September 2025 - Elevate Constructionist

What Is Quality Assurance Plan In Construction?

Posted on September 30, 2025September 30, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

What Is a Quality Assurance Plan in Construction?

Quality assurance in construction is often confused with quality control but the two are very different. From a lean perspective, we must aim for quality at the source, where defects are prevented before they happen. That’s the essence of quality assurance.

This blog will explore what a quality assurance plan is, how it differs from quality control, and how it can transform the way we deliver construction projects.

Quality Assurance vs. Quality Control

Quality Assurance (QA): Preventative. It sets up systems, processes, and environments to stop defects from happening in the first place.
Quality Control (QC): Reactive. It identifies and fixes defects through inspections after the work is already done.

Think of QA as building things right the first time, while QC checks to see if it was done right after the fact.

Lessons from Japan

I’m preparing for a study trip to Japan with Paul Akers, author of 2 Second Lean. Japan is often described as another world, clean, safe, respectful, and visually organized. But what really sets Japan apart is its culture of quality at the source.

After World War II, the U.S. had mastered lean production methods, teaching factory workers, including women and older men new to the workforce, how to produce at an unprecedented scale. But when soldiers returned, much of that knowledge was forgotten.

Japan, however, embraced these lessons, guided by leaders like Dr. W. Edwards Deming, and made them a permanent part of their culture. While the U.S. slipped into a cycle of inspection and rework, Japan advanced with total quality management focusing on preventing defects rather than fixing them later.

Who Creates the Quality Assurance Plan?

The general contractor, together with trade partners, develops the QA plan. But it shouldn’t be a long, dusty document no one reads. Instead, it should be:

Simple – distilled down to a few clear pages.
Visual – supported by posters, signage, and checklists.
Practical – embedded in daily work on the construction site.

Examples of Quality Assurance in Action

Pre-construction and preparatory meetings.
Visual expectations and checklists.
Mockups and first-run studies to set standards early.
Training crews in controlled environments before site work begins.
Zone control walks and daily inspections at the source.
Jigs, templates, and visual signage that prevent errors.
Field engineering to double-check before placement.

By contrast, after-the-fact inspections are quality control. QA focuses on preventing the issue altogether.

Building a Culture of Quality Assurance

A quality assurance plan only works if it becomes part of the site culture. That means:

Daily huddles and leadership engagement.
Crews empowered to stop work if something is wrong.
First-in-place zones used as mockups for future work.
Commitment to never pass along defective work.

When teams know the expectation is to “do it right the first time,” QA becomes second nature.

Summary

A quality assurance plan in construction ensures that everyone from the GC to the crews knows the expectations, prevents defects at the source, and commits to doing it right the first time.

It’s not just a document, it’s a culture. And when that culture takes root, construction teams achieve consistency, flow, and excellence without relying on endless inspections and rework.

If you want to learn more we have:

-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.

On we go

What Is A Master Plan In Construction?

Posted on September 29, 2025September 29, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

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What is a Master Plan in Construction?

I am so stoked about this blog, because I love talking about planning. This blog gives me an opportunity to dive into strategic planning, tactical production planning, and to answer some of the common questions we’ve been getting. I love the interaction, when readers ask questions, it allows me to clarify and share more value.

So today, I’ll tackle six key questions about the master plan in construction.

What is a Master Plan in Construction and Who Creates It?

There are many ways this can be done. Sometimes owners hire multiple prime contractors. Sometimes there’s a construction manager overseeing the general contractor. Other times, it all goes through the GC.

Whoever is running the project and carrying the contractual risk should create the master plan. Of course, it must be developed in collaboration with the CM and trade partners.

My favorite approach? A Macro-level Takt plan.

The Purpose of the Master Plan

Your macro-level takt plan is the “what”– what must be accomplished. Short interval planning, on the other hand, is the “how.”

The master plan is essentially:

The slowest reasonable contractual speed.
Plus your risk analysis.
Plus your reference class forecast.

It sets the base minimum contractual requirement for milestones, durations, and performance, factoring in project risk.

Tactical Production Planning

The tactical production plan works within your phases. It ties your start dates, phase milestones, buffers, interdependencies, and end dates together. Phase by phase, everything is locked into your master plan.

