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Buy or Rent Heavy Equipment: 4 Factors to Consider

Buy or Rent Heavy Equipment: 4 Factors to Consider2020 has brought unique challenges to the construction industry. We want to believe that the worst is over and the industry is recovering. Protecting against COVID-19 requires proper decisions to maintain safety as well as profitability during a slower economy. If you decided you need some more heavy equipment or trucks, there is a question when to buy equipment and trucks and when to rent them? The decision may influences on putting your business back on track to ensure it runs smoothly.

Comparing pros and cons of both renting and buying, keep in mind your company’s current situation, capabilities and future plans. Here’s a small overview of some important points before deciding when to buy and when to rent heavy equipment.

Financial situation and costs forecast

One of the most obvious factors to consider is your currently financial situation. Also you should project and analyze your costs over several months or years. Buying is a larger one-time financial outlay. However, the cost of renting can rise quickly and finally can end up costing you more.

Project length and job frequency

Project length and the frequency of usage of heavy equipment may be the deciding factor in whether you rent or buy equipment. If it’s a short term job, or you need specialized equipment for a one-off job, then renting may make more sense. However, owning the multi-purpose heavy equipment such as loaders, excavators, trucks, etc. that can be used for various projects is a great asset on any construction company.

Company image

Owing your own heavy equipment can be a plus to potential clients. It shows that you are a stable, trustworthy business. Moreover, you can quickly react to unexpected changes in projects and instantly take on jobs.

Placement and storage

Keep in mind that your own heavy equipment requires special space to store it. Adverse weather conditions could damage it, as well as leaving heavy equipment outside is unreliable.

Heavy equipment maintenance with Snappii

All heavy equipment, especially your own, require regular maintenance. It should be inspected in time to avoid damages, delays and incidents. Snappii offers a way to do it extremely fast and simple. Heavy Equipment Inspection app allows users to quickly collect all necessary data, fill in pre-made mobile forms, generate professional PDF or Excel reports, print and share them via email, text message, cloud storages and other ways, store all the data locally on the device and more. Keep heavy equipment in a good working order and save time and money.

Top Factors Affecting Labor Productivity Losses on Construction Projects and How to Avoid Them

Top Factors Affecting Labor Productivity Losses on Construction Projects and How to Avoid ThemInefficient work with construction labor and resources can result in low productivity and financial losses. It is important for contractors and construction managers to clear evaluate the productivity of the equipment and the laborers in different processes. They bid a scope of work and payment based on this evaluation. There are some factors affecting labor productivity losses on a construction project. An accurate management and timely response can help avoid or adapt to them and reduce any losses.

Weather

Adverse weather is one of the causes of lost productivity on a construction project. It is difficult to deal with this factor, but it is quite possible. The construction project contract can contain some special points about additional time for “unusually severe weather”. This will reduce the negative impact on the schedule and finances.

Poor project management

Diverting from plan, mismanagement, changes in scope of work, increase in manpower or work areas without right supervision can lead to loss of labor productivity. The way to fight with this is a clear and accurate management of reliable managers. An ability to keep every aspect under control is not just an advantage but a strict necessity.

Attitude and positive atmosphere

Stress and unfavorable atmosphere on the jobsite may create an environment that doesn’t contribute to productivity. Increasing conflicts between the workers, disputes, over-inspection, excessive hazards, multiple contract changes, poor site conditions, disruption of work rhythm and more can even lead to the failure of the project. Encouragement, discipline and communication are the ways of smooth construction projects without productivity losses.

Hazardous work area

Another important factor that contributes to the loss of productivity in a construction project is a hazardous work area. Workers may face special safety requirements, usage of special equipment and various restrictions. It is advisable to take these into account at the planning stage in order not to face delays and additional financial expenses.

Mobile solutions for smooth construction projects

It has long been proven that mobile solutions are a tool which contributes to increase of efficiency at the construction projects. Special construction apps can help avoid labor productivity losses and complete projects in time and on budget. Snappii is a leader in the market of construction mobile solutions and offers a plenty of ready-made apps with a set of impressive features. Most of Snappii’s construction apps are customizable and can be easily and quickly modified to meet any needs. Also Snappii team is ready to create a custom app from scratch in accordance with specific requirements. Contact us here to learn more and discuss.

