When I started as a junior building supervisor, I left my work phone on 24/7. Here's what I learned about what actually gets things fixed, from the supervisor's side of the phone.
Understanding Your Building Supervisor's Role
Your building supervisor coordinates trades, deliveries, inspections and paperwork across many jobs at once. Most work Monday to Friday, about 7 am to 5 pm, and that's the best time to call. Calls outside those hours rarely get a faster answer.
Leaving my phone on meant calls late on Friday nights about minor issues and early on Sunday mornings about the weather. It didn't get anything fixed faster, and it wore everyone down.
Managing Expectations
Avoid sending multiple text messages or becoming agitated if your supervisor does not respond immediately. Remember, supervisors manage numerous projects simultaneously, involving hundreds of phone calls and communications with various stakeholders, including office staff, councils, developers, and finance companies. Patience and understanding are key to maintaining a good working relationship.
Each home they manage is important to them, as they aim to complete projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. While your project is a significant investment for you, it's essential to recognise that your building supervisor is working diligently to meet your expectations along with those of other clients.
Effective Communication Strategies
To address your concerns, arrange a meeting with your supervisor on-site. Prepare a list of questions beforehand and aim to meet every other week, depending on the urgency of your concerns. This approach ensures that issues are addressed efficiently without overburdening your supervisor. However, avoid marking every issue as urgent; doing so can diminish the urgency of truly critical matters.
After every site meeting, email the supervisor a short summary of what was agreed and by when. Anything not in writing is hard to rely on later. Take photos and notes as you go, too.
Your building supervisor is your primary contact for all site-related questions. Their role includes coordinating site activities and ensuring quality standards are met. They are dedicated to building your home to the contract specifications and the quality standards expected by the industry and your builder.
What If It Isn't Working?
If issues keep slipping, escalate in writing to the construction manager or the builder's customer service team, and keep copies. If that doesn't resolve it, follow the dispute resolution steps in your contract. In Queensland, the QBCC can also help with defects and disputes.
One Last Tip
If you're feeling emotional about an issue, pause, take a breath and sleep on it before you call your supervisor. A calm, written list gets better results than a heated phone call.
Further Reading
Protect Your Home: The Power of Site PhotosUncover how taking site photos during construction can be a game-changer for homeowners. Learn about the subsidence policy and how documenting your build can save you from costly repairs and legal headaches.
Combat Memory Biases with Checklists, Photos & Site DiariesAre you struggling with memory biases affecting your project decisions? Learn how to document every step of your project to ensure you’re making the most informed decisions. Don’t let memory trick you; read on!
Effective Site SupervisionThis article outlines practical strategies to enhance construction efficiency, maintain accurate progress reports, and foster good communication with clients and trades. Key elements include planning site visits, maintaining progress charts, and managing unexpected challenges like weather delays.
The Importance of Communicating Client Installed ServicesEffective communication between clients and builders about client-installed services, such as ducted air-conditioning and security cabling, is vital in residential construction. Informing builders of planned installations can prevent delays, additional costs, and ensure a smoother building process.