When you do tactical production planning, it becomes phase-specific.

Accelerating Milestones

One of the great things about tactical planning is the ability to accelerate milestones. You can achieve this by:

Zoning properly with the takt production system.
Identifying trade bottlenecks.
Finding zone bottlenecks and other constraints.

By doing this, you can speed up a phase and gain buffers without hurting trade partners.

Master Plan vs Tactical Plan

Here’s the distinction:

Master Plan = the “what” (your slowest contractual speed).
Tactical Plan = the “how” (your fastest reasonable speed, achieved through takt zones and buffers).

The key is the takt production system.

Master Plan vs Look-Ahead Plan

Master Plan: Slowest contractual speed.
Tactical Plan: Fastest reasonable speed.
Look-Ahead Plan: A 3–6-week filter of the tactical plan to make work ready and remove roadblocks.

Can You Follow a Master Plan and Still Lose Production?

Yes. If you try to build directly from a macro-level takt plan, you will lose production. Why? Because the master plan is only the contractual promise – the strategy.

Real production requires smaller zones, pull planning, and establishing your target speed. That’s what drives weekly work plans and ensures efficiency.

Aligning Master Plans and Pull Plans

Here’s the key: master plans set start and end milestones. Pull planning phases with smaller zone sizes lets you optimize sequences and gain buffers.

As long as your phase finishes before the milestone in the master plan, you’re good. This is called vertical alignment.

What If the Master Plan Doesn’t Match the Field?

If your plans don’t match reality, get them aligned immediately. Update your pull plans, look-aheads, weekly work plans, and day plans. Do a complete audit, show reality, and reset flow toward the finish path.

Flow-Based Planning vs CPM

If a PM only cares about milestones, here’s the explanation:

CPM leaves you vulnerable. One delay and you’re “forked.”
Flow-based planning with takt zones builds buffers, absorbs impacts, and protects milestones without sacrificing trade partners.

This is why takt, zoning, and buffers matter, they ensure reliability and protect your team’s time and families.

The Bottom Line

Master Plan: The slowest contractual speed (the “what”).
Production Plan: The fastest reasonable speed (the “how”).
Look-Ahead Plan: The weekly filter to make work ready.

With takt planning and flow-based systems, you can align strategy, protect milestones, and deliver projects at a pace that respects both people and production laws.

Key Takeaway

A master plan defines the slowest contractual speed, the “what” of a project while tactical and look-ahead plans determine the “how” by creating flow, removing roadblocks, and protecting milestones. True project success comes from aligning all three through takt planning and buffer management.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Is A Construction Environmental Management Plan?

Posted on September 26, 2025September 26, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

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What is a Construction Environmental Management Plan (CMP) and Why It Matters

When you hear “construction environmental management plan” (CMP), your first reaction might be, “Could that be any more uninteresting?” But stay with me because it’s more important (and more interesting) than you think.

Whether you believe the earth is temporary or that we have to take care of it for generations, one thing is clear: we need to manage our environmental impact. A CMP helps us do exactly that, and when integrated into construction projects, it benefits both the environment and the success of the project.

What is a CMP?

A CMP is a formal document that outlines the environmental impacts of a project and how those impacts will be managed, reduced, and monitored throughout construction.

Think of it as a roadmap guiding you from pre-application and design to permitting, construction, and even commissioning. It ensures that things like floodplains, rivers, natural habitats, light pollution, and neighborhood impacts are considered and addressed.

Why It Matters

Even if you personally don’t prioritize environmental issues, your clients do. A well-prepared CMP shows responsibility, professionalism, and sustainability giving you an edge when proposing future projects. It also ensures smooth permitting and helps avoid costly delays down the line.

More Than Just Paperwork

Yes, it may feel like “annoying paperwork,” but a CMP has very real purposes:

Protecting the environment.
Keeping you compliant.
Minimizing risks.

For example, I’ve seen projects where the lack of an environmental plan resulted in a flooded site, destroyed structures, and rework that cost massive time and money. A CMP isn’t just about checking a box, it’s about preventing problems before they happen.