3 Useful Practices for Managing Construction Projects

3 Useful Practices for Managing Construction ProjectsManaging construction projects is not a small process, frequently dealing with unique challenges. It includes hundreds of actions to be done, timelines to be met and projects to be delivered. There are some practices that ensure efficient management and the entire team moves fluidly.

Agility in planning and fast response

Managers prepare a preconstruction plan based on real information. However, anything can happen on a construction site. Fluid planning, fast response and instant changes will help continue a successful implementation of the project while maintaining all deadlines. Special mobile apps can make it possible. Construction apps allow managers to get timely data and make accurate changes. Thanks to the apps, all construction team stays synced and instantly meets all important points.

Keep a favorable atmosphere

Stress and unfavorable atmosphere on the jobsite create an environment that doesn’t contribute to productivity. Nobody wants to work under strong duress and oversight. When the team is treated with care and respect, and when it is motivated, workers try to do their best and achieve better results. Managers should regularly request feedback from the team and discuss the ways of workflow improvement. Also they should always keep the atmosphere of teamwork and show employees how their work fits into the overall picture.

The right balance between time, quality and expenses

Pay special attention to time and budget, and try to find the right balance. Manage your expectations. Quality, time and expenses are always competing. High quality work can’t be the cheapest and fastest. Carefully think through what you can afford and what are you ready to bet on at a certain moment.

Try the features of Snappii’s construction apps

Snappii offers smart and powerful mobile tools for construction managers. Snappii’s construction apps will allow them to keep any project detail under strong control and have a constant contact with the entire team. Among the major features of the apps are:

– pre-made mobile forms to instantly fill in right at the jobsite,

– in-build calculators to make quick calculations on the go,

– push notifications for immediate notifying of anything,

– an ability to capture photos, make marks and draw right on them,

– an ability to generate professional reports in a PDF or Excel format and email them,

– work with limited Internet connection,

– and more.

Snappii team creates custom apps in weeks and in accordance with specific needs. Need a useful construction app for efficient project management? Contact us here.

Construction Insurance and How Mobile Solutions Can Help Reduce Insurance Costs

Construction Insurance and How Mobile Solutions Can Help Reduce Insurance CostsWhat is construction insurance

Construction insurance is a broad variety of insurance policies that provide protection during construction projects. Many factors influence the type of insurance for a given construction project or business. Here are some types of construction insurance:

– Builders risk insurance is insurance coverage for buildings, different types of property and other structures while they are under construction.

– General liability insurance provides liability protection to businesses in the case of bodily harm or property damage during the course of business. There are various versions of these policies.

– Construction bonds are used to “guarantee” certain aspects of a contract or construction project. There are also several types of contract bonds.

– Workers’ compensation insurance protects construction businesses and contractors when their employees are injured while on the job. It covers some costs after a covered incident. Compensation insurance is required by law in some states.

Focus on a strong safety policy

Insurance costs in construction industry are a significant cost element. If companies can reduce this cost, they will have more money to invest in their business. The major solution is improving safety at the jobsite, the result of which is the reduction of insured events. Construction companies should pay special attention to effective safety maintenance and inspection programs.

Modern mobile solutions can significantly help in ensuring stable, safe construction workflow. Construction apps provide pre-made mobile forms and checklists for regular, streamlined safety inspections. Moreover, there is an opportunity to generate professional reports right on the mobile device, share and store them. All necessary data is always at hand. Optimized documentation contributes to a smooth safety policy without incidents and great insurance payments.

Snappii helps construction companies create safe and efficient jobsites for about 10 years. We provide construction apps that are easy to use, as well as multifunctional and powerful. We are able to create any custom app, which will help maintain safety in your construction business. Send us your requirements and let’s discuss.

It’s Time to Leave Behind Paper-Based Construction Daily Reports

It's Time to Leave Behind Paper-Based Construction Daily ReportsTime for a change

With constant evolution in the construction industry, transformation is more relevant than ever. The technologies, systems and tools have improved significantly in recent times.

