Killowen Construction Behind the Business: Avoiding pitfalls before they happen (part 4 of 5)

This week, we’re diving into the fourth installment of our series spotlighting Killowen Construction, a Utah-based luxury custom home builder known for tackling challenges head-on. In this feature, the Killowen team shares how they use Buildertrend to predict and prevent pitfalls before they happen, keeping projects on track and clients happy. From navigating tricky schedules to managing budgets with precision, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how they stay ahead of trouble in an unpredictable industry.

At Killowen Construction, building homes isn’t just about bricks, beams and budgets – it’s about foresight.

In an industry where challenges can emerge faster than a nail gun can fire, Killowen has mastered the art of staying ahead. Their secret? A mix of proactive planning, a dedicated team and tools that help them predict and prevent pitfalls. 

“We could really get on our soapbox about how difficult our job is,” said Tyler Farrell, president of Killowen Construction, as he toured one of their active job sites. “There’s so much liability – not just in building homes properly and safely, but also in managing budgets. It’s a lot to balance.” 

 A perfect storm of challenges 

In construction, the unexpected is more like a rule than an exception. For Sam Abbott, Killowen’s director of construction, it’s about navigating a minefield of potential problems. 

“You don’t know where trouble’s coming from,” Sam said. “You feel like things are going great, and then someone calls to ask, ‘Hey, are you ready for me?’ And you realize, oh my gosh, I’m 10 steps behind being ready for you.” 

This chaos is part of the job, but Killowen’s approach to organization and accountability is what sets them apart. They’ve found a way to tame the madness – using Buildertrend as their guide. 

One tool, many solutions 

For Killowen, Buildertrend is more than just software – it’s their safety net.

It centralizes their project data, streamlines communication and keeps everyone from site crews to architects on the same page. 

“Being able to organize everything on Buildertrend gives our site guys one pot to reach into for all the answers, over and over again,” said Sam. “And that’s a big thing.” 

From tracking budgets to monitoring schedules, Buildertrend has become Killowen’s go-to for clarity in a cluttered process. As Derek Anderson, their COO, explained, it’s like conquering your “triangle of construction,” focusing on time, cost and quality.

“With Buildertrend, we’re able to watch the calendar, monitor quality and track the budget all at once,” Derek said.

Investing in the future 

While there’s no magic wand in construction, Tyler is quick to point out the power of preparation. “If you spend a few extra hours upfront creating good templates, you’ll save yourself dozens of hours down the road,” he said. 

• Evaluate regularly

Leverage data insights to make informed decisions about staffing, resources and future projects. 

• Communicate constantly

Keep your team and partners in the loop with real-time updates. 

Your turn to stay ahead 

Killowen Construction proves that while challenges in construction are inevitable, falling behind doesn’t have to be. With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the twists and turns of the industry with confidence. 

See how Buildertrend can help you stay ahead, too, by scheduling a free demo today – and get back to building smarter, not harder.