Evaluating the 4 P’s of a Construction Project

Evaluating the 4 Ps of a Construction Project

This article has been prepared to assist you during the contractor selection process of your construction project. The material is based on information provided by Architectural, Manufacturer, and Trade Associations, as well as Consumer Protection groups. They provide this information as “Contractor Selection Criteria Guidelines” for building owners.

If you do your homework, and take the time to make the proper decisions, you will be one of the satisfied owners and not one of the victims. Generally, most dissatisfied construction project victims limited their focus to

“How Much Will the Project Cost” and
“When Can The Work Get Started”

However, authorities have suggested focusing on many other questions before awarding your project to anyone.
Contracting is not a process that most building owners are familiar with. There is a lot to learn before awarding your project, such as, what products are available and which procedures to use.

Therefore, its vital to know that you can rely on the contractor you choose to give you good advice about those products and procedures that may be new to you.

The critical factor in a successful contracting project is selecting the right contractor.

Architect Associations, Building Material Manufacturers, Trade Associations and Consumer Protection Agencies have published guidelines for selecting a contractor.

In this article, we have condensed that wealth of information into the four critical areas, which today we call the:

4 Ps of Owner Protection
1.PROBLEMS: What are the problems that are causing the need for construction?
2.PRODUCTS: What products and procedures solve those problems?
3.PEOPLE: Who is the contractor to install the products and how do you qualify him/her?
4.PRICE: How do you determine if the price quoted is fair and competitive?

SELECTING A CONTRACTOR

The critical success factor in any construction project is the contractor. A qualified, professional, experienced contractor knows what results are required for Owner Satisfaction as well as what will lead to dissatisfaction down the road.

Allow yourself a minimum of 1 hour to sit down with each contractor. Both of you need to explore the problems, products and prices. You will be surprised at how many options and questions can be discussed with a professional contractor.

Taking only 1 hour of time getting to now and quality the contractor prior to awarding your project can save endless hours of time dealing with dissatisfaction.

Most dissatisfaction involves an owner who did not fully know what they selected or committed themselves to. A professional contractor will take pride in his work and will have no problem discussing your options, his previous experience and his list of satisfied customers

Ask these questions:
WHAT IS THE FULL NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE COMPANY?

DOES THE COMPANY CARRY INSURANCE AND IS THE COVERAGE ADEQUATE?

IS THE COMPANY A LICENSED CONTRACTOR?
IS THE CONTRACTOR A MEMBER OF A TRADE ASSOCIATION AND IN GOOD STANDING?

HOW LONG HAS THE CONTRACTOR BEEN IN BUSINESS?

WHAT IS THE CONTRACTORS TRACK RECORD FOR HANDLING COMPLAINTS?

WHAT IS THE COMPANYS WORKMANSHIP WARRANTY?

Our next article will go into detail about each of these questions, the specifics and how to spot a good contractor.
Stay tuned! Castro Roofing

Avoid Roof Repairs Disasters – Hire a Roof Contractor Philadelphia

The temperamental weather season is almost here. With it, comes a major concern for the Philadelphia home owners. There are a lot of things to consider such as making sure that the property is well protected as well as ensuring that the safety of the whole family is guaranteed within the home. All of these things start at one single point – the roof. This is the strongest, yet the most vulnerable part of a house. Strong winds can tear it up, water can cause it to crack, but still the roof does a decent job of keeping most of these elements out. However, a roof can only do this for so long. It needs constant repair and maintenance to ensure that it is able to handle most of these elements. This is where a roof contractor Philadelphia firms comes in.

Philadelphia is well known across the states as a place where the weather acts up. It is known for its heavy downpours, tornados and even the occasional ice sheet. All these elements bombard the roof constantly for periods amounting to months. Elements such as water tend to settle of the roof, which if left unchecked, wrecks havoc. Many roofs have caved in due to large pools of water collecting on them. However, if a roof contractor was contacted in advance, most of these situations would have been avoided. With a roof expert, it would have been easy to get rid of all the clutter that caused the roofs to collapse or even develop expensive cracks. Families and businesses that suffered from collapsed roofs bear testament of the property loss they suffered.

