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HEADLINES ADDED: May 29, 2009
Parliamentary launch of The Big Green Home initiative
Last week I was at the House of Commons in the company of Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change who was speaking at the special Parliamentary launch of The Big Green Home, a major new initiative by the National Home Home Improvement Council (NHIC) and British Gas to move UK’s existing [...]... Read More
House Approves “Green” Schools Bill
H.R. 2187, 21st Century Green High-Performing Public School Facilities Act has been officially passed by the House.... Read More
Archaeology Meets Architecture in Project by Cotera+Reed
... Read More
Hunt Is On for World’s Best Architecture
... Read More
House Passes Three-Year FAA Bill With Hike for Construction Funds
... Read More
Lean & 5 S's #46
Preparing for the future read more... Read More
Great needs and great deeds: The spirit of effective Construction Marketing
... Read More
SAMPLPAK Forms: BNI Snap Out Forms for the Construction Industry 2008
By BNI. Building News, Inc.. Price: $14.95. Publish Date: 06/2008... Read More
The decline in construction is ’slowing’
The decline in construction is ’slowing’. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors found the fall in construction workloads, now in its fourth quarter, was less steep. Though the improvement was most noticeable in non-housing and infrastructure projects, the Federation of Master Builders think that there is definite ‘deceleration’, which means we are perhaps reaching [...]... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 28, 2009
Lean & 5 S's #46
Preparing for the future read more... Read More
2009 Construction Handbook from USG Released
Gypsum manufacturer USG announces the availability of the 2009 Gypsum Construction Handbook. The guide is designed to be a complete guide to the selection of building products catered towards architects, contractors and other industry professionals within the building trades.... Read More
Green Building Experiences Large Growth, NAHB Says
As builders and remodelers retool their businesses in a tight credit market and recapture the interest of jittery consumers, this spring is the greenest yet for the nation’s home building industry, according to the National Association of Home Builders.... Read More
A ‘Hollywood touch’ for construction
In an economy where ever dollar counts, construction companies are looking for ways to make theirjobsites more efficient and their projects more profitable. Many of them are turning to technology. NPR ran a great story this AM on 3D construction design company Autodesk’s software program that helps turn “shovel-ready” projects into computer simulation previews of road and bridges. We won’t see Spiderman swinging his way around tomorrow’s bridges, but the software does bring a little bit of Hollywood into the construction market. Listen to the story here.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 27, 2009
Caterpillar to Halve Hours of 985 Workers
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Nation's Largest New Public Transportation Project Moving Into Construction Phase
... Read More
EM 385-1-1 2008 Safety and Health Requirements Manual
By US Army Corps of Engineers. Government Printing Office. Price: $65. Publish Date: 05/2009... Read More
Construction Field Guide, 3rd Edition: Architects, Contractors, Engineers
By BNI. Building News, Inc.. Price: $79.95. Publish Date: 03/2009... Read More
Winnipeg sows confusion about construction zones
Construction crews in Winnipeg are facing a dangerous situation after the provincial government flip flopped on the enforcement of photo radar tickets in construction zones.... Read More
Canadian architects bring experience to Canada BIM Council
While architects Paul Loreto and Allan Partridge live in different provinces, they have a lot in common: Both are pioneers when it comes to adoption of building information modeling (BIM) technology.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 26, 2009
Green Prefabs
From the shameless commerce department of Washington Construction Law, herewith a promo for an excellent option to consider if you are looking for really cool, well-designed prefabricated homes with a sustainability focus.... Read More
British Columbia pushes wood construction in China
On the anniversary of the devastating China earthquake, B.C. wood manufacturers are strengthening partnerships to help with reconstruction and earn a share of stimulus spending.... Read More
Construction Road Signs Warn of Zombies
... Read More
Caterpillar to Cut 2,110 More Jobs at 3 Illinois Plants
... Read More
Blogging and Construction Marketing: Should you do it?
