Thanks to the evolution of construction, building homes and large-scale offices can now be done more efficiently and more effectively. This section includes information on the various equipment and techniques used in the Construction industry today.
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Lift trucks are nowadays commonly used for lifting anything from stock in a warehouse to people required to perform tasks at a certain level (for example: breaking and picking stock). But how do you know if a forklift is right for the job you need it to do?
Today's Architect has a tough decision to make when it comes to choosing materials. There is steel and glass and concrete and wood. What about fabric!
There really is nothing like a great rocking chair. No matter whether you are nine years old or nin ...
In this article, you'll learn the quickest and cheapest way to stucco. All you'll need is some patience and a few tools available at any home improvement store.
One of the most important parts of kitchen sink installation is cutting holes for the faucet and any other attachments. Here are the steps you should take to cut your sink with professional results.
When Mike Musto was in college he knew he wanted to own his own business.
No contractor needs us to tell him why he's in business or why he wants to improve his business.
The paving and pavement maintenance industry has no manifesto or "how-to" manual (other than this magazine) to help guide contractors on what to do and how to do it.
Chattanooga's Clean Sweep improves driver responsibility and efficiency by eliminating hourly pay
Family-oriented Dryco relies on loyalty and processes to maintain job quality
In August I attended the Summer Conference of the Concrete Foundations Association (CFA) and in September the Annual Conference for the American Society of Concrete Contractors (ASCC).
Despite the relative basic science of green building, finding a green contractor requires the same attention to detail as hiring virtually any other professional to work in your home. Here we'll offer advice on touring green homes, attending informational conferences and workshops, and otherwise boning up on green building before you go shopping for green workers.
Tom Shaughnessy offers construction managers these 10 tips to leverage wireless technologies to maximize productivity and coordinate a project on the run:
Part of our remodeling project included installing an artificial putting green in the backyard.
Here are some ways to maintain and decorate your log home.
Tips on how to have the best salespeople in the construction industry.
A how to guide for striping contractors to do the job with affordable equipment and efficient techniques.
While the terminology, "Perpetual Pavement," has only been around since 2000, the concept has been around for more than 50 years.
Put HMA producers and contractors, material suppliers, DOT and public works officials, agency material specification writers, academics, and consulting engineers in one room, and you have the makings of a "think tank" approach to addressing rising energy and material costs.
How to market your business so your customers and your wallet are satisfied.
One of the most common problems the pavement maintenance industry faces is a poor reputation caused by the fly-by-night operators who afflict every region of the country.
Commercial contractor takes safety to the next level
Contractor's wife transforms "nuisance" sealcoating into profitable division of Allied Asphalt
Tough economic times mean businesses have to pay closer attention to what they're doing and how they're doing it so they can survive the "bust" and be prepared to handle the "boom" when the fuse is lit.
Recycling service that helps eco-friendly development. Read to learn more about being friendly on your environment.
This article provides useful criteria for deciding on a skid steer, including information on skid steer compatibility with various attachments.
Material transfer devices and vehicles keep the mix flowing
Some people might view Worthington Paving as a throwback to the good old days when "hands-on" was the way of the world, when integrity was expected, and when doing it right the first time was the only way to do business.
In 2006 the NAPSA board of directors began an annual strategic planning meeting.
It surprised us how many people were not familiar with the NPCA after eight years, but it seems many people just hadn't noticed.
The American Road and Transportation Builders Association (www.
Haskell Lemon Construction Co. recently completed a new full-depth Perpetual Pavement project southwest of Oklahoma City and State Highway 152 is already receiving accolades from state and national associations
Revisions and clarifications leave 1990 law intact and applicable to parking lots
Pavetec divides paving train to conquer challenging high-altitude tunnel application
In any air conditioning installation, doing a little research can prove to be cost effective. There are many types of air conditioners in the market and knowing a few facts about each one will help in making the right decision when making a purchase.
Air conditioning is the process by which the temperature in buildings is regulated. This involves heating and cooling of rooms. Air-conditioning systems are made by companies that have specialized in the assembly of the air conditioning systems.
Air is one of the most essential components of the atmosphere. All living organisms need air for sustenance of life. Clean air is therefore critical and with closed infrastructures and pollution, air conditioning has become equally essential.
