The daily walk is one of the most valuable habits on any project. Here is how to make it count.
In this article
The daily walk sets the tone
A superintendent who walks the whole site every morning catches problems early: safety hazards, quality issues, missing material and crews waiting for direction. The daily walk is one of the most valuable habits on any project.
When to walk
Early, before or as crews start, and again later in the day if possible.
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Look for safety first
Fall protection, housekeeping, open holes, ladders and PPE.
Check quality
Look at work completed since yesterday. Catching mistakes early avoids rework.
Check progress
Compare what you see with the look-ahead schedule.
Material and equipment
Is what crews need today on site and staged?
Talk to foremen
A few minutes with each foreman reveals problems and builds relationships.
Take photos
Photos document progress, issues and conditions.
Write it down
Quick notes become the daily report and the action list.
Act the same day
Hazards are corrected right away. Other issues get an owner and a deadline.
Common mistakes
Staying in the trailer answering email, walking only the same areas and noticing problems without assigning anyone to fix them.
An example
On the morning walk, the superintendent notices that drywall is stacked where the electrician needs to work today. A two-minute talk with both foremen moves the material, and the electrician's crew doesn't lose half a day waiting.
Where to start
Block the first 45 minutes of every day on your calendar for the walk, with no meetings and no email. Carry a simple checklist for safety, quality, progress and material, and turn your notes into the daily report before lunch.
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Frequently asked questions
What should a superintendent check on the daily walk?
Safety hazards first, then quality of recent work, progress against the schedule, material for the day and a quick check-in with each foreman.