4 ways to double check your work as a construction supervisor

As a construction supervisor, double-checking your work might sound tedious, but it doesn’t have to be. In this blog, we’ll discuss how you can shift your mindset and turn double-checking into a habit that can boost your career and transform you into one of the top performers in your company.

Importance of Having a Mindset for Double-Checking Your Work

Double-checking doesn’t need to be a boring chore—it can be a game-changer. Imagine the difference it could make in your work and your overall performance. The simple habit of ensuring everything is right, rather than assuming you did it correctly the first time, could elevate your standing in your company.

To give you some perspective, I once worked for a large general contractor where numerous mistakes led to severe issues. From buildings set at the wrong elevation to layouts five feet off the property line, it became clear that the mindset around double-checking was missing. Instead of assuming everything would be perfect the first time, we needed to embrace double-checking as a crucial part of our process.

Once we shifted our mindset, trained the team, and emphasized that everything must be double-checked, we saw significant improvements. Mistakes diminished, systems stabilized, and the team’s performance soared. This principle can work for you, whether you’re working on a budget, a submittal, or a design. Double-checking can apply to every aspect of construction management.

Four Techniques to Double-Check Your Work

Here are four practical ways to make double-checking a key part of your workflow:

1. Use a Different Person

This is the simplest yet often overlooked step. Ask someone else to review your work. We often avoid this step because we think others are too busy, but the reality is, a quick review by someone else can save you days of rework. Always ask a colleague to redline or review your work in detail, rather than just giving it a quick glance.

2. Use a Different Technology

In construction, you can leverage different technologies to cross-verify your work. For instance, if you used a total station for layout, double-check it with a different tool like a chain or an automatic level. 

In other fields, this might mean using a different software or manual method to ensure accuracy. Whether it’s comparing AutoCAD drawings with hand sketches or verifying a digital model with physical measurements, using alternative technologies can help you spot mistakes you might have missed.

3. Use a Different Approach

Sometimes, you need to step back and take a completely different approach to validate your work. For example, if you’ve created a construction production plan, try working backward from the end date or break it down into phases using historical data to ensure everything aligns. This can be applied to many aspects of project management. A fresh perspective can highlight errors or potential improvements that weren’t obvious from your initial approach.

4. Do a Gut Check

While this may sound abstract, your gut feeling can be a powerful tool. It’s not about emotions but rather the subconscious part of your brain that processes vast amounts of data from your experiences. When you have a hunch that something isn’t right, it’s worth taking the time to dig deeper. Trust that feeling and recheck your work when something doesn’t sit well with you.

Setting Yourself Up for Success

Those who consistently double-check their work—those 10th men or women—are the ones who rise to the top. Cultivating a mindset of precision and accountability will not only improve the quality of your work but also help you stand out in your organization. Whether you’re in pre-construction, running a project, or closing one out, the habit of double-checking will set you on a path to success.

Make double-checking a key part of your culture by integrating it into your daily actions. Use these four techniques to build a habit that’s not only essential but enjoyable. Over time, you’ll start to appreciate the benefits of higher quality work and increased recognition within your company.

And remember, double-checking doesn’t have to be dull—find ways to make it engaging, like using your favorite tools or collaborating with others. When your team starts to perform better because of your meticulous efforts, you might even find it addictive.