Building Trust and Respect

In lean construction, everyone is a customer, owners, trades, neighbors, pedestrians, motorists. A CMP helps you build trust with all of them by minimizing disruption and showing care for the surrounding community.

This ties directly into lean thinking: respect for people and respect for resources. Paul Akers once shared a story about cleaning up an airplane bathroom, not because it was his job, but because the plane was a resource that served him and his family. Similarly, our job sites, neighborhoods, and projects are resources that deserve respect.

What’s Inside a CMP

A typical CMP includes:

Project description.
Legal requirements.
Key environmental aspects and impacts.
Mitigation measures.
Roles and responsibilities.
Monitoring and reporting.
Emergency response procedures.

Like a soils report, it guides you to understand risks and turn knowledge into action.

The Benefits

When done right, a CMP delivers:

Smoother project delivery.
Stronger company reputation.
A culture of accountability.
Real protection for the environment.

At the end of the day, humans live in the environment we’re impacting. Whether the earth lasts temporarily or perpetually, we have a responsibility to care for it. Or, as my dad used to say: “Leave everything better than you found it.”

Key Takeaway

A Construction Environmental Management Plan (CMP) isn’t just paperwork, it’s a roadmap that protects the environment, minimizes project risks, strengthens client trust, and ensures smoother construction delivery.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

How To Draw A Landscape Construction Layout Plan

Posted on September 25, 2025September 25, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

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How to Draw a Landscape Construction Layout Plan

How do you draw a landscape construction layout plan? This is a fun and important topic because, as you probably know, the end of a project is one of the most challenging phases. The landscape architect brings a long list of specifications, hardscape, landscaping, irrigation, underground electrical, massive trees, and more, all of which must fit into tight areas at the very end of the schedule. It’s not easy, but with the right approach, you can get it done successfully.

If that’s what you’re looking to learn, stay with me.

The Construction Process

By the time you’re ready for landscaping, you’ve already gone through site work, underground utilities, foundations, superstructure, exterior, roof, and interiors. Now it’s time for curbs, gutters, paving, sidewalks, trees, shrubs, and irrigation.

But here’s the problem: you’re at the end of the project, and time is short. Before planting, you must stake out the landscaping, get approval from the landscape architect, and only then can you proceed.

Too often, the mindset is, “They’re just trees and plants, let’s just get them in.” But that approach causes mistakes. Let’s look at how to do this effectively.

Key Tip: Plan With the End in Mind

Always plan your project with the exit strategy in mind. There are usually two project exits:

Commissioning, testing, and inspections for the building.
Exiting the site after exterior work.

You need to work backward from how you’ll leave the site. Sequence exteriors properly so you don’t trap yourself in a corner. I’ve seen projects where poor sequencing left no way out, which delayed completion.

Other Considerations

Along with sequencing, make sure all underground retention tanks, basins, dry wells, light pole bases, guard houses, and similar structures are complete before moving forward.

When a zone opens, first install underground electrical and irrigation, then hardscape, followed by staking and planting.

Landscaping Tip: Staking Trees and Bushes Separately

Stake trees separately from bushes, boulders, and other items. Tree excavations often damage other staking, so trees should go first. After trees are planted, you can stake and plant smaller items.

Where possible, use permanent monuments (such as capped rebar two inches below soil level) instead of temporary stakes, so layouts aren’t lost during construction.

The Most Effective Way

Once trees are planted and approved, run irrigation, install ground finishes (DG, grass, etc.), then finalize with fixtures like bike racks, benches, and signage.

Break work into evenly sized zones to avoid bottlenecks. A CAD or Civil 3D layout drawing, paired with a coordinate file for restacking, ensures accuracy throughout.

Key Details to Include in Layouts

Some elements need extra attention in layout plans:

Radii and curves for curbs, sidewalks, plant features, or decorative elements.
Engineered offsets for trees, bushes, and features so stakes are protected but accurate.
Permanent control points for consistent re-staking.

For deeper insights, I recommend Elevating Construction Surveyors, which covers layout practices in detail.

Planning Timeline

Start planning at least 2–3 months before beginning final site work. This allows time to coordinate with nurseries, mobilize trees, and finalize logistics. Rushing creates massive risks.

