Mar 18

Overhead expenses sometimes can get you out of the game during a bidding process. Some of the things that you can do are summarized here and these actions will help you reduce overhead costs and still be profitable. Overhead costs are large portions of the project budget that can make up a huge difference in your proposal number so here are some ideas on how to reduce those costs.

Vehicle Fleet Costs

If you have a large vehicle and construction equipment fleet, you will need to analyze their fuel consumption and determine how to eliminate overhead costs..

Start by analyzing the quantity and size of your fleet and determine if you need to sell those unused vehicles or trucks, on the other hand, if you need to replace those old vehicles with newer or more efficient ones.

There are solutions that can be established that will determine how much fuel your equipment is using and you can always try to invest in hybrid, electric or fuel-efficient vehicles. In addition, for those employees who need company vehicles, you can ask them not to take those vehicles home at the end of the day.

Sustainability and Energy Efficiency Can Reduce Overhead Costs

The same rigorous environmental standards that people using at home applied on the business premises. Items that can be reused such as paper, folders and so on should be reused. Items that cannot be reused should be recycled whenever possible as this will not only reduce your purchasing costs, it could also reduce your trash collection bill.

Be sure to look for new alternatives and use energy efficient bulbs, equipment and vehicles.

Reward Programs

Positive reinforcement is always good. If an employee comes to you with an innovative solution, credit him for coming up with a cost-cutting idea that saves your company money. Creating incentive plans for beneficial ideas such as employee discounts, added time off, free lunch for a week in the company cafeteria, or even a cash bonus may win greater favor and support than just an honorable mention in the company newsletter.

Employee empowerment can reduce your overhead cost.

Negotiate Contracts

Start by developing stronger relationships with fewer suppliers. Those not focused on maximizing current margins but on creating long-term relationships.  A good friend sometimes can get better and discounted prices for you not to mention that the negotiation process will be faster and smoother. Create long-term contracts focused on volume discount that will save you money.

New Technology

Investigate ways that your company can do things faster at a reduced cost. Make sure your practices and procedures are up-to-date and look for streamlined processes. Incorporate energy-efficient lighting and cleaner ways to operate into the plan. Using software and new tools that reduces time to complete reporting and compiling information will help you reduce costs. Make use of cloud services and other free software technologies that can carry out easily and hassle-free.

Multipurpose Labors

In difficult economic market times, we are all trying to do more with less. Maximum productivity from each employee is the goal. Hire workers that can serve in multiple roles and eliminate downtime while waiting on another task in the critical path of construction to complete.

Change Orders

Contractors love to build! Prior to getting that extra work or change order done, analyze the circumstances and why that change is occurring. Invest in a tightly controlled change order process to ensure that work done beyond the scope of the contract will be well-documented and approved prior to incurring additional costs.

Transaction Taxes

Construction materials can be purchased tax-free and then warehoused until needed for a construction contract. Transaction taxes not due until transferred to the entity performing the construction. Which normally resulting in an immediate cash saving by delaying the payment of tax. A side benefit to a purchasing company may accrue to the contractor by allowing a centralized approach to inventory management.

Spend Money

Spend Money?

Key employees need to be cared for and kept happily. Look at long-term compensation and retention programs to make sure that your key employees stay with you during tough times. Invest in safety programs and training tools for lowering workers compensation costs. Sit down with employees and getting their opinions as to how overhead can best be trimmed.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *