Management Under Construction

Construction, submittals, engineering, project manager, project engineer, fast approval, contractor, save time   How to Get Your Construction Submittals Approved Faster: Tips from Dee Davis

In this episode, Dee Davis shares expert insights on streamlining the submittal process in construction projects to avoid delays, rejections, and bottlenecks. Whether you're a contractor, designer, or project manager, these practical tips will help you improve submittal quality and turnaround times. Key Topics Covered:

Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: The importance and challenges of the submittal process
00:30 - Why submittals are necessary despite being tedious
01:21 - Reasons engineered review of submittals is critical
02:21 - How submittals communicate product choices and options
02:52 - The legal impact of approved submittals and substitutions
03:50 - Common issues delaying approval: size, clarity, and procedure mistakes
05:19 - Industry averages for submittal turnaround times and why they matter
05:48 - Typical contractor, designer, and owner frustrations
07:13 - The benefits of peer-reviewing your scope through detailed submittals
07:42 - Practical tips for effective submittal preparation
08:41 - How to make submittals small, clear, and specific
09:09 - The importance of tagging system-specific equipment and parts
10:14 - Using visual cues and markings for clarity
11:15 - Submitting for things not specified, and how to help the reviewer understand your scope
12:08 - What to avoid: lumping product types, large files, and vague info
12:39 - Managing the volume and timing of submittals for quicker approval
13:30 - The dangers of waiting to submit everything at once
14:27 - The advantage of submitting small, incremental submittals
15:00 - Dee’s innovative approach: paragraph-by-paragraph submittals
16:03 - How compartmentalized submittals speed up approval and reduce rework
16:58 - Final encouragement 

Connect with Dee Davis:

Happiness, finding your why, passion, motivation, paycheck, work, job, people, purpose, building, construction, engineering

Finding Your Why: The Key to Purpose and Happiness at Work

Discover how understanding your why can transform your approach to work, infuse you with passion, and lead to a more fulfilling career in construction, engineering, or any industry. Dee Davis shares personal insights and practical steps to help you uncover what truly motivates you.

In this episode:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: Why finding your "why" matters in your career
00:17 - Dee’s personal story of discovering his "why" during a seminar
00:48 - Why a paycheck isn't enough as a sole motivation
01:17 - The importance of looking inward to find what truly drives you
01:47 - How societal frustrations with pay and work are often misplaced
02:44 - Dee’s realization that his "why" is centered on his team and helping others
03:14 - The evolving nature of "why" over time with examples
03:47 - The significance of creating things with your hands and its deeper purpose
04:34 - How flexibility and helping save lives became Dee’s current "why"
05:02 - The motivation of creating life-saving medicines and supporting impactful work
05:30 - The joy of travel and new experiences as part of motivation
05:58 - Practical exercise: asking "why" repeatedly to uncover your true motivation
06:27 - Supporting family and fulfilling responsibilities as a "why"
06:53 - The importance of doing work you love while supporting loved ones
07:22 - Finding joy in daily routines and connections at work
08:24 - Taking ownership of your career happiness and making changes if necessary
08:52 - Encouragement to explore new options until you find fulfillment
09:18 - Closing thoughts: live intentionally by knowing your "why"

Resources & Links:

Connect with Dee Davis:

trust, integrity, truth, commitment

Keeping Your Commitments: Trust as the Foundation of Success

 In this episode, Dee Davis explores the critical importance of honoring commitments—whether at work or in personal life—and how it builds trust, fosters reliability, and enhances relationships. Whether it's a construction project, a personal goal, or everyday interactions, keeping your word is fundamental to success and integrity. 

Key topics covered:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction: The significance of keeping commitments and trust
00:28 - The role of trust in construction and interpersonal relationships
00:56 - What constitutes a commitment and the importance of follow-through
01:26 - Example of a project trust breakdown involving a superintendent
02:20 - The impact of broken commitments on trust and organizational culture
03:18 - The role of honesty and transparency when commitments are missed
03:45 - Societal trust issues: politicians and leaders breaking promises
04:14 - The personal toll of trust issues in close relationships
04:43 - The importance of honesty in personal and professional life
05:12 - How admitting mistakes maintains trust and credibility
05:42 - The stress caused by dishonesty and broken promises
06:07 - The necessity of honoring commitments to oneself, with examples like New Year’s resolutions
06:28 - How breaking promises to oneself erodes confidence and belief
06:56 - The importance of follow-through, exemplified by language learning goals
07:22 - Practical advice for honoring personal commitments and self-improvement
07:50 - The significance of maintaining commitments to oneself
08:19 - Final encouragement to honor commitments and celebrate responsibly 

