How General Contractors Can Anticipate Problems Before They Happen

Construction challenges crop up from time to time. Some unpredictability is part of the job. But honestly, the majority of problems rarely show up without warning. These are issues that start small and build slowly—one missed detail, one delayed sub, one small miscommunication at a time. And that’s when issues evolve into costly problems.

The best general contractors don’t wait for trouble to surface. They think proactively to ensure things run as smoothly as possible. From takeoffs and estimations all the way through to project completion, they spot the signs early and act fast.

Here’s how forward-thinking GCs anticipate problems before they happen—and turn common challenges into opportunities for better outcomes.

Invest in Preconstruction Takeoff Software

Incomplete planning creates expensive surprises. That much is certain.

When a project breaks ground without complete plans or accurate takeoffs, issues are almost guaranteed. A small oversight in square footage might not seem like much—until materials come up short and crews sit idle waiting for answers.

The opportunity? Double down on preconstruction. Detailed estimations and takeoffs, constructability reviews, and a clear scope help avoid confusion later. Togal.AI’s preconstruction takeoff software instantly detects, measures, compares, and labels project spaces and features on architectural plans.

The more precise the planning, the fewer surprises mid-project. Think of it as your first line of defense.

Learn from Your Project Histories

Have you worked with a sub who always shows up late? Or maybe persistent delays in plumbing and HVAC sets back flooring and drywall projects? If you're not tracking these patterns, you’re likely to repeat them.

Smart contractors review lessons from past projects—what caused delays, which scopes led to RFIs, and which vendors performed best. This data doesn’t just belong in a folder. It should shape your future bids, schedules, and staffing.

Build a Culture of Collaboration

Miscommunication derails a project faster than just about anything else. How many times have you heard, “We didn’t know that was changing,” or “That’s not what we were told”? When people work in silos, small gaps turn into big problems.

Open, frequent communication is key. Togal.AI’s cloud-based takeoff software lets GCs collaborate in real time, with multiple team members working on the same takeoff to keep everything on track. That kind of collaborative environment is a combination of trust and tools to make communication and oversight easier.

Use Technology for Real-Time Oversight

Jobsites move fast. Or at least they should. Delays can go unnoticed until it’s too late to recover.

Tech can give you real-time visibility. Drones, 360° cameras, and cloud-based dashboards let you track progress from anywhere. If a slab pour gets delayed or a wall gets framed wrong, it behooves you to know while there’s still time to adjust.

You can also use tools like Togal.CHAT to “talk” to your plans in real time using artificial intelligence. If a question comes up while on the jobsite, you can “ask” your plans for the answer. Rather than waiting for a team member to comb through hundreds of pages of documents, AI can give you the answer in seconds, thus allowing your team to get back to the build almost immediately.

Build Flexibility into the Plan

Even the best GC on earth can’t control the weather or magically solve shipping delays. But what they can do is pad schedules for inevitable delays.

Wise GCs identify dependencies, build buffers, and map out backup plans. That way, when something slips, they don’t panic—they pivot.

Prequalify Subcontractors Before You Award Work

General contractors are responsible for the totality of the project. So, when a subcontractor fails to pull their weight, it negatively impacts work and the GC, too.

These slowdowns are rarely malicious. It can be as simple as a lack of manpower or insufficient job experience. But in any case, plans fall apart when the wrong people are executing them.

Proactive GCs take the time to vet their subs. They review financials, check past performance, and make sure crews are qualified and ready. It's not about being picky. It’s about protecting the project.

Stay Close to the Work

Unfortunately, some jobsite risks go unnoticed until it’s too late. Materials can block access, crews can work in hazardous manners, and small layout errors can snowball into major rework.

Regular site walkthroughs and open conversations with field teams can make all the difference. These strategies help you catch risks early and build stronger teams through face-to-face trust.

Start Smarter with Togal.AI Takeoff Software

As you can see, there are dozens of areas—big and small—to anticipate problems before they happen. But all of this starts with getting the job off on the right foot. And that means accurate, fast construction takeoffs and continuing with smooth collaboration throughout the process.

That’s where Togal.AI comes in.

Togal uses AI to automate takeoffs in seconds, not hours. It detects, measures, labels, and compares project spaces so estimators can focus on strategy, not manual markup. The big win for general contractors is more time for coordination, value engineering, and winning the next bid.

Even better, Togal.AI is cloud-based, so teams can collaborate in real time—no more lost files or version confusion. Everyone stays aligned, and nothing falls through the cracks.

Construction will always come with surprises. But with the right tools and mindset, you can see them coming—and stay one step ahead.

Ready to streamline your takeoffs and improve team collaboration? Schedule a custom demo from Togal.AI.