There are also numerous cases of accidents happening when folks try to repair roofs themselves. People have fallen off rooftops, breaking bones and property while others hammered their fingers in. With a roof contractor Philadelphia firm, all these accidents would have been avoided. In fact, most accidents that happen around the home are as a direct result of trying out one of those do-it-yourself kits. Professionals leave nothing to chance. They know how to go about their work, and are always prepared to handle any situation that arises during the course of that work. This cannot be said for the common house owner. Many do not possess the required training to work on roofs in the first place. They read an article on the Internet and in no time they are scaling a ladder to patch up a leak. Moments later they are rolling on their backyard with a broken arm or worse.

These are just a few of the things that hiring a professional roof contractor save a homeowner. However, there are tasks which are simple enough to carry out without involving professionals.

For more details, visit us:- http://www.addbiz.co.uk/

Construction Careers – A Job Someone’s Got to Do

We all have our own daily worries. That is probably what causes us forget to notice how important the job of the construction worker is. And the role of the construction worker extends as far as the eye can see. You wouldn’t be able to go to the hospital for unforeseen emergencies because it wouldn’t exist. And you wouldn’t be able to argue with your spouse on your iPhone on your way to work. Why? Because the road you are driving on wouldn’t exist. The job of the construction worker is one that is always forgotten unless, while you are on that iPhone, you run into a traffic jam caused by a construction route. Then suddenly, the construction worker gets blamed for simply doing what he is supposed to do. But construction workers are responsible for bringing life to the cities that we dwell in, and for not only making them lively, but making them safe as well. There are different kinds of construction workers that offer us varying elements of peace of mind every day, without us even realizing it.

Did you recently look at a real life monument or a beautiful building? Did you take a moment to stop and think of the labor of love that went into that structure to ensure you had a cozy fire to sit next to? Probably not. But the construction worker that was responsible for those unforgettable moments of yours is known as the bricklayer. This is a man that installs or repairs brick structures such as your chimney or fireplace, your walkway or driveway, or your beautiful brick home. This worker is no dummy. They need to be able to create and perform strict calculations, problem solve, conduct document interpretation for building layouts, and organize routines and tasks on a daily basis. Do take a moment to acknowledge the work of some of the people who have constructed all the structures that you work and live in.

Would you like to visit a jazz club? How about a dancing joint? Many people do across all age demographics and it is easy to understand why. Nightclubs and jazz clubs are a fun way to relax with some friends and unwind after a long week. Perhaps you are one of those that appreciate the joys of the disco ball and the dance floor. Next time you are on the dance floor enjoying all the fun a disco ball, consider what it took to ensure this ball was placed there for you. Disco balls are rotating spheroids that hang from the ceilings and produce a number of light reflectors at the people beneath them. To install a disco ball requires the labor of skilled engineers and construction workers to ensure the ball is not only hung properly so that it works efficiently, but that it is hung in a manner that will be safe for all patrons. Someone or many people spent time and energy performing calculations, reading plans, and organizing building layouts so that you would have the opportunity of a few hours of fun one night with your friends.

So when you are on your fancy iPhone telling all and sundry about the lousy traffic conditions caused by construction, remember these people are doing their job. And construction workers are making structures in a manner to make your life easier to live, and safer at the same time.

Learn more about Commercial steel building. And for recreation, why not buy Iphone UK and if it is not to strange, get a disco ball too.

Construction phase health and safety

In the construction industry, the health and safety of the workers is really important because they are the instruments needed to complete construction projects. Implementing a construction phase health and safety plan is one way to ensure that you create a safe working environment for full and part time employees, trainees and even clients, neighbours and other members of the public.

As far as main contractors are concerned, there are 3 actions that they must carry out by law. These actions are project management, contractor appointment and personnel appointment. Under project management, the contractor will need to plan, manage and supervise each construction phase in order to ensure that it is performed safely and the worker’s health is not at risk. Under the contractor appointment, this involves providing directions and information and at the same time monitoring coordination and cooperation between contractors. Personnel appointment entails ensuring that the labour force is being informed, trained, inducted and consulted on the company’s construction phase health and Safety plan.

There are a lot of advantages that can be gotten from taking care of your workers’ health and safety. If your workers are happy, their innovation and productivity will triple! You will also be able to tackle the nuisance of absenteeism as well. By simply implementing and enforcing a construction phase health and safety plan, you will be able to keep your staff safer and also prevent project delays and compensation claims.