Construction, attitude, positive, stress reduction, choice, project, leadership, success, big projects

 Leveraging Attitude for Success in Challenging Projects 

In this episode:

Dee Davis shares how adopting the right attitude can transform difficult days into opportunities for growth, especially in long-term construction projects. Drawing inspiration from Les Brown, he emphasizes that while we cannot control external circumstances, our reactions determine our success and well-being. 

Key topics:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to the power of mindset in construction projects
00:29 - Why attitude is crucial when working with difficult personalities
01:21 - The challenge of managing long-term projects lasting years
02:41 - The importance of pacing yourself in marathon projects
03:10 - Les Brown’s wisdom on attitude and choosing your reaction
03:38 - The freedom and control in attitude choices
04:04 - How attitude influences relationships with team members
04:32 - Personal success stories of positive impact
05:24 - How to handle tough days and setbacks consciously
06:18 - The importance of letting go and not holding onto negativity
07:15 - Practical tips for resetting attitude at the end of a stressful day
07:42 - Encouragement to start each day afresh with a positive mindset 

Resources & Links:

Indoor air quality, textiles, VOC, organic, chemicals, buildings, fabrics, health, building design, hormones, men's health, new construction, remodel, off gassing, ASHRAE  The Hidden Dangers of Indoor Textiles and How to Create Healthier Environments

This episode tackles the often-overlooked impacts of everyday textiles and indoor air quality and materials on our health, emphasizing practical swaps and smarter choices. Whether you're a homeowner, building professional, or just health-conscious, Cynthia Harvey Brown brings valuable insights to help you reduce chemical exposure and improve indoor air quality and your overall health.  

In this episode:

Timestamps:

 00:00 - Welcome and episode overview on indoor environmental health
00:47 - Cynthia’s background in textiles, fashion, and wellness
02:06 - How textiles influence indoor air quality
03:00 - Standards set by ASHRAE and health impacts
03:59 - Links between everyday fabric choices and hormonal health
04:10 - Cynthia’s personal journey with textile-related health issues
05:56 - Indoor pollution misconceptions and actual risks
06:24 - The reality of pollutants and off-gassing from carpets and furniture
07:29 - Understanding off-gassing and chemical releases in homes
08:42 - How chemical odors indicate indoor chemical presence
09:42 - Durability and lifespan of chemical off-gassing from products
10:39 - The reproductive and hormonal effects of chemical exposure
11:35 - Taking informed consumer actions and questions to ask
12:42 - Common chemicals in textiles to be cautious about
13:12 - The presence of PFAS in everyday clothing and its risks
15:26 - How flame retardants in children’s sleepwear pose concerns
16:05 - The importance of safe, natural clothing and how prices are shifting
17:00 - The impact of synthetic workwear and breathable fabrics
19:35 - Choosing sustainable and natural materials in apparel
22:07 - Building and renovation tips: low VOC paints and proper airing out
23:32 - Practical air flushes for new constructions and renovations
24:56 - The dangers of fragrances and synthetic air fresheners
26:26 - Small steps to reduce toxin load in your daily environment
28:03 - The life cycle of synthetic furniture and products
30:44 - Questions to ask when buying mattresses and furniture
33:15 - The connection between chemicals and declining male fertility
34:39 - The importance of pre-conception environmental health
36:00 - How rising cancer rates are linked to toxin exposure over generations
38:48 - A shopping guide for safe textile and home products
41:45 - The importance of trust and certification in product safety
45:28 - Balancing budget and safety: the real cost of cheap, synthetic products
50:20 - The risks of scented products and natural alternatives
52:21 - Smell-good products and their hidden chemical risks
55:00 - The marketing term "all natural" and what to watch out for
58:13 - Advocating for systemic change via consumer demand and policy
61:49 - How industry certifications and policies can accelerate safer choices
66:46 - Resources for trustworthy brands and product databases
69:29 - Practical tips for new renters and homeowners to reduce chemical loads
73:48 - Connecting with experts for personalized guidance
75:14 - The benefits of resale and secondhand shopping to minimize exposure
77:00 - Key questions to ask when purchasing mattresses and couches
78:31 - The critical role of proper ventilation and building flushes for new spaces
80:18 - Final tips and encouragement for making small, impactful changes 

