Let’s cut the crap. You’re not in the technology business. You’re in the construction business. You move dirt, pour concrete, and put up buildings. The last thing you need is your office grinding to a halt because the server is down again or some project manager’s laptop died the day a multi-million dollar bid is due.
If you only talk to your IT provider when something is broken or when their invoice arrives, you’re not getting what you pay for. You're waiting for a disaster.
A real IT partner works to keep you out of trouble. But you have to know what to ask to make sure they're actually doing their job. Here’s a no-BS checklist. Ask your IT provider these questions every quarter. If they can’t give you a straight answer, you’ve got a problem.
1. Where Are We Exposed? What's Our Biggest Risk Right Now?
This isn't about being paranoid; it's about knowing where the next attack is coming from. A single ransomware attack can lock up every project file, every bid, and every invoice you have.
- "Are all our antivirus and security patches completely up-to-date on every machine, including the laptops on job sites?"
- "Have you seen any phishing attempts or red flags that almost got through?"
- "What's the single biggest security hole in our setup right now?"
2. If We Got Hit with Ransomware Today, Are We Back in Business Tomorrow?
Backups are worthless if they don't work. Thinking you're backed up and finding out you're not during a crisis can kill a business.
- "When was the last time you tested a FULL restore of our data? I want a date."
- "Are our backups stored off-site or in the cloud, where a fire or theft won't wipe them out too?"
- "Are you 100% certain our project files and accounting data are being backed up every single day?"
3. Which of My Employees Is Going to Cost Me a Fortune?
Your team is your strength, but they're also your biggest security risk. One wrong click on a fake invoice can let a hacker drain your bank account.
- "Are all my people using multi-factor authentication, or are they using sticky notes with passwords?"
- "Have you seen any risky behavior or unusual logins from anyone on the team?"
- "When was our last phishing training? Are we overdue?"
4. What's Slowing My Team Down and Costing Me Money?
Slow computers mean your estimators, project managers, and office staff are wasting time. That’s billable hours and profit down the drain.
- "Is the Wi-Fi in the office and the job site trailers actually reliable?"
- "Are my people constantly complaining about their computers being slow? What's the bottleneck?"
- "Are we outgrowing our server? Is it time to replace hardware before it fails?"
5. Are We Covered on Compliance, or Is a Lawsuit Coming?
You store sensitive stuff—employee SSNs, financial data, maybe even client information. A leak doesn't just hurt your reputation; it brings fines and lawyers.
- "Are we doing what we need to do to protect our employee and financial data?"
- "Is our data storage compliant with California regulations?"
- "What would happen if we got audited tomorrow? Would we pass?"
6. What Big Bills Are Coming? No Surprises.
You run your business on a budget. The last thing you need is a surprise $20,000 invoice for a new server you didn't know you needed.
- "Any big hardware, software, or license renewals hitting in the next six months?"
- "What should I be budgeting for IT next year so I can plan my cash flow?"
- "Are there any upcoming projects that will require a big tech investment?"
7. How Are My Competitors Using Tech to Get Ahead of Me?
You’re not just trying to avoid problems; you’re trying to win. Your competition is using technology to bid faster, manage jobs better, and look more professional.
- "What are other construction companies our size doing with tech that we're not?"
- "Is there a tool or a system that could make our bidding process faster or our on-site communication better?"
- "Are we falling behind in a way that makes us look outdated to general contractors or big clients?"
If You Aren't Having These Conversations, That's a HUGE Red Flag.
If your IT guy stumbles over these questions—or worse, if you never talk to him at all—he’s not a partner. He’s just another liability. He's getting paid to be reactive, not to protect your business.
In construction, you prevent problems on the job site before they happen. Your technology should be no different.
We work with Los Angeles construction companies like yours. We know you don't have time for excuses. You need systems that work and a team that understands the urgency of your business.
We offer a no-BS, free security and network assessment. We'll come in, inspect your setup, and show you exactly where you're exposed—before it costs you a job.
Click Here to Schedule Your No-Obligation Assessment!
