Planning a construction project is all fun and blueprints until you realise you need actual humans to do the work. You need skills. You need people who are reliable and won’t disappear mid-project. Turning your vision into reality is no easy feat.
Whether you’re working on a residential build, commercial development, or a quick renovation, labour planning is an integral part of the process. You may have all the ideas, blueprints, and final vision, but you also need to arrange labour for it.
Let’s break down how to do exactly that.
Know What You Need
Before hiring anyone, take a good look at your project and figure out:
- What kind of people you need, such as carpenters, plumbers, electricians, etc.
- The number of workers required at different stages
- Hiring type and duration, like full-time staff or subcontractors
Even the timeline matters in deciding who and how much to hire. Also, if you hire too soon, too late, or the wrong type of workers, it could cost you both money and your time.
Define your scope clearly so you can match the right labour to the right task.
Decide Between In-House and Labour Hire
You have two main options. In-house hires offer more control and long-term reliability but come with a higher cost and commitment. Labour hire, on the other hand, is flexible, fast, and perfect for short-term work.
If you’re managing a large or fast-paced project and need quick access to skilled labour, the latter is often the smarter choice. You can scale up and down depending on the project phase.
If you’re working in a specific area like, say, Perth, you can work with recruitment agencies who provide labour hire Perth Western Australia for your convenience.
Vet the People
Whether you’re hiring workers directly or through an agency, don’t skip the vetting process. You want professionals, not just people with half-baked skills.
Check for:
- Relevant licenses and certifications
- Experience with similar projects
- Positive reviews or references
- Worksite safety knowledge
If you’re working with a company, make sure they’re reputable and compliant with safety and industry standards.
Be Mindful About Timing
Labour shortages can be frustrating. If you wait until the last minute to arrange your team, you might end up with a group of people who claim to know what to do but struggle to even perform the basics.
So, plan your labour in advance. Consider:
- Scheduling workers based on construction phases
- Having backup options in case of emergencies
- Communicating with agencies regularly to confirm availability
Budget Smart
Labour is one of the biggest costs in construction. But if you go for the cheapest option, know that you’d be paying for low-quality work.
Instead, make sure to:
- Get detailed quotes from multiple sources
- Factor in overtime, travel costs, insurance, and potential delays
- Invest in good workers
Even if the cost is high, it pays off in productivity and fewer mistakes. So, long-term, hiring good quality people can be less expensive. And don’t forget the better expertise, experience, and safety factors they can bring in with their work.