A Cautionary Story

On one project, a GC tried to rush a complex pool and landscape area without proper planning. They skipped layout plans, coordination, and architect approvals. The result? Puddles, birdbaths, rejected concrete, rework, and major trust lost with the owner.

The lesson is clear: landscaping and hardscaping are not “easy.” Poor planning here can cost millions and destroy credibility.

Key Takeaway

Successful landscape construction layouts require starting with the end in mind, sequencing exteriors properly, and planning 2–3 months ahead. Permanent control points, smart staking, and balanced work zones prevent rework, delays, and costly mistakes.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

How To Read Elevations On Construction Plans

Posted on September 24, 2025September 24, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

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How to Read Elevations on Construction Plans

How do you read elevations on construction plans? In this blog, I’m going to give you some general advice. About nine months from now, I’ll have the opportunity to take detailed blogs on site, where I’ll point directly to the callouts we’re discussing and do a complete deep dive into plan reading from a visual standpoint.

This blog will give you a high-level, quick overview of how to read elevations on construction plans. If you want to wait for the full deep dive with plans, stay tuned for future blogs. But if you’re ready for some quick, practical advice right now, let’s get started.

Common Questions About Elevations

Since I’ve shared two previous blogs on reading drawings, I’ve received a number of questions. Some of the most common include:

What do elevation callouts actually mean?
How do I know if an elevation is relative to finished floor, mean sea level, or a project-specific benchmark?
What do abbreviations like TOOS, FFE, and FG mean?
Who is responsible for checking elevations on a project?

These are great questions, and answering them will help you avoid costly mistakes in the field.

Elevation Callouts Explained

When you see an elevation callout on a drawing, the architect, engineer, or designer is providing you with the information you need to build accurately. If it’s vague or unclear, that’s a red flag, it may require an RFI (Request for Information).

Think of it step by step:

Start with the layout (grid lines and dimensions).
Move to the footing (bottom of footing elevations).
Mark top of footing with callouts.

The callouts exist to guide construction crews in building and laying out each element correctly.

Reference Points and Labels

One common question is: How do I know what the reference point is for an elevation?

It could be:

Above mean sea level (ABSL), often labeled with larger numbers.
Finished floor set at a baseline of 100.
Finished floor called “0.”

The key is labeling. Every abbreviation and symbol must be defined in the drawing’s front matter. If it isn’t labeled, clarify with an RFI. Never assume.

Abbreviations You’ll See

Some common abbreviations include:

TOOS → Top of Slab
FFE → Finish Floor Elevation (though context matters, since FFE can sometimes mean Fixtures, Furniture, and Equipment)
FG → Footing Grade (verify with abbreviations list in the plans)

When in doubt, always confirm through the project’s abbreviation list or reference a trusted field engineering guide such as Construction Surveying and Layout by Professor Wesley G. Crawford.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Mistakes with elevations usually fall into two categories:

Unclear labeling — mixing symbols, abbreviations, or units.
Mixing systems — confusing imperial with metric measurements.

Both can create major issues in the field, so always double check.

Who Is Responsible for Elevations?

While it may technically be the designer’s or surveyor’s job, in practice it’s the general contractor’s responsibility to confirm. Standard care often falls short, so it’s critical that field engineers and contractors double check elevations, confirm slopes, and integrate accurate data into lift drawings or 3D models.

Key Takeaway

Elevation callouts are only valuable if they are clear, labeled, and properly referenced, never assume their meaning. Always confirm whether they’re tied to finished floor, mean sea level, or a project-specific datum, and when in doubt, raise an RFI.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

How Much Does A Construction Foreman Make A Year?

Posted on September 23, 2025September 23, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

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How Much Does a Construction Foreman Make a Year?

How much does a construction foreman really make in a year? In this blog, I’m going to expound on some of the questions we’ve gotten from previous blogs. Don’t worry, this is all new content. I refuse to repeat, but I will answer fresh questions, and today we’ll dive into some really cool insights. We’ll also look at what separates low-paid foremen from high-paid foremen and I think you’re going to love it.

