

Install updates

It’s easy to procrastinate on updating your software, but the truth is it only takes a few minutes. That is time well spent as these updates could save you from a cyber-attack.

Use software with 2-step verification

Whenever possible, always choose 2-step verification for your accounts. This adds a second layer of security and gives you peace of mind from data breaches, phishing attacks and password leaks.

Keep your data in the cloud

Cloud-based platforms are the backbone for allowing your team to work in different locations. These applications allow easy access, real-time collaboration and file sharing. And, most cloud-based platforms can help keep your data safe in the event your device is stolen or compromised by a hacker or virus. So it’s important to make sure any cloud-based products you use have solid security measures in place to protect your data. Even your cloud-based construction and facility management software, like SKYSITE, keeps your information secure by offering 2-step verification and Single Sign-on.

The more vigilant you and your remote team are about safety and security best practices, the more protected your company data will be.

No matter how well you planned, there are always unexpected events that can cause affect project completion and cause overruns. While some variables are out of your control (weather), it’s essential for to keep looking for ways to increase efficiency and save money. Effective project management can mean the difference between making a decent profit and barely breaking even.

As industry costs and fees increase, these easy to implement tips can help you get an edge without compromising quality.

Communicate

Miscommunication can lead to significant schedule slips and cost overruns. Remember, nothing beats old-fashioned timely communication, such as being in person at job-site and present for meetings, to allow for better and more natural communications.

No matter how busy and hectic the site is, it’s important to keep an open mind and actively listen during communication. To get the most useful information from your team, articulate questions, concerns, and solutions and provide detailed answers to help speed up the process, reduce mistakes and get your construction team the information they need.

Have a Voice in Planning

As the manager, it’s your project and you need to be involved in every step, including planning. Sitting in on the planning from the beginning is key to understanding the fine details of the project, and allows you a chance to provide feedback of what can and can’t be done. Being an active participant and involved at every stage of planning is not only one of the easiest ways to save money, but one of the best way to eliminate cost overruns, delays and rework.

Adapt Technology

These days, there’s an app for everything, including most phases of construction projects. The good news is they are getting easier to use, increasing adoption from teams, and offer a noticeable ROI. From bidding, to schedules, to tracking equipment, there is technology to streamline processes to make them more efficient and traceable. You can also use technology to trim administrative work through automated workflows and alerts, as well as track site activities and time management procedures. And construction project management software, like SKYSITE, can be used to manage and share your construction documents to boost productivity levels and reduce rework.

It may sound cliche, but today is all about “doing more with less.” And the easiest way to stay organized and simplify processes is with technology.

Incorporate Prefabricated Pieces

If your project is simple or includes a lot of repetition, prefabricated pieces may be a fit for your build. By having these building elements built in a factory and then transported to your site, you can achieve multiple of savings and benefits:

• Decreases costs of purchasing materials and building onsite
• Cuts the delivery time of a project
• Requires fewer laborers to do the job
• Increases quality

And, don’t think of prefab is just for structures, you can find pre-wired light fixtures, bathrooms and even exterior walls.

Buy your Own Material

You’ve heard the saying “eliminate the middle man.” That’s exactly what you do when you buy your own material instead of having a contractor to buy parts. By sourcing the materials, you can often find less expensive options and eliminate the markup that contractors include. This is a good exercise to monitor and keep costs under control. And, it gives you the flexibility to make changes in one area if another part of the project is going over budget.

Of course, this also depends on your bandwidth and expertise. Sometimes the contractor will have a better idea or connection on what to parts purchase.

Don’t Get Stuck in the Past

It’s easy to get comfortable with what you know, but that many not always be the most cost effective solution. Outdated processes and materials can often be more expensive than newer solutions. It’s important to keep up-to-date on new building materials, techniques and technology. Remember to get out of your comfort zone and find the solution that best fits your project, not “the usual.”

Pay Attention to Daily Metrics

Pay attention to your daily productivity metrics such as materials, daily progress and worker stats. By keeping on top of the numbers you can identify inefficiencies sooner and troubleshoot solutions. Does everyone have the right tool? Is weather impacting the schedule? Are their enough workers to meet deadlines? By spotting issues and inefficiencies in your system early, you can make corrections, keep your project moving and save money.

Focus on People

Having a productive staff will keep your project moving. But neglecting these relationships and not addressing workplace conditions can lead to reduced morale, which negatively impacts productivity. Specifically, when your crew is not producing the results you planned for and expect, you risk going over budget and not completing the project on time.