... Read More
Best designed projects earn accolades for British Columbia architects
The best architectural projects in British Columbia were recently given their due at an awards gala in Vancouver.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 25, 2009
Federal government announces expansions to Making Home Affordable program
... Read More
Contractors Group: Illinois Gross Product to Rise under Stimulus Package
... Read More
5 Great Land Decisions Home Builders Made in a Troubled Real-Estate Market
Not all land decisions made today by builders turn out badly. Contributing Editor Jane Adler showcases 5 examples of land decisions that are leading to success... Read More
BIM Appears in a Shopping Mall
... Read More
B.C. election results will bring stability to construction sector, McLachlan says
Election results are really about the future, although the outcomes are usually based on the past, and now that the smoke has all but cleared from the campaign busses we can take a look at how the May 12 election results will impact the construction sector in the next few months.... Read More
Construction Materials Prices Trend Lower in April
With material prices in April showing a downward trend, there's concern that any kind of upward pressure on prices could undermine recovery efforts and pose a threat to infrastructure projects across the nation.... Read More
Is Going Green Really Worth It?
Cleantech Homes says eco-friendly home technology can be scalable, enabling dealers to capture a broader market. Small green systems can go a long way -- for both installer and client.... Read More
Best designed projects earn accolades for British Columbia architects
The best architectural projects in British Columbia were recently given their due at an awards gala in Vancouver.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 23, 2009
Green Scholarship Established by NAHB's National Housing Endowment
A new National Housing Endowment scholarship will help pay for students to attend the NAHB National Green Building Conference... Read More
NAHB Honors The Year's Best in Green Home Building
Home building industry leaders honored the best in green residential design and outstanding advocacy efforts at the NAHB National Green Building Awards.... Read More
Construction Business Advertising Example
Hey gang, take a look at this email that came into our office from ReUse Concrete Sealing in Overland Park, Kansas. I don’t know much about their company, but I do know they understand communication with their customers and all those they do business with. This is one of the best notices we have ever received. Look close, they have everything on there that is needed: Phone number, Address, City, State, Zip, Web site address, Email address And they have a smiling face on the lady holding the phone.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 22, 2009
Humboldt Street Supportive Housing Project
A new supportive housing apartment building is planned for Victoria B.C. The Humboldt Street Supportive Housing Project will include 44 units in the four-storey structure, which is aiming for LEED Gold certification. It was designed by Chow Low Hammond Architects Inc. and the project manager is CitySpaces Consulting Ltd. Consulting engineers on the project include Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. (structural), Hirschfield Williams Timmins (mechanical) and Applied Engineering Solutions Ltd. (electrical). Chatwin Engineering Ltd. is another consulting engineer working on the project.... Read More
New Home Indicators Continue Improved Signs
New homes sales and traffic retained their improved levels in May, holding steady with the April numbers. More builders also started homes this month than in April.... Read More
Green Building, Remodeling Growing at Surprising Rate, NAHB Says
More than 3,100 home builders, remodelers, designers and others in the building industry have become Certified Green Professionals, NAHB reports.... Read More
First Remodeled Home Certified to the National Green Building Standard
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April Construction Slips 1%
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Deere Profit Falls 38% as Construction Sales Slide
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Man’s Fingers Crushed in Construction Accident
I’m using the latest news about a man having his fingers crushed during a road building project by a concrete pipe as an opportunity to bring up the topic of safety. It’s not so much just to point out an accident in the construction industry as it is an attempt to add another wrinkle to how you think about safety. There’s not enough information from this article to say either way if this were merely an accident or cause of lack of proper safety protocols. Regardless, it is an... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 20, 2009
Technology for the Construction Contractor: Understanding the Basic IT System