Helpful Resources

Before we jump in, let me share a few resources designed to support foremen in the field:

Books: Elevating Construction Foreman, Elevating Construction Superintendents, Elevating Construction Senior Superintendents, Elevating Construction General Superintendents.
Systems: Takt Planning, Elevating Pre-Construction Planning, Takt Steering and Control.
Coming Soon: A pamphlet on the Last Planner System.

All of these are built with one goal: to deliver value to foremen. We love, love, love foremen, and everything we create is meant to elevate you.

Average Salary of a Foreman

So, what’s the average salary for a construction foreman?

Typically, when you combine an hourly rate with some overtime (usually based on a 48-hour workweek), you’ll see annual earnings fall between $70,000 and $120,000.

But the numbers don’t stop there:

In California, salaries climb much higher.
In the mines or oil rigs, pay can triple reaching $250,000, $300,000, or even $350,000. These high-risk environments demand higher pay, and foremen in those industries can make serious money.

Hourly vs. Salary Pay

Do foremen get paid hourly or by salary?

Most foremen are paid hourly, especially in union contexts. In fact, I’ve seen some superintendents who came up through foreman roles and still chose to remain hourly.

I remember one concrete foreman who had one of the best crews in the business. They were fast, efficient, and organized. This foreman negotiated such a high hourly rate, worked so much overtime, and made so much money that he refused to switch to salary. His value gave him leverage to create his own deal, a powerful reminder of what’s possible when you bring real results.

What’s Included in Total Compensation?

Foremen’s compensation packages vary depending on company size:

Smaller companies (<50 employees): Salary may include everything, health insurance, dental, vision, and even housing or vehicle allowances.
Larger companies: More structured packages with base salary, health insurance, dental/vision, bonuses, stock options, trucks, gas cards, iPads, and more.

The key takeaway: packages differ, but you should always evaluate the full range of benefits, not just the base salary.

How to Increase Your Value as a Foreman

Here’s the big one: How do you increase your value?

Invest in yourself: Read books, attend training, learn people skills, and take certifications.
Stay professional: Show up sharp, stay organized, and build strong relationships with your crew and leaders.
Avoid stagnation: The stubborn, difficult-to-work-with foreman may survive, but they rarely advance.

The foreman who’s professional, constantly learning, and a great representative of the company? That’s the foreman who gets promoted.

Breaking Old Stereotypes

The construction industry has long embraced a “rough around the edges” stereotype: dirty trucks, no computers, yelling at workers, refusing to learn new systems. But this persona is outdated and even damaging.

The modern foreman needs to adopt a new identity:

“I am professional. I build things others can’t. I lead with knowledge, technology, and respect. I’m always learning and always adding value.”

This is the persona that earns trust, promotions, and long-term success.

Do You Need to Leave the Field to Earn More?

In many cases, yes. If you want to reach $260,000–$350,000 packages with a large general contractor, you’ll usually need to transition into roles like project manager or superintendent.

That said, if you add extraordinary value, you can negotiate unique deals without leaving the field. High performance creates leverage.

What Separates a $70K Foreman from a $120K Foreman?

The answer: processes, systems, and organization.

$70K foreman: Haphazard, reactive, firefighting, figuring things out on the fly.
$120K foreman: Planned, prepared, proactive, leading with structured systems and repeatable success.

That difference, discipline and organization is what sets top-performing foremen apart.

Key Takeaway

A foreman’s earning potential depends on industry, location, and risk but what truly separates high-paid foremen from the rest is professionalism, systems, and continuous learning.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What PPE Is Mandatory On A Construction Site?

Posted on September 22, 2025September 22, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 9 min

What PPE Is Mandatory on a Job Site?

What PPE or personal protective equipment is and why is it mandatory on a job site? This is one of my favorite topics. I’m going to go all in on what’s required, why it’s important, and answer some of the most common questions we’ve been getting. If you’re interested in that, stay with us.

We’ve gathered six key questions around PPE that people often ask, and in this blog, I’m going to answer them one by one. This blog is for you, and we absolutely love creating this kind of content to help you succeed.

What PPE is Legally Required on Most Job Sites?

