ForConstructionPros.com

The construction industry is a fickle business. One season you may actually be turning jobs away, and the next, you’re scrambling to find enough work to keep crews busy and keep cash flowing in.

So far, this year has proven to be a mixed bag. Some segments of the commercial construction industry have seen double-digit growth, while others — particularly those dependent upon residential development — have seen business continue to falter.

Based on industry forecasts, 2009 promises to hold much of the same, or perhaps slightly worse. Residential construction is expected to continue its current weakness through at least the first half, and commercial construction could see its first downturn since 2003.

If your company has been fortunate enough to ride the growth curve thus far, now is not the time to get complacent. And if you’ve been struggling to make ends meet, you have even more reason to initiate a plan to achieve profitability in an uncertain construction climate.

The first step is to take a good, hard look at your business. This means conducting an honest appraisal of your processes, equipment and personnel (in the field and in the office). Develop a list of the company’s strengths and weaknesses. If needed, bring in an objective third party to assist in this evaluation.