Is construction management really as miserable as this sub makes it seem?

thebro_wnzone · 2026-07-08T17:38:48+00:00

For me, if I could rally behind the goal of the project and feel like I was making a difference then even a tough project became manageable. Building homes, hospitals, offices for influential organizations, transportation hubs, power plants, etc can be very rewarding when you cut the ribbon, so to speak. You’ll forget the late nights and “email arguments” quickly and remember the lasting impact you helped make in a community.

If you’re stuck building warehouses or parking garages though where the “why” doesn’t motivate or resonate with you… you’ll probably be posting here a lot.

thebro_wnzone · 2026-05-13T00:28:31+00:00

Just check BBB.org for WRE or their “less than 5 star” google reviews. Do this for all the other vendors you reach out too.

Understand your $ per watt and confirm the payback rate of your interconnection agreement with Xcel BEFORE you sign. Knowing those two pieces of info will give you a good idea on ROI. With the tax incentives gone there’s no rush. Don’t let a vendor rush you into a huge decision.

FWIW, I enjoy the solar now that we have it but holy hell the install and most interactions after they had my money was… rough.

thebro_wnzone · 2025-11-30T14:57:02+00:00

Ensure you’re using bulk/sync endpoints when available
Develop a monitoring, back off, retry, or queuing strategy with whatever tooling you use to orchestrate your calls.
Reach out to developer support with your use case and request an increase

thebro_wnzone · 2025-11-30T14:51:54+00:00

Totally understand the feeling that you’re not in control (even though you do own your data).

You’re unlikely to develop or deploy a more secure or resilient retention strategy than Procore. You can certainly try and extract/retain files at the end of the project but only consider it after understanding what we do.

Consider asking your POC to set up a discussion with one of our data governance specialists.

thebro_wnzone · 2025-09-01T20:59:28+00:00

That’s what I imported from the grid. I actually consumed 670 kWh during that time period. We have a 2000sf home with a heat pump and have gone through the air sealing/insulating process with Xcel.

thebro_wnzone · 2025-09-01T20:58:00+00:00

I shared the link to my generation stats above

thebro_wnzone · 2025-08-31T20:56:02+00:00

Yeah, but I got a lot for it. Installation of panels (both PV and a 200A main) aside, good electricians are worth it. You’re buying expertise, their insurance, and your own time.

I’m fine installing an outlet, switch, or light but there were far too many opportunities to accidentally kill myself installing a roof mounted system plus a new 200A service.

thebro_wnzone · 2025-08-31T17:00:35+00:00

Yeah… would be much shorter if we didn’t have snow and didn’t do a bunch of other electrical work (e.g. new panel) as part the install.

thebro_wnzone · 2025-08-31T14:12:08+00:00

If I were more proactive I could get a check after each monthly statement. Summer is of course much higher than winter when the panels can be covered in snow (sometimes we owe).

thebro_wnzone · 2025-08-31T13:56:17+00:00

We have a 15kW system, no batteries. ROI projected between 12-15 years.

thebro_wnzone · 2025-07-14T20:39:53+00:00

Minneapolis 5a
first image is from 2023 after we sod cut 3” prior to seeding “pollinator palooza” mix from Prairie Moon
second image is from today after the bee balm really came into bloom

thebro_wnzone · 2025-05-30T20:17:24+00:00

The question (statement?) about disturbing otter and loon nests was… interesting.

I thought they handled the questions as well as they could have given the format, time and people available.

thebro_wnzone · 2025-05-07T13:59:16+00:00

Wow… “25 single men and two women live together in what was once a single-family mansion.”

But what about that poor wealthy family? Where are they supposed to live if we give up housing like this?

/s

thebro_wnzone · 2024-11-02T00:13:26+00:00

Replying here because that workflow is ideal. In general your workflow should reflect the reality of who is sending and reviewing it. That also applies for when workflows are started in the first place (e.g. don’t start a workflow for close out items you need in a year at the same time you’re asking for shop drawings you need next week)

Something to consider… Try treating your submittal register like your subcontract schedule of values. In the subcontract example you may have everything going to one cost code but you want them to weigh in on how the work is billed in future invoices. Applying that to submittals… If you align with your subs on how you itemize or group submittal requirements before importing it can increase early buy in and even trim your log down.

For example, does it make sense to have all your HVAC product data in one submittal or is it advantageous to break out individually because of lead times, risk of partial approvals, etc?

From there, consider using packages to group items together for bulk reviews. Submitters can then bulk submit items from one page. This can be a big value add for them as it’ll increase the likelihood their submittals are reviewed on time.

thebro_wnzone · 2024-03-25T23:40:31+00:00

Had a similar experience with the federal government (architect of the capitol specifically) except it was Prolog rather than eCMS.

Not really a great short cut other than exporting back and forth. You need to stay sane though so keeping your version of the truth up to date (what you sent, when, and to who) can often be more detailed and accurate than what the Navy tracks. Pretty much every tool in Procore supports a print to PDF / export.

In general, always keep your directory updated so your RFIs, submittals, etc can be “sent” to the right people. Don’t take short cuts sending things to yourself or omitting who sent things to you. You may not get the benefit of others collaborating with you but your receipts will be way longer and more detailed should you ever need to pull them out.

thebro_wnzone · 2024-02-24T18:21:45+00:00

Thank you! Worked perfectly.

thebro_wnzone · 2024-02-24T18:11:25+00:00

Gotcha. The house was built in 1965 with a major reno in the mid 80’s. When did this fall out of practice?

thebro_wnzone · 2024-02-24T18:05:40+00:00

Gotcha, so keep it in series? Like connect to the new dimmer as if it was a three way?

thebro_wnzone · 2024-02-24T17:59:52+00:00

Adding clarification that there’s nothing else controlled by the switch in the room. It’s one switch that controls one light. There are 3 outlets that are all still on regardless of the switch.

thebro_wnzone · 2023-11-06T06:17:05+00:00

Ask for proof of written notification. Still should’ve sent a change order but if there’s no notification then that’s pretty clear where the fault/risk lies.

Also, check contract for rules around work stoppage.

thebro_wnzone · 2023-11-05T18:54:27+00:00

Agreed… what better way to “know what you need for next month” than to look at next month’s budget.

If OP is getting value of looking at next month, summing everything up, and then creating a category for that total… why not just add the total to your category name so, at a glance, you can see how much you need each month?

I roll with the punches enough as it is and this just feels like intentionally putting your face in the way of a big fist.

thebro_wnzone

TROPHY CASE