The Raymond J. Cook Golf Outing was a memorable success!

In case you missed out, behold the smiling faces of some of our finest!

[Photo Credit: Brett Deutsch - Deutsch Photography]

INDUSTRY NEWS

We continue to see a steady flow of opportunities. However, it seems there is more public work than private in the pipeline which may be a sign the economy is ebbing. As a Butler Builder we participate in both sectors. Most of the Architectural firms we speak with remain busy so we are not overly concerned. Studies show construction volume mirrors Architects billings by a 12-month lag so as long as the design firms remain busy, we will as well (and we are very busy).

Building department woes linger and there does not seem to be any relief in sight. It takes longer to design and permit most projects than it does to construct. With regard to public work, we are very excited to have completed several Sourcewell projects. Sourcewell is a government agency which functions as a buying cooperative and through our Butler relationship, we can offer construction services to any non-federal government or non-profit entity. This is done through a contract Bluescope Construction holds with Sourcewell. Bluescope Buildings N.A. is Butler’s parent and we provide the local contact and expertise for this work. It remains an exciting contracting method. Our customers are likely to save oodles of time and aggravation by buying directly from us and Butler.

Pricing Volatility

Butler President, Christen Funk, recommends greater caution when budgeting future work, suggesting builders incorporate escalation clauses where feasible. Lead times are subject to supply and demand. For more complex projects, lead times are extended and vary based on requirements. Due to the volatility of the market, we should expect to see an increase on pricing of raw materials.

2023 Butler Sales Meeting

In September, John, Rich M., and Bruce attended the Butler North East Butler Builders Round Table meeting. 33 Builderships were in attendance along with Butler and Bluescope upper management. Many issues were discussed and there seems to be a common thread of slow permitting, lack of qualified help available, and concern for the next few years backlog. Most important update from Butler was the upcoming roll-out of long-awaited new engineering and estimating software, OMNI™. The launch of the OMNI™ Design software is on track for a mid-2024 launch. In anticipation of this new software release, our office engaged early and enrolled in the Beta program. Keith and Bruce are in training and hopefully will have some input on the program as they learn more.

Kansas City, Missouri 2023 Butler Builder Meeting

The 2023 Butler Builder meeting, held in Kansas City, Missouri, provided an opportunity to network and engage in presentations held by industry leaders. Breakout sessions included insight on many topics, notably how to leverage the Butler Difference and how to optimize design for better pricing. Although we were not in attendance, we are provided access to great insights and resources from the event. 

Click the below to expand on these topics and much more!

The Importance of Maintaining a Culture of Safety

We’re no strangers to the hazards of a construction site and the general liability that comes with it. Of course, the best practice to avoid construction lawsuits is to ensure all safety protocols are being followed; doing so can help prevent accidents and injuries from happening in the first place. Alas, we are all, but mere humans and the varying size of a construction site can be difficult to fully monitor. That is why we must remain proactive when it comes to proper job site record keeping. Record keeping not only protects us against claims, but it also offers us insight on how we can grow and perform more effectively.

1. Enforce daily sign in sheets.
2. Maintain daily site logs.
3. Record detailed incident reports (including but not limited to date, time, witness statements, witness contact information, accident description, etc.)
4. Confirm subcontractors have signed contracts, meet insurance requirements, and worker certificates.
5. Tool & machinery inventory tracking (repairs, maintenance requirements, location, etc.)

How to Extend Safety Culture to Subcontractors

Our company stands by a strict safety culture, it is our job to spread this culture amongst our subcontractors. In the legal world, risk exposure is quite complicated. We are open to the liability of all subcontractor safety incidents. If we are not aligned with our safety protocols, then injuries, shutdowns, and lawsuits can result.

It is essential our safety rules and regulations are known to everyone on site. Posting guidelines and running frequent job site safety meetings supports our expectations. Yes, meeting the timelines of our customers is important, but this should never be at the expense of the safety of others. Completing jobs on time and to standard requires a healthy workforce. Creating and maintaining safer jobsites requires open and effective communication.

Project Managers are responsible for pointing out all potential hazards in relation to the project at hand, along with the controls in place to mitigate said hazards. It is imperative that everyone on site understands the consequences of violating safety protocols.

1. Conduct daily site inspections and safety talks.
2. Maintain daily sign in logs and document safety training.
3. Enforce safety gear and equipment checks.
4. Provide safety reminders in forms of posters and warning signs. 

I SPY CONTEST

Whoever identifies the most safety violations will win a Dunkin Donuts gift card. Happy spying!



email findings to: [email protected]

COMIC SECTION

BIC#3098