Daily reports have been created the same way and had the same form for decades. Up until recently, no one really thought about creating a better process. At the end of a workday, all workers have to provide daily report. Usually they spent some time for it, using the traditional pen and paper forms. However, it’s certainly no longer the efficient way.

At this point, a lot of fields of activity and operations have gone digital, so construction also adapts to modern times. Workers don’t use archaic construction tools, and it is the turn to change outdated daily reporting process.

Mobile solutions to simplify and optimize reporting process

Today more and more construction companies move to mobile forms and special reporting apps. Their main goal is to be as simple and convenient as possible, so you can produce professional daily reports in a few clicks anytime and anywhere. Project managers will never have to keep track of messy paper documents again and workers will be happy to go home on time. Reporting apps contain pre-made mobile forms to fill out, process, share and store. Their users can forget about time consuming paperwork, unreliable paper forms and inaccurate and untimely data.

Construction Daily Log app

If you’re still filling out your daily reports with pen and paper, it is the best time to try Construction Daily Log app from Snappii. This is #1 app to create professional daily reports in minutes. Construction Daily Log app includes a one-page collapsed form with contractor details, site information, work performed, subcontractor progress, issues and punch lists, reasons for delays, additional work or change requests, materials purchased and received, labor and travel hours and more. Also the app captures weather conditions, locations, date and time, amount of labor performed and other field related information. To make Construction Daily Log app even more convenient for any field professional, we have added the opportunity to translate your voice into text. No need to type, just hit the mike and speak into it. Make photos, attach and mark them to highlight progress or show problem areas. After filling out the form, it can be instantly generated into the PDF report. The report is able be shared by various ways and safely stored in the app. Download Construction Daily Log app right today in Apple App store and Google Play. It’s time for update!

How Mobile Solutions Ensure Proper Documentation and a Safer Construction Jobsite

How Mobile Solutions Ensure Proper Documentation and Safe Construction JobsiteThere are a plenty of dangers and risks on any construction project. One of the main tasks of contractor is to keep everyone safe while they are on-site. Proper and accurate documentation takes part in creating a safe workflow. To achieve this, contractors complete daily construction safety checklists and generate construction safety reports. This way, contractors can make sure their sites are safe, any dangers and incidents are identified and reported so they can continue to improve workflow.

The importance of proper reporting for OSHA

Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a Federal safety watchdog. All significant incidents should be reported to it. OSHA uses this information to help companies eliminate unsafe work practices. Also accessible, accurate and timely records help avoid litigations.

Advantages of mobile solutions

Today construction businesses improve construction operations through technological advances. Construction documentation also gets huge benefits from modern mobile technology, and influences on safe workflow. Mobile forms and apps allow users to fill in pre-made forms in a few clicks, generate complete, professional reports right on a smartphone, conveniently store data, share it and more. These contribute to optimized and efficient work with safety documentation. And in turn, general safety at the jobsites rises to the next level.

What Snappii can offer for construction documentation

Snappii helps construction companies create safe and efficient jobsites. We provide mobile solutions for this field that are easy to use, as well as multifunctional and smart. Among the powerful ready-made construction apps are Construction Daily Log app, Construction Manager app, Timesheet Manager app, Construction Estimator app, Construction Plans app, Workplace Safety Inspection app and more. All apps allow users to easily and quickly work with data in the field and add them to pre-made forms. Moreover, Snappii construction apps provide the opportunity to generate professional reports as PDF and Excel files.

Snappii offers Mobile Forms Converter. Thanks to it, anyone can convert existing forms to their mobile analogue. Also our team can do it for you. You just need provide your forms and requirements. Moreover, Snappii has Snappii Mobile Forms app with a set of pre-made forms which are able to be used. Download the app and choose the forms you need.

The Tips to Reduce Operating Costs in Construction Industry

The Tips to Reduce Operating Costs in Construction IndustryConstruction business makes good money. However it also spends quite big amount of money and deals with operating costs. Operating costs are expenses associated with the maintenance and organization of a business on a day-to-day basis. They may include rent, administration expenses, labor costs, utilities, maintenance and repairs, etc. An obvious aspiration of all construction businesses is to reduce these operating costs. Here are some tips to help with this.

