Anna Ghazaryan, Author at Buildern resources

Construction Blog

Secret for Efficient Multi-Trade Communication: Subs and Vendors Portal

How often do project delays or cost overruns come down to one simple issue where different trades aren’t on the same page? Collaborating with multiple subcontractors and vendors is one of the biggest challenges construction companies face. Everyone has their unique priorities and timelines, forcing you to adjust the communication style every time. I’ve worked […]

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Construction Blog

How Do Subcontractors Get Paid (and How to Avoid Payment Delays in Construction)

Who are the most trusted contractors? Those who manage payments to vendors and subcontractors on time. You can have the best contract, a motivated crew, and a solid plan, but if payments start stalling, everything else follows. Cash flow tightens and schedules fall apart. Moreover, even the most reliable subs start hesitating to take on […]

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Construction Blog

Top 10 Estimating Software for Residential and Commercial Builders in 2026

Residential and commercial builders may work on very different scales. However, they share one big challenge of getting the numbers right from day one. In general, the larger the construction project is, the bigger the budget is at scale. A single misjudged material quantity in a commercial development can lead to dangerous consequences. The same […]

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Construction Blog

How to Improve Construction Site Efficiency: From Plans to Reality

Every construction project looks efficient on paper. You can have detailed schedules, material lists, and everyone supposedly knows what to do. But once the real work starts, things can go in different directions. True efficiency is evident in the field, and it becomes clear how well construction teams coordinate, materials arrive on time, and machines […]

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Construction Blog

What Is a General Contractor in Construction? Main Responsibilities and Tasks

Whatever construction project you start, there is always one person holding everything together: the general contractor (GC). Regardless of the type of construction, the owner usually hires a person to handle the job. There are small and big jobs to make a project alive, from a blueprint to reality, and it’s the GC who does […]

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Construction Blog

4 Stages of Efficient Construction Procurement Management

Procurement is one of the construction phases that seems simple on the surface. But what I’ve learned from being in the construction business is that there is no easy stage. Let’s say there is a person who is in charge of ordering tiles. Is it so hard, one may think? The point is that there […]

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Construction Blog

What Is a Submittal in Construction: Turn Approval Chaos into Smooth Workflow

On a busy commercial job, there’s no shortage of moving parts and different stakeholders. Designers sketch, architects revise, while contractors and subcontractors build. Each team has its own set of drawings, specs, and deadlines. When communication is not smooth, it doesn’t take long for a small misunderstanding to lead to some serious mistakes. A single […]

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Construction Blog

Cost Plus vs Fixed Price in Construction: What Invoicing Method to Choose?

Is it easier to build a house or to manage the paperwork behind it? The answer is that a general contractor is not only a builder but a businessman and must do both. It does not matter if a builder is involved in custom home or commercial construction; the first step is choosing the right […]

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Construction Blog

How to Avoid Payment Delays in Construction: Contractor’s Guide

If you are in a construction business, you know that a single late payment can nearly ruin everything. Timely payments are the driving force of our industry. It’s not only about the financial management of the project. Delayed payment in construction means a subcontractor may not show up at the site, or a vendor may […]

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Construction Blog

Performance Bond in Construction: What General Contractors Should Know?

Many people dream of building a new house from scratch, but are often afraid. I can understand them. A homeowner usually knows how his house must look, but the entire construction process may seem like a nightmare. The idea that you can trust a large sum of money to a contractor makes homeowners think of […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Marketing Leads: Offline and Digital Tactics That Work

When can a general contractor call the business successful? I guess it’s when there is a stable cash flow and no problems with finding new projects. Without a flow of leads, even the best teams and the best proposals won’t keep projects coming in. Yet for many contractors, finding marketing ideas is a difficult task, […]

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Construction Blog

Retail Building Construction: Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them

Are you thinking about shifting to retail construction? Even experienced construction firms may face some difficulties when it comes to retail projects. Why does it happen? The differences, starting from the scope of the project and up to lighting specification for retail spaces, are striking. Retail building construction is a complex process that goes far […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Business KPIs: What to Measure and How to Do It Right

How can a general contractor say everything is done right unless efforts are measured? I’ve always believed that you can’t improve what you don’t measure. It’s the same when it comes to construction project management. Of course, business owners focus on the financial aspects of their operations. Hitting the revenue goals is great, but it’s […]

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Construction Blog

AI in Construction: What Works Today and What’s Coming in the Future

AI is changing the way we work and live. It’s already not a technology of the future but the reality. I bet you have heard about “AI transforming the industries” numerous times, but you wonder what that really means for construction. If you are sceptical about its real effect on construction and day-to-day construction project […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Client Portal: Improving Transparency and Responsiveness

How can you keep homeowners clearly updated when a construction project is in full swing? Clear construction communication and the ability to share updates are a competitive advantage that not all can master. As I know from my experience, it’s even harder when things don’t go exactly as planned. Building a strong relationship with clients […]

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Construction Blog

Tips on Xero Integration: How to Streamline Your Invoicing?

