262 Section 4 Construction Management
Scheduling material delivery to the job site and accounting for the
materials are critical to the success of construction projects. Before work
begins on site, the production department reviews the schedule to deter-
mine what materials and equipment will be needed. Some materials, such as
roof trusses, may have to be ordered several weeks before they are needed.
Framing lumber can be ordered several days before it is needed.
Once work at the job site begins, the project manager and the super-
intendent or job supervisor work together to order and schedule mate-
rial delivery. Receipts or invoices that are delivered with the materials are
submitted to the project manager in order to retain accurate records of the
materials used on the job.
The superintendent may have job accounts for paying bills that are due
immediately. A job account is a fixed amount of money that is available
to the job superintendent. Freight and other charges are paid through this
account. A receipt or invoice is provided to show how the money was used.
Obtaining Equipment
The contractor uses the schedule to determine when various types
of equipment will be needed at the site. Contractors obtain equipment by
purchasing, renting, leasing, or contracting for the services of a subcon-
tractor. These options were discussed in Chapter 5, Construction Tools and
Equipment.
Obtaining Permits
Permits are written documents that grant permission to a company to
build, remodel, or repair. It is the responsibility of the general contractor to
apply for permits. Subcontractors are generally required to obtain the special
permits necessary for them to complete their work.
Permits are granted by the local government. The federal government
also grants permits if they are involved in a project. No work can be done
until permits are issued. Any inspections required by the permits must be
added to the schedule.
There are several types of permits needed on a building site. At
minimum, a building permit, Figure 15-7, will be needed. This permit
allows construction to begin and establishes the schedule for inspection of
the foundation, structure, and finish work. Special permits are required for
the plumbing, electrical, and HVAC system. Permits may also be required for
driveway entrances from the street and for connections to the water, sewer,
and natural gas mains.
job account: A fixed
amount of money
that is available to
the superintendent
for immediately
paying bills.
permits: Written
documents that
grant permission to
a company to build,
remodel, or repair.
building permit:
Permit that allows
construction to begin
and establishes
a schedule for
inspection of
the foundation,
structure, and finish
work.