Today the playing field is practically level between businesses of all sizes when it comes to technology systems. Most of same technologies that billion dollar contractors rely on are available at very reasonable costs to contractors of any size.... Read More
The 8 Traits of Great Construction Companies
Good news! Now is the time to take a hard look at how your company does business. Why wait? When you start a company, you're happy getting some work and making a little money. Then it grows into the company it is today by doing what it does relatively well for the few customers it has acquired. As an expert on entrepreneurial companies, I can tell you this is not the right way to design and build a great company that maximizes its potential market share, resources, people and... Read More
Failure to Raise All Related Claims at Once May Preclude Parties from Bringing Any Remaining Claims Later
The legal doctrine of res judicata or claim preclusion precludes parties from bringing suit for claims they should have brought up in earlier suits. "Res judicata" is a Latin phrase that means a matter already adjudged. A simple example of the application of the doctrine is an owner who sues a builder for negligence in constructing his house (first suit). The court awards damages to the owner. The owner then brings a second suit, bringing claims of breach of implied warranties against the contractor (second suit). The owner is precluded from bringing the second suit... Read More
Humboldt Street Supportive Housing Project
A new supportive housing apartment building is planned for Victoria B.C. The Humboldt Street Supportive Housing Project will include 44 units in the four-storey structure, which is aiming for LEED Gold certification. It was designed by Chow Low Hammond Architects Inc. and the project manager is CitySpaces Consulting Ltd. Consulting engineers on the project include Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. (structural), Hirschfield Williams Timmins (mechanical) and Applied Engineering Solutions Ltd. (electrical). Chatwin Engineering Ltd. is another consulting engineer working on the project.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 19, 2009
NAHB Honors Remodelers for Green Work
Three remodelers were among those honored at the NAHB National Green Building Awards this weekend. (You can read a full list of the winners here.) ...... Read More
2009 National Repair and Remodeling Estimator Book
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GreenPlumbers, GreenMech Partner For Education
GreenPlumbers USA and the Green Mechanical Council have announced a collaborative partnership to speed up the installation of green educational programs to the construction industry, and more effectively communicate the plumbing and mechanical contracting industry's efficiency programs to utilities, businesses and consumers.... Read More
Canadian construction activity falls 2.1 per cent in February 2009
The construction industry in Canada declined again in February, while overall economic activity seems poised for a recovery in the next few months, says Statistics Canada.... Read More
Good news all around in housing
Some more indicators today that things may be moving in the right direction for the housing industry. This afternoon, the NAHB released both i...... Read More
Road Construction Season Revs Up in Montana
... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 18, 2009
GBP500 million fund to restart stalled housing projects
I feel obliged to make some comment on last weeks UK Budget, not least because I had feedback from dozens of companies and trade organisations in the 24 hours after the Chancellors announcement. Most of these made their way onto the Buildingtalk website.... Read More
Minorities hurt more by the housing downturn
One of the triumphs of the housing boom was the growth in minority homeownership, as the ownership rates for blacks and Hispanics grew much fa...... Read More
Eco-friendly custom home to use Bejamin Obdyke Home Slicker
Eco-friendly custom home to use Bejamin Obdyke Home Slicker to protect cedar shingles... Read More
KTGY designs, helps build three homes for Habitat for Humanity
Architect receives 2009 Dream Builder Award from Habitat's Orange County chapter... Read More
USGBC Releases ‘Top 10 Ways to Use Recovery Funds’
The U.S. Green Building Council Top 10 Ways to Use Recovery Funds Aims to Save Energy, Money through Green Building... Read More
DeWalt Building Contractor's Study Guide
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Kansas Man Killed in Crane Accident
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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: What it Means for Federal Construction Contractors
Co-authored by Michael H. Payne and Craig A. Schroeder On February 17, 2009, the President signed Public Law 111-5, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (also known as “ARRA,” the “Recovery Act,” and the “Stimulus Act”), including a number of provisions to be implemented in Federal Government contracts. The Recovery Act’s purposes are to stimulate the economy and to create and retain jobs. The Act gives preference to activities that can be started and completed expeditiously, including a goal of using at least 50 percent of the... Read More