Are you tired of writing one invoice? Imagine a general contractor writing dozens of them weekly. For me, working with numbers has been the most frustrating part of running a construction business. However, accurate accounting is the background of a successful project. Whether you like it or not, you have to take care of it. […]

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Construction Blog

Client Selections Process: How to Keep Track of Choices and Approvals Digitally

What ceiling materials or doors clients choose today can make or break a general contractor’s project in the future. Picking finishes, fixtures, and materials is a small part of a construction project. However, it is probably one of the most important parts for the client. The general contractor also has the option to handle client […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Proposal Generation: From Template to Finalized Version in an Hour

A price tag in construction is important, but this is not the only thing the homeowner expects to get. When reaching out to a general contractor, they want to see a smooth process and reassurances that their vision will be understood. The homeowner expects to see the scope of work laid clearly and the contractor’s […]

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Construction Blog

AI Billing in Construction: What It Is and How It Helps with Repetitive Tasks

Billing in the construction industry is not as straightforward as in other areas. It’s more complicated than providing a service and being paid for it. Construction projects often involve evolving scopes of work, fluctuating material prices, and intricate payment schedules. Besides, there are different types of billing and such factors as retainage or markups. This […]

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Construction Blog

Building a Dynamic Cost Catalog for Custom Homes: Tips on How to Structure Data

Dealing with a house means having in mind thousands of details. From blueprints and design adjustments to changing material prices, all this data is at the core of every construction project. When it comes to a custom home, there are even more items, as there is no template and everything changes in a second. A […]

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Construction Blog

Client Communication for Custom Home Builders: Tips and Technologies

What can a single misunderstanding cost in custom home building? Sometimes it’s more than just a few hours of work, but unexpected costs and strained relations with clients. In a process where every detail matters, it’s better to avoid miscommunication that can potentially derail progress quickly. A homeowner’s dream house depends on consistent and transparent […]

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Construction Blog

Is It Better to Build or Buy a House? Pros, Cons, and Costs Explained

The dream of owning a house is universal, no matter where you live. However, it comes with one fundamental question: should you build from scratch or buy an existing one? It’s a choice nearly every prospective homeowner faces at some point. For some, the answer is clear, as they say buying is simpler. They prefer […]

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Construction Blog

Guide to Construction Estimating [Types, Tips, and Best Practices]

In the construction project, nothing moves forward without numbers. Detailed calculation of the project costs is the secret to a successful construction. It’s challenging to consider every detail for one project, but for multiple jobs, it takes even more effort. Each may have its own level of complexity and unique requirements. One thing in common […]

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Construction Blog

How to Grow Construction Business [Tips and Strategies]

Do you remember the day you landed more projects than you could handle? Growth in construction is not always as simple as it sounds. Securing more projects may sound like a dream for a general contractor, but this comes with many risks. Learning how to grow a construction business requires more than just a big […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Hierarchy: How to Build a General Contractor Team?

Who is who in a construction company? Since construction is one of the most complex industries, the structure of a general contractor firm can be different. The workflow of a general contractor involves tight deadlines, strict budgets, and subcontractor coordination. With so many things to handle, having a structured management system and a clear construction […]

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Construction Blog

Advertising for Contractors: A Short Guide to Ad Tools

How to advertise a building business without spending too much? General contractors work in a very competitive environment. Like any other business, they want to reach more customers. Having a flashy banner or digital ads is a good tactic. However, the number one concern is how to target the right homeowners. The goal is not […]

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Construction Blog

Smart Material Management in Construction: Tips and Tricks to Avoid Delays

Have you ever ordered the wrong quantity of materials or tools? If so, you understand how poor material management can lead to costly delays and project budget issues. Materials often make up the largest part of the construction project’s expenses. This is the reason material management is not only about logistics. It’s ensuring the right […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Project Planning: A Step-by-Step Guide for General Contractors

What happens after a general contractor meets a client who wants a house of his dreams? A builder starts planning. The first crucial step is project planning, which is both time-consuming and requires a high level of skill. This phase begins well before proposals are sent, contracts are signed, or any physical work begins. In […]

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Construction Blog

How to Hire Construction Workers: A Guide for General Contractors

One bad subcontractor can derail your entire build. This is a reality for any general contractor, whether it’s a small custom home builder or a commercial construction business. Making a wrong decision during hiring poses great risks as it may impact the budget and, more importantly, the firm’s client relationship and reputation. To avoid such […]

