Guides & Articles on Construction
Finding Subcontracting Business
Building relationships with general contractors can be a great way to start or build a business of your own
By Meagan Francis
Contractors in a variety of industries, from information technology to construction and beyond, regularly use subcontracted workers to complete projects large and small. If you are a self-employed worker or small business owner but aren't ready for bidding on large projects — or don't want the liability, marketing, and other overhead costs involved — you may hav...
Avoiding Common Building Code Violations
Simple ways to keep your building in compliance with codes
By Frances Sharpe
A visit from the local building inspector or fire marshall can make a small business owner break into a cold sweat. Any building code violations discovered can result in a citation, fines and costly repairs. In the worst-case scenario, your company can be held liable if building code violations contribute to the injury or loss of life of a customer or employee. Some of the most com...
Hiring a Plumber
Hiring a plumber before you need one makes great business sense
By LaRita Heet
Good, reliable skilled laborers, including plumbers, are hard to come by, and even harder to retain. However, every small business needs these pros, and trying to search for a plumber in the middle of the night after your pipes have exploded is not the ideal way to find the best person for the job. Believe it or not, the “middle of the night” scenario isn’t the wo...
Buying Real Estate
Real Estate Tips and Strategies
By elsa2000
The first step in buying a new home is to familiarize yourself with the real estate contracts. Real estate contracts are rather lengthy so it is important that you understand the rights and obligations you agree to when entering into a legally binding contract. Real estate agents are trained to explain the contracts to their clients. Your agent must provide you with a sampl...
Working with Construction Contractors
Screening building contractors and writing a solid contract helps projects run smoothly
By Erin Brereton
Hiring independent contractors for projects can save homeowners time and effort -- carefully selecting and instructing construction contractors can save even more. Asking independent contractors for references and accreditation such as a contractor's license is crucial. Agreeing to a contract that clearly lays out what work will be performed along with the project timeframe and...
Construction Project Management
Grow your business with or without a professional construction project manager
By G Taylor
The larger your company, the more important good construction management is to your success and your client’s satisfaction. Behind the most successful contractors lies strong organizational skills, but many owners are not ready to hire a construction management company to provide that service. When you’re ready to develop a program of construction project management for...
Starting a Construction Company
Carve a niche in the construction industry
By G Taylor
Construction companies never go out of style. As old buildings fall into disrepair, construction companies are busy repairing or remodeling them. When the buildings no longer offer a substantial benefit, a new building replaces it. When you’re thinking about starting a construction company, whether you will be a general contractor or specialize in a trade, there are things yo...
Construction Project Bidding
Do construction bidding carefully to prevent mistakes from cutting into your profits
By Sue Darnell
Construction bid leads are the proverbial dangling carrot; creating excitement among associates and employees alike. Avoid jumping on construction bid leads too quickly though, before you’ve had time to count the costs. Determining the costs of materials is crucial in the beginning of construction project bids. All components involved must be co...
Home Builders
Home Builders Face Shrinking Profits and Tighter Cash Flow
By Amy Hunter
The construction of new homes is a tough business. Builders of new homes face high expenses, a low profit margin and a shrinking market for their product. To develop a healthy business, residential home builders need to use business skills as much as construction skills. During tight economic times, new home builders, in particular, custom home builders, find clients drying up, hom...
Framing Contractors
Residential Framing Contractors form the frame for successful builders and satisfied customers
By Sue Darnell
Builders, architects and remodelers have a heavy responsibility in choosing house framing contractors. House framers, particularly ones chosen to build complicated architectural home frame designs, must have experience and a proven track record. Ask for references when choosing house framing contractors. Written references with photos showing good quality work by framing contracto...
Architectural Plans
Explore new construction options with architectural design plans
By Shalleen Mayes
Are you tired of seeing the same building designs repeated over and over, in neighborhood after neighborhood? Maybe you're looking to break out of the standard box with commercial buildings that will draw people in, not repel them. Or perhaps you want to make a contribution to your community in the form of architectural planning that inspires.As many consumers move away from th...
Surveying and Mapping Equipment
Figure out the lay of the land with the right mapping supplies
By Rodney Ruff
George Washington was a surveyor before he was the father of our country and his mapmaking and surveyor gifts served him well in his military career. Washington probably would have envied the array of mapping equipment and surveyor supplies available today. Land survey supplies such as the sighting pole and surveyor’s chains have been augmented by laser sights and magnetic lo...
Steel Construction Contractors
Steel contractors help you be eco-conscious
By Nikki Davis
From floor to roof, steel building contractors can help you build steel buildings for stable solid buildings. Steel construction contractors are also your resource for bridges and utility poles. Whether you are a commercial framer trying to build a warehouse, store, office, or bank, one of the 50% of the steel market making a residential frame, or you are replacing a deficient or f...