Learn about concrete.
The next time you look at a log home, remember to thank the early inhabitants for their creativity. For it was in their quest to create shelter for their family utilizing little material and resources at hand, they were able to cut down trees and mold it and shape it to what we currently appreciate today as log homes. Log homes have no doubt been around for a long time but home buyers really started to pay more attention to them circa 1960. The popularity of log homes continues up to this day.
North Carolina contractor takes on intricate forming in decorative driveway project.
Conditions sometimes demand it; here's what you need to know
A look at the basics of concrete grinding, honing and polishing.
With mega corporations spending an exorbitant amount of time and money on products and services for the connected consumer, an opportunity may exist for savvy builders to add home networking as an ancillary service to help enhance their company bottom lines.
Last issue we introduced you to "job cycle time," urging you to identify the steps each job requires and offering some insights into how you might approach determining cycle times for the work you do.
For almost 25 years this magazine, National Pavement Expo, and National Pavement Expo West, have been dedicated to the development, growth, and improvement of the paving and pavement maintenance industry.
When customers disagree with you or contest a particular activity there is often wasted energy trying to persuade them to see things as you see them.
Las Vegas Paving installs new 600 TPH counterflow drum mixer to meet area's asphalt needs
There are literally dozens of skid steer, backhoe, and small excavator attachments on the market. These additions will add another dimension to your original investment, save you time and money and, in the process, generate new sales opportunities.
Our typical consulting assignment is to put together a wealth transfer plan for a successful business owner.
It's a long story but I ended up with a large area in the back with no grass, so I replanted with "good stuff.
A how-to guide for re-vamping your basement into a comfortable living area.
Tackling a big job takes confidence, planning, and a willingness to rethink the job on site
New materials systems, highlighted by engineered "bendable" cement, show promise in providing protection against hurricane-force winds.
Porous concrete provides benefits for paving commercial parking lots
A recent Jeld-Wen study confirms just how important exterior doors are to hooking new owners. Real-estate agents said that 82 percent have had potential buyers decline to look inside a home based on its exterior.
Last month we discussed how too many contractors do a great job completing their work but make a big mistake by failing to ask satisfied customers for referrals.
Marketing is an aspect with which almost every business needs to concern itself.
The newest generation of big skid steers is capable of shaking off its utility-machine mantle and competing aggressively for production tasks with electronic-over-hydraulic joysticks and steadily more-refined cockpits.
Austin coal tar ban based on flawed study, bad science
Our goal has always been to provide information to help contractors improve and grow their businesses, and recently through our Web site we've taken some steps that will broaden that information flow, enable us to provide more timely information, and maybe even engage you a little bit.
A hands on look at some different construction vehicle traction systems. The article looks at Bobcat, Caterpillar, and Deere products.
The ultramodern Odyssey II? brake controller derives much of its technology from Valley's original ...
This article reviews concrete breaking equipment available on the market for light to mid-sized concrete demolition jobs. All these products can break concrete — you want to make sure that you choose a machine that will help you do a job in the quickest and most sensible way to save time and therefore money.
Brick cleaning is the course of cleaning brick walls or bricks. Many options, each with its own advantages or disadvantages, exist.
Twenty years after reconstructing a section of this road, Meadow Valley Contractors returns with today's technologies
The traditional contractor was an expert on their trade.
Builders and contractors encompass a large part of the construction industry and the equipment is just as varied.
Most people at some time in their lives desire owning a custom home. Some people are attracted to the thought of designing and creating something big from scratch. Others want to live in a new home that meets their specific needs instead of a house that looks like every other home on the block. Some people begin the custom home process by accident when they find a piece of land that inspires them.
Our trusty building envelope and moisture control experts provide eight must-follow rules for designing effective roof systems.
The realization of a building depends on a variety of factors. As far as quality is concerned, building supplies and workmanship carry the day.
Today's Architect has a tough decision to make when it comes to choosing materials. There is steel and glass and concrete and wood. What about fabric!
Like Rome, your new home won’t be built in a day. The custom home process is lengthy, emotional, and expensive, without much consistency to it. Face it; custom homes require custom work and plenty of it! This work makes building a custom home challenging, and yet that extra work is what makes your project unique to you. You may feel overwhelmed at times, but by trusting in the experience of the professionals you engage in your project and keeping this invaluable book by your side, you can have a manageable project that delivers the custom home you have been dreaming of.