What impacts productivity:

• Your crew is forced to work overtime, resulting in fatigue and less work being completed
• There are too many or not enough workers for a particular job
• The workspace is hazardous
• Weather becomes an issue
• There is a lack of tools and equipment

By paying attention and having an open line of communication you can catch issues early on, make corrections and prevent worker moral from impacting productivity. This is especially important in areas where the labor pool is tight.

Today’s global construction industry is greatly influenced by sustainable building techniques as well as developing safer buildings. More and more, builders are adopting these new materials and techniques for construction. And now, with increasing materials costs the time has never been better for all the new, innovative building materials being developed that focus on using sustainable and renewable materials, as well as reducing the energy to produce them.

Without getting too technical or scientific, here are our four favorite, new building materials we’ve seen so far this year:

1. Programmable Cement

 Everywhere we look, concrete is visible. Almost every building uses it, as do roads and even our homes. Yet, what most people don’t realize is producing concrete is responsible for at least 5% of global CO2 emissions. Now, Scientists at the Multiscale Materials Laboratory at Rice University have discovered a process to improve the manufacturing process of concrete. The researchers have developed a way to “program’ the particles of cement, an ingredient in concrete, into shapes that makes them stronger. This also creates concrete particles that are less porous and more water and chemical resistant, which not only prevents damage due to chemical and water absorption, but is less harmful to the environment.

Because this new concrete is much stronger, it lasts longer. This means less concrete is needed to make more durable buildings. In addition to programmable cement, other new types of concrete developed in recent years include bendable, fire-resistant concrete, and self-healing concrete, which uses bacteria to heal cracks.

2. Hardwood Cross-Laminated Timber

Currently, there is a lot of buzz around the use of mass timber, and now hardwood cross-laminated timber (CLT) is beginning to steal some of the limelight. Mass timber is being used more and more because it’s a renewable, carbon removing source that environmentally outperforms concrete and steel. The CLT used in these buildings is engineered by adhering pieces of timber layered on top of each other in opposite directions producing sheets that are strong, stable and rigid.

While softwood CLTs had previous been used in mass timber projects, hardwood CLT has recently been developed with North American tulipwood that is much stronger, in fact it is purported to be stronger than concrete by weight.

Here are some Hardwood CLT facts you may not know:

1. Framing time is faster with CLT
2. Hardwood CLT buildings are safe in a fire (it has an “inherent fire-resistance due to its massive cross-section,” per Christian Dagenais, Eng. M.Sc.
3. Its more cost efficient than concrete and steel
4. A high-rise made of CLT can actually be carbon negative, i.e. good for the environment
5. Steel requires 24 times the energy to produce and transport

3. Materials from Organic Waste

Mom always told you to eat your fruit and veggies, but did she ever tell you to build with them? A new report from engineering firm ARUP advocates turning organic waste into construction materials. And, with the rising costs of current building materials, it’s hard to argue against and is worth exploring an option that is also good for the Earth.

Here’s how organic waste can be used in construction:

• Mushrooms can be formulated to different densities to substitute for particle board and Styrofoam for insulation
• Corn and wheat can be used to make walls, as well as doors and furniture
• Banana fibers are used to create biodegradable textiles and carpets
• Rice has been used to make bricks
• Potatoes can be used for insulation
• Seeds, stalks and leaves can be used to form acoustic panels

4. Wool Bricks

Another step towards a more sustainable future of building is wool bricks. Researchers began investigating the need for a greener option to traditional bricks because they are kiln-fired to increase their strength. However, kiln-firing traditional bricks creates greenhouse gases and airborne toxins.

Wool bricks, developed by researchers from Spain and Scotland, are made by adding wool and a natural polymer found in seaweed to the clay of the brick. This makes the brick stronger than other bricks and more resistant to cold climates. And, because they dry hard, they reduce the gases produced by kiln-firing as well as the energy needed to fire them.

With a more sustainable alternative to bricks and concrete blocks, wool bricks look to eventually replace the 9 billion traditional bricks that are manufactured each year.

As companies begin to gain comfort with the new materials, they are also employing more tech products on the jobsite. Construction management solutions such as SKYSITE not only improve productivity and communications, but they have environmental savings, such as reducing paper use, too.

While we are intrigued by the possibilities of all of these materials, and, as they continue to develop, they will only inspire others to search for sustainable and renewable sources for building materials.