Canadian construction activity falls 2.1 per cent in February 2009
The construction industry in Canada declined again in February, while overall economic activity seems poised for a recovery in the next few months, says Statistics Canada.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 16, 2009
Twenty years of success -- and just discovering marketing
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Court Enjoins Awards of Government-wide Task Order Contracts Because of "False Precision" in the Numerical Ratings of the Offerors
An important decision, Serco, Inc. v. United States was issued by the United States Court of Claims last week in a case involving a government-wide acquisition contract (“GWAC”) awarded by the General Services Administration (GSA) to provide technology products and services to the entire federal government. Sixty-two offerors competed for a chance to perform task orders under this GWAC. In ranking the technical proposals of these offerors, GSA teams assigned adjectival ratings to various subfactors and then converted them into whole numbers ( e.g., 3, 4, 5). Combining, averaging... Read More
Round Three for Green Building Standard
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Construction Spending Will Slide 15% in 2009
The 2009 Construction Outlook Spring Update recently published by McGraw-Hill Construction, New York, says that while construction spending will drop to $463.1 billion in 2009, the decline will be cushioned by the recently enacted stimulus legislation, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Authored by Robert Murray, vice president of economic affairs for McGraw-Hill Construction, the... Read More
Improving Construction Productivity
If there’s one thing I’ve heard from everyone in the industry is for contractors to stay competitive they need to find ways to be more efficient. There are many suggestions, tips and ideas out there and here is another one - in a form of a webinar - if you are still searching for a solution to increase efficiencies throughout your operations. Time is Money: Technological Tools in “Productivity Tool Box” to Improve Construction Performance and Efficiency Tuesday, May 19, 2009 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Eastern Time Zone... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 15, 2009
Bid Protests to GAO to be Allowed on Task Orders in Excess of $10 Million
Effective May 23, 2008, there will be important changes that pertain to a contractor’s ability to protest task and delivery orders. These changes are embodied in Section 843 of the 2008 Defense Authorization Act, "Enhanced Competition Requirements for Task and Delivery Order Contracts," and legislators expect the new provisions to increase competition for task and delivery order contracts. Most notably, the new law allows a contractor to protest a task order in excess of $10 million to the GAO. Previously, the Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994 (“FASA”) prohibited task... Read More
Stimulus Set To Push 7,400 MW Into Construction by End of 2010
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Sukut Construction CEO Says Public Money is the Major Driving Force Today in the Construction Industry
Sukut CEO/President Mike Crawford says 70 percent of the Santa Ana-based firm’s jobs are now on government-funded projects, triple what they were in 2005-06... Read More
Construction set to begin on Abbotsford's Parallel Marketplace
Parallel Marketplace, a community shopping centre at North Parallel Road and Old Yale Road in Abbotsford, B.C., will be commencing construction in July 2009. The owner/developers are Shape Properties Corp. Under its direction, Musson Cattel Mackey Partnership will lead the on-site design team, which includes Aplin & Martin Consultants Ltd. (civil), London Mah & Associates Ltd. (structural), SRC Engineering Consultants (mechanical and electrical) and Eckford & Associates Landscape Architecture (landscape).... Read More
Toronto construction sites sit idle as developers wait for improved outlook
The recession is cutting into activities at some prominent local job sites, but the full impact of the downturn probably won’t be felt until late summer, said the head of the Toronto construction sector’s largest union.... Read More
Exception to the Economic Loss Rule Extended to Commercial Construction
The economic loss rule is a court-created doctrine that bars liability in tort where the only damages are injuries to the defective product itself: this means no personal injuries or damages to other property exist. See Kennedy v. Columbia Lumber & Mfg. Co., 299 S.C. 335, 341 (1989). The rule only applies where the duty owed by the wrongdoer to the aggrieved arises out of a contract. In 2008, the Supreme Court of South Carolina considered the applicability of the economic loss rule in the context of commercial context. See Colleton Preparatory Acad., Inc.... Read More