The following is an article weighing the benefits and hinderances of leasing, buying, and renting.
Online opportunities abound in today's market for buying and selling construction equipment - but old-fashioned due diligence is still required.
Terms and phrases that get thrown around when it comes to green remodeling.
A look at the leading choices for cast-in-place applications
Visiting with a contractor recently, I was reminded of some of the not-so-fun things contractors and construction leaders must do.
Striving to create and maintain a good reputation has paid off for Kettle Moraine Asphalt Maintenance
Housing drop contributes to lower forecast for cement
4 SWEEPERS TELL HOW NAPSA'S CERTIFIED SWEEPING COMPANY PROGRAM HAS HELPED THEIR BUSINESS -- AND THE SWEEPING INDUSTRY
Cost-effective and resource-efficient construction techniques allow contractors to be able to build green homes.
Lift trucks are nowadays commonly used for lifting anything from stock in a warehouse to people required to perform tasks at a certain level (for example: breaking and picking stock). But how do you know if a forklift is right for the job you need it to do?
When you hire unlicensed, uninsured help, you get what you pay for -- the work of an unlicensed contractor with no regulatory oversight. Here we'll provide tips for verifying the license status, liability insurance, and bonding documents required for contractors by local regulations.
Anyone who does or advertises to do repairs, remodeling, alterations or new construction is usually required to be registered with the state contractor licensing board. Here's some tips on selecting your next contractor.
A custom general contractor offers tips on choosing the right architect to make sure construction in your home follows the professional tenets of form and function. See what Ahmed Abdelaziz, general contractor and CEO of Omarica Home Builders has to say.
When the road construction season draws to a close, innovative contractors find a way to complete one more project.
There are specific air conditioners designed for heat extraction purposes in industrial and commercial setting, factories or other areas that use refrigeration cycles. Industrial and commercial air conditioners are designed for use in buildings that have larger capacities.
Industry insiders and concrete contractors share their thoughts on the booming commercial market.
Business owners can improve their work sites by lessening cultural differences and lowering communication barriers with these tips.
New green building guidelines to address sustainable landscaping
How Contractors Can Protect Company and Employees by Emphasizing Driver Safety.
Will my concrete base be suitable for a concrete sectional garage replacement? What about access to the site? Will planning permission be required?
Whether you're moving concrete or scrap from a demo site, power buggies make the job easier.
As green building's popularity rises, the construction industry looks to concrete to satisfy environmental design requirements.
Preparation and the willingness to make an investment allow a contractor to drive his company in a direction he once wanted to escape.
Nearly two years ago, Town of Hilton Head Island, S.
Recently a student of ours commented on various color combinations for stamped and stained concrete and asked us which colors we used most frequently.
Every year, incomplete concrete repairs and insufficient corrosion protection cost building owners throughout the United States considerable money and time. However, there is a 5-step method that will save valuable time and money.
When looking at homes why not consider a log cabin or log home? These homes are well constructed using natural materials and are easy to clean, decorate and design? These homes come in a variety of colors and woods and can be built on most any lot.
Other repair methods work, but for problem pavements you need to remove and replace
Absolutely not, given the attention manufacturers are giving their curb-and-gutter machines
Three new tractors provide horsepower ratings to 530 and operating weights to 50,000 pounds
JoistStaff, moisture protection, premier building systems.
Safety was paramount in executing congested, tight road rehabilitation project in southern Louisiana
Settlements of disputes are commonplace in the construction industry.
Concrete contractors in Wisconsin got a chance to learn about concrete countertops and Buddy Rhodes mix at a seminar in Milwaukee on March 5.
Construction of cool rooms requires professionals. The builders need to qualify academically and they should have experience as well because it has various complexities.
How Hausz Concrete survived the rain
The concrete countertop industry is buzzing.
The concrete countertop industry is full of opportunities for contractors to learn how to create beautiful work.
Countertop contractors from diverse backgrounds use different styles and methods to achieve a common end — gorgeous concrete countertops!
Here's what some suppliers are offering for training to the asphalt industry
Unfortunately, most concrete has a tendency to crack, usually as a result of improper design or poor construction practices.