Recently our team arrived back home from exhibiting at The 99^th Annual AGC Convention, held February 25-28 in New Orleans. The show was a success and it was a great opportunity to meet and network with people in the industry; attendees ran the gamut from GCs to students. Each SKYSITE rep had interesting conversations, for example partnering with and speaking at a university, but we all noticed some common trends. While trying not to overdo it on the fabulous local cuisine, we came up with some key takeaways & observations from the show.

What first struck us was how many of the exhibitors were technology companies. This seems to be a noticeable shift from previous shows, moving away from vendors exhibiting equipment or materials and moving towards tech.

Even more interesting was the variety of tech exhibitors. There were document storage type companies, equipment and time tracking apps, and more BIM companies than previous shows. But, there was also a new crop of construction tech companies that encompass more job functions such as managing certificates of insurance, providing 360° photo documentation, HR management, prequalification of vendors, suppliers and subs, and even a few drone companies (safety first: none flying in the hall). This is the future of the construction industry and a turn in the tide of how GCs will improve their performance.

In contrast to all the tech exhibitors was the number of GCs that still aren’t using tech or are only using it sparingly; think document storage only. While it was a little surprising how many GCs are still using paper, a recent Construction Dive article exposed how smaller construction firms are just now warming up to tech. While sometimes a challenge, we did have success in demonstrating how managing projects in SKYSITE can save time, reduce rework and increase productivity when speaking with these tech adverse GCs.

The second theme that we heard over and over was integration. Meaning, companies that are already using tech are looking at new tools, but don’t want to migrate from the apps they currently use and are comfortable with. They are more interested in solutions that integrate with what they currently use.  Yes, companies want to expand their tech use, but they want apps to integrate to eliminate redundant time spent maintaining separate databases or importing/exporting data from one tool into another. GCs also seemed price conscious and not willing to spend for features they won’t use.

What didn’t we see, that we expect to see in the future? Virtual reality, robotics and autonomous vehicles. Admittedly, they are more difficult to display at an exhibition, but not impossible. It’s just a matter of time before we start to see these forthcoming technologies regularly at these events.

According to a recent survey by NAHB the top challenges in 2018 for homebuilders are labor and materials costs. While 2017 was a hot market for homebuilders, and the trend looks to continue into 2018, the industry will still face these and other significant obstacles that affect the bottom line.

While Mother Nature and tariffs on lumber had a hand in increasing materials costs, the labor shortage has touched a majority of homebuilders with six in 10 having had trouble attracting the right workers, according to a U.S. Chamber of Commerce report. And, it’s not just the shortage of labor that’s at issue, but also the cost of labor, as the strong housing market and worker shortage have created a vicious cycle of increasing labor costs.

But this ongoing trend can be an opportunity to embrace new hiring practices and bring new energy to the worker pool. To help you think outside the box and be resourceful in your hiring, we have the following tips to help you recruit not only the workers you need, but the workers you want.

Understand who you are competing against for labor

If there is a shortage of workers, the first question should be “where did they go?’ At first glance, it may not make sense that you have lost a potential employee to a restaurant or service job. But digging a little deeper, you’ll find that these positions often offer benefits and stability, important key factors when choosing a job.

To compete with this, you will need to evaluate your compensation package. Even if it isn’t possible to offer benefits, consider offering other compensation incentives that put you in contention with job searchers. This is especially important to attract highly desired skilled labor.

Attract with technology

Much has been said about the aging workforce in construction and the difficulty in attracting younger workers. With tech being used more and more in building, it can be a carrot to attracting a younger workforce. Today, tech touches every aspect of the industry; and that can be your hook to younger workers. Show them that there are “cool” aspects to the job; drones, cloud based project management, wearable tech, safety gear, etc. And, don’t forget to show them the future of how autonomous vehicles, robotics and AR will be used in building.

Set up a referral program

Offer your employees cash or another reward for recommending friends and acquaintances for the job. Be clear of what positions you are hiring and the required skills, so there is no confusion. Remember to make it easy to participate, engage your staff by regularly communicating open positions and measure results. Of course only give the reward after the person is hired and makes it through their probationary period.

Learn how to recruit Millennials

Millennials like to know that they have a career path ahead of them, as well as a steady, fulltime job. That’s why training programs are an important key to attracting millennials. By investing in and providing training, you are showing this group that you are willing to improve their skills and make them a valuable part of the workforce. Establish mentoring and skills programs with rewards to motivate them as they move up the training ladder. Make sure these programs are communicated early during the interview process.