Roofing Contractors
Recognize the importance of realistic quotes and services from local roofing companies
By Sue Darnell
Builders and project designers needing commercial roofing contractors or industrial roofing contractors often hire roofing consultants first. Some commercial roofing contractors offer free consultations. Some roofing contractors do both commercial and residential work. Commercial roofing contractors normally specialize in flat roofs. This type of roof incorporates tar and gravel. S...
Masonry Contractors
Researching potential masons will save you time and money
By M. Krasniak
Masonry companies are specialized contractors. One may be an expert brick layer, while another is specifically a concrete masonry contractor. Not all general contractors can--or should be--the first people you contact when you are looking for masonry work done. The homeowner can usually tackle the easier, small-scale jobs. Leave the large-scale work to the professionals.Finding a r...
Landscape Design Software
Landscape design software can help you grow your landscaping business
By R. Portnoy
Landscape designers put themselves above the crowd when they use professional landscape design software. When you show potential clients a photo-realistic, 3D representation of their own house and yard filled in with lush, professionally designed plantings, you will have already gone a long way toward making a sale. With a full suite of integrated plant libraries, patio and deck de...
Pool Construction Contractors
How to find the right pool contractors for any project
By Laurel Brown
Pool installation can increase the value of any home's property and provides a source of entertainment and exercise for the home's residents. Proper swimming pool construction isn’t an easy job so it’s extremely important to find a pool contractor that you can trust.Local pool contractors can be found on the internet, and you can get building estimates and bids ...
Architecture Design Services
Architecture and design firms raise the standard for quality in the United States
By Shalleen Mayes
Architects these days don't have it so easy. Not only do architecture design services have to create inspiring, unique designs to please their residential and commercial clients, but there is also more pressure to create energy-efficient homes, use renewable materials and reduce the impact on the environment. They also have to pay attention to ever-changing building codes, as w...
Bridge and Tunnel Construction Contractors
Bridge building companies and tunnel construction firms help you get on the right track
By Shalleen Mayes
Bridge building companies and tunnel contractors aren't your run-of-the-mill road builders. These highly specialized contractors have a lot riding on their projects, and we all depend on their expertise as we travel every day.Tunnel building companies and bridge construction companies should have a track record that meets or surpasses building standards, as well as on-time deli...
Demolition Contractors
Demolition contracting can help you make a fresh start
By Shalleen Mayes
Building demolition is a spectacular job, and requires special expertise to take down a structure quickly and safely. When your property has declined to the point that demolition is the only option, check out the different demolition options that are available to you through professional, licensed demolition contracting.Demolition companies bidding on your project should explore di...
Painting Contractors
Commercial painting contractors provide hassle-free, professional and quality services for your home or business
By Kristen McClung
House painting and business painting are jobs better left to the professional. While painting a room, home or business yourself may cost less, painting contractors provide quick, quality and hassle-free services to get your painting job done right.Selecting a painting contractor is not necessarily about finding the cheapest price. Clearly communicate your expectations, including th...
Paving Contractors
Add color and make repairs with concrete and asphalt paving contractors
By Jeff Landry
Pavement installation is back-breaking, labor-intensive work that is best left to the professionals, especially if your paving project encompasses an entire parking lot. Many an ambitious do-it-yourselfer has hit the proverbial wall asphalting his own 20 foot driveway, never mind a parking lot for 200 cars.Pavers can not only perform a massive job but can also add a bit of sty...
Rock Quarry and Stone Aggregate Companies
Rock quarry and stone aggregate companies build the roads to success
By Angela Roe
Rock quarry companies mine the rocks and minerals that are crushed into aggregate stone form and used to build everything from interstates to retaining walls. Choose rock quarry companies that focus on safety and environmental protection to provide you with your aggregate stone needs.Rock quarries and stone aggregates companies should be able to meet a large demand for their produc...
Tile Construction Contractors
Tile construction contractors provide professionalism and quality on every job
By Angela Roe
Tile construction contractors can provide a variety of services including repairing tile and tile installation. Look for contractors who have experience and can provide references and photographs of the work they've done. Also ask about the variety of materials the tile contractors you're considering routinely work with.Commercial tile contractors are professionals who can ...
Construction Industry Salary Tools
Build construction industry salaries to nail down good workers
By Trisha Schulz
Construction salary can be difficult to determine as you must weigh a number of factors. However, you can rely on a wide range of tools to help you set compensation wages and policies.Construction pay is subject to bad weather or downturns in the economy that affect construction activity and then spur layoffs. Salaries also reflect position, experience and leadership. For example, ...