A company’s workplace healthy and safety program must be well planned and also documented. It is mandated by law to create a site safety plan prior to commencing work for high risk projects in the construction industry. A lot of successful companies have proven many times that focusing on work place health and safety increases productivity by a considerable amount. It is important to know that those who took short cuts in enforcing construction phase health and safety plan compromise the safety and health of their workers.

It is can never be overemphasized that THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO SHORT CUT in safety and health! This is because safety and health in the work environment is governed by regulation and laws in every state in Australia and territory. Those who violate safety laws will pay colossal fines. Employers have to be able to guarantee their workers’ health and Safety on the job.

No employer can actually boast of being able to control a lot of things that go wrong in the world. But they can control how they run their own businesses and ensuring that they implement a construction phase health and safety plan which is one way to ensure that they lower the company’s expenses.

Polish Road Construction Market To Grow Nearly 25% In 2011

According to the report “Road construction in Poland 2011-Development forecast for 2011-2014″ published by PMR, a market research company, following the growth exceeding 40% in H1 2011, the second half of the year will see a moderate slowdown in construction output generated by road and bridge projects. As a result, the value of roadwork projects in 2011 as a whole is expected to increase by nearly a quarter to just under PLN 31bn (7.7bn).

The value of projects completed by the road construction industry will peak in 2011 and the sector will report steady declines of several percent starting from 2012, which will be due to a lower number of motorway and expressway sections under construction. PMR researchers anticipate that the road construction sector will bottom out in 2014 when its output is expected to be a little more than PLN 19bn (4.7bn). However, construction output generated by road projects can start to grow again from 2015, partly driven by the positive financial perspective for 2014-2020 benefitting Poland and at least one PPP motorway construction project planned around that date.
Due to numerous delays in the implementation of expressway and motorway construction projects, GDDKiA’s plan providing for expenditure of PLN 33bn (8.2bn) in 2011 is highly unfeasible. Accordingly, part of payments will be put off until 2012 and 2013. As a result of delays in the implementation of road projects, the road construction market will be less exposed to a shock resulting from a fall in the number of new large road construction contracts expected in 2013.

According to PMR researchers, it is rather unlikely for expenditure on national road construction in Poland to fall back to levels recorded before 2007 when GDDKiA’s spending was less than PLN 10bn (2.5bn) annually, partly due to many legal incentives facilitating project preparation introduced ever since and more possibilities for obtaining EU funding. Investment projects gained so much momentum in the last three years that there is hardly a way to stop them at this point”, says Bartlomiej Sosna, Senior Construction Analyst at PMR and the author of the report.

In addition to GDDKiA’s dwindling budget, in 2011 the road market will be adversely affected by investment projects undertaken by licencees, which will fall to virtually zero in 2012 (two large PPP projects are scheduled for completion by the end of 2011). New projects by private licencees will not start earlier than 2014, depending on the success of negotiations concerning the construction of a 140 km Tuszyn-Pyrzowice section of the A1 motorway.
Since spending on national road investment projects is anticipated to fall after 2012, funds expended under the local road reconstruction programme, which will be continued in 2012-2015, will gain more significance as a source of funding for road projects. The fact that the programme will go on is very good news, especially given the anticipated reduction in the number of large road construction contracts. It is possible that local contracts will increasingly attract large construction companies which have access to free capacity in a given region.

We are also of the opinion that the standing of smaller companies involved in road work can improve on the back of the expected increase in investment spending in the power construction industry, which is expected to be the key growth driver for the civil engineering construction market in Poland in the future. A large number of power construction projects scheduled after 2013 would greatly enhance books of orders of the major civil engineering construction companies. As a result, these companies would be able to employ medium-sized providers of road construction services as subcontractors in future road work contracts. However, if power projects are not launched or if there are any delays in their implementation, the large contractors will perform nearly all future road work contracts exclusively using their internal resources, as they will have to face thinner books of orders and maintain workforce numbers. Were this scenario reality, it would be put an end to many medium-sized companies operating in the road construction market”, adds Bartlomiej Sosna, Senior Construction Analyst at PMR and the author of the report.

This press release is based on information contained in the latest PMR report entitled “Road construction in Poland 2011-Development forecast for 2011-2014”.