Be open to a range of backgrounds

During a labor shortage it’s important to look beyond the usual and increase your options by hiring from diverse backgrounds. Don’t turn someone away just because they don’t have specific experience in building. Look at sources not usually on the radar for your recruiting, such as people looking to make a career change, as well as people that have transferable skills that translate to your business. Most importantly, look for people who are a good fit for your company culture.

Plan for the future

Now is the time to invest and hire for the long term. It is also the time to create a succession plan for essential roles in your company. Identify potential gaps in knowledge and invest in training and leadership development to ensure your company has the depth to maintain project performance as your company grows.

Running the day-to-day operations on a construction site is crucial to keeping the project on track, yet with so many moving pieces it can result in a lot of stress. Managing a project includes long hours and involves keeping tabs of multiple subcontractors, resources, schedules, deadlines, quality control and the list goes on. All of this can build internal pressure and whether you take stress home with you or try to leave it at the jobsite, it can begin to take its toll and become difficult to handle.

It is especially important to manage stress, not ignore it, on the jobsite. If not managed, stress can become chronic with the potential to lead to dangerous situations. Of note, chronic stress triggers cortisol hormones that can blur rational thinking and possibly lead to clouded judgement, mismanagement and possible project failures.

However, you can take steps to keep situations under control before they become stressful. With proper planning, delegation and technology you can meet stress head on and handle it before it takes its toll on your or your job.

Here are our top 5 tips to stress less:

1. Specify and clarify job requirements

Set ground rules and clarify them with your team, as well as the client, so everyone knows what to expect. Keep documentation to avoid any gaps. Having all of this spelled out at the beginning of project will avoid last minute surprises.

2. Plan right and prioritize

Identify and order your priorities, starting with the most important, and work accordingly. Following a priority list will keep you on track as things falling in place. Remember to keep some room for covering any unplanned work while setting a work schedule.

3. Share the load

Delegate work within your team, defining what is expected from each individual. Spreading responsibility will give you more time to effectively supervise the project and remain involved in areas where you’re needed rather than getting bogged down with minor tasks.

4. Don’t overdo it

It’s easy to get wrapped up in a project and keep going. Sometimes you may not even realize how focused you are. However, it is important to try and take short breaks to keep your mind fresh. Remember long hours will eventually have a negative impact on your mind and body. So, don’t overdo, plan and work for achievable goals.

5. Embrace technology

These days, there are several apps that can help with projects, including ones for scheduling, safety and billing. Construction project management software is also available to keep your team on the latest set and on schedule. By using technology, you can eliminate extra paperwork and keep information organized and at your fingertips leading to reduced stress and increased productivity.

Managing stress on the jobsite is important not only to the project, but to your health. According to research conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), effects of stress, which can impact your job performance, include, but aren’t limited to:

• Frequent mood swings
• Headaches
• Low morale
• Upset stomach
• Cardiovascular disease
• Workplace Injury
• Psychological disorders

As a Superintendent, the nature of you job and managing so many moving pieces makes it inherently stressful. By following these 5 easy tips, you can get better control on people and projects and keep stress at a bay.

It doesn’t seem like much; an occasional drip, some peeling paint or a crack in a walkway. But, for US colleges and universities, these unattended maintenance issues add up and can impact an institution as a potential liability, by creating more damage and repair issues, and negatively impacting student recruitment and retention.

No longer the secret of higher education facilities managers; an overwhelming number of higher education institutions across the US face a facilities backlog with an unprecedented need to renew or renovate aging buildings.

The vicious cycle of disrepair started during the 2008 recession when funds for facilities were cut back and have only modestly grown since, yet still not reaching the levels priors to the recession. In addition, operating budgets have not kept pace with inflation or new campus growth, resulting in staffing levels that have not expanded adequately to cover any newly constructed spaces.

Adding to the budget dilemma is stagnant, and in some areas declining, enrollment. Reacting to the pressure to attract new students, many institutions have turned to new construction of flashy, high-tech housing, dining and recreational spaces. This new construction often pulls funding from facilities budgets, thus increasing the growing maintenance backlog. Now, facilities managers not only have to manage older buildings as they keep up with new buildings, the need to deal with the challenges of increased pressure to reduce operating costs amid diminishing resources.

