Building a Proactive Culture in Custom Home Construction with CoConstruct

May 22, 2024

by Peter Landau, Operations Manager at Whitman Homes

In the world of custom home construction, staying ahead of potential issues is crucial. Over the years, I’ve learned that the most successful projects aren’t just those where problems are fixed quickly—they’re the ones where problems are anticipated and prevented before they even arise. This forward-thinking approach has become the backbone of our operations at Whitman Homes, and CoConstruct has played a key role in helping us build this proactive culture.

The Value of Proactive Project Management

Custom home building is all about the details. Each project is unique, bringing its own set of challenges, from managing client expectations to navigating unforeseen site conditions. I’ve found that by looking ahead and planning for potential obstacles, we can avoid many of the common pitfalls that derail projects.

Being proactive means constantly evaluating what might go wrong and taking steps to prevent it. CoConstruct has become an essential tool in this process. Its comprehensive features allow us to monitor every aspect of a project, from budget tracking to scheduling, in real time. This level of oversight is invaluable for maintaining control and ensuring that projects stay on track.

How CoConstruct Helps Us Stay Ahead

One of the standout features of CoConstruct is its scheduling tool. We can lay out each phase of the build in detail, anticipate potential delays, and adjust timelines as needed. This has been a game-changer for us. I remember a project where a delay in material delivery could have thrown off the entire schedule. Thanks to CoConstruct, we were able to quickly reorganize tasks and keep the project moving forward without missing a beat.

The ability to foresee issues and adjust accordingly has saved us countless headaches. It’s not just about reacting to problems; it’s about preventing them from happening in the first place.

Improving Communication and Collaboration

Clear communication is the cornerstone of any successful project, especially in custom home building where the client is deeply involved in every decision. CoConstruct’s client portal has revolutionized how we interact with our clients. It gives them real-time access to their project’s progress, lets them approve changes, and keeps everyone on the same page.

There was a client who was particularly detail-oriented. They were able to log into the portal, see the latest updates, and ask questions or make selections without the need for multiple meetings. This not only streamlined communication but also made the client feel more engaged and satisfied with the process.

On the team side, CoConstruct ensures that all communication is logged and easily accessible. Whether it’s a note from a subcontractor or a client request, nothing slips through the cracks. This has drastically reduced misunderstandings and has made our projects run more smoothly.

Making Data-Driven Decisions

One of the biggest advantages of CoConstruct is the real-time data it provides. We can see exactly where we stand on budget, track daily job logs, and analyze the schedule’s integrity—all from one platform. This data-driven approach allows us to make informed decisions quickly, which is critical in an industry where time is money.

For example, during a recent build, we noticed early on that we were approaching the budget limit for a specific phase of the project. Thanks to CoConstruct, we were able to discuss this with the client immediately and adjust the scope of work to avoid any financial surprises. This kind of proactive budgeting not only keeps projects profitable but also strengthens client trust.

Cultivating a Forward-Looking Mindset

Creating a proactive culture is more than just using the right tools—it’s about fostering a mindset that prioritizes foresight and collaboration. At Whitman Homes, we’ve embraced this approach, and CoConstruct has been instrumental in making it possible.

By providing us with the tools to manage projects more effectively, communicate clearly, and make data-driven decisions, CoConstruct has helped us build a culture that values being one step ahead. This forward-looking mindset not only helps us deliver better results for our clients but also positions us to take on more ambitious projects with confidence.

As we continue to use CoConstruct, I’m excited to see how this proactive culture will evolve and continue to drive our success in the custom home building industry.