Resources & Links:

Connect with Cynthia Harvey Brown:

 Allergy Defender:  I love how easy this product is to use. I can spray it in the air, on bedding, furniture, and other fabrics throughout my home to help neutralize particles and reduce allergens, and it's safe around children and pets. I literally use it every day

            https://allergydefender.com/?ref=Cynthia

 Switch Natural is an app for ingredient-conscious shoppers. I recommend downloading this app to your phone through my link. Whenever I'm shopping for personal care, beauty, or cleaning products, I can scan the ingredient list and quickly see if there are ingredients I may want to avoid and why. It takes so much of the guesswork out of shopping.

https://gmm.one/311b45c3-dee5-44d1-93ba-da5f63b22d7a

performance review, personnel, training, evaluation, management, supervisor

 Summary

In this episode of Management Under Construction, Dee Davis breaks down how to give effective performance reviews—highlighting common pitfalls, best practices, and innovative approaches like 360 reviews. If you’re looking to move beyond generic evaluations and truly support your team’s growth, this provides essential insights.

Key Topics

Timestamps:

00:00 - Why most managers aren’t trained on performance reviews
00:31 - Common misconceptions about reviews and how they’re often handled poorly
01:00 - The pitfalls of subjective, unilateral evaluations and remote supervision challenges
01:59 - Standard review categories and why multi-source input is essential
02:27 - How to solicit honest feedback from colleagues and clients
02:56 - The importance of involving employees in self-assessment and goal creation
03:27 - Limitations of a manager’s knowledge on technical skills and the need for peer input
03:56 - Assessing productivity and quality in distant or field teams
04:04 - Gathering insights on initiative, responsibility, and customer interactions
05:02 - Remote teams and how to evaluate attendance and punctuality effectively
05:22 - Encouragement for sharing and engaging with the content
05:30 - Combining observational data and peer input for teamwork assessments
05:58 - Encouraging employees to thoroughly document their accomplishments
06:06 - The misconception that good reviews automatically mean large raises
06:36 - Why companies often understate employee potential to suppress expectations
07:07 - Improving goal-setting processes by involving employees in defining meaningful objectives
07:35 - Introducing 360-degree reviews for a well-rounded performance picture
08:05 - Practical tips for conducting multi-source evaluations and the value of broad feedback
08:35 - Final thoughts and encouragement to broaden your review processes

Manpower, construction, leadership, labor, staffing, projects, changes, communication, productivity, profit, trust, commute  Managing Manpower Changes in Construction Projects: Strategies to Minimize Disruption

 In this episode of Management Under Construction, Dee Davis explores the often-overlooked impact of manpower shifts on construction projects and offers practical insights to keep projects on track despite staffing changes. Whether dealing with turnover, reassignments, or commute issues, understanding how to navigate these challenges is crucial for project leaders. 

Key topics covered:

Timestamps:

00:00 - The real-world effects of manpower changes on project success
02:20 - The pain points of tough commutes and their impact on staff retention
03:06 - Exploring reasons behind reassignments and their impact on projects
04:02 - The hidden costs and ripple effects of turnover in construction sites
05:27 - The importance of understanding organizational dynamics and dependencies
06:24 - Defining leadership: Taking charge for the collective benefit
07:01 - Why clear, consistent communication prevents schedule delays
08:24 - Cultivating people skills to improve team engagement and morale
09:16 - How to lead without formal authority and influence your project culture
10:08 - Practical steps to become a better leader, communicator, and team builder
11:06 - Closing thoughts: Building resilient teams to manage manpower challenges

Construction; owner furnished equipment; purchasing; equipment; buyout; contractor; procurement; buying power; purchase order; project; general contractor; cost; schedule