How challenging is dealing with the backlog? At one point, the University of Minnesota was so far behind in maintenance and their ventilation equipment was so old that they resorted to purchasing replacement parts on eBay. Across the country, a 2016 report found the University of Washington had a billion dollar backlog in deferred maintenance and systems would last longer if the university spent more on day-to-day maintenance. Stories like this are all too common.

In fact, according to 2016 State of Facilities in Higher Education, produced by Sightlines, the backlog in facilities maintenance at North American colleges and universities has climbed to their highest point and has grown from an average of $82 per GSF in 2007 to over $100 per GSF in 2015, and that rate shows no signs of slowing down.

Once just the secret of higher education facilities managers, in the last couple of years more attention has been placed on the issue of facilities backlog and that existing buildings at universities and colleges are in dire need of attention.

What’s clear is this vicious cycle needs to be acknowledged, addressed and broken. Realistic strategies, besides traditional funding that is often diverted for new construction or raising tuition, for addressing the maintenance issue exist and other institutions can follow.

For example,  Massachusetts is focusing on repairing old higher education buildings before constructing new ones. The State’s top education official has put the priority on repairing old problems before tackling new projects.

Other schools have reached out to donors for help. While it’s easier to get donors for flashy, new state-of-the-art buildings, more campuses have made progress getting donors to help improve buildings. Some schools have had success by reaching back to donors to get consent to use the funds once marked for new construction to repair existing facilities. While, Washington & Lee, a private university in Virginia, raised funds to help restore its historic buildings through a campaign that renamed rooms inside for major donors.

In addition to funding, facilities managers will start to look at technology to increase productivity and streamline processes. By using facilities document management software teams will have centralized information to ensure everyone has access to the most current building documents, including as-builts, shut-offs, warranties, manuals, etc. Having a central repository for all building information will improve efficiency by keeping teams up to date on issues, repairs and renovations.

The state of maintenance at higher education facilities is far from being under control, but it is being acknowledged and with resources being refocused, addressed. As facilities managers learn to do more with less, including adopting technology solutions, officials will continue to look for creative financial solutions to update higher education facilities for future students.

Staying current at any job is important to remaining confident and alleviating pressure, yet it’s easier said than done. And, for construction managers there’s the question of where to start? Do you brush up on the basics, work on management skills or explore implementing industry trends? No matter where you begin, we have 7 recommendations to get you started. And, because most are offered in digital version (i.e. read on the go), you have no excuse not to stay current.

1. Construction Management JumpStart: The Best First Step Toward a Career in Construction Management, by Barbara J. Jackson

Construction is a growing industry and this bestseller is a good starting point for you to familiarize yourself with each stage of the construction management process. Think of this as your A-Z guide for all stages of project management from estimating, scheduling, to new technology and safety.

2. Construction Project Manager’s Pocket Book by Duncan Cartlidge

You’ll want to keep this one, well, in your pocket. Following a realistic order of projects, this guide starts with pre-construction activities and continues to how to execute procedures and projects. The full gamut of information you need is here, including technical expertise, leadership, being environmentally friendly, negotiation and communication.

3. Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, by David Allen

Not only is today’s business world is built on stress, life in general has gotten more stressful. And construction management is no different. While project managers may be organized, they may not have the mechanisms to deal with the combination of work/life stress. This read presents breakthrough methods for stress-free performance that will clear your mind and increase productivity.

4. Fundamentals of Building Construction: Materials and Methods, by Edward Allen and Joseph Lano

It’s always good to check back in on basics and this reference takes a deep dive into building materials including code compliance and how they affect the environment. From wood types, to roofing, to concrete and more, this book provides comprehensive information materials and methods.

5. Decisive: How to Make Better Choices in Life and Work, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath

This is another book that’s not specifically for construction, but one whose lessons on making choices are valuable across industries. It provides a four-step process to help improve the quality of decisions, which is important in construction where they are often complicated and carry significant impact.

6. Green Construction: An Introduction to a Changing Industry, by Alison Dykstra

“Green” and “sustainable” are becoming the new normal in the construction industry, yet it’s still daunting to know where to begin. This book backs off the lecture and provides a single reference for definition of terms, benefits, materials, codes, rating systems, etc., to help you be competitive in environmentally friendly construction.

7. Modern Construction Management, by Frank Harris

This may be a text book, but the overall information on best practices are perfect to get you up to speed with what’s happening in today’s construction industry. Efficiency, sustainability, corporate social responsibility and BIM are all themes in this comprehensive work. Note: make sure to get the seventh edition.