More Construction Industry Round-Ups
Its been a couple of days since I was able to get a post up and there are a few items that have come to my attention that I would like to include in this blog post, so its time for another Construction Industry Round-Up!!! 10 Ways to Improve Lease Negotiation Skills and Save Money - Webinar Learn tips top negotiators use that result in successful "win-win" negotiations. How to negotiate with everyone. How to polish and fine tune your negotiation skills. When to hold em or fold ‘em,... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 14, 2009
"Laneway Housing" Gets Green Light in Vancouver
... Read More
AIA Updates Construction Manager Documents/Software
... Read More
Construction Industry In For Rough Year Despite Promising Report: AGC Economist
... Read More
Bird Construction official reflects on building challenges at Trout Lake Ice Arena
To an experienced builder, constructing your typical arena is generally straightforward. But the new $14 million Trout Lake Ice Arena in east Vancouver is anything but typical.... Read More
ELAINE Construction wins 2009 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Award
The Northeastern University Center for Family Business honored ELAINE Construction with a 2009 Massachusetts Family Business of the Year Award. The award recognizes the Wexler familys business achievements and leadership success across three generations at the Newton-based company. Research by the Center for Family Business reveals that fewer than12% of family businesses survive to be led by a third generation.... Read More
Contractors, Remember to Perfect Your Mechanic's Lien to Stay Protected
Section 29-5-10 of the South Carolina Code of Laws Annotated allows providers of labor or materials for the repair, alteration, or erection of a structure to file a lien either on the structure or on the owner's interest in the land on which the structure is located. The materials must be actually used in such repair or erection to be "lienable". Contractors must remember, however, to follow the statutory procedures for filing and perfecting a lien to be able to enforce their right to payment against owners. First, file the mechanic's lien within 90 days... Read More
Dockside Green LEEDs the way to sustainable architecture solutions
Dockside Green in Victoria has recently been named one of the top 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment. The development earned the highest ever LEED Platinum rating for its first phase, Synergy – breaking a world record for the number of points awarded. The second phase of the project includes the construction of two condominium towers (above), which are nearing completion. Dockside Green was designed by Busby,... Read More
New report finds Canadian construction industry more productive and fuel-efficient
Canadian construction is doing more work with less fuel, resulting in reduced energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions over the last 17 years, according to a new scientific review.... Read More
Non-residental investment spending decreases in first-quarter 2009
Non-residential construction decreased in both Alberta and B.C. in the first quarter of 2009, as five provinces and two territories posted declines.... Read More
Dockside Green LEEDs the way to sustainable architecture solutions
Dockside Green in Victoria has recently been named one of the top 10 examples of sustainable architecture and green design solutions that protect and enhance the environment from the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and its Committee on the Environment. The development earned the highest ever LEED Platinum rating for its first phase, Synergy – breaking a world record for the number of points awarded. The second phase of the project includes the construction of two condominium towers (above), which are nearing completion. Dockside Green was designed by Busby,... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 13, 2009
Key Construction employs Advance Precast system at Kamloops motel project
Key Construction is using a unique precast concrete system to build this Kamloops, B.C. motel. The building was assembled by Advance Precast Ltd., with crane and operator from Buie Crane & Rigging Service.... Read More
Carleton University launches engineering program in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
With energy high on the list of many companies<0x2019> concerns, a new program at Carleton University is grooming a new generation of engineers to help meet a growing need for energy expertise.... Read More
Bird Construction official reflects on building challenges at Trout Lake Ice Arena
To an experienced builder, constructing your typical arena is generally straightforward. But the new $14 million Trout Lake Ice Arena in east Vancouver is anything but typical.... Read More
Economic downturn shakes up Las Vegas construction industry
AGC SmartBrief | 05/12/2009 Las Vegas construction firms are continuing to shed jobs to survive the economic downturn and continue to see project delays and cancellations. Observers also note that many firms are competing for a small amount of available work, which has driven down construction costs. Meanwhile, more contractors are filing liens to get paid for their services. Some have turned to construction management at-risk and design-build as methods to save dollars and become more efficient.... Read More
How to Efficiently Perform on Projects Funded by Federal Stimulus Dollars
Construction Business Podcast Sponsored by: There’s about 140 billion dollars slotted for construction projects as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. It has been said that overall the ARRA probably isn’t big enough to completely pull the economy out of its slump, but I’m sure a portion of that money would go a long way into strengthening the financial stability of your construction business. The problem is that working on federally-funded projects will require compliance with the provisions provided in the ARRA that can be tricky to... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 12, 2009
New York State Office of General Services (OGS) Announces Upcoming Construction Opportunities
ALBANY, NY (05/07/2009; 1002)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of General Services Commissioner John C. Egan today announced the bidding for ten construction contracts representing more than $7.4 MILLION in construction, providing work in three counties of New York.... Read More
BIM and Construction Management: Proven Tools, Methods, and Workflows
By Brad Hardin. Sybex. Price: $49.99. Publish Date: 05/2009... Read More
ARE 4.0 Sample Problems and Practice Exam: Schematic Design
By David Kent Ballast. Professional Publications. Price: $90. Publish Date: 01/2008... Read More
ARE 4.0 Sample Problems and Practice Exam: Programming, Planning and Practice
By David Kent Ballast. Professional Publications. Price: $90. Publish Date: 01/2008... Read More
NAHB Honors Builders and Remodelers for Green Construction
Companies receive awards at annual Green Building Conference... Read More
Winners of 2009 National Design Awards Announced
... Read More
Key Construction employs Advance Precast system at Kamloops motel project
Key Construction is using a unique precast concrete system to build this Kamloops, B.C. motel. The building was assembled by Advance Precast Ltd., with crane and operator from Buie Crane & Rigging Service.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 09, 2009
Environmental Construction Collaborative Dedicated to a Sustainable Future
The Environmental Construction Collaborative Inc. is a collection of partner firms and sales professionals dedicated to green building practices and delivering environmentally smart building products and systems.... Read More
Understanding Construction Drawings, 4th Edition Includes Blueprints
By Mark W. Huth. Delmar Publishers. Price: $130.95. Publish Date: 12/2004... Read More
Printreading for Architecture and Construction Technology, 2nd Edition
By David A. Madsen. Delmar Publishers. Price: $119.95. Publish Date: 11/2004... Read More
Wrongful Conduct Found Not Covered by Insurance Policy
The City of Shawnee, Kansas, hired a contractor to perform work on a project. Utility lines ran throughout the job site. The bid solicitation documents indicated that the utility lines would be relocated not to interfere with the contractor's work. The city failed, however, to relocate the utility lines as asserted during the bid solicitation, and the contractor encountered delay damages as a result. The contractor then sued the city for misrepresentations and resulting delay damages. The city then sued its insurer, Argonaut Insurance Company (Argonaut). See City of Shawnee v. Argonaut Ins. Co.,... Read More
Bendable, self-healing concrete
Concrete is a versatile building material with countless uses in the built world. And the industry continues to advance. National Geographic online posted an article “Bendable Concrete Heals Itself — Just Add Water.” Check it out!... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 08, 2009
A Contractor's Liability for Negligence
Contractors may be held liable for their negligent performance of a contract. Under the economic loss rule, economic loss alone precludes punitive damages—additional damages to punish for wrongful conduct. Parties to a contract owe to each other the duty to perform the tasks they agreed upon. Negligence in performing or nonperforming those tasks is both a tort and a breach of contract. One court specified that if the negligence (or even gross negligence) of a contractor only results in economic loss to the subject matter of the contract, punitive damages... Read More
Economy Or Just Bad (HORRIBLE) Business Practices?