Requirements vary depending on location, Mexico, the U.S., Canada, and Europe all differ. For this blog, I’ll use the United States as the base example.

OSHA-enforced rules and the safety culture in construction have dramatically reduced recordable incident rates by about 80% in recent decades. It’s working, and OSHA is making a massive impact on the safety and health of workers and project teams.

Here are the essentials most sites require in the U.S.:

Work boots – not always steel-toe, but substantial boots are a must.
Full-length pants and a shirt with four-inch sleeves (pants not always required in Canada).
High-visibility clothing or vests, especially around heavy equipment.
Hard hat anytime you’re outside the building or near overhead exposures.
Glasses or goggles for eye protection as needed.

Most top general contractors take it further with additional requirements:

Substantial leather boots past the ankle.
Full-length pants and collared shirts (four-inch sleeves required).
High-visibility vest.
Hard hat (many now prefer modern helmet styles with chin straps).
100% Z87-rated eye protection.
Gloves.

Some companies, like Hensel Phelps, have moved to 100% glove policies to eliminate hand injuries.

Who is Responsible for Enforcing PPE Requirements?

The general contractor. Always.

If you truly respect your workforce, you enforce PPE without compromise. Sending someone home isn’t punishment, it’s respect. If someone refuses PPE, it’s a sign they won’t follow other critical safety measures like fall protection, which puts lives at risk.

On my projects, PPE is non-negotiable. Everyone wears their glasses, hard hat, vest, and gloves, or they don’t work there.

How Do You Get Trades to Follow PPE Without Constant Conflict?

Punishment culture doesn’t work. Respect culture does.

Send workers home out of respect, not punishment.
Stop crews to clean up out of respect for the trade next to them.
Provide clean bathrooms and do barbecues out of respect for the workforce.
Morning huddles show respect by preparing people for the day.

Respect means not tolerating unsafe behavior. If someone is working without PPE, it’s because the superintendent allowed it.

Can PPE Improve Productivity?

Yes, absolutely.

Think of the movie Patton. The Allied forces turned the tide of war when discipline, training, and standards were enforced. On construction sites, PPE works the same way.

When workers look like construction workers, act like construction workers, and gear up like construction workers, they are mentally ready to work at their best. PPE creates discipline, unity, and readiness.

How Do You Handle Crews That Push Back on PPE?

They push back because they think they can. The solution? Be stubborn in a respectful way.

On my projects, PPE is not up for negotiation. Everyone on the delivery team is on the same page, and once crews realize there’s zero tolerance, they stop pushing. Whatever you tolerate on a project is what will happen.

What’s the Right Way to Lead Complaints?

Some safety professionals argue against zero tolerance, but from real project experience, I can tell you: there’s no other way. Zero tolerance, rooted in respect, is the only standard that works.

Enforcement doesn’t have to be harsh, it can be sending people home with love, doing field walks with foremen, or holding consistent safety reviews. The key is consistency.

Your project’s success will always be determined by the worst behavior you are willing to tolerate. If you need motivation, go watch Patton, it will fire you up to lead with discipline and respect.

Key Takeaway

PPE isn’t just about compliance, it’s about creating a culture of respect, discipline, and safety. When enforced consistently and respectfully, PPE protects workers, improves productivity, and strengthens project outcomes.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

What Is A TP3 File?

Posted on September 19, 2025September 19, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 6 min

What is a TP3 File?

When I hear “TP3,” I can’t help but think of that famous line from Office Space: “Have you filled out your TPS report?” It makes me laugh every time. But in our context, TP3 stands for something far more practical and impactful: Trade Partner Preparation Process.

Some people call it their quality process. Others call it their six-step process. No matter the name, the purpose is the same, it prepares trade partners for success on the job.

So, let’s dive into what a TP3 file really is and why it’s essential.

The Six Steps of the TP3 Process

Buyout:

This is where you bring the right trade partner (or subcontractor) on board. You finalize the agreement through your contract or work authorization, setting the stage for collaboration.

Pre-Mobilization Meeting:

Held two to three weeks after signing the contract, this meeting sets expectations early. You clearly communicate what needs to happen before the trade partner even steps onto the project.