Unfortunately, most concrete has a tendency to crack, usually as a result of improper design or poor construction practices.
Crane rental or hire is available in most areas of the United States all year round through crane hire websites.
Cranes include some of the oldest equipment recorded to have been used by man. Even with the constant successes that have been forthcoming, emerging challenges, mean that suppliers and manufactures can hardly rest on their success. Cranes offer a world of possibilities.
Concrete contractors are great at crafting cementicious materials into decorative features.
If you've been contemplating how to remodel or update your own kitchen space, remember to think beyond fashionable trends and decor and be sure to think safety first. Not only can you prevent accidents from happening to you and your family, but it can also be a boasting point if you consider re-selling your home.
If you are looking at a log home, you might be wondering if you can create and design your own log cabin home.
Depending on your personality, decorating can be an aspect of owning a log home that you enjoy or that you loathe. While one person delights in finding that perfect color or fabric, the next person has cold sweats just trying to match something to go with the deep browns inherent in a log cabin.
Unique designs and ideas from contractors across the country
Website for a designer specializing in unique home design.
Not convinced that a kitchen sink can be art? These examples might change your mind.
There's no Arthur Murray dance pattern to follow that will lead you to market dominance or profit, but there are certain steps to take that, if not essential to growth, certainly lay a solid base from which to build.
Tools to manage the high cost of liquid asphalt
Owning a log home is a dream for many. Who wouldn’t like to own one anyway? When you own a log home, the next things you will consider is how to decorate it.
So your dream log home has finally been built, and all those hard, long hours of planning and construction have been completed. Or maybe you’re the owner of a log cabin that has been with you for many years and you are just looking to play with some current design elements. Whether your log home is brand new or a rustic relic, decorating and proper home maintenance are the keys to making your cabin into a home you will cherish.
Owning a log home is one of the biggest accomplishments that any homeowner can achieve. If you have recently purchased a log home, then you join the group of people who appreciates simplicity and have a penchant for nature and want to be surrounded by it.
One of the comments heard at the recent National Pavement Expo was from contractors who have to compete with fly-by-night pavers or sealcoaters who damage the market by undercutting reasonable pricing and providing shoddy, unprofessional work.
The following article contains an analysis of the necessary steps to pave a driveway.
Equipment manufacturers use new technology to serve equipment operators' needs in demolition work.
Tacoma, WA asphalt paving contractor, Woodworth & Company Inc. takes on the challenge of producing Trinidad Lake Asphalt mix and placing it on new Tacoma Narrows Bridge
It is unthinkable to suggest a 20-percent savings over private industry knowing that there are 22 stationary HMA plants in the seven county metro Denver area that are all breathing down on the market with a combined capacity in excess of over 5 million tons of asphalt production per year.
A new online tool that allows users to visualize how walls will look with windows and doors because four walls and only one floor means that a wall plan design is just as important as a floor plan. The idea for an online design tool, customarily used by builders and contractors to design with clients, was designed with consumers in mind -- people who often perform design services with pencil and paper.
Recently I completed a two-day visit with an incredible contractor.
Phoenix-based Western Paving adds site preparation to its business, then adds software to ease dirt work
There is nothing more welcoming than living in a rustic log home. Whether you choose it as a home away from home or as your permanent space to return to everyday, log homes have all the charm and coziness that make it easy enough to go home and shut out the world behind you.
When it comes to home improvement projects, there are some that you can do yourself. In this article, you’ll learn when you can repair things yourself and when you should hire a professional.
Switch from coal tar to asphalt doesn't phase Maul Asphalt & Sealcoating on its biggest job ever
A single piece of equipment that can speed every job while reducing worker fatigue, the LazyLiner can help with any construction job.
No matter how simple a piece of striping equipment may appear or how easy it may be to operate, it is going to require maintenance.
Unique dump bodies give higher payloads, lower maintenance costs.
Terry Fulton had a far different introduction to the concrete business.
This article describes some of the materials available for eco-friendly construction. It describes the properties of three different products.
Electric heating systems are systems used in the heating of water using electric energy. They are mainly used in heating large volumes of water.
Electric power line construction and fittings is a common feature in the performance of certain tasks that require the transfer of electricity from one point to another.
Elevation work platforms are very important in today’s multifaceted world. They have a wide variety of applications that range from industrial applications to civil applications.
Elevating work platforms have several purposes. The more important types include mast-type lift platform, electrical lift platforms, aluminum lift platform, access platform, pallet forklift, hydraulic lift platform, working platform, mobile elevating work platform and the aerial work platform. The Personal Elevating Work Platform is ideal when it comes to works of a smaller scale.
Thin hot mix asphalt overlay calls for interlayer solution to retard reflective cracking of new surface course
Repairing potholes can be a profitable business for contractors, and the range of pothole repair equipment on the market can help.
Sealcoating equipment maintenance is an important concern, whether you are preparing to wrap up your season or you are only halfway through.
In-cab enhancements highlight the Dash-8 version of PC400LC excavator
Your homes need to stay a step ahead of cookie-cutter design trends and have to look sharp enough to get potential buyers in the door. But builders need to keep pace with newer energy-efficient products around the building envelope as well.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's aggressive highway improvement program requires substantial investment and the support of qualified asphalt paving contractors, like Mago Construction Co.
Tips on when to add a new service so it will be beneficial for both the company and its customers
Teresa Nichols-Dotts started EZ Sweep, Tarpon Springs, FL, in August of 2000 with one other employee and one sweeper.
A failing concrete overlay on I-40 near Raleigh-Durham, NC, was determined by the North Carolina DOT to be in need of replacement.
Sometimes knowing all the technical stuff about your product isn't enough to sell your product. Give your customers the information they want to know and drive sales at the same time.
C & R Asphalt hits a home run paving Miracle League Field
Capitol Sweeping Services uses the information it collects to adapt to the changing sweeping market
If you are looking to build your own log home, you need to know where to locate contractors to do the job of building the log home to specifications, for maintenance issues, for restoration issues and other types of issues that can crop up when building a log home, no matter where in the world that you are.
During a recent trip to Florida I visited with a contractor who focuses on repair of concrete balconies on mid-sized commercial structures, i.
JoB Construction finds multiple benefits with intelligent asphalt roller
Know your costs, how to plan to keep your vehicles on the road
Ajax Paving Industries Inc. embarks on a three-year "I-75 Mega Project," the largest highway project in Florida's history, and the road crews are up to the task
The first steps contractors should take as they ready their sweeping equipment for spring is to check the primary chassis according to manufacturer's specifications.
Keeping your rollers operating at peak efficiency throughout the season can help you meet both quality specs and deadlines.
In the big picture, John has a good pavement maintenance company.
From their genesis, monuments are designed to become icons and gathering places for generations to come.
Furnaces have many uses, more so in industrial applications. There are different types of furnaces and each has a different mode of operation. A well-maintained furnace can last up to 10 years, even in high temperature environments.
Palmetto Paving invests in a new plant to fill product and service void, and position itself for future growth potential
Garage doors come in a wide variety of materials and colors. Here, a few options for your home.
Failure to deadhead can cause a plant to appear leggy — that is, having stems that are too long, with not enough blooms or leaves. Deadheading will help your plants look more full and bushy, as well as promote healthier plants and keep your gardens and container plantings looking neat and tidy.
Now in its second year, Georgia's Department of Transportation's (GDOT) Full Depth Asphalt Road Reclamation (FDR) with Portland cement program provides an economical alternative to improve airports and busy city and rural roads, like Jackson County's Wayne Poultry Road
Asphalt producer/contractor selects Astec double barrel with green technology as first drum plant to meet growing demand and California environmentally-friendly culture
New forming systems are sparking a trend in the footings industry.
How to maintain effective communication between foremen and the crews.
Barnhill Contracting Company use Topcon Millimeter GPS to expedite Albert J. Ellis Airport paving project in Jacksonville, NC during 60-hour shutdown
Determining how to classify a hazardous area is a complex, multi-step process. Many factors influence classification, including fuel types within the atmosphere, the probability of the fuel being present and its concentration, temperature, humidity, barometric pressure, ventilation, and distance from the source.
Consider environment and the electrical equipment's size and protection needs to accurately and cost-effectively determine the correct enclosure.
Environmentally friendly building and remodeling isn't restricted to four walls.