During the last few months we have been doing a lot to help our clients out with their marketing. One of the most basic things we see as a problem over and over again is simply the lack of follow-up on the part of the contractor. IF SOMEONE CALLS - CALL THEM BACK!IF SOMEONE WANTS A PRICE - GIVE THEM A PROPOSAL!See Steve Smith's recent article in Plumbing & Mechanical magazine about his remodeling experiences. Why Won't Contractors Call Me Back?If you don't think this is a problem in... Read More
SHB 1555: Revised Retainage Rules for Public Works Contracts
Mike Purdy's timely and useful summary of the ins and outs of the Washington State public works retainage law, recently revised by SHB 1555, is available here in this post to his public contracting blog.... Read More
Biodiesel Output Falls Sharply in March
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Division 1 Clarifies Estoppel Remedy for Bad Faith
This case, the latest from Division 1 in its treasure chest of condo defect / insurance coverage cases, contains two notable nuggets: A 14 month delay in responding to a tender of defense and indemnity was bad faith as a matter of law, estopping the carrier from denying coverage under the additional insured endorsement it issued to a GC under a subcontractor's policy. As a result, the carrier had to pay both the defense costs incurred by the GC as they pertained to the subcontractor's scope of work as well as the... Read More
NER Tracks Trends in Annual Equipment Theft Report
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Maxim Crane Sold to Platinum Equity
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Lead generation services: The controversy continues
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A concrete masterpiece in peril
The construction industry is constantly producing new techniques and products to make building construction faster, safer and stronger. Technology and innovation are bringingus more energy efficient buildings and superior building products. But I also believe in the importance of preserving our past and recognizing thearchitecturalhistory we find all over this country. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently released its list of the 11 most endangered historic places in the country. On the list is theFrank Lloyd Wright-designedUnity Temple in Oak Park, Ill. The ChicagoTribune.com posted an article on... Read More
How to Protect Your Construction Company so the Party Doesn't Get Out of Hand
Summer is approaching and company sponsored picnics and softball games are just around the corner but so are liability issues for employers who are holding these gatherings. From impaired driving accidents to sexual harassment charges or worker's compensation claims, events involving over-the-top partying can expose employers to serious risks.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 06, 2009
Don't Be Colorblind to Green Risks
The problem of defining "Green" Before too much energy and money are spent on delivering a Green project, it is beneficial for all participants to define what they mean by or want from a Green or sustainable project. Just like the label "Organic," the word "Green" can have many meanings. Different definitions of a Green or sustainable project can lead to different expectations, and unmet expect...... Read More
Workers gather to remember fallen comrades in Alberta and B.C.
The construction industry accounted for the highest number of work related deaths in B.C. and Alberta last year.... Read More
The Grand Slam: Construction-Specific Payroll
Construction payroll can be one of the most challenging aspects of running a construction business. Union reporting, multiple states and localities, varying pay scales, multiple job classifications, deductions, withholdings and tax reporting are just some of the things that contractors must deal with each and every pay period.... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 05, 2009
Fall, Scaffold, Ladder, Related Hazards Add Up to $79,000 Fine for Roofer
"It takes only one slip or misstep to turn a construction site into an accident scene," said Paul Mangiafico, OSHA's area director for Middlesex and Essex (Massachusetts) counties.... Read More
Claim Your Share of Rising Federal Construction Spending
As media reports of declining construction spending have rolled in month after month, one bright spot has remained in spite of the slowing market: federal construction projects. Federal spending on construction in recent months has actually run contrary to private sector figures.... Read More
Benefits of Using Construction Specific Software
Contractors who use construction specific accounting software gain a substantial advantage over those that use horizontal packages such as QuickBooks or Simply Account (more efficient processes and greater access to in-depth reporting).... Read More
A Health Insurance Audit Can Help Reduce Company Premiums
This year, one out of ten construction workers will be accidentally injured. Because of this statistic, insurance carriers often view the construction industry as one of the most dangerous industries, even though the employees match a more positive insurance profile and lead healthy active lives. As a result of this perception, construction companies are offered some of the highest construction insurance premiums... Read More
The Construction Marketing Ideas Course
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U.S. Construction Spending Up in March
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Construction Industry Highlights
I’ve got a couple of items from around the construction industry I thought would be of interest to everyone. First off, the latest on the state of the construction industry. The most recent report from the U.S. Census Bureau of the Department of Commerce shows that construction spending during March 2009 was estimated up 0.3 percent from February. Nonresidential construction was up 2.7 percent from the February estimate, public construction spending was 1.1 percent above the revised February estimate and highway construction was at 0.8 percent below the revised... Read More
Bid Protest Rejected for Inadequate Bid Bond
The Federal Circuit upheld the rejection of the lowest bidder by the Department of Transportation where the bid bond supplied by the low bidder failed to comply with the Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR). In Tip Top Construction v. United States, the general contractor submitted a bid bond from an individual surety backed by mined coal. The government rejected the bond because the asset securing the individual security was too speculative and hence did not comply with the FAR's requirements. The invitation to bid required a bid bond of three... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 04, 2009
Twitter Tips for Builders: Tweet Away!
Builders need to embrace social media tools such as Twitter in order to keep pace with an increasingly web-savvy customer base. Here's some advice for navigating the Twittersphere.... Read More
Congress should encourage home energy efficiency with tax cuts and incentives, NAHB says
The NAHB is asking Congress to ensure that legislation intended to make homes more energy efficient focuses on measures that provide the greatest environmental benefit without putting housing affordability at risk.... Read More
More than 4,000 builders on Olympics
The total workforce building the Olympic Park has broken the 4,000 barrier with one half of 2012 construction workers living in London.... Read More
Kier and Willmott Dixon vye for £200m Telford and Wrekin BSF deal
Kier and Willmott Dixon have seen off Carillion and Balfour Beatty in the race to win the £200m Telford and Wrekin Building Schools for the Future (BSF) deal.... Read More
Top five construction tenders - 1 May
This week's top 5 construction tenders include an £80m-£100m highways construction job to build 14km of dual carriageway in Northern Ireland.... Read More
Keen Construction fined after worker injured in fall
Keen Construction based in Downton, Salisbury, has been fined £6,600 following an accident which saw a self-employed worker seriously injured.... Read More
£500m private housing fund to kickstart housebuilding sector
A £500m investment fund to buy up and build hundreds of new homes for private rental is on the cards.... Read More
Safety Pact Signed for Scott Air Force Base Construction Project
The $93.6 million, 180,000 square-foot building project will house the U.S. Transportation Command, the U.S. Army Military Surface Deployment and Distribution Command, and the Defense Intelligence Agency, and is expected to be completed in the summer of 2010.... Read More
AIA, San Francisco Mayor Select 'San Francisco's Greenest' Buildings
Buildings exemplify excellence in sustainable design principles and reduced energy consumption... Read More
HEADLINES ADDED: May 02, 2009
Construction removed from skilled workers 'shortage list'
The government's Migration Advisory Committee (MAC) has ordered the immediate removal of 100,000 construction jobs from its "shortage list" of skilled professions.... Read More
ABC Says 1Q GDP Worse than Expected
The headline is a little grave so let’s start the post with a quote from ABC Chief Economist Anirban Basu on what the outlook for nonresidential construction as it’s a little more sunny: “…there were a number of positive indications in this GDP report, including evidence of a rebound in consumer spending,” adds Basu. “Consumers are apparently more confident than they appear, and this confidence translated into higher consumption of durable goods. This suggests that the ongoing recession may end just as many economists predict " during the latter... Read More
Top five construction tenders - 1 May
This week's top 5 construction tenders include an £80m-£100m highways construction job to build 14km of dual carriageway in Northern Ireland.... Read More
Keen Construction fined after worker injured in fall
Keen Construction based in Downton, Salisbury, has been fined £6,600 following an accident which saw a self-employed worker seriously injured.... Read More
£500m private housing fund to kickstart housebuilding sector
A £500m investment fund to buy up and build hundreds of new homes for private rental is on the cards.... Read More
Academy Prepares Women for Construction Leadership and Management Roles
NCCER and NAWIC have partnered to bring construction businesses a leadership academy which provides women with the opportunity to elevate their careers and management roles within the construction industry.This will consist of a three-day program that provides women with the opportunity to network with fellow peers from around the country. The academy will also have a series of lectures, team building and group activities, and will reinforce skills learned and provide participants with the tools to become effective leaders. Topics include: Powerful language skills Leadership and management styles Conflict... Read More
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Favorite Book 2007
The Toyota Way is my favorite book for 2007. It had so many good ideas that I could not keep up and ended up reading it again and even buying the Field Book to go along with it.
Download Elegant Solutions from Change This which provides some highlights of the Toyota Production System. Too many ideas that are applicable to contractors to even count!
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- Parliamentary launch of The Big Green Home initiative
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- Lean & 5 S's #46
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