Life cycle costing and comparing the alternatives

Life cycle costing (LCC) is a long-term projection that comprehensively quantifies present and future costs associated with constructing and operating a building. This is also the most accurate way to increase project savings by comparing different alternatives. This approach can be applied to operating costs. By comparing the alternatives, owners and managers can get a holistic view of various variables and their impact on the value of the project. This way, they can foresee possible savings.

Mobile solutions

Modern construction companies implement technological innovations at every stage of a project. Mobile solutions make it possible to have real-time information and constant flow of data that accelerates the decision-making process, ensures keeping abreast of the workflow, eliminates rework and delays, and boosts the overall productivity of a team. All of these contribute to a smooth, efficient workflow and savings of operating costs.

Maintenance strategy

Construction equipment should be constantly maintained. An effective maintenance plan helps avoid unplanned downtime, disruption, and risks, and therefore additional operating costs. A mix of different maintenance strategies allows owners and managers to think in long-term and allocate the budget wisely.

Improve construction processes with Snappii

Snappii has been working with construction industry for about 10 years and continues to help companies stay competitive, organized and profitable. The new digital ways of doing business are actively adopted. Operating cost reduction can be resolved with a set of tools and solutions and special construction apps are one of them. Snappii offers a plenty of multifunctional ready-made construction apps. Visit the gallery to learn more about them and download to try. Most of Snappii apps are customizable and can be modified to meet any specific needs. Also we are able to create your personal app from scratch. Send us your requirements to discuss and start the process.

How to Avoid Construction Litigation and Keep Successful Practice

How to Avoid Construction Litigation and Keep Successful PracticeConstruction industry often deals with claims and disputes. It’s a normal practice, which is usually resolved in a timely way. However there are more complicated, unresolved situations, and their consequences could lead to litigation. It provides a disastrous impact to the project and to the entire business. We offer some tips to avoid construction litigation and keep successful practice.

Pay attention to the contract

Frequently construction dispute starts with the construction contract. Make sure that contract is drawn up in a proper way, both sides agree to all points and the project team fully understanding it. The failure to understand the contract is the main source of arguments and litigation in the construction field.

Keep constant communication

Communication is key for successful construction project. Poor communication can result in mistakes, inconsistencies and botched project results. Moreover poor communication can lead to the injuries and incidents, which then turn into lawsuits from the team members (unfortunately, such cases are common in the construction litigation practice). Constant line of communication makes less opportunity for errors and helps keep all the workflow under strong control.

Optimize document management

All construction companies should think about their current document management system. Documentation is an important part of the project. When it’s crunch time, any necessary data should be easily accessible. If you can’t confirm something in time with the appropriate document, your claim is a lost cause. Organized data and document management system is a way to nip the litigation at the initial stage.

Put the tips into practice

The tips above can help with project efficiency and save you in a dispute scenario. And the best solution to put these tips into practice is mobile construction apps. Snappii has been working with construction industry for about 10 years and has studied the needs of modern construction companies quite well. Snappii’s construction apps are a combination of quality and availability. We cover such tasks as daily reporting, estimation, work assigning, tracking, inspections, data collection and storage, document management, etc. This way, we are able to be your helper in successful construction projects without litigations. Find the ready-made construction apps here and try them. Most of Snappii apps are customizable. Also we can create an app from scratch in accordance with your personal needs. Contact us and provide your requirements.

Green Construction: How to Implement the Project in Conjunction with Environmental Protection

Green Construction: How to Implement the Project in Conjunction with Environmental ProtectionThe new trend in construction industry

The new ways of going green in construction pop up and earn special popularity nowadays. From various eco-friendly materials and renewable energy, to paperless jobsite management. Adopting such eco and green construction practices can lead not just to helping the planet – it is also the way to save money and win more business.

Actually, construction tools and equipment are also experiencing a green technology transformation to lower a carbon footprint. For example, the new machines with less emissions. The entire specialty fields are adopting the new methods with less negative impact to the environment.