 
In this episode, Dee Davis dives into the complexities and pitfalls of owner furnished equipment (OFE) in construction projects. Understanding these risks can save owners and contractors time, money, and prevent project delays. Discover practical insights to navigate OFE challenges confidently.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction to owner furnished equipment risks and benefits
00:30 - Owners' motivations for buying equipment directly
01:00 - The misconception of cost savings and hidden costs involved
01:26 - How schedule control is compromised through owner procurement
02:23 - Challenges with design details, options, and scope changes
02:52 - Pricing markups and the influence of buying power
03:16 - Why owners have less leverage than they think
03:40 - The impact of limited purchasing power for one-off buyers
04:09 - The importance of project volume and repeat business for better prices
04:36 - How owner procurement reduces long-term vendor relationships
05:02 - Diminished schedule influence and vendor leverage
05:28 - The disconnect between design and owner purchasing decisions
05:57 - Loss of control and responsibility overlap when owners buy equipment
06:26 - Communication breakdowns with vendors and lack of performance leverage
06:49 - Owner’s responsibility for managing equipment delivery and scope gaps
07:18 - The need for detailed inspection and the risks of damaged or incorrect equipment
07:45 - The disadvantages of owning equipment without ongoing maintenance or support
08:05 - How standard owner PO terms fall short for complex construction equipment
08:33 - Consequences of severed communication links and scope gaps
09:00 - Risk shift back to owners and responsibilities for offloading, storage, and startup
09:28 - The challenge of managing delivery inspections and damage control
10:02 - Real-world examples of equipment arriving wrong or damaged
10:22 - Handling shipment damages and the importance of proper documentation
10:49 - Startup issues caused by lack of inspections and vendor support
11:15 - Delays and defect rectification due to owner’s unilateral equipment purchase decisions
11:44 - The impact of defect discovery and vendor response times on project schedule
12:21 - How vendor involvement could accelerate problem resolution
12:51 - The difficulties faced when owner procurement leads to project delays
13:14 - Lessons from managing unfamiliar equipment types, like trash compactors
13:44 - The importance of detailed purchase specifications and scope management
14:13 - How incomplete knowledge increases project risks and costs
14:40 - The owner’s role in coordinating complex equipment and the value of expertise
15:18 - The cost implications of coordination failures and last-minute changes
15:40 - Summary: The hidden costs exceeding initial savings of OFE
16:17 - The motivations behind GC equipment purchases and potential pitfalls
16:45 - The importance of communication between procurement, installation, and project teams
17:15 - The value of experienced subcontractors managing procurement risks
17:41 - Why procurement expertise matters and when owners should delegate
18:11 - The core reason owners favor OFE: lack of clear understanding of needs
18:44 - Final advice: Owners should focus on defining their requirements and trusting experts

The Hidden Costs of Design Decisions That Impact Building Maintenance

 In this episode, Dee Davis dives into the often-overlooked consequences of design choices in building operations. From fixture inefficiencies to coating mismatches, understanding these long-term impacts can save facility managers and designers significant time and money. 

Key Insights:

00:00 - Welcome and episode overview on design impact
00:38 - The importance of documenting decisions for future occupants
1:14 - Faulty restroom fixtures and their long-term maintenance issues
2:13 - How fixture design impacts building upkeep
2:38 - Battery-operated fixtures and maintenance burdens
3:06 - Sensor fixtures and their reliability challenges
3:59 - The complexities of coating choices and future patching issues
4:39 - Variations in intumescent paint application problems
5:11 - Sealant types, usage, and maintenance considerations
6:07 - The long-term effect of poor sealant decisions
6:25 - Imagining solutions like QR codes to explain building features
6:55 - Call to action: Share stories of design decisions impacting long-term maintenance 

When joining a project midway through its lifecycle, the challenge isn't just understanding what's already been done—it's integrating seamlessly into established processes, relationships, and attitudes. Dee Davis shares practical insights for new team members, especially those stepping into ongoing projects, to accelerate their learning curve and add value quickly. Key topics:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Challenges of joining a project midstream
00:24 - Intro and personal project update from Dee Davis
00:55 - Why catching a "moving train" is tough for new team members
01:25 - Dealing with established teams' attitudes and processes
01:53 - Understanding the emotional landscape of seasoned team members
02:23 - Strategies for new arrivals: observe, listen, and learn
02:47 - Building relationships early to gain context
03:13 - The importance of patience during onboarding
03:42 - Tips for new project engineers: follow the foreman, be curious
04:12 - Managing expectations: it takes time to get up to speed
04:36 - The benefits of listening more than speaking initially
05:05 - How to bring value without overstepping
05:34 - Handling complex communication and decision-making in large projects
06:03 - Final thoughts and sponsor message