Cotney Consulting Group
Planning for roof replacement before it becomes an emergency
By Cotney Consulting Group. Most roof replacements do not become emergencies without warning. The signs usually develop over time. Repair calls become more frequent. Leaks begin appearing in new areas. Materials show increasing wear. Drainage problems become harder to control. The roof may still be functioning, but the margin for error is ...
Good project managers think three weeks ahead
By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. Exceptional project management isn't about staying busy. It's about staying ahead. One of the biggest differences I've noticed between average project managers and exceptional ones has very little to do with experience, personality or technical knowledge. It has everything to do with where ...
Heat, hydration and fatigue
By Cotney Consulting Group. Tips for protecting outdoor crews during long workdays. Outdoor work has always demanded toughness, but toughness should never be confused with ignoring the warning signs of heat stress. Landscaping crews, hardscape installers, pool and spa technicians, sports-surface contractors, lighting installers and maintenance teams often spend ...
The job was profitable when you sold it — So where did the margin go?
By Cotney Consulting Group. Margin is not protected at closeout. It is protected one decision at a time throughout the project. The estimate looked profitable. The price covered labor, materials, equipment, overhead and profit. Then the job closed, the numbers were reviewed and much of the margin was gone. ...
Top September articles: Sustainable construction, seasonal shifts and durable products
By Emma Peterson. What has the AskARoofer™ audience been reading? The weather and the season might be changing, but here at AskARoofer, our team is still consistently putting out high-quality content meant to help you better understand the roof above your head! And now that we are at ...
Indigenous and remote community projects require more than mobilization
By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. On these projects, a contractor should not enter with a standard list of assumptions about what the community needs or how it operates. The first responsibility is to listen. A roofing contractor can move people, materials and equipment over long distances and still arrive ...
The small decisions that protect roofing margins
By John Kenney, Cotney Consulting Group. Margins are built — or quietly eroded — through hundreds of small choices. When contractors talk about profitability, the conversation usually turns to estimating, labor costs, material pricing or overhead. Those are all important pieces of the equation, but after spending more than ...
A sustainable roof still has to perform
AAR Expert John Kenney says the most sustainable roof performs properly, uses resources responsibly and delivers the greatest value over its useful life. Sustainable roofing has become a much bigger part of the conversation for homeowners and building owners. Cool roofs, reflective coatings, recyclable materials and energy-efficient systems all have real ...
Q&A - Has this flashing been correctly installed?
After a roof repair, one Middlesex resident is seeking a second opinion. Alessia from Middlesex experienced a persistent roof leak and sought confirmation that the repairs are up to snuff. She asked the following: I am seeking professional feedback regarding a recent roof replacement at my property. I live in a ...
Becoming a building envelope expert
By Emma Peterson. Why the key to navigating a challenging market isn’t tied to price or margins, but rather stronger client relationships and higher-value services. Our modern market poses quite a few unique challenges to professionals across the roofing and construction industries. From supply chain disruptions to workforce shortages, it ...
