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Construction Stage

This is where the work happens.

Construction is the active work phase — your crew is on-site, executing the scope, pouring concrete, setting rebar, doing the job you were hired to do.

What Is Construction?​

Construction is the execution phase. All the planning (Pre-Con) and setup (Mobilization) were prep. Now you're actually doing the work.

You're doing:

  • Daily work execution (pour concrete, set rebar, grade, etc.)
  • Daily reports and progress tracking
  • Safety monitoring
  • Quality control
  • Material management
  • Coordinating with other trades
  • Tracking change orders
  • Solving field issues as they arise

Duration: Varies widely — could be days, weeks, or months depending on the scope.

When Does Construction Start?​

Construction starts when you advance from Mobilization.

When Mobilization is done (site is set up, crew is ready, equipment is on-site), you change Current Stage Status to "Construction Active".

Within 2-3 minutes, Podio creates tasks for Construction.

Current Stage Status changed to "Construction Active" with tasks appearing

How Many Tasks in Construction?​

[NEEDS VERIFICATION: How many tasks are in Construction for Concrete division? Drywall division?]

Construction tasks vary widely depending on the scope. Some are recurring (daily reports), others are one-time (final inspection).

Construction stage page showing task count and Task Overview

Major Categories of Construction Work​

1. Daily Work Execution​

The actual scope of work.

Tasks are specific to your division and scope:

  • Concrete: Pour foundations, set forms, place rebar, finish flatwork, cure concrete
  • Earthwork: Grade site, excavate, compact fill
  • Utilities: Install pipes, backfill trenches
  • Drywall: Hang drywall, tape, finish [NEEDS VERIFICATION]

Why it matters: This is what you're getting paid for. Execute it right.

Screenshot needed

Division-specific construction tasks - Construction tasks filtered by division (e.g., Concrete tasks)

2. Daily Reports​

Track what happened each day.

Tasks may include:

  • Complete daily work log
  • Document crew hours
  • Record equipment usage
  • Note weather conditions
  • Document work completed
  • Flag issues or delays
  • Take progress photos

Why it matters:

  • Proves work was done (documentation for billing)
  • Tracks progress against schedule
  • Creates a record if disputes arise
  • Helps with future estimating

Tip: Don't skip daily reports. Do them at the end of each day while it's fresh. Trying to recreate them a week later is painful and inaccurate.

Screenshot needed

Daily report task or template - Task for daily reporting

3. Safety Monitoring​

Keep the site safe every single day.

Tasks may include:

  • Daily safety inspections
  • Toolbox talks (ongoing safety discussions)
  • Incident reporting (if anything happens)
  • PPE checks
  • Hazard identification and mitigation

Why it matters: Construction is dangerous. Vigilance saves lives.

Never skip safety. Ever.

4. Quality Control​

Make sure the work meets standards.

Tasks may include:

  • Inspect work before it's covered/finalized
  • Verify dimensions and placement
  • Test materials (concrete slump tests, compaction tests, etc.)
  • Document inspections
  • Third-party inspections (if required by GC or code)

Why it matters: Catching quality issues early is cheap. Catching them after the GC rejects the work is expensive.

Screenshot needed

Quality control inspection task - QC inspection task detail

5. Material Management​

Keep materials flowing and organized.

Tasks may include:

  • Order additional materials as needed
  • Coordinate deliveries (schedule and location)
  • Verify delivered quantities
  • Track material usage
  • Return unused materials (if applicable)

Why it matters: Running out of concrete mid-pour is a disaster. Stay ahead of material needs.

6. Progress Tracking​

Know where you are vs. where you should be.

Tasks may include:

  • Update percent complete
  • Compare actual progress to schedule
  • Identify delays and causes
  • Communicate progress to PM and GC

Why it matters: If you're falling behind, you need to know NOW so you can course-correct.

Progress tracking task or field

7. Change Order Tracking​

Scope changes? Track them.

Tasks may include:

  • Identify scope changes (work not in original contract)
  • Document the change
  • Submit change order request to GC
  • Track approval status
  • Document extra work performed

Why it matters: Extra work = extra money. Don't do free work. Track every change order.

[NEEDS VERIFICATION: Is there a separate Change Order app or workflow in Podio?]

8. Coordination with Other Trades​

Construction is a team sport.

Tasks may include:

  • Daily coordination with GC superintendent
  • Coordinate with trades before/after you (who needs access when?)
  • Resolve conflicts (e.g., electrician needs access to area you're working in)
  • Attend coordination meetings

Why it matters: You're not the only trade on-site. Play nice, communicate, stay flexible.

9. Issue Resolution​

Problems will arise. Deal with them.

Tasks may include:

  • Identify field issues (conflicts, unforeseen conditions, etc.)
  • Escalate to PM or GC
  • Implement solutions
  • Document resolution

Why it matters: Construction never goes 100% to plan. How you handle issues determines success.

Tip: Don't hide problems. Surface them early, solve them fast.

Recurring Tasks in Construction​

Some Construction tasks happen repeatedly:

Examples:

  • Daily work log (every day)
  • Weekly safety meeting (every week)
  • Weekly progress photos (every week)

How it works: Podio can auto-create recurring tasks on a schedule (e.g., every Monday).

[NEEDS VERIFICATION: How exactly do recurring tasks work? Are they duplicated weekly via GlobiFlow automation?]