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Construction Blog

Common HR Challenges in the Construction Industry

Hiring for a construction site isn’t just about finding people who perform physical tasks. One needs solid experience, technical understanding, and a team that can handle the pressure of an unpredictable job site. And that’s not always easy to pull off. Each industry has its challenges, but here the teams deal not only with the […]

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Construction Blog

What Makes Construction Marketing Work: 7 Proven Tactics to Try in 2025

Why do some construction companies attract hundreds of clients while others struggle to secure leads? The construction marketing strategy that the company has adopted can be one of the answers. A successful marketing plan isn’t only about driving traffic to the website or getting more calls and emails. Even if a company pours thousands of […]

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Construction Blog

How to Scale a Construction Business in 2026: 7 Proven Strategies

Published April 10, 2025. Updated October 24, 2025 Do you have a construction business but don’t know how to scale it effectively? Growing a construction business without a plan is like building a house without a foundation. You may make some progress, but it won’t last long. Scaling is not just about getting bigger projects […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Soft Costs: Overview, Types, and the Best Practices for Managing Them

Published January 21, 2025. Updated October 17, 2025 In construction, a precise estimate serves as a building block for any project’s success. However, it is not only the bricks, cement, or wood that make up the entire cost. There are some intangible expenses hidden behind closed doors that are often overlooked. Those so-called soft costs […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Document Management: Tips and Tricks for the Best Workflow

Published October 16, 2023. Updated October 1, 2025 Handling an impressive volume of paperwork requires ultimate dedication and increased proficiency. Regardless of the industry, the process involves organizing and managing everything to ensure a smooth workflow and satisfied clients. Document management in the construction industry is not an exception. Construction document management affects every aspect […]

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Construction Blog

How to Manage Construction Change Orders and Keep Pace With the Schedule?

Published on January 22, 2023. Updated on August 21, 2025 As a general contractor, you will hardly be happy to receive adjustments from the homeowner. When things are planned to perfection, and you strive to adhere to the construction schedule, any change may be painful. However, construction change orders are an integral part of any […]

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Construction Blog

7 Construction Technology Trends in 2025 You Cannot Miss

Published on December 20, 2022. Updated on September 9, 2025 The construction industry is one of the world’s largest and most influential sectors. It’s not static, and the construction volume as well as annual output may differ in a year-to-year perspective. Just as in any other industry, one cannot imagine the future of construction without […]

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Construction Blog

Construction WIP (Work-in-Progress) Report: How to Track Finances?

Managing the financial part of a construction project is a complex task. As the project grows, keeping track of figures at all phases becomes crucial. The risk of “missing the point” during a long construction project is high if you don’t do it on time. For this reason, general contractors usually use a construction work-in-progress […]

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Construction Blog

Manage Payments Reliably: Top 9 Contractor Invoice Software in 2025

Published on November 1, 2022. Updated on August 25, 2025 Regardless of the sphere of your construction activity, as a contractor, you will have to deal with invoicing. Creating accurate invoices can be as time-consuming and frustrating as dealing with clients who don’t pay on time. Documentation management and automation are crucial to streamlining workflow […]

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Construction Blog

Top Construction Project Management Tools To Stay Organized

Published on October 25, 2022. Updated August 12, 2025 Technology has brought plenty of benefits to the construction industry. Remember the days when managing construction projects was a nightmare because of a lack of data and necessary tools. Today, running construction projects without the right tools is a risk most builders can’t afford. Staying in […]

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Construction Blog

5 Strategies for Effective Construction Time Management

Published October 12, 2022. Updated August 7, 2025 Time management in construction has never been only about meeting deadlines. Minimizing wasted time, reducing costs, and keeping every phase moving in sync is about building a schedule. That’s more important than ever in an industry where even a single day of delay can cost tens, hundreds, […]

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Construction Blog

7 Major Concerns Women in Construction May Have

Not long ago, the idea of women working in construction was not acceptable. However, this perception has changed significantly. Women are increasingly stepping into roles once considered off-limits. This is relevant not only for fieldwork but also for engineering, project coordination, and leadership roles. Besides, modern construction is no longer just physical labor. It’s a […]

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Construction Blog

8 Construction Subcontractor Management Tips To Improve Productivity

Have you ever faced project delays due to subcontractors’ issues? This can happen to any general contractor. While it’s easy to place the blame on construction subs, the problem often results from poor management. In many cases, delays happen not because other workers fail to do their job, but because general contractors fail to coordinate […]

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Construction Blog

Construction Rework: Costs, Causes, and Solutions

Imagine completing months of work on a construction project from forming an estimate to hiring subcontractors, only to realize a critical part was done incorrectly. Now, it all has to be redone. That is construction rework, and it happens with many building firms. Moreover, there are multiple reasons for a rework. However, one thing is […]

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Anna Ghazaryan

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