For more information on the report please contact:
Marketing Department:
tel. /48/ 12 618 90 00
e-mail: [emailprotected]

PMR permits the republishing of this press release in part or in whole provided that all portions of text, graphics, diagrams and tables identify PMR in a proper citation format: “Source: PMR”. All citations should be accurate and quoted without manipulation and must not be used out of context.
For more information about citing PMR, please consult our Citation Policy.

Construction Management Jobs For Felons – How To Get Hired

Job opportunities for felons are often few and far between. To increase your chances of getting the best jobs for felons, you should choose an industry that is unrelated to your felony and where jobs are in high demand. It is also helpful to choose a profession, such as construction management jobs for felons, where you can be self-employed.

Construction administration jobs for felons are also known as project management or construction project management. Managers in this field are trained to oversee the planning, design and actual building of construction projects.

It is a very promising field of study right now because the employment opportunities for these managers is expected to exceed the number of qualified workers from now through 2014, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. This high demand and shortage of trained construction managers means that there are many job opportunities for felons available in construction management.

What kinds of jobs for felons are available in construction management?

Job opportunities for felons include construction estimating, construction safety, construction project management and building code compliance. The construction managers duties include keeping an eye on the big picture and making sure that the construction project is completed on time, does not go over the budget, meets quality standards and conforms to building codes. If the construction project is quite large, there will be many construction managers working on different tasks.

To be a good construction administrator, you have to like working with people. You will have to work not just with the owner-client but also with architects, construction workers, subcontractors, quantity surveyors, health inspectors, safety inspectors and other such people. Construction management may be a good choice for you if you are a good communicator who loves leadership roles. This is not the right career for shy people.

Also, since problems are bound to crop up with both large and small-scale construction projects, you need to be able to keep your cool while under pressure. Decisiveness and self-confidence are the two most important qualities that a construction developer should have.

Construction Management Jobs for Felons

Construction management is suitable for ex-felons because it is a job that is in high demand due to the shortage of qualified and experienced managers. This is also the type of job where people care more about experience and results than your felony.

Additionally, managers can be self-employed which is a good idea for ex-felons who are finding it hard to get employment. Most constructing managers work on a contract basis since construction projects are contract-based. However, it is also possible to get a salaried job within a construction company if you prefer a more stable type of job.

Since this is a managerial job, the pay is higher than average so this is a good career choice for those who are looking for high-paying job opportunities for felons.

Jobs for Felons: How to Get a Job in Construction Management

Construction education comes in two basic forms: one-year associate degrees and four-year baccalaureate degrees. Nowadays, many colleges also offer online courses as well as on-campus courses.

Generally, managers will either start at entry-level or mid-level jobs after graduation. Another career path that is popular for ex-felons is to work in construction and then take night or online classes to get a management degree in construction. This helps them get a promotion to a management or supervisory position.

It is also possible to specialize in certain construction projects which may improve your employability if these specialties are in demand. For example, some construction companies specialize in the restoration of historic homes and buildings. Experience or expertise in a specialized type of construction is quite valuable and makes getting the best jobs for felons easier.

Construction management jobs are projected to grow rapidly in the next few years so it is a good career choice for people looking for job opportunities for felons. A degree in construction management will greatly help you to land a job in construction project management. These managerial jobs for felons pay well but they are suitable only for those who are willing to put up with the stress of leadership roles.

Above Ground Swimming Pool Liners Quick Buyers Guide

Whether your above ground pool is brand-new or has been used for many years, having a high quality liner that is in good condition is extremely important. Damaged or worn liners can become ripped or torn, leading to problematic leaks, while stained and faded liners can have a significant negative effect on the appearance of your pool. Whether you are looking for the very first liner for your new above ground pool or a replacement liner, there are certain factors and considerations that you should take into account in order to ensure that you choose the best liner for your above ground swimming pool.

Above ground swimming pool liners are constructed from durable vinyl and are widely available for both round and oval pools. Pool liners for above ground swimming pools are also available in two basic styles — beaded liners and overlap liners. Above ground pools are typically designed to use either beaded or overlap liners, so the type of liner that you will need will depend on the requirements of your specific pool. Naturally then, one of the first factors you need to consider when purchasing above ground pool liners is whether you need a beaded or overlap liner.