Preconstruction Meeting (Preparatory Meeting):

This critical meeting should take place about two weeks before work begins. It’s where you onboard the superintendent and the trade partner’s foreman. And here’s a key point: if the foreman doesn’t show up, reschedule. No excuses. This meeting must happen.

Too often, superintendents shy away from hosting these meetings, dismissing them as unnecessary or “office work.” That mindset has to go. Superintendents are capable, skilled, and tech-savvy. Running these meetings is part of ensuring success.

Work Package & Visuals:

Trade partners should leave the preconstruction meeting with:

A document: A clear visual showing what their crew will install.
A work package: All the information needed to complete their work in one place.

First In-Place Inspection (Mockup):

Once work starts in the first zone, you inspect it right away. This ensures quality, sets expectations, and keeps the project flowing smoothly.

Follow-Up & Closeout Inspections:

Finally, you reinforce standards and verify completion through follow-ups and closeout inspections.

So, what is a TP3 File?

A TP3 file is essentially the kit a trade partner needs before starting work. It includes:

Visuals of the installation.
Work packages with all necessary details (methods, parts, tools, schedules, and delivery dates).

Think of it as the complete playbook. Work should never begin without this full kit.

Why It Matters

Yes, contracts and submittals are standard. But true preparation isn’t complete until every trade partner has both:

A single-page visual of what they are supposed to install.
A condensed work package with all the information needed.

That’s the benchmark for success and the real meaning of a TP3 file.

Key Takeaway

A TP3 file isn’t just paperwork, it’s a complete preparation package that equips trade partners with visuals, work packages, and all essential details before they start. When every contractor has this full kit, projects start smoothly, flow better, and finish stronger.

If you want to learn more we have:

Discover Jason’s Expertise:

On we go

Pull Planning Software That Field Teams Actually Use

Posted on September 18, 2025September 18, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 7 min

Pull Planning Software That Field Teams Actually Use

In this blog, I’ll walk you through some of the key things we need to remember, and I’ll also answer five specific questions that came our way about pull planning.

Along the way, I’ll share helpful resources, clear up common myths, and explain why certain approaches just don’t work in practice.

Helpful Resources

Before we dive in, here are a few resources worth checking out:

The book Takt Planning.
The book Takt Steering and Control.

Common Problems with Industry Pull Planning

If you approach pull planning the way it’s traditionally taught in the industry, you’ll likely overrun deadlines, create large batch areas, and lose overall flow. The system just doesn’t serve your project’s throughput time effectively.

One big myth is that pull planning only works with physical sticky notes. But in practice, handwriting is messy, hard to read, and the whole exercise ends up being more about sticking notes on a wall than about meaningful planning.

Why Digital Works Better

That’s why I always prefer to run pull plans digitally, often using tools like Miro. With a digital whiteboard on a screen or projector, everyone sees clear, typed stickies. It allows for quick analysis, remote collaboration, and ensures every trade partner still declares their tasks.

Another myth is that you should pull plan huge phases or entire floors. In reality, pull planning works best in small zones, typically 5,000–15,000 square feet. Each zone is planned individually, then combined to create a full phase plan. Using takt time calculations helps ensure the zones flow together diagonally and meet milestones.

The Best Way to Pull Plan

When it comes to execution, Miro is my preferred software. It allows you to:

Create stickies per day.
Do forward and backward passes.
Compare across phases.
Maintain clarity with typed notes.

This approach keeps planning efficient and collaborative without the clutter of handwritten stickies.

Answering the Big Questions

Here are some of the top questions I often get:

What’s the best pull planning software?
I’ve tried many, but most force trade partners into complex apps and high costs (sometimes as high as $75,000 a year!). For me, Miro wins because it’s simple, flexible, and collaborative.
Why doesn’t my team use the software we’ve already paid for?
Most construction softwares today just don’t work as intended. They’re often tied to legacy systems or misguided lean approaches. Mandating software never works, tools should prove their value naturally.
Can we still use sticky notes and go digital?
Yes. Miro’s sticky notes let you go fully digital while keeping the spirit of pull planning alive.
What’s the difference between a pull plan and a Gantt chart?
A Gantt chart is a push system organized by deliverable. A pull plan is organized by location, with commitments and needs declared clearly. It respects trade flow and supports true lean planning.
How do you keep a pull plan alive past the meeting?
Simple, all pull plans evolve into norm-level takt plans. A pull plan is a single sequence in one zone, while a takt plan integrates multiple zones into a phase-wide flow.

