Ep.1502 - Controlling Variation

In this episode, Jason unpacks one of the most overlooked forces quietly destroying schedules, safety, and morale on construction projects: variation. Drawing from real field experience, lean principles, and hard-earned lessons, he explains why buffers alone are not enough and why prevention and stability must come first.

What you'll learn in this episode:

• Why variation is one of the biggest hidden drivers of chaos, delays, and burnout on projects.
• The difference between preventable and non preventable variation and why that distinction matters.
• How preparation, prefabrication, and pre planning create stability before work ever starts.
• Why relying on buffers without reducing variation is a losing strategy.
• How stable environments protect safety, quality, mental health, and production.

As you reflect on your own projects, ask yourself this: how much variation are you unknowingly allowing, and what would change if stability became your top priority?

If you like the Elevate Construction podcast, please subscribe for free and you'll never miss an episode. And if you really like the Elevate Construction podcast, I'd appreciate you telling a friend (Maybe even two 😊).

Also, here are links to our YouTube Channels:

· Jason Schroeder YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4xpRYvrW5Op5Ckxs4vDGDg

· LeanTakt YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/leanTakt

· LeanSuper YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQDevqQP19L4LePuqma3Fg/featured

· LeanSurvey YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Ztn3okFhyB_3p5nmMKnsw