Elevate Construction

In this episode, Jason continues the IPCS series by explaining how teams can prepare to start a construction project strong. He covers the critical work that must happen before and after the notice to proceed, including mobilization, permits, temporary utilities, trade partner preparation, staffing, safety, and spatial planning. Without this preparation, teams can lose weeks immediately and spend the rest of the project trying to recover time that may never be regained.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why teams must prepare during the 90 days before and after the notice to proceed.
• How temporary utilities, permits, trailers, and mobilization affect the project start.
• Why trade partners need pre-mobilization meetings and clear installation work packages.
• How day-by-day spatial planning improves foundations, basements, and early concrete work.
• Why losing time at the beginning creates delays that are difficult to recover later.

Are you preparing your project to start with stability, or allowing the first weeks to become a series of preventable surprises?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason continues the IPCS series by explaining why superintendents and project managers must be actively involved during design development. Builders need time to update the production plan, logistics, zone maps, procurement log, risk register, mobilization strategy, and temporary utility plans before construction begins. Without their early involvement, the project is likely to start without a stable team, an achievable plan, or the preparation needed to execute smoothly.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why builders should be engaged by the middle of design development.
• How early planning improves logistics, procurement, mobilization, and system selection.
• Why underground utilities, temporary services, permits, and site preparation must be addressed early.
• How builder involvement supports constructability, prefabrication, and an achievable budget and schedule.
• Why delaying the project team's involvement can cost weeks or months during mobilization and foundations.

Are your builders shaping the project before construction begins, or inheriting an incomplete plan when it is already too late?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason continues the IPCS series by explaining why project teams must actively support and enable designers throughout pre-construction. He covers real-time budgeting and scheduling, integrated models, design-assist trade partners, constructability reviews, and coordinated communication systems. When designers are left to work in isolation, projects are more likely to miss milestones, exceed the budget, create installation problems, and disappoint both the owner and the facilities team.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why designers need active support from builders during pre-construction.
• How real-time budgeting and Takt planning improve design decisions.
• Why constructability reviews must examine real building systems and installation needs.
• How integrated models, meetings, communication, and stakeholders improve coordination.
• Why treating designers as partners helps projects finish on time and on budget.

Are you giving designers the information and support they need, or leaving them to solve the project alone?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason continues the IPCS series by explaining why construction teams must build the design team and set clear targets early in pre-construction. He covers the importance of defining success, organizing communication, integrating designers and builders, creating a macro-level Takt plan, and working backward from construction milestones. Without this phase, design teams are more likely to miss deadlines, exceed the budget, ignore builder input, and deliver incomplete or unbuildable designs.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why design teams need clear communication, meeting, and planning systems.
• How a macro-level Takt plan connects design milestones to construction needs.
• Why teams must design what they intend to build instead of simply building what is designed.
• How setting the project duration early supports a realistic budget.
• Why skipping target setting leads to late design, budget surprises, and false value engineering.

Are you setting clear targets before design begins, or waiting until the project is over budget to make difficult cuts?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason continues the IPCS series by explaining why the project delivery team must participate in the proposal and interview process. When the builders help develop the plan, study logistics, identify risks, and communicate directly with the client, they begin the project with greater understanding, ownership, and commitment. This conversation shows why construction companies should avoid bait-and-switch staffing and return to a seller-doer model where the people making the promises are responsible for delivering them.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why builders should participate in project proposals and client interviews.
• How early involvement improves pre-construction planning and project execution.
• Why changing the proposed team creates a disconnect between builders and clients.
• How making promises directly increases ownership, commitment, and accountability.
• Why the seller-doer model creates stronger customer service and project alignment.

Are the people promising the project also the people responsible for delivering it?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason begins a new series on what happens when critical components are missing from an Integrated Production Control System. He explains how paradigms, mindsets, goals, system structure, and rules shape the way a construction project operates. When owners, designers, stakeholders, contracts, and company leaders are not aligned, even strong project teams can be forced into rushing, pushing, bureaucracy, and anti-lean behaviors.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why the owner's perspective can determine how the entire project is managed.
• How misaligned mindsets create delays, conflict, and unstable working conditions.
• Why the goal of the system must prioritize people, quality, and finishing on time.
• How contracts, agreements, team structures, and legal requirements affect performance.
• Why restrictive project rules can prevent teams from implementing lean construction practices.

Are you evaluating the project team's performance without first examining the system they are being asked to work within?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason challenges the idea that overtime, weekend work, added crews, and late foundations are normal parts of construction. He explains how these warning signs point to failures in planning and leadership, not bad luck. By mapping the work, verifying production rates, coordinating with trade partners, and confirming readiness before work begins, teams can eliminate excuses and build foundations on time.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why overtime, weekend work, and added crews signal a deeper leadership problem.
• How poor planning causes foundation and basement delays.
• Why historical production rates must guide the construction plan.
• How pull planning and day-by-day spatial planning improve execution.
• Why trade readiness, qualified foremen, and mock-ups must be confirmed before mobilization.

Are you treating project delays as unavoidable, or are you willing to improve the planning that caused them?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason concludes the before-phase planning series by explaining how to prepare every phase for a successful start. He covers aligning procurement and logistics with phase dates, kitting materials for crews, clearing roadblocks, confirming predecessor work, and following a structured planning cadence. The goal is to ensure that people, materials, equipment, information, access, and quality requirements are 100% ready before work begins.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How kitting, room kitting, and prefabrication improve flow in each zone.
• Why logistics and procurement must align with the phase schedule.
• How to identify and remove roadblocks before crews begin installation.
• Why high-risk work packages require more detailed planning and preparation.
• How to use a 12-week planning cadence to reach a confident go or no-go decision.

Are your phases going wrong during construction, or are they starting wrong because the work was never fully prepared?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason explains what Lean truly means and why it must begin with respect for people and stability, not tools, waste walks, or continuous improvement. He connects these principles to history, Toyota, flow, and continuous improvement.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why respect for people and stability are the foundation of every effective Lean system.
• How World War II logistics, cooperation, and standardization influenced modern Lean thinking.
• Why overburden must be removed before addressing unevenness and waste.
• How flow, visual systems, total participation, and continuous improvement grow from a stable foundation.

Does your Lean system begin with respect and stability, or are you trying to improve an unstable system that continues to overburden people?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw

In this episode, Jason continues his before-phase planning series by focusing on how to prepare, evaluate, and align trade partners before they enter the critical production phase. He explains why participation during pull planning, look-ahead planning, and preconstruction meetings is a strong indicator of how a trade or foreman will perform in the field.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• How early participation helps identify reliable trade partners and foremen.
• Why visiting crews on other projects reveals how they are likely to perform on yours.
• How verified production rates and labor commitments support reliable phase planning.
• Why onboarding, workable backlog, safety planning, and quality planning must happen before critical work begins.

Are you evaluating and preparing your crews before the phase starts, or waiting until production problems appear in the field?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw