By Helen Callier, Contributing Writer
A few months ago, I was a featured workshop speaker providing insights and tips for navigating the construction industry. Most folks that have heard me speak before or have read any of my articles know that I am a storyteller sharing real-life stories from experiences from projects and often makes stories become more alive by using sports analogies.
So, as I was emphasizing a point about the importance of staying consistent in providing excellent service in the marketplace to sustain business and win new work, I began to talk about one of the greatest US NFL football players – Jerry Rice, the renowned wide receiver that was and is the epitome of consistency. While team members would tease him during practice for catching the football and running full out to the end zone to score, Rice knew that being consistent in performance, regardless of the circumstances, was vital to win championships. And his consistency helped to bring three NFL Super Bowl rings to his team.
As I was sharing this story, one person in the audience began to laugh and said, that’s not football. Then I realized that everyone in the room may not be familiar with US football or one of the greatest athletes of all time. What this person was not aware of is that I could have talked easily about Edouard Mendy or Peli’ Santos, who is regarded as the GOAT in fútbol to stress the importance of consistency.
Now, what does this have to do with building permitting?
In fútbol…soccer, there’s an art to goalkeeping. The goalie’s eyes are kept on the ball at all times while keeping their feet shoulder-width apart. The goalie’s brain is always scanning the field and their body is in sync ready to take action at a moment’s notice. To some, it may appear that the goalie is lounging around, but this is not the case. They are completely focused on moving swiftly and catching the ball.
To be successful in permitting, taking tips from the goalie is helpful because if you fail in one area then you can face a loss and significant delays.
Below are 5 tips on being consistent in pulling your building permit in a timely manner.
Submitting: Submit QA/QC permit package to minimize missing items or deficiencies with plans, specs, etc. before and while submitting to jurisdiction.
Monitoring: Keep a watchful eye during the plan review phase to see how reviews are progressing.
Responding: Stay on your toes and be ready to respond quickly to any permitting jurisdiction comments or RFIs.
Paying: Pull sales order, pay for building permit, pick up or download stamped approved plans and permit and then get going!
Thanking: Say thank you to the permitting staff for their assistance and keep a positive attitude toward construction and when Inspector visits the job site. Thanking the permitting staff also goes a long way in nurturing relationships with staff as you come back for another permit then another and another.
Like in fútbol, there will be challenges along the way in permitting your project. Stay determined, follow the above tips to be consistent; and if you require expert assistance then ask for help.
At PermitUsNow, we are committed to pulling permits for our Architect, Contractor, and Project Owner clients without delay, eliminating their frustrations with the permitting process. Plus, we make it easy for you to work with us. Simply: 1) Email us your plans, 2) Follow up on our feedback for any missing items, and 3) Let us get your permitting done for you. So, send us your plans today, and we’ll free you up to focus on doing what you love – building your customers’ dreams.
You can call PermitUsNow at 1.844.PERMIT.4. Visit us on the web at permitusnow.com.
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