Canadian Contractor Article: Leveraging Social Networks to Connect Contractors

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Hiring Help: Leveraging Social Networks to Connect Contractors

In a recent feature for Canadian Contractor, I explored the evolving landscape of hiring within the construction industry, mainly through the lens of social networks and innovative apps designed to connect contractors with skilled tradespeople. As the owner of Woodsmith Construction Inc., I’ve navigated the challenges of recruiting in a post-COVID world, where traditional methods often fall short. Here’s a summary of the insights and solutions discussed in the article:

 

The construction industry faces a significant hiring challenge, exacerbated by a shortage of new talent entering the skilled trades and a housing crisis. Traditional hiring platforms and methods are increasingly inadequate to meet our reliable, skilled labour needs.

 

Enter the solution: a new wave of construction-centric apps akin to “Uber for your job site,” which aim to revolutionize how we find and hire tradespeople. These platforms leverage the power of social networks to create a transparent, accountable system for connecting contractors with workers. The core idea is simple yet powerful: workers are rated based on performance, incentivizing high-quality work and enabling contractors to make informed hiring decisions.

 

I highlighted my experience with UBILD, an app that exemplifies this new approach. After being referred by a colleague and speaking with its founder, I found it to be a perfect fit for Woodsmith Construction. However, the market offers other options like Crew Up, indicating a growing trend towards these innovative hiring solutions.

 

These apps represent more than just a new way to hire; they offer a potential paradigm shift in utilizing our limited skilled trades workforce. By efficiently matching labor needs with available talent, we can more effectively navigate the hiring challenges of today’s world.

 

This exploration into the intersection of technology and traditional trades underscores the importance of adaptability and innovation in running a successful construction business. As we embrace these new tools, we not only solve our immediate hiring needs but also contribute to a more dynamic, efficient, and connected industry.

 

For a deeper dive into how social networks and apps are changing the hiring game in construction, read the full article here.

Woodsmith Construction is first and foremost one of the leading contractors serving the GTA. We at Rigid Frame Structural Engineers Inc. provide structural engineering consulting for them. Woodsmith always adhere to the drawings and regulations in all of their construction projects. We also find Chris and all his crews to be very respectful. We recommend Woodsmith to all our clients who like to tackle renovations.

We worked with Chris Smith and Woodsmith Construction Inc. on the design for a garage addition, and the experience was fantastic. The project included adding attic trusses to create a new walk-in closet and laundry room that seamlessly connected to our existing main bedroom. Chris’s goal was to make the addition feel like it had always been part of the home, and he absolutely nailed it.From the start, Chris took the time to understand what we needed and came up with a design that not only maximized the functionality of the space but also kept the style consistent with the rest of the house. He paid close attention to every detail, from the layout to the finishes, ensuring everything worked perfectly with our main bedroom.The design makes such smart use of the space, and it feels like a natural extension of the home rather than an afterthought. Chris was great to work with—responsive, creative, and incredibly knowledgeable. He even provided advice on how to approach the construction phase, which made us feel confident moving forward.If you’re looking for someone to bring your vision to life with a thoughtful and practical design, we highly recommend Chris Smith and Woodsmith Construction. The design he created for us has truly enhanced our home. Our construction is well under way and we are already seeing the great design come to life!

Steve F
Steve F2024-12-03
Google

Cristina Blesa
Cristina Blesa2023-12-06
Google

Emmanuel Moysis
Emmanuel Moysis2019-03-31
Google

Woodsmith Construction completed a project for us in a timely and professional manner. The quality of their workmanship is superb. Communication between them and us was informative, courteous and collaborative. We would highly recommend them.

Rick Wilson
Rick Wilson2020-03-31
Google

We worked with Chris Smith and Woodsmith Construction Inc. on a large-scale renovation of our east-end semi and we couldn’t be happier with the finished product. The project included adding a third floor, underpinning the basement, and updating the interior throughout the house. Chris handled both the design and the build, and he is incredibly knowledgeable about all stages of the process. He was professional and responsive and always had our best interests at heart. His team was hard-working and respectful and they were all a pleasure to work with.Chris was professional, calm, and reasonable in working with our neighbours at all stages of the process and earned a very positive reputation among people on the street who saw the process and admired the result. The final product maintains the same exterior character of the home while updating the interior and making it a hundred times more functional for our family. It is a total transformation from what it used to be and we thank Chris for his vision and guidance throughout the process.Chris and his team were organized, professional, and always on top of the details. They kept us in the loop throughout the project and made sure everything was done to the highest standard. We would not hesitate to recommend Woodsmith to anyone undertaking a residential renovation – he is one of the hardest-working people we know and we are very grateful for his expertise and dedication.

D Volpe
D Volpe2024-12-01
Google

Woodsmith construction just completed a gut job and garage addition for my husband and I and it was the best experience I could have hoped for especially given all the renovation horror stories we have heard. They were so professional, helpful, diligent and responsive and the quality of the renovation was first class. I would recommend anyone to hire Woodsmith construction for all their needs whether it is a renovation or a new build. We could not be happier with the outcome and our newly renovated home.

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