Making jobsites more inclusive

Contractors don’t just wear hard hats. You also oversee finances, productivity, planning and other tasks. This week, we help lighten the administrative load with tips for bookkeeping and other financial tasks from a CPA, offer leads on multifamily financing and share how to upgrade your approach to project tracking.

But first, something a little lighter. See how many different tools the McKellar Construction crew can sub for a hammer. 

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>>  Think your tool’s in bad shape? Wait till you see the massive vice  @MakeEverything tries to restore.

>>  Pssst! There are secrets inside a few of the world’s iconic structures. 

>>  The more you know.  Sign up for this Construction Management Association of America webinar to demo the latest AI tools to run your contracting business.

>>  Infrastructure, but make it pretty. See how an engineered wetland reduces parking lot flooding at a North Carolina landmark.

The money side of your business needs a tune-up

When you're slammed with jobs and chasing payments, bookkeeping feels like something you’ll get to later. But that’s exactly how problems build: taxes sneak up, bids get sloppy and suddenly you’re reacting instead of steering. And that could cost you.

We sat down with Keila Hill-Trawick of Little Fish Accounting, who works with small business owners wanting more than just clean books. She breaks down how to use your financials as a decision-making tool, not just data for the blanks on your tax return. From tightening your payment process to getting help before things get messy, she shares how to stay in control while everyone else plays catch-up. —Margot Lester

What financial tasks should contractors prioritize this month? 

Check in now, before the year gets away from you. Review your income and expenses, make sure receipts are saved and compare your estimated tax payments to actual earnings. This simple review can help you course-correct early—whether that’s catching up on taxes or setting aside cash for a strong year-end finish.

Taxes? In August?

Taxes are a year-round process. Your return just reports what already happened. Most tax savings don’t come from loopholes, they come from preparation, accurate books and strategic decisions made in advance.

What’s a common mistake business owners make? 

Treating bookkeeping like a task instead of a tool and waiting until tax time to figure out finances, which leads to missed deductions and poor decision-making. You can avoid that by keeping business and personal finances separate, using a cloud accounting system and reviewing your books monthly. When your numbers are accurate, you can bid smarter, manage cash flow and grow intentionally.

What do you wish contractors understood better about accounting?

That the goal isn’t just to file your taxes. It’s to understand your business. Bookkeeping isn’t about checking a compliance box—it’s your GPS. When you know where your money’s going, you can stop guessing and start planning: hiring help, buying materials at the right time and building a buffer for slow seasons. 

Speaking of slow, how can we get lagging clients to cut that check?

Set payment terms up front. Use contracts, collect deposits and invoice in stages. Include late fees if needed—and use digital tools with automatic reminders and payment options. It’s not about being pushy, it’s about protecting your cash flow.

What else should contractors know?

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Get help early, not just when you’re overwhelmed. Working with a CPA regularly helps save on taxes and plan for what’s ahead—like timing purchases, adjusting payments or exploring S-Corp status—so you can focus on building your business, not just keeping up with it.

Related: Learn how to work with a business banker

Progress tracking tech reduces delays

Catching issues early is one of the best ways to reduce project delays and costly rework—but that’s tough with manual tracking. That’s why more contractors are turning to software with built-in automation, AI and visual tools like heat maps.

These systems compare planned vs. actual progress in real time, flagging delays and discrepancies so you can act fast. Some even offer trade-specific tracking to spot bottlenecks early. With a single source of truth, teams spend less time chasing down updates and more time keeping projects on track.

Still skeptical? Procore data shows nearly 50% of projects run over budget and schedule—thanks in part to rework (28% of team time) and hunting for info (18%).

Why it matters:  Exploring and adopting advanced technology allows your business operate more efficiently, limit fines and penalties, hold down costs and reduce delays. These wins also boost overall performance and profitability.  (ForConstructionPros.com)

Older retail could be new business 

With greenfield retail projects now costing $250–$300 per square foot, many developers are eyeing aging retail centers as prime opportunities for reinvestment, says  Danny Gonzalez, VP at Matthews Real Estate Investment Services.

Upgrading these properties often starts with tackling deferred maintenance—like roof repairs, mechanical system updates, stormwater retention and code compliance. Capital improvements typically include façade upgrades, signage, EV charging stations, energy-efficient lighting and reconfigured parking to support curbside pickup and takeout.

Why it matters: The old shopping centers in your area could be fertile ground for new business. Identify candidates and pitch a capital improvement plan for strategic upgrades to help landlords revitalize their properties and attract higher-paying tenants. (GlobeSt.)

How to fund multifamily construction

Contractors and developers may have an easier time finding funding for multifamily projects. Regional and national banks “are back and with them the plentiful availability of low-cost capital,” declares  Zachary Streit, founder and president of Priority Capital Advisory. General contractor strength is a key consideration for banks, he says, with keen interest in guaranteed maximum price contracts and construction contingency levels. 

Why it matters:  Now might be a good time to review your financials with your business banker or CPA and your contracts with your attorney so you don’t have to scramble. (CityBiz)

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Encouraging more women to enter construction

"Having a woman as a mentor and sharing successful stories, sharing support and creating a good environment—that is going to… speak to more women and attract more women to construction." 
- Viridiana Andrade, Sundt Construction Leadership Academy graduate

Viridiana Andrade,  Sundt Construction Leadership Academy graduate, and Lourdes Rodriguez,  Sundt Construction project executive, joined Jennifer Wilkerson on The Builders' Table to reflect on their experiences in the field, explore the importance of mentorship and discuss strategies for recruiting and retaining more women in construction.

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The Level is curated and written by Margot Lester and edited by Bianca Prieto.