Key Takeaway

Pull planning only works when it’s done at the right scale, with the right tools, and in a way that respects trade flow. Digital platforms like Miro make it easier, clearer, and more collaborative, turning pull plans into takt plans that actually drive project success.

If you want to learn more we have:

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How To Find Construction Project Leads

Posted on September 17, 2025September 17, 2025 by Danny Jiménez⁩

Read 9 min

How to Find Construction Project Leads

I have been dying to do another blog on this because I’ve talked about different frameworks before, and now in this blog I get to focus on a specific framework that I absolutely love. Having worked in both massive general contractor environments and small contractor settings, I’ve seen two very different approaches. Today, I’ll share those two frameworks with you.

What Really Gets You the Next Project?

For a long time, I thought landing your next project came down to one main factor. But now I know it’s really a combination of four.

Project Delivery:

How you deliver the project matters a lot. We’re not just building a project; we’re interviewing for the next. Clients want to know you can deliver results and provide an experience they value.

In some regions, like the Midwest, Southeast, and parts of Canada, repeat business is common. But in places like the Northeast, California, or Arizona, even if you do great work, politics or selection methods might still keep you out. Regardless, delivery always impacts your ability to get future work.

A Great Team:

Having the right team is just as important. I’ve been part of interviews for major projects, and the teams that win are always dynamic, connected, and high-functioning. When clients sense dysfunction or risk, they walk away. But when the team has strong energy and synergy, they’re much more likely to win.

Relationships:

Being on preferred contractor lists, public lists, or job order contracts helps, but nothing beats real relationships. The most effective project executives, VPs, and business development leaders are constantly out there connecting with potential clients, building trust, and treating them well whether or not there’s an active project.

Proposals and interviews matter, but they’re a small percentage compared to the weight of relationships and team strength.

Marketing Strategy – The Marcus Sheridan Method:

For medium-sized contractors, small firms, and subcontractors, the They Ask, You Answer method by Marcus Sheridan is a game-changer. I first heard him at a Dirt World conference, and his framework pulls inbound marketing concepts together in a powerful way.

Here’s the essence:

Brainstorm all the questions clients ask before buying.
Research how people actually type those questions into Google, YouTube, or AI tools.
Create blogs, posts, and resources that answer those questions directly.

When clients find answers on your site, they trust you. If they can’t find information, pricing, comparisons, or explanations, they get annoyed and leave. By openly answering questions (even ones about competitors), you position yourself as the trusted partner.

This strategy works alongside repeat business and relationship-building, funneling leads straight to you.

Key Resources

If you’re interested in diving deeper, here are four books I highly recommend:

They Ask, You Answer – Marcus Sheridan.
YouTube Optimization – Nate Woodbury (available on Amazon).
The Power of Moments – Chip & Dan Heath.
Getting Naked – Patrick Lencioni (don’t Google this with image search on!).

Together, these resources will help you understand marketing, customer service, and relationship-building at a much deeper level.

Lead Generation Without Cold Calling

One common question I get is: “How do I get more construction work without cold calling?”
The answer: follow the They Ask, You Answer model and focus on real relationships. Serve your clients, give freely, and position yourself as the go-to resource.

What Gets You Called Back?

Simple: make your client’s life easier. If working with you is a headache, they won’t return, no matter how good the final product was. But if you remove friction, bring good energy, and deliver without constant conflict, they’ll call you again.

Building Long-Term Relationships

The principle here is simple: give, give, give. Not to get something back, just to give. Support your clients, your industry, and your community. When your brand is known for generosity and service, people will seek you out for work.

Key Takeaway

Winning more construction projects isn’t just about proposals or cold calls, it comes down to how you deliver your projects, the strength of your team, the relationships you build, and using strategies like Marcus Sheridan’s They Ask, You Answer to attract clients through trust and value.

If you want to learn more we have:

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