Losses on construction sites are hidden costs
According to a report by the Federation of Construction Entrepreneurs, 10–15% of building materials end up wasted due to errors, theft, or poor management. Here are 6 of the most problematic material types and proven ways to reduce losses - including how Contractors.es can help.
1. Cement and mortars
Problem:
- Drying out (open bags, improper storage)
- Incorrect dosing (excess mixture that loses its properties)
- Theft (easy-to-sell material)
How to prevent it:✔ Store in dry, closed spaces - use airtight containers.✔ Mix only the amount needed.✔ Monitor deliveries.
2. Wood and boards (OSB, drywall)
Problem:
- Mechanical damage (improper transport or storage)
- Warping (moisture, no supports)
- Theft (popular material on the “black market”)
How to prevent it:✔ Store on supports - at least 20 cm above the ground, under cover.✔ Label and inventory - scan barcodes when issuing materials (feature available in Contractors.es).✔ Order just-in-time - avoid excess stock on-site.
3. Insulation materials (styrofoam, mineral wool)
Problem:
- Damage during cutting/installation (execution errors)
- Improper storage (compression, moisture)
- Cutting waste (poor planning)
How to prevent it:✔ Train teams on precise cutting and installation to minimize waste.✔ Use accurate cutting tools (e.g., hot wire cutter for styrofoam).✔ Plan exact quantities in advance.
4. Ceramics (tiles, clinker)
Problem:
- Cracking during transport or storage
- Order errors (too much or too little)
- Theft (high-value material)
How to prevent it:✔ Inspect deliveries on-site - report damage immediately (photograph and document in the system).✔ Order with a 5% reserve (no more!) - Contractors.es helps track consumption in real time.✔ Store on pallets, separated by production batches.
5. Pipes and installations (copper, PVC)
Problem:
- Theft (copper is especially vulnerable)
- Damage during installation (bending, cracking)
- Incorrect cutting (sections too short)
How to prevent it:✔ Secure the site - use monitoring and locked containers.✔ Use precision cutting tools (e.g., pipe cutters).✔ Record material usage - every pipe segment should be assigned to a specific task (mobile app feature).
6. Paints, adhesives, and sealants
Problem:
- Drying out of opened containers
- Incorrect dosing (excess use)
- Expiration (unused leftovers)
How to prevent it:✔ Buy smaller packages - matched to project stages.✔ Store in shaded areas (avoid drying).✔ Track expiration dates.
How Contractors.es helps reduce material losses
✔ Usage monitoring – know exactly how much and where materials are used.✔ Integration with schedules – materials are available when needed, without surplus.✔ Loss reports – identify the most wasteful areas.✔ Delivery control – compare invoices with actual usage.
Less waste = more profit
Material losses are not only purchase costs - they also cause:
- Delays (waiting for missing supplies)
- Penalties (for missed deadlines)
- Reduced margins (unexpected expenses)
The solution?
Systematic control - from ordering to storage to usage.Contractors.es provides tools to automate this process and save thousands annually.
Want to reduce losses in your company?
Schedule a free demo - we’ll show how to track materials with Contractors.es. Try the demo version - see how easy inventory management can be.