Screenshot needed

Recurring task showing schedule/frequency - Task showing recurring schedule settings (if applicable)

Task Dependencies in Construction​

Some Construction tasks depend on others.

Example:

  • Can't pour concrete until forms are set and inspected
  • Can't backfill until utilities are installed and inspected

Podio tracks these dependencies.

Screenshot needed

Construction task showing dependency chain - Task with multiple dependencies visible

Construction Timeline​

How long does Construction take?

It varies wildly.

Small job (foundation pour): 1-3 days
Medium job (site utilities): 1-2 weeks
Large job (full site development): Weeks to months

Factors:

  • Scope size
  • Complexity
  • Weather
  • Crew size
  • Material availability
  • Other trades' schedules
  • Change orders

Plan for delays. Weather, material delays, and coordination issues WILL happen.

How to Know When Construction Is Done​

Construction is "done" when:

✅ All work in the scope is complete
✅ Quality inspections passed
✅ GC has accepted the work (or identified punch list items)
✅ Daily reports are up to date
✅ All change orders are documented
✅ Site is ready for demobilization

Note: You might still have punch list items (minor fixes). That's normal. Handle them in Demobilization.

Construction stage showing completion metrics

Common Construction Mistakes​

❌ Skipping Daily Reports​

Problem: "I'll do them all at the end of the week."
Result: You forget details, reports are inaccurate, you can't prove work was done.

Fix: Do daily reports daily. 10 minutes at the end of each day. Non-negotiable.

❌ Not Tracking Change Orders​

Problem: GC asks for extra work, you do it, but never document it.
Result: You did free work. GC doesn't pay for it.

Fix: When scope changes, STOP. Document it. Submit a change order. Get approval. Then do the work.

❌ Ignoring Safety​

Problem: "We're in a hurry, skip the toolbox talk."
Result: Someone gets hurt.

Fix: Never skip safety. Ever. No schedule is worth an injury.

❌ Poor Communication with GC​

Problem: Don't tell GC about delays, issues, or progress.
Result: GC is blindsided, trust erodes, disputes arise.

Fix: Over-communicate. Daily check-ins. Weekly updates. Keep GC in the loop.

❌ Running Out of Materials​

Problem: Didn't order enough rebar, concrete, etc.
Result: Work stops mid-task, crew sits idle, money wasted.

Fix: Track material usage. Order ahead. Have buffer stock for critical items.

❌ No Quality Checks​

Problem: Rush the work, don't inspect it.
Result: GC rejects it, you have to redo it, lose time and money.

Fix: Inspect as you go. Catch issues early.

Tips for Successful Construction​

1. Start Each Day with a Plan​

Morning huddle: 5-10 minutes with the crew.

  • What are we doing today?
  • Who's doing what?
  • Any safety concerns?
  • Any materials or equipment issues?

Sets the tone for the day.

2. End Each Day with a Report​

Daily wrap-up: 10 minutes at end of day.

  • What did we complete?
  • What's left?
  • Any issues?
  • What's the plan for tomorrow?

Document it in your daily report.

3. Take Photos Daily​

Why:

  • Proves work was done
  • Documents progress
  • Useful for disputes
  • Helps with future estimates

What to photo:

  • Work in progress
  • Completed work before it's covered (e.g., rebar before concrete pour)
  • Issues or defects
  • Site conditions (weather, access, etc.)

Task for taking daily progress photos

Tip: Store photos in Podio (upload to Documents & Logs on the project).

4. Communicate, Communicate, Communicate​

Daily: Check in with GC superintendent
Weekly: Send progress update to PM
Immediately: Report issues, delays, or safety incidents

Over-communication beats under-communication every time.

5. Track Time and Costs​

Know how much time and money you're spending vs. budget.

If you're going over:

  • Why? (Change orders? Inefficiency? Unforeseen conditions?)
  • Can you course-correct?
  • Do you need to escalate?

Budget tracking field or task

6. Solve Problems Fast​

When issues arise:

  1. Identify the problem
  2. Escalate if needed (to PM, GC, or engineer)
  3. Implement solution quickly
  4. Document what happened and how you fixed it

Don't let issues fester. Small problems become big problems if ignored.

7. Manage the Crew​

Your foreman is critical.

Support them:

  • Make sure they have what they need (materials, equipment, info)
  • Back them up on safety decisions
  • Listen when they flag issues
  • Recognize good work

A good foreman = a successful job.

8. Respect Other Trades​

You're sharing the site.

Be courteous:

  • Clean up your mess
  • Don't block access
  • Coordinate schedules
  • Communicate when you need space

Karma is real on construction sites. Help others, they'll help you.

Construction Checklist​

Before advancing to Demobilization, verify:

  • All scope work is complete
  • Quality inspections passed
  • GC has reviewed and accepted work (or provided punch list)
  • Daily reports are up to date
  • Change orders documented and submitted
  • Photos taken and uploaded
  • Materials accounted for (used, returned, or staged)
  • Safety incidents documented (if any)
  • Work area is ready for next trade (if applicable)
  • All Construction tasks Complete or documented

What Happens After Construction?​

Once Construction is done, you advance to Demobilization — cleaning up and closing out the site.

Related Docs:

Remember​

Construction is why you're here.

All the planning, setup, and coordination was to make this phase successful.

Execute well:

  • Do the work right
  • Stay safe
  • Communicate constantly
  • Document everything
  • Solve problems fast
  • Respect the crew and other trades

Good construction work = happy GC = more projects.