What does self perform mean in construction?

What does self perform mean in construction?

In the construction industry, there are various phrases and terms that may be unfamiliar to those who are new to the business. One such term is “self perform”. But what does self perform mean in construction?

In essence, self perform means that a construction company is performing work with its own labor force. Although it may seem like an obvious concept, there are some important things to keep in mind to make the most of this strategy. Let’s take a closer look.

What does self perform mean in construction?

Self perform is a strategy where the contractor or construction company completes jobs with its own in-house team. This could include tasks such as carpentry, electrical work, plumbing, and so on.

Self-performing greatly reduces coordination issues between different trades and can lead to increased quality control and improved project schedules.

What are the benefits of self performing work on a construction project?

When it comes to the question of “What does self perform mean in construction?”, you’ll need to consider its benefits. Self performing construction work has become increasingly popular in recent years for a few key reasons.

Cost savings

First and foremost, it’s often less expensive compared to relying on outside contractors. This can free up budget constraints, allowing the company to use more of its own resources instead of hiring an expensive third-party contractor. These savings can be passed on to customers, helping to make projects more affordable.


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Speeds up construction projects

Self performing work also helps speed up construction projects since the contractor is in complete control and has direct access to materials, equipment, labor, and any other resources needed for the job.

This effectively accelerates project completion time, as contractors are able to access the necessary resources in-house and are not reliant on the responses of any third-party companies.

Improves company reputation

Self performing improves customer satisfaction and trust, since they often view self-performing contractors as more reliable, as they’re doing the work themselves rather than being dependent on an outside third party.

This can have a positive effect on the company’s overall reputation, building confidence in their ability to complete projects quickly and efficiently. 

Overall, self performing is a great strategy for any construction company looking to lower costs, speed up project completion time, and increase customer trust. With the right planning and execution, it can have a huge impact on the success of any project.

How does self perform differ from traditional construction methods?

So what does self perform mean in construction and how does it differ from traditional methods? Self performing is different from traditional construction methods in a few key ways. 

In-house resource use

One of the main differences is that self performing requires contractors to use their own resources (such as personnel, materials, and equipment) instead of relying on outside subcontractors. This allows the contractor to maintain more control over the project and prevents any delays caused by outside sources.

More requirement involvement in the project as a whole

Another important difference is self performing often requires a more hands-on approach. This means that contractors must stay on top of the project and be more involved in all aspects of the work, from planning to implementation.

Challenges and risks of self performing construction work

In regard to “What does self perform mean in construction?”, although there are numerous benefits associated with self performing, it’s important to be aware of potential risks as well. 

Too much in-house reliance

One of the biggest risks can come from relying too heavily on in-house personnel and resources. If teams are not properly equipped or trained to handle tasks at hand, or if they end up being overstretched, it can lead to significant cost overruns and delays in project completion.

Legal risks

Additionally, self performing may expose contractors to legal risks since they’ll be responsible for all of their own work. This means that if any problems arise during a project, the contractor will have to face the consequences and any associated costs. 

Time-consuming

Finally, self performing is a time-consuming process, as contractors will be responsible for managing the project from start to finish. This can lead to burnout or fatigue on the part of the contractor and can result in poor quality work. 

Overall, self performing comes with risks that must be taken into account before embarking on a project. It’s important to carefully weigh the risks and benefits of self performing before making any decisions.

Tips for successful self perform construction projects

When it comes to successfully completing self performed construction projects, planning ahead is key. Here are some tips to help ensure projects run smoothly: 

  • Establish clear project goals and objectives early on to ensure that everyone involved is aware of what needs to be accomplished
  • Have a plan for how the work will be divided among your staff
  • Ensure that all in-house personnel are well-trained and adequately equipped to handle the tasks assigned to them
  • Monitor progress throughout the project and address any potential issues as soon as they arise
  • Utilize methods such as project management software to stay organized and on track

By taking the time to properly plan ahead and stay organized, contractors can minimize the risks associated with self performing while maximizing the potential benefits. With proper preparation, self performing construction projects can be done so smoothly and efficiently. 

Improve workforce management with Bridgit Bench

Self performing work on construction projects can provide many benefits when conducted correctly. We hope this article has answered the question “What does self perform mean in construction?”.


Need help overseeing labor? Check out Bridgit Bench, which lets you plan your workforce strategically. Request a demo with Bridgit today!


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Bridgit Bench is the #1 workforce planning software built for the construction industry. Our mission is simple — help contractors streamline operations and navigate workforce planning complexities. Founded in 2014, Bridgit provides seamless planning workflows, unmatched workforce visibility and precise labor forecasting to drive efficiency and planning effectiveness.