Another great way to stay green and efficient, at the same time – is to go paperless. Paperwork at the end of the day can be a huge hassle, especially at the construction jobsite. By switching over to the paperless solutions, you will save trees as well as optimize and accelerate usual operations.

An important tool in green construction

Going green may be easier with special mobile software. Snappii offers Green Building Construction app for making quick inspection of construction or buildings. The app takes account of simple techniques and materials, which can be applied to site planning to reduce the environmental impact and development costs. Fill out pre-made mobile form and ensure that all requirements have been met. The completed form can be sent via email to anyone. Green Building Construction app is available for iOS devices as well as for Android devices. This video can give you more information about this app and help visualize it.

Improve the long term health of building, its occupants and the whole region. Snappii team can customize Green Building Construction app to meet your specific needs. For example, we can convert your own usual forms and add them to this app. Just contact us with your requirements.

By choosing green construction with a help of special apps, you improve your business and help the earth. So, make the right choice.

Keeping Track of Construction Jobsite Activities with Daily Log Mobile App

Keeping Track of Construction Jobsite Activities with Daily Log Mobile AppWith today’s construction climate, keeping track of jobsite activities and regular reporting are essential for streamlined workflow, as well as in case of litigation. Just a memory will never give you an edge in a dispute. Whether what may happen, you should be thoroughly prepared with consistent and accurate records that detail all of your daily jobsite activities.

The complete data, instantly collected from the field

Snappii, a leading mobile business solution provider, offers the ready-made app to generate and provide daily reports by construction project staff. No special training required. The app is simple to use and can be instantly deployed at any mobile device. Let’s get to know it better.

Construction Daily Log app is #1 app to create professional daily reports in minutes. The app includes a one-page collapsed form with contractor details, site information, work performed, subcontractor progress, issues and punch lists, reasons for delays, additional work or change requests, materials purchased and received, labor and travel hours and more. Also the app captures weather conditions, locations, date and time, amount of labor performed and other field related information. We tried to make Construction Daily Log app even more convenient and simple to use for any field professional and added the opportunity to translate your voice into text. You don’t need to type, just hit the mike and speak into it. Attach and mark pictures to highlight progress or show problem areas.

Regular reporting and constant flow of accurate data

After filling out the form, it can be instantly generated into the PDF report. The report can be shared by various ways and safely stored in the app. Construction Daily Log app allow users to avoid constant office visits and face to face interactions.

Construction Daily Log app is the best way to improve project documentation and legally protect yourself and the business. Also it contributes to time and cost saving. Lack of timeless paperwork and optimized workflow lead to better productivity and successful growth of the company.

You can learn more about Construction Daily Log app from this video. Also our support team is always available to answer your questions. Download and try the app already today!

For iOS devices.

For Android devices.

Work Safely during the COVID-19 Outbreak

Staying Safe during the COVID-19 OutbreakHow to protect yourself in the workplace

The Сoronavirus outbreak is wreaking havoc across the US and globally. With the number of Сoronavirus cases increasing, different specialists of construction industry are wondering how to protect themselves from getting sick while at work. The best strategy to reduce the risk of becoming ill with Coronavirus is to avoid crowded places and situations that increase the risk of infection – face to face interactions and group meetings. OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) provides some basic hygiene and social distancing precautions that can be used in every workplace:

“- Stay home if you are sick.

– Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds or with a hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.

– Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.

– Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue, or cough and sneeze into your upper sleeve. Dispose of tissues in no-touch trash receptacles.

– Wash your hands or use a hand sanitizer after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

– Avoid close contact (within 6 feet) with coworkers and customers.

– Avoid shaking hands and always wash your hands after physical contact with others.

– If wearing gloves, always wash your hands after removing them.

– Keep frequently touched common surfaces (for example, telephones, computer equipment, etc.) clean.

– Try not to use other workers’ phones, desks, offices, or other work tools and equipment.

– Minimize group meetings.

– Limit unnecessary visitors to the workplace.

– Maintain a healthy lifestyle; attention to rest, diet, exercise and relaxation helps maintain physical and emotional health.”