Once you know the shape and style that your new liner needs to be, it’s time to consider size. Fortunately, vinyl pool liners for above ground pools are available in many different sizes. For example, there are both beaded and overlap above ground swimming pool liners for pools with 48 inch walls and 52 inch walls and for pools that are 15 feet round, 30 feet round and many sizes in between. Also, some retailers of pool supplies offer custom sized liners for pools of unusual shapes or sizes or for pools with deep middles. So no matter what size your pool may be, there should be above ground swimming pool liners available that will fit your pool’s specific dimensions.

Other important factors to take into account when purchasing pool liners for above ground swimming pools are quality and durability. These two characteristics go hand in hand as higher quality liners will generally last the longest and will exhibit the greatest resistance against UV radiation from the sun as well as ice, snow and other harsh weather conditions. Pool liners for above ground pools are typically constructed from either 20 gauge or 25 gauge virgin vinyl. Both gauges will provide you with excellent durability but if your pool is used heavily each year or is frequently exposed to harsh weather conditions, you may prefer a 25 gauge liner over a 20 gauge liner. On the other hand, 20 gauge liners will be suitable for swimming pools with average or low usage.

While size, shape and quality are crucial considerations with respect to choosing above ground swimming pool liners, colour and design are also factors that should not be overlooked. This aspect of choosing a new liner can also be fun. Vinyl pool liners for above ground swimming pools are available in a vast array of different designs and patterns including solid blue, aquarium patterns, Atlantis patterns, swirl patterns and rock and boulder patterns. Liners with these designs can add a special touch to your swimming pool, giving it an eye-catching look and transforming it into an aesthetically appealing centerpiece for your yard.

Glass Enamel Jewelry Lasts Forever

Probably the leading edge of fashion-forward designer jewelry, both on the alternative and modern fashion designer scene, glass enamel jewelry has become one of the most sought-after varieties of original glass jewelry of recent years. Many glass enamel jewelry pieces are handcrafted and created using specially designed materials and logos, making them not just handsome jewelry pieces but also one of a kind collectible ornaments.

The glass enamel process makes each designer jewelry piece unique.

Glass enamel jewelry artisans use a variety of creation and manufacturing techniques, but all require using metal, enamel paint, and a special kind of kiln that fuses the glass and enamel pieces together. The artist creates the particular glass jewelry design through the process, delicately applying the enamel paint much as a painter applies paint to a canvas. Once fired through the kiln, the glass enamel creation is then allowed to cool, so that the surface texture takes on any one of several different textures and finishes.

Its important to consider too that the finished glass enamel jewelry piece is non-toxic, but also sturdy enough to last for years and years. They vary in size, though most glass enamel designer pieces are typically the size of a glass pendant.

The ancient glamour and traditions of glass enamel jewelry

Glass enamel jewelry artisanship is actually an ancient practice, going back at least far as the times of Ancient Egypt. The Roman Empire also practiced its trade both for home and personal decoration, as did the ancient Greeks. Many pieces of glass enamel artwork from each civilization, having lasted thousands of years thanks to their durable construction and resilient ingredients, are now on display in museums the world over.

Glass enamel jewelry fits a variety of lifestyles.

Glass enamel pendants, necklaces, and brooches make great heirlooms because of their durability. They also make an ideal form of jewelry for those that enjoy the outdoors and for young adults just starting to collect and refine their own sense of style.

Many glass enamel jewelry pendants are fastened with a durable nylon lanyard, so maintenance and resizing takes only seconds. The straps are adjustable and fit any size male or female neck.

Glass enamel jewelry, especially the handmade variety, often comes in designs and patterns that reflect and express a more spiritual lifestyle. These designs could range from the traditional sign of peace to Buddhist and Christian symbols of life and resurrection. The designs of each piece vary among artists and even among product lines.

How to find the right glass enamel jewelry style.

Glass enamel jewelry has traditionally been available only through exclusive arts and crafts galleries and sometimes by mail order catalogs. Increasingly, many hand-crafting designer jewelry artists are making their work available online. Before purchasing, its a good idea to check their shipping rates and policies, so you can be sure your piece will arrive in good condition. As durable as glass enamel pieces are, you do want to take precautions to make sure your order arrives exactly as you saw it in the catalog.

Avoiding The Most Expensive Car Rental Cities

Figuring out what a decent price for a rental car is versus a complete rip-off is not nearly as easy to determine as one might initially think. Rates vary depending on which company, which city, and which day it is. Strangely enough, it is not unheard of to get four different quotes on how much it would cost to rent a car on four consecutive days. One of the things that kills car renters wallets, is not doing the research to learn what the local fees and taxes on car rentals are.

In fact, local and state taxes make up an extremely high amount of the total car rental cost. In the 100 most heavily trafficked U.S. airports, the airport itself, and demanded rent was often a problem. Such add-ons averaged nearly 26 percent of the entire cost, compared with a 14 percent average for off-airport locations. In some cities the gap between on-airport and off-airport costs is nearly unbelievable. In Dallas, for example, 61.4 percent of the total cost of renting a car at the airport came from taxes, while taxes at nearby neighborhood locations only made up 17 percent of the total. Like most taxes, these just continue to grow.

The most expensive cities in the United States to rent a car (the taxes are so high that it actually is an absurd idea for most people to even think about renting a vehicle here) are Boston, New York, and Houston. In all three cities rates can easily almost double over what was advertised. At Houston’s Intercontinental Airport, if you rent a car for two days at $50 per day, you’d expect your bill to be about $100. Once taxes and fees are added in, watch out, because you will owe a minimum of $171. Aside from the big three, some of the other worst rental rates from airports include Austin, Cleveland, Dallas/Fort Worth and New Orleans. No matter what city you are in, it is often a good idea to rent from centers away from the airport. They will always be cheaper.

Taxes and fees (which are often much higher in cities that need funds for construction of convention centers or stadiums) can increase your final bill by up to 70 percent. Watch out for these cities, watch out for the taxes. While it may be uavoidable, really weigh your options. Is it really worth this much to rent a car instead of using public transportation? At the very least, find a rental center away from the airport. It might be a little inconvienent, but at least you save yourself something, which in high tax cities, migh end up being more than just a few pennies; it might be a small bundle.

Brake Service Do You Know The Facts

Monitoring the health of your brakes is one of the most vital aspects of car ownership. However, many drivers don’t understand the importance of regular brake service or repair until they find themselves sliding through a stop sign or rear-ending the vehicle in front of them!

As a smart driver, you are aware that properly working brakes are essential to vehicle safety and reliability. To keep your brakes working efficiently and effectively, schedule a brake service at least once a year. You want peace of mind knowing that your vehicle will come to a precise and complete stop.

As a vehicle owner, you may find the facts about brakes below of interest:

The power generated by the braking system of a medium-sized car can exceed 500bhp (brake horse power), outstripping the engine output of virtually everything on the road.
The first production car with hydraulic brakes (using pipes and fluid rather than cables) was the 1920 Duesenberg, an American luxury car with a “straight eight” engine. Chrysler brought the now universal feature to mass-produced cars in 1924.
The legendary Dunlop-developed disc brakes that helped Jaguar win the Le Mans 24-Hour race in 1953 were then referred to as “plate brakes.”
Formula One racing is where the most advanced brakes are found.
The 1967 Porsche 911S was the first production car to feature ventilated disc brake rotors. Now common, these rotors have cooling channels running between the two friction surfaces to give better cooling and therefore better resistance to brake fade during heavy applications.
Under extreme conditions, the operating temperatures of modern braking components can average nearly 350C, requiring that they need exceptional wear resistance, heat resistance and stopping capabilities.
Harmful agents such as asbestos, lead and cadmium have been removed from modern brake pads. Today’s pads contain mixtures of fibers, fillers, lubricants and a binder resin.
The mass of disc brake rotors has increased over recent years to improve noise suppression, smoothness and stopping performance.
Once considered one of the simplest parts of a car to manufacture, today’s disc brake rotors are high-tech electronically monitored brake systems. Tolerances need to be extraordinarily tight because the slightest shudder can confuse the car’s anti-lock braking system.

Looking for a quality brake service? Contact our ASE-certified technicians at A&C Automotive & Machine by calling 651-674-4733, or go online at http://aandcautomotive.com for more information. Since 1985, our auto repair shop has served vehicle owners in North Branch, MN, and in the surrounding areas of Harris and Stacy, MN