Homeowners will be pleased to learn about these new products. Find out more about these powerful home utlities.
Interior designers will be happy to hear about these new pieces.
A brief look at the latest structrual, insulation, and housewrap products from a variety of companies.
Points to consider when specifying boilers and boiler systems.
An overview of ductless mini-split heat pump systems, including usage, operation, and cost
Industry leaders provide strategies on how you can find and keep the best-skilled trade contractor crews for custom builders.
Using software on the job can help you keep track of employees, clients, and everything in between. Here, a look at a few software solutions for your business.
Hardware manufacturers produce different types of hardware such as building hardware, electrical hardware, mechanical hardware, computer hardware and many others. Original equipment manufacture is a company that uses components made by other companies to produce a product of its own or a company that sells products of other companies under its brand.
New England contractor Pike Industries has found that its three new HD 110 K combination rollers are ideal for compacting Superpave "tender zones" — keeping mat woes at a minimum, jobs moving and clients happy.
Central heating appliances and systems require periodic care. Proper central heating maintenance will increase efficiency, extend the appliances operating life and save energy.
P & S Paving produces and places high reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) mix designs on Florida Department of Transportation State Road 15A project for third time
Technology is foundation of success for CFA's Contractor of the Year
It does not take much interest to notice that there are an endless number of firms offering to let contractors and handyman equipment for anyone putting up a structure. However, a brief understanding of what engaging any one of these will involve.
A hot interior when it is also hot on the outside usually feels like being placed in an oven. The heat can be as a result of heat exchange through solids, liquids or gases. Cool interiors can be achieved through thermal insulation.
Over 500 million tons of HMA are placed in the United States each year so it's important that the material be properly sampled and tested during construction to ensure satisfactory performance.
Asphalt Paving & Maintenance selects customers, equipment, right jobs as it proceeds to grow
Hoists are mechanical devices used for raising and lowering loads ranging from finished steel coils to individual work-in-process assemblies
With the numerous rigging and hoisting equipment in the market, it is wise for one to carry out extensive research and obtain the best machine able to meet one’s required specification. It should also be durable, easy to maintain, cost effective and safe to avoid injury.
7 tips for building a better home.
Improved solid surface and quartz options meet market demands.
A website to help put the finishing touches on your home
When working on home repairs, there are a few basic things you should know. In this article, you’ll learn about home repair basics.
Log cabins bring to mind the feeling of coziness and warmth. And there are many different styles available that bring the warmth of a log home to life. Arts & Crafts, Southwestern, Early American, and French Country are just a handful of styles that are often used in the log home.
Work with lutes, rakes, and other tools can make the difference between an average job and a top-quality driveway
Contractors who employ thermoplastic and paint striping equipment are well aware of the main difference between the two operations — heat.
When we hear on the news and read in the paper the dire pronouncements about the fragility of the U.
A recent article speaks of an alternative music band, Radiohead, from Europe that is letting their fans decide how much to pay for their newly released CD after the fans have heard its contents.
There are three significant factors that influence the ability of a paving train to achieve specified or target density air void content on any paving project: mix design, placement of the mix in a homogeneous and non-segregated manner, and temperature of the hot mix asphalt (HMA) during the compaction process.
Now, maybe sales is your thing and you want to do that full time.
Although many buildings and/or homes are not, currently, eco-friendly, they will be in the future. In this article, you’ll learn the basics on building a green home or building.
Design a functional piece of wooden art for your deck or patio.
There really is nothing like a great rocking chair. No matter whether you are nine years old or nin ...
Online auctions provide a profitable sales channel for asphalt contractors
Ten skills for effective job foremans and/or project superintendents, which will help your company's productivity, time management, and costs.
9 steps and you're ready to stripe
Webster's Dictionary defines guarantee as, "an assurance that something will be done as specified.
Your log home is a long-term investment as it entailed a major part of your financial resources to build one. Some owners consider their log homes as a lifetime investment where they decide to live the rest of their lives. Others consider it as a great fulfillment to live in a cozy, fresh and cool atmosphere away from the maddening pollution and irritants of the city.
Of all the equipment in a pavement repair arsenal, infrared repair equipment probably requires the least maintenance.
Making a great first impression will positively impact your sales effort and, more importantly, win over the loyalty of your customers.