Advantage of Snappii’s mobile solutions

No one wants to choose between working and their health. Snappii’s solutions take both into consideration and help protect yourself and your construction team, while continuing work operations. We offer ready-made apps that allow you to continue working safely by supporting the ability to fill out any form, take photos, share information, and submit reports without face to face interaction and office visits. If you have your own paper forms that you are comfortable with, Snappii team can convert those into mobile forms.

We have existing clients who are adding an option to their apps to allow for uploading COVID-19 safety instructions, so all their employees are easily informed with the latest information and guidelines. It’s a great opportunity to always keep abreast and avoid risks.

Snappii offers over 200 apps. Our most popular and useful apps are Construction Daily Log app, Roof Inspection app, Construction Change Order app, Heavy Equipment Inspection app. We encourage you to check out our apps in the Apple and or Google Play store. Also you can visit the gallery of Snappii apps for a plenty of operations at the website. If you aren’t sure they will work for your business, we have made that easy as well. We offer a free trial with each of our apps. Most of Snappii apps are customizable to meet any specific needs.

Download Snappii Mobile Forms app to get access to 100+ ready-to-use form templates. Upload your own form and we will provide a quote to convert it to a mobile form for you.

Here is what people say about Snappii:

“This is a wonderful app and a real time saver. Our company has gone from many paper items to ZERO paper needed for our purpose. We love it!”

Edwin Smutt, Elevation Transport

“Our field staff is able to collect documents and have them emailed to our office staff and stored in our cloud instantaneously. It has enabled us to scale our business at a rapid rate. We have grown quickly enough to be an Inc. 5000 company four years in a row, that wouldn’t be possible without Snappii.”

John Bennett, Sunny Days In-Home Care

“This is really cool! The app looks super clean, professional, and simple to use.”

Steve McLeod, Modern Niagara Group Inc.

Take care of yourself and entrust us with part of your worries in this difficult time.

How Construction Workers Can Protect Themselves from the Coronavirus

How Construction Workers Can Protect Themselves from the CoronavirusJust three weeks ago, doctors diagnosed the first case of coronavirus COVID-19 in the US. Unfortunately, since then, the virus has continued to spread. Despite the fact that the government is taking serious measures to contain and reduce the scale of destruction, each of us can smooth the growth curve of the incidence rate. Learn more how to achieve this in construction industry.

Where to start prevention

According to OSHA, “measures for protecting workers from exposure to, and infection with, the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 depend on the type of work being performed and exposure risk, including potential for interaction with infectious people and contamination of the work environment.” The risk of transmission for those employed outside the healthcare sector is low. However, here is a general guidance for all U.S. workers and employers from OSHA:

“- Frequently wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. When soap and running water are unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand rub with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands that are visibly soiled.

– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.

– Avoid close contact with people who are sick.”

The way to reduce face to face interactions

One of the major prevention way is reduction of face to face interactions. Construction industry constantly deals with data and conduct daily reporting. And there is a solution to avoid delivering reports to the office. Mobile apps and mobile forms have been providing enormous advantages to construction industry for a long time. In this difficult time, they can benefit this area even more. Mobile construction apps allow workers to interact with managers and office without visits, just through the mobile devices.

Snappii is here to do your best

Snappii has been providing high quality mobile solutions to construction companies for about 10 years. Thanks to Snappii construction apps, professionals can optimize various operations with data in the field. Construction Daily Log app is #1 solution for quick daily reporting. Collect necessary data with your smartphone, generate complete reports and email them to the office. No visits required. Safety and health are a priority, however construction apps also help companies avoid delays, disruptions and losses.

Snappii Mobile Forms app offers a plenty of different pre-made estimation, inspection, inventory, daily log, etc. mobile forms. Download the app and use mobile forms for any construction operations. Want to use your own forms? Snappii can easily convert any existing forms to their mobile analogue with the powerful Form Converter. Fill out mobile forms 5x faster and instantly share it with anyone. Got a constant flow of accurate and timely data. Send us your forms and get a free quote right now. With Snappii it is faster and more affordable than you think.

Nobody knows how big the pandemic COVID-19 is going to be, how long it will last and what its full impact is going to be. Nevertheless, we definitely should take all available measures to protect ourselves and the loved ones. Hope for the best!


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