Construction Law
Everything You Need to Know About Lean Construction Part 1
Construction companies desperately need to cut costs and conserve resources if they wish to stay competitive in this industry. We’ve previously addressed this concern with topics such as assembling skilled workers, minimizing waste, and communicating with owners. But what if there was a methodology that combined all of these approaches?
Lean construction may be the solution that construction companies have been searching for in their pursuit to meet labor demands. In this four-part article, a Florida construction lawyer at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants will be covering everything about lean construction from conception to application. For all of your construction-related legal needs, consult with the Florida construction lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.
The Origins of Lean Construction
The concept of lean production was actually inspired by the automobile industry. In 1998, John Krafcik, CEO of Waymo, coined the phrase after observing how car manufacturers were able to produce high-quality models while remaining efficient. Their methodology valued workflow standardization, workers, teamwork, and resource management.
It’s easy to see why these ideas would be ported over to the construction industry. While many construction companies may not know about lean construction, they certainly understand the value of conserving resources and cutting costs. But what exactly is lean construction?
What is Lean Construction?
Lean construction is defined as “a respect- and relationship-oriented production management-based approach to project delivery.” The goal of lean construction is to constantly reflect on and improve the construction process by removing variation, increasing predictability, and eliminating waste.
Under this methodology, stakeholders work together to achieve their goals. Instead of being at each other’s throats, contractors, designers, and owners openly communicate their expectations and concerns. This is in stark contrast to industry norms, where an attorney is often brought in to resolve disputes. In the event that you are caught up in a project dispute, consult with our team of Florida construction lawyers at Cotney Attorneys & Consultants.
As we continue this series, we’ll be discussing the tenets and many benefits of lean construction. For more information on lean construction, read parts two, three, and four.
If you would like to speak with a